Top HD Discs of 2007

DVD Talk's Top High Def Discs of 2007

2007 was a great year for high definition nuts. The format war spurred both HD DVD and Blu-ray to ever more glorious heights. Each tried to outdo the other with cheaper players, more features, and better and better discs. The consumer was treated to a bevy of offers for free discs, either packaged with decks or through buy one get one free sales. All of this allowed us to get some amazing discs in both formats, and there have been so many. Looking back on the year, I would have to say that Warner Bros. and Disney consistently released high quality sets. Warner Bros. lead the way in releasing its back catalog. Disney went the extra mile to give their titles premium releases. Here at DVD Talk, we've compiled a list of what we feel are the best discs for each format, as well as a separate list of titles released on both formats. Keep in mind that these aren't the only discs worth getting, but these represent the best in visual and aural quality, special features, or all three.

Note: All the blurbs are written by Daniel Hirshleifer except where otherwise noted.

HD DVD Exclusives
HD DVD proved from day one that top notch video and audio quality was not a problem. Who could forget seeing Serenity for the first time? Over the course of 2007, the format pushed its next gen special features, such as web connectivity and PiP commentaries. We also got a big shock from this camp when Paramount and Dreamworks announced HD DVD exclusivity.

1. Transformers

(Dreamworks // $39.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Transformers was Paramount's big gun of the year, raking in the dough at the box office. This was the studio's first major title since going HD DVD exclusive, and they hit the ball right out of the park. The video transfer was completely faithful to the original theatrical presentation, and the room-shaking sound proved that you don't need lossless to blow your audience away. Even more than that, the disc was packed with exclusive features that simply could not be done on DVD (or, at the time, Blu-ray). From a picture-in-picture commentary to a slew of content available to download through the player, Transformers stands as one of the most advanced and impressive packages yet released on either format.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

2. Hot Fuzz

(Universal // $39.98 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

In a world where lawlessness is the rule, there's only one salvation: The Fuzz. Okay, that's not really how Hot Fuzz presents itself, but it might as well. The movie is a loving homage and merciless parody of big budget action orgies, brought to you by "The guys who've watched every action movie ever made." Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright hit a home run and make a movie that is both relentlessly hilarious and completely thrilling. The HD DVD is just as good, with both sound and picture brimming with detail and glistening with clarity. As if that weren't enough, Universal throws in extra after extra, most of which weren't available on the corresponding DVD release, including three extra commentaries. The movie didn't do much business here in the States, but you can rectify that by putting it on your shelf.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

3. Heroes: Season One

(Universal // $99.98 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Heroes was a bona fide television phenomenon, reeling in viewers week after week with tales of disparate people who possess amazing powers. Universal knew what a hit they had on their hands, and made it a top of the line set on HD DVD. Aside from being able to see the show in HD and hear it in high resolution audio, the big draw was a set of exclusive special features not on the DVD. These included video commentaries, web-enabled content, and U-Control, Universal's catch-all name for its interactive HD features. While the set is a bit pricey, the added value content makes it worth a look.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

4. Shaun of the Dead

(Universal // $29.98 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner)

Between the two next-gen formats, we're getting Shaun of the Dead, both the original and the remake of Dawn of the Dead, and Romero's Day of the Dead all in the space of a couple of months. Toss in last year's Land of the Dead and the kinda-sorta-not-really-zombie-flicks in the Evil Dead series on HD DVD and Blu-ray, and it's a great time to be a home theater nut who takes entirely too much pleasure in watching hordes of the undead devour the living. Shaun of the Dead is a blood-spattered valentine to George Romero, standing out not just as a hell of a comedy but one of the all-time best zombie flicks. The HD DVD looks and sounds fantastic, and even if the extras are the same as the last go-around and aren't as comprehensive as the British release, there are still plenty of bells and whistles to chew on.

-Adam Tyner

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

5. Star Trek: Season One

(Paramount // $194.99 // Reviewed by das Monkey)

Star Trek is my first love. I watched many other series prior, and some were appointment viewing, but Star Trek is the first one that ever spoke to me in any meaningful capacity, the first time I genuinely cared about a television show. I've owned these episodes in so many incarnations, seen them in so many venues, that I wonder when it will ever get old. Over 40 years strong and the answer remains ... "not yet". There's a quality to these episodes that never stops entertaining me, a sense of wonder about the universe, a hope for the future that never wavers, and a belief in mankind that gives us more credit than we likely deserve. Much of the social commentary remains relevant still today, and the dynamic between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy is pure gold. To say the remastered versions of these episodes are incredible is an understatement, and it is thrilling to see them presented with such vibrance and clarity. Not every episode in this season represents the best of the show, and I do have a few minor complaints with the menu structure and mastering choices; but this is close to a must-own for any fan of this franchise, and on content alone, we're looking at a "Highly Recommended" title knocking on the door of "Collector Series".

-das Monkey

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 2.0

6. Jet Li's Fearless

(Universal // $39.98 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

I've never been a big fan of Jet Li, but Fearless surprised me in the best possible way. Jet Li's performance was nuanced and subtle, and the film itself was meditative and thoughtful. Of course, it's still littered with fantastic Hong Kong fight sequences, so the eye candy never lags. The image on the HD DVD is easily one of the best that you'll find on any disc, with nary a flaw and several moments that will drop your jaw. The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 mix is the perfect complement, with plenty of atmosphere. While Jet Li is still a big name on these shores, this movie may have passed under the radar. This is the best way to discover it for yourself.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

7. The Bourne Ultimatum

(Universal // $39.98)

While The Bourne Ultimatum wasn't as strong as its two predecessors, it still packed quite a punch, both artistically and at the box office. Universal has lavished the HD DVD with a transfer that perfectly replicates Paul Greengrass' signature dirty, jerky style. But even better than that is the sound, which is so immersing that it will have you watching your back to make sure the CIA isn't on your tail. Like so many of its new releases, Universal ups the value of the HD DVD by offering many of its special features in high definition, as well as several interactive components to enhance the experience. Ultimatum may not be the best Bourne film, but it is one of the best HD DVD titles of the year.

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1; Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

8. Inside Man

(Universal // $29.98 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner)

Inside Man is further proof that a movie can be commercially successfully without mindlessly pandering or being cartoonishly over-the-top. Its final reel doesn't quite live up to everything offered throughout the rest of the film, but Inside Man is a smart, sensationally well acted movie, confident enough in the strength of its writing and performances that it doesn't need to resort to the usual thriller clichÃ©s to establish a taut, tense atmosphere. The quality of the presentation lives up to the lofty expectations swirling around these high-def formats, and although the extras are light and somewhat uneven, there's just enough substance for them to warrant a look.

-Adam Tyner

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1; Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

9. Anchorman

(Dreamworks // $29.99 // Reviewed by Ian Jane)

Anchorman is currently the pinnacle of Will Ferrell's career. Never again he has been able to combine the sublimely absurd with such skill and panache, nor has he again been able to assemble a cast of comedy superstars as he does here. Easily on the level of some of the best SNL alumn projects, including Wayne's World and The Blues Brothers, Anchorman is uproarious from beginning to end. The only downside to this disc is that Wake Up, Ron Burgundy!, a film made from outtakes and deleted scenes, was not included. Other than that, you get a disc with a ton of special features, HD picture, and, oh yeah, one of the best comedies of the decade.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

10. Pride and Prejudice

(Universal // $29.98 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner)

These next-generation formats have struggled with moving copies of their catalog titles, and yet online sales of Pride and Prejudice have greatly outpaced quite a few of the usual action and sci-fi blockbusters. Part of this may be because gearheads are trying to involve their wives and girlfriends in their hobby -- or maybe even just using this most recent adaptation of Jane Austen's timeless novel of romance and self-discovery as an excuse to justify buying a shiny new HD DVD player. Some of these men may grouse at the idea of sitting through a two hour period romance the way I initially had, but they may be surprised by how engaging and exceptionally well-made Pride and Prejudice is. This HD DVD boasts an aural and visual presentation that's nearly as exceptional as the film it accompanies, and although many of the extras on the disc are light and insubstantial, the strength of director Joe Wright's audio commentary more than makes up for it.

-Adam Tyner

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1

Blu-ray Exclusives
Blu-ray had a slow start in 2006, but thanks to the continuing efforts of Sony and Disney, managed to take the lead in sales every week of 2007. And not only that, but the quality of discs has continued to rise, and with the advent of new technology profiles, Blu-ray is quickly closing the technological gap it has with HD DVD. Sony's Playstation 3 has continued to be the top selling player, but high profile consumer electronics companies such as Panasonic have made attractive players that are getting ever cheaper. With all of that, the real treat is still the content.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

(Disney // $34.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest single-handedly brought Blu-ray back from the brink. While several strong discs had been released prior to Dead Man's Chest, the lingering stink of Blu-ray's poor start couldn't be swept away. Disney changed all that, putting out a two-disc set of such excellence that it could not be denied. The picture and sound quality blew away anything that had been seen to date, and garnered almost unanimous praise from critics and audiences alike. All of the special features from the DVD had been ported over, and brand new interactive features were made just for this edition. Even though it's been seven months since Dead Man's Chest was released on Blu-ray, it still stands as the crowning achievement of the format to date.

Audio Features: PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1

2. Ratatouille

(Disney // $34.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Disney really brought their A game to the table this year, releasing wave after wave of stellar discs. Ratatouille was one of the best. My personal favorite film of the year, Ratatouille comes with a transfer so rich in depth and detail that the film's director, Brad Bird, said he couldn't tell the difference between the Blu-ray and a 2K presentation. When you add in the fact that there's over an hour of footage and an entire Bird commentary not available on the DVD, you get one of the best Blu-ray discs of this year.

Audio Features: PCM Uncompressed 5.1; Dolby Digital 5.1

3. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

(Sony // $49.95 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner)

It's a watershed moment for these high definition formats that one of Steven Spielberg's most colossal, enduring successes has arrived on Blu-ray, and Sony has spared no effort in ensuring that Close Encounters of the Third Kind would stand out as one of the most compelling releases on the format. Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a film that means a lot to me, continuing to stir some of the same awe and wonder in me despite having seen it time and again for decades, and I'm thrilled to see it arrive on Blu-ray in an immaculate package that matches its timeless charm. Close Encounters of the Third Kind is among very, very few releases on either next-generation format that I'd point to as essential.

-Adam Tyner

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, DTS-HD MA 5.1

4. Cars

(Disney // $34.99 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner)

This is the definitive release of Cars that Pixar's legions of fans have been waiting for, boasting a reference quality presentation and a tremendous assortment of extras. No, Cars doesn't rank with the best of Pixar's efforts to date, but it still stands strong as one of the best animated movies of the past few years, and it's finally gotten the lavish release it deserves on Blu-ray.

-Adam Tyner

Audio Features: PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1

5. Superbad

(Sony // $43.95 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Superbad had me laughing from beginning to end. It's a great story about growing up and getting laid. Jonah Hill and Michael Cera were perfect for their roles, but even they pale in comparison to the comedic powerhouse that is McLovin'. Sony knew what kind of cult hit they had on their hands, and carefully crafted this two-disc Blu-ray set with them in mind. From the penis drawing backgrounds to the hours upon hours of gut-busting special features, Superbad's reputation will only grow thanks to this release.

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, PCM Uncompressed 5.1

6. Casino Royale

(Sony // $38.96 // Reviewed by Joshua Zyber)

I was set to hate Casino Royale. I hadn't enjoyed a Bond film since Goldeneye and I thought that Daniel Craig just didn't fit in as the world's greatest secret agent. But gosh darn it, I couldn't have been more wrong. Casino Royale blew me away, and immediately entered the pantheon of the great Bond films (along with From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Goldeneye). In fact, I loved the film so much that its release on Blu-ray is what spurred me to buy into the format in the first place. So how could I not include it on the list of the year's best Blu-rays? This isn't a placeholder, though, as the disc has stellar picture and sound, and several features in high definition. Shake up a couple of martinis and enjoy the meaner, grittier James Bond.

Audio Features: PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1

7. Halloween

(Starz / Anchor Bay // $29.98 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

A true horror classic, Halloween was one of Anchor Bay's first entries into the high def world, and it is a winner. The Blu-ray is worth it alone for the image transfer, which is the best I've ever seen the film look. It's got an insightful commentary by John Carpenter, Debra Hill, and Jamie Lee Curtis, and an impressive retrospective documentary. It's about time we get to see "the night HE came home" in glorious high definition.

Audio Features:PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 1.0

8. Rescue Dawn

(MGM // $39.98 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner)

Rescue Dawn, Werner Herzog's adaptation of his own documentary Little Dieter Needs To Fly, is an unconventional but compelling piece of work, with great performances by Christian Bale, Jeremy Davies, and Steve Zahn. Fox, eschewing its standard practice of dumping substandard transfers onto barebones discs for their Blu-rays, has actually ported over all of the DVD features and added more on top. The commentary by Werner Herzog is good enough alone to warrant a purchase, but there is so much more to see. One of the very few unquestionably high quality releases from Fox.

Audio Features: DTS-HD MA 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1

9. Weeds Season Two

(Lions Gate // $39.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Weeds is a thoroughly addicting show (or it was until the train wreck of the third season), and season two took everything that was great about season one and piled on even more. Mary Louise Parker is simply sublime as the happy homemaker turned pot queenpin, and Zooey Deschanel makes a memorable and demented appearance, as well. There's a ton of content here, enough for a two-disc set, and the price is more than reasonable. Just be sure to bring some snacks, as you're liable to get the munchies.

Audio Features: PCM Uncompressed 7.1, Dolby Digital EX 5.1

10. Volver

(Sony // $38.96 // Reviewed by Mitchell Hattaway)

For decades, Pedro Almodovar has been forging his own unique cinematic vision, and each new entry in his catalog is a cause for celebration. Volver received a heap of praise, and all for good reason. The cast is superb, the script has depth, and Almodovar's direction is confident. The Blu-ray is notable as it is one of the few foreign films to be released in high definition in the United States, a trend that hopefully will only grow with time.

Audio Features: PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1

Dual Format Releases
Very few of the studios have released titles on both formats. Warner Bros. and its affiliate companies such as HBO and New Line have held to a dual format stance since day one. Paramount was the other major player, and they infamously dropped Blu-ray several months back, leaving WB alone, but with a larger share of the profits. A few smaller companies do also release on both, but it's anyone's guess as to how long the current situation will last.

1. Blade Runner

(Warner Bros. // $39.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer)

Blade Runner is one of the greatest films ever made, a glorious cornucopia of futuristic vision and emotional resonance. For 25 years, fans of the film have struggled with different cuts, each with different elements, with no definitive release. Finally Ridley Scott was able to put together his final cut, a cause for celebration. Warner Bros. marked the event with a five-disc set that contained every cut of the film, including the rarely seen Workprint, a three and a half hour documentary, and so much more. If it's related to Blade Runner, it's in here. This gets my vote as not just the best dual format release, but the best release of the year on any media format, period. This is a must-own, even if you only mildly enjoy the movie. The price is paltry for all the content you get, and if you want even more, you can splurge and get a limited edition that comes in a briefcase and has several physical extras.

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey

(Warner Bros. // $28.99 // Reviewed by das Monkey and Daniel Hirshleifer)

2001: A Space Odyssey is a masterpiece, the magnum opus of our greatest filmmaker and one of the most important films ever made. It advanced the art in innumerable ways, and it inspired a generation of filmmakers to push the limits of what is possible. From a purely technical perspective, it is a marvel of special effects precision and scientific authenticity, and its use of musical composition has no equal. The numerous thematic layers force us to ponder life's greatest mysteries, and we cannot help but question the very nature of our own humanity. Stanley Kubrick has been quoted that, "sometimes the truth of a thing is not so much in the think of it, but in the feel of it." In his finest film, he conquers both, clashing man's great capacity with his ultimate limitation in way that resonates both intellectually and emotionally. Owning 2001 on any format is a virtual necessity, but when it's presented with such incredible audio and video fidelity and accompanied by a wonderful array of bonus features, the recommendation becomes a no-brainer.

-das Monkey

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

3. Planet Earth

(BBC Worldwide // $99.98 // Reviewed by John Sinnott and Adam Tyner)

One of the best selling sets for both next generation HD formats has been Planet Earth, a documentary series from the BBC. With jaw-dropping scenes, remarkable (while not being dreary) information and compelling narration, Planet Earth is a show that is a joy to watch. It is filled with images of animals and nature that have never been shown before, this is a unique look at our planet. Both the HD DVD and Blu-ray sets have a stunning image and this set is one of the most visually impressive releases on either format.

-John Sinnott

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

4. 300

(Warner Bros. // $39.99 // Reviewed by John Sinnott and Daniel Hirshleifer)

300 was the biggest surprise hit of the year, but the high quality of the HD DVD and Blu-ray editions should shock no one. This was one of the first times that Warner Bros. began making their Blu-ray and HD DVD releases different. The HD DVD had several interactive and web-enabled features that the Blu-ray lacked, but the Blu-ray had the option of two lossless audio tracks instead of just one. No matter which you choose, you're going to get a great presentation and some fantastic extras.

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); Dolby True HD 5.1, PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

(Warner Bros. // $35.99)

Harry Potter's latest outing was the best in the film series since the phenomenal Prisoner of Azkaban. Warner went to the extremes in differentiating the HD DVD and Blu-ray versions, offering different audio mixes on each, interactive/web content on the HD DVD, and extras in high definition on the Blu-ray. For all that, the base level of quality is the same on both, and with an image so clear that you feel you could reach in and touch the world, this is a disc worth getting, regardless of your format of choice.

Audio Features: Dolby True HD 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); PCM Uncompressed 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

6. The Wild Bunch

(Warner Bros. // $28.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer and John Sinnott)

Controversial from the day it was released to the present, Sam Peckinpah's The Wild Bunch is a film that people either love or hate. John Wayne said that it ruined the myth of the old west, but the movie was nominated for two Academy Awards and Peckinpah was one of the contenders for the Director's Guild of America's Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures that year. Superbly acted and impeccably directed The Wild Bunch is a violent film about violent times. More than that, it's a film about living life on your own terms, no matter what the price. A landmark western, the presentation on both HD DVD and Blu-ray looks great and is well worth owning.

-John Sinnott

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

7. Black Snake Moan

(Paramount // $39.99 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer and Adam Tyner)

Black Snake Moan came out in February, but even now at the end of the year, it's still one of the strongest of 2007. The same could be said for the high definition releases. The image quality is outstanding, and the film's blues-based soundtrack is tremendous. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and buy this one.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

8. A Scanner Darkly

(Warner Bros. // $34.98 // Reviewed by Daniel Hirshleifer and Matthew Hinkley)

A Scanner Darkly is grim, serious, and highly creative. Based off the novel of the same name by Philip K. Dick, A Scanner Darkly benefits from Richard Linklater's use of rotoscoping, a technique that places animation over live action footage. The film was one of the most unique and arresting of 2006, and the HD DVD and Blu-ray releases, with top notch picture and sound, are some of the best of 2007. The extras are both plentiful and insightful, with participation by most of the cast and crew and those associated with the Dick estate.

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

9. The Aviator

(Warner Bros. // $28.99 // Reviewed by John Sinnott and Ian Jane)

One of Scorsese's better films (and that's saying a lot), The Aviator is a compelling and interesting look at a man who has everything, and yet is haunted by his own uncontrollable compulsions. With impeccable acting all around and an excellent technical quality, the film is a joy to watch. This Blu-ray disc has a wonderful image and some great bonus features too, making it one of 2007's best HD releases.

-John Sinnott

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD); Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

10. The Warriors

(Paramount // $29.99 // Reviewed by Adam Tyner and Joshua Zyber)

A lot of times studios don't do their catalogue titles justice with next gen releases, but Paramount bucked that trend with their HD-DVD release of Walter Hill's seminal gang brawl classic, The Warriors. Porting over all the of the supplements from the standard definition release and pairing them up with a stunning restored 1080p transfer that makes the film look as good as new, and the movie plays as well now as it ever has. Providing plenty of action and a great look at the inner burroughs of the New York City of the era, The Warriors remains a cult classic and for good reason - it's stylish, exciting and insanely entertaining. While it's true that the original theatrical version of the film was not included (instead we have here Hill's director's cut), the package otherwise leaves no room for complainig. Seeing The Warriors on HD-DVD and Blu-ray really and truly is like seeing it for the first time.

-Ian Jane

Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 (HD DVD), Dolby Digital 5.1 (Blu-ray)

I want to make it clear that this list isn't meant to cause contention. There's a reason we split this up into three categories, so no one would think that we were endorsing one format over another. But beyond that, this list does not represent some kind of definitive ranking. Just talking to a few people already, I've found some who don't think that the Blade Runner set is the best HD release of the year, and other differences of opinion. What we've got here is a list of what the reviewers at DVD Talk feel are some of the very best discs on each format for this year. That doesn't mean any discs left off are bad or not worth looking into. On the contrary, there were far more candidates floating around than any one list could contain. If you'd like a further look at what's available, check out our Index of All HD DVD Reviews and Index of All Blu-ray Reviews. And please, come join us in the ongoing discussion in our HD Talk Forum.

And from all of the HD writers at DVD Talk, we wish you a Happy Holidays and a great New Year!

-Daniel Hirshleifer