If you’ve got a few dollars to spare, you better be eying up our number one pick of the week. It’s hands-down the best thing going on Blu-ray. That is, until the next round of Criterion releases hits the shelves next week.

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1. KISS ME DEADLY

“In this atomic adaptation of Mickey Spillane’s novel, directed by Robert Aldrich (What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, The Dirty Dozen), the good manners of the 1950s are blown to smithereens. Ralph Meeker (Paths of Glory, The Dirty Dozen) stars as snarling private dick Mike Hammer, whose decision one dark, lonely night to pick up a hitchhiking woman sends him down some terrifying byways. Brazen and bleak, Kiss Me Deadly is a film noir masterpiece as well as an essential piece of cold war paranoia, and it features as nervy an ending as has ever been seen in American cinema. “

Mikey Spillane’s Mike Hammer is just about the best damn noir-ish detective ever written or filmed. And Robert Aldrich’s Kiss Me Deadly is probably the best damn version of the character put to film (and, trust me, there’ve been quite a few, over the years!) This is one hell of a hard-assed film, with a tough, man-sized performance of the famous private dick by Meeker, a pixie-ish Gaby Rodgers as femme-fatal Gabrielle and Albert Dekker as creepy Dr. Soberin. Ernest Laszlo‘s photography here is moody and classic and worth watching the film for all on its own.

Speaking of the photography, it looks stunning here on this wonderful new Blu-ray disc from Criterion. This is Kiss Me Deadly as you’ve never seen it before – full of detail in crisp black and white, without a hint of untoward digital tampering. Simply gorgeous. The uncompressed mono soundtrack is clear but dated, with a hint of hiss still lingering in the background. Bonus features are plentiful and all around excellent, with the brief Alex Cox interview (the film director discusses the book, its adaptation to film, the alternate ending and more) and the feature-length commentary my favourites.

Special Features:

• New high-definition restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• Audio commentary by film noir specialists Alain Silver and James Ursini
• New video tribute from director Alex Cox (Repo Man, Walker)
• Excerpts from The Long Haul of A. I. Bezzerides, a 2005 documentary on the Kiss Me Deadly screenwriter
• Excerpts from Mike Hammer’s Mickey Spillane, a 1998 documentary on the author whose book inspired the film
• A look at the film’s locations
• Altered ending
• Theatrical trailer
• PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic J. Hoberman and a 1955 reprint by director Robert Aldrich

AMAZON: $27.99

2. CEDAR RAPIDS

“To call insurance agent Tim Lippe (Ed Helms), “naive” is a gross understatement. He’s never left his small hometown. He’s never stayed at a hotel. And he’s never experienced anything like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sent to represent his company at the annual insurance convention, Tim is soon distracted by three convention veterans (John C. Reilly, Anne Heche and Isiah Whitlock Jr.) who will show him the ropes and push his boundaries. For a guy who plays everything by the book, this convention will be anything but conventional.“

Ahhh. It’s so nice to see a comedy that doesn’t revel in irony or being hip and cool. While not as laugh out loud funny as it could have been, Cedar Rapids is about as sincere and honest as the genre has been in years, with good performances from all involved. John C. Reilly turns in a particularly hilarious performance as hard-par­tying insurance man Dean Ziegler, the comic highlight of the film. There aren’t any surprises in the story – you’ll see every turn coming a mile away – but spending time with these characters is a pleasure.

Fox delivers a handsome, rich Blu-ray presentation for Cedar Rapids that looks detailed and film-like, despite the fact that it was shot digitally. Skin tones are natural, colours vibrant and blacks are deep – at times even a bit too deep, swallowing detail here and there. But it’s nothing to be concerned about. This is a good looking disc. The DTS- HD Master Audio 5.1 track is solid but front heavy, as you’d expect from a dialogue-driven comedy like this. You won’t learn much about the production in the bonus features of the disc but there are plenty of additional yuks to be had, including six deleted senes, a gag reel, a collection of short ‘making-of’ featurettes and more.

AMAZON: $19.99

3. PRIEST OF LOVE

“The later years of the life of author D.H. Lawrence are dramatized in this critically acclaimed biography. Following the controversial reception of his novel The Rainbow, David Herbert Lawrence (Two-time Academy Award Nominee, Ian McKellen, X-Men series, Lord of the Rings series) and his wife Frieda (Academy Award Nominee, Janet Suzman, A Dry White Season, Nuns on the Run) leave England for the U.S., where they hope that Lawrence’s bold themes will be received in a more tolerant climate. Such is not the case, and the Lawrence’s travel first to Mexico, and then to Italy while David attempts to complete and then publish his best known (and most controversial) work, Lady Chatterley’s Lover. However, as the furor over the book taxes David’s well being, tuberculosis saps his physical health. Also starring Academy Award Nominee (and screen legend) Ava Gardner (Mogambo, The Barefoot Contessa, Pandora and the Flying Dutchman) in one of her last big screen roles and Academy Award Winner John Gielgud (Arthur, Elizabeth). “

Well, Kino‘s description of the film really says it all. It’s a delight to see Sir Ian in one of his first roles and, while the film isn’t full of drama or conflict (it’s a little flat, to be honest), he plays the role with enough vigor and vitality that it’s worth a couple hours of your time. I haven’t seen the new Blu-ray transfer yet but given Kino’s generally excellent work and the fact that the film hasn’t been available on these shores since the days of VHS, watching it in HD should prove a treat! Bonus features include ‘The Way We Got It Together‘, a 25-minute ‘making-of’ piece, over a half hour of interviews with McKellen and director Christopher Miles, deleted scenes, outtakes, a stills gallery and trailers.

AMAZON: $24.49

4. THE ROMANTIC ENGLISHWOMAN

“From Academy Award Winning screenwriter Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, Brazil, Empire of the Sun), The Romantic Englishwoman credibly explores the notion that a writer can manipulate the people in his life as deftly as he can manipulate the characters in his imagination. The title character Elizabeth, (Two-time Academy Award Winner, Glenda Jackson, Hopscotch, Sunday Bloody Sunday) is the wife of Lewis (Two-time Academy Award Winner, Michael Caine, The Dark Knight, Hannah and Her Sisters), a novelist. At this point in his life, Lewis thinks in nothing but literary terms: Elizabeth is vacationing in Europe alone, ergo she must be having an affair. Half out of frustration, she confirms her husband’s suspicions by romancing German drug dealer Thomas (Helmut Berger, The Godfather III, Iron). Things get even dicier when Lewis invites Thomas into his home, requesting his technical advice on a screenplay he is working on. Also starring Academy Award Nominee Kate Nelligan (The Prince of Tides, Premonition) and Michael Lonsdale (Of Gods and Men, Ronin). First time ever on Blu-ray! “

A second release from Kino this week, I place The Romantic Englishwoman in the number four spot on the basis of the fact that it’s coming from a boutique studio I trust (c’mon Kino, don’t let me down!) and that it’s a film written by Tom Stoppard, whose work I generally adore. I’m slightly wary of it on the grounds that director Joseph Losey tends toward the ambiguous (some might say pretentious) – a storytelling style that can run afoul of audiences if not handled well. The Blu-ray doesn’t contain a whole lot of bells and whistles, but does feature a stills gallery and some trailers.

AMAZON: $24.49

5. LOUIE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

“From the uproariously unrestrained mind of comedian Louis C.K. comes the year’s most outrageously original comedy! As a newly-divorced, well-meaning father raising two young daughters, Louie struggles to cope with his strenuous mid-life shake-up, and his stand-up comedy provides a gleefully warped reflection of his hectic, everyday reality. There are disastrous first dates, indecent proposals, high school bullies, booze-addled play dates – and more. Featuring stellar guest stars such as Matthew Broderick and Ricky Gervais, “Louie” is unfiltered, off-kilter, and hilarious.“

One of the funniest and finest television comedies in years makes its Blu-ray debut this week in a 2-disc set that contains all thirteen episodes of the first season. Louie might be a little crass for the most conservative viewers but it’s so original and such a clear breakout hit for comedian and star Louis C.K. that it’s worth a look by even the most timid of sitcom fans. The Blu-ray disc features a nice high-def presentation, culled from digital footage shot on the Red One camera, that only falters during the pilot episode. The 5.1 DTS-HD soundtrack is solid enough for this sort of program – clean and clear but not terribly immersive. There are 11 commentary tracks to check out in the set, over half and hour of deleted content and a 4-minute interview with the star.

AMAZON: $29.99

6. UNKNOWN

“The star of Taken and The A-Team jumps back into action with brute force! Liam Neeson plays Dr. Martin Harris, who awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Harris plunges into a deadly mystery forcing him to question his sanity, his identity and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth. “

All right. Here goes. I really enjoyed Unknown. It’s a pretty straight-ahead thriller, I’ll give you that (it does manage a decent little twist at the end, though.) And yes, January Jones’ performance is, once again, akin to that of a wet cardboard box or mildly-talented ashtray. And yes, there are action sequences that feel rote and predictable, as if the production team was aware that the film needed to be ‘spruced up’ at the one-hour mark, so as not to lose those members of the audience less-interested in the plot. But it’s tense and, for the most part, quite smart. And it’s a delight to see Liam Neeson coming in to his own as a mature action hero. He does it well. This is a stylish, exciting caper worth a rental at the very least.

Unknown looks fantastic on Blu-ray! While maybe a bit dark to be your next demo disc, every detail seems to be well articulated and resolved. A light sheen of grain keeps the image film-like throughout, despite its veneer of slick. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is very atmospheric, giving the surrounds plenty of attention from beginning to end, while the sub-thumping only comes into play later in the film, as the action heats up. Extras are, sadly, quite slim, including only a couple of fluffy, short featurettes.

AMAZON: $22.99

7. THE ISLAND

“Blockbuster action director Michael Bay delivers a striking look at a strange world of the future in this sci-fi action drama. Midway through the 21st century, Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) lives in a confined indoor community after ongoing abuse of the Earth has rendered most of the planet uninhabitable. One of the only places in the outside world still capable of sustaining life is an idyllic island where citizens are chosen to live through a lottery. Or at least that’s what Lincoln and his fellow citizens are taught to believe; the truth is that Lincoln, like everyone he knows, is actually a clone who is kept under wraps to provide needed organs when the person who supplied his or her DNA falls ill. When he becomes aware that his existence is a fraud, Lincoln escapes to the outside world with a fellow clone, Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson), though the powers that be are determined to see that no one gets away alive. The Island also stars Steve Buscemi, Djimon Hounsou, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Sean Bean.“

What’s the deal? Why the hell am I enjoying so many fliks that are supposed to be crappy this week? I had heard nothing but negative reviews of Michael Bay’s The Island but damn, if I didn’t get a kick out it! First of all, I’ve just got to say that this thing has got some of the best looking, no doubt Apple-approved production design I’ve ever seen in film. What a great looking movie. Hands down, if I had to pick a film to live in, I would live in The Island. The photography by Mauro Fiore just enhances that feeling, with a vibrant and rich pallette busted out for exteriors to contrast the stark whites and gunmetal greys of the interiors. Gorgeous. You can tell that I’m more enamoured with the look of the film than the story by Star Trek writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (along with Caspian Tredwell-Owen). It’s got a great setup but a predictable twist and is filled through the latter part of the second act with unnecessary Bay-action. But really, I expect nothing less from his films .

Paramount has afforded a very nice, detailed transfer for the films North American Blu-ray debut. Colours pop off of the screen, blacks are deep and there’s a nice sheen of grain throughout. Scarlett Johansson often looks soft in shots but I have to think her complexion was scrubbed on purpose, as no other actor in the frame is at a loss for pores. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track sounds like a Michael Bay film through and through. It’s active as all get out, and will give your sub the workout it’s been pleading for. Killer audio track! Special features include a somewhat middling director’s commentary track, with patches of silence but plenty of production detail and behind the scenes info, a couple of featurettes and 8-minutes of ‘pre-viz’ – computer animated storyboards.

AMAZON: $15.99

8. THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

“Academy Award® nominee Matt Damon (The Bourne trilogy) stars in this action thriller about a man who glimpses the future Fate has planned for him – and chooses to fight for his own destiny. Battling the powerful Adjustment Bureau across under and through the streets of New York he risks his destined greatness to be with the only woman he’s ever loved (Emily Blunt: The Young Victoria The Devil Wears Prada). Based on a story by the legendary Philip K. Dick (Total Recall Minority Report and Blade Runner) The Adjustment Bureau is “entertaining and thought-provoking”. — Katey Rich CINEMABLEND.COM “

Another film I haven’t had a chance to view this week but this one looks right up my street. I love all the actors involved, I love the stories of Philip K. Dick and I love a good love story. That’s a lot of love, right there. Word on the street is that it’s not the best Dick adaptation out there (hello, Blade Runner?!) but is good enough to kill a Sunday afternoon. The Blu-ray is getting positive early reviews, apparently sporting an all-around impressive A/V presentation. Extras include a commentary track, deleted and extended scenes and a bunch of featurettes.

AMAZON: $22.99

9. THE EAGLE

“In 2nd-Century Britain celebrated Roman soldier Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) embarks on a dangerous quest to restore the tarnished reputation of his father and find the golden emblem that disappeared with him and thousands of troops twenty years earlier. But the highlands of Caledonia are a savage wilderness and Marcus must rely on his embittered slave Esca (Jamie Bell) to navigate the perilous region. Their journey pushes them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal friendship and hatred deceit and heroism. Donald Sutherland co-stars in this gripping gritty action-packed adventure from acclaimed director Kevin Macdonald.“

Director Kevin Macdonald has made some good films (Last King of Scotland anyone?) but I dread having to sit through The Eagle. And, if I’m to be honest, it has nothing to do with him or his ability as a filmmaker. It’s Channing Tatum. I don’t think I can watch that guy on screen anymore. He has dead eyes. Really. They don’t move. Or express. Or ACT! Couple my already existing issues with his corpse-face with the fact that he’s supposed to be portraying a ROMAN SOLDIER here and, in my opinion, you’ve got a recipe for disaster. If someone can remove him with CGI I’ll be happy to watch The Eagle on Blu-ray.

Sorry Kevin Macdonald. I really do like your work.

AMAZON: $22.99

10. GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX

A trio of animated films comprised of edited story arcs from the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series. I’m not a fan myself (I love the look of the films the series is based on but the overwrought ponderous, existential robot bullshit just kills the vibe for me) but those who follow the series might be disappointed that these episodes are only available on Blu-ray in this chopped up, revisionist format. That said, the studio claims that all three “films” will contain digitally enhanced and reworked scenes, which could look cool, if handled well. And who knows, if these sell well, perhaps the entire series will see a Blu-ray release?

AMAZON: $25.99 each

ALSO AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK
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