DVD Talk: December 2012 Archives

Around this time every year the DVDTalk Review Panel starts to look back and discuss which releases over the past 12 months were the best. Naturally there's a lot of disagreement, but we vote on it and come up with a list of 20 titles that we dub the best of the year. This time we've come up with an eclectic group: Everything from a recent big budget Hollywood blockbuster that was released last summer to a French silent film that was first projected 110 year ago. There's a 60's soap opera, some Pixar flicks, a couple of Spielberg films, and some art films that Criterion and Kino released. Looking back, it was a great year for home video enthusiasts, no matter what genre is your passion. Take a look at what the DVDTalk Review Panel has named as the Top 20 releases of 2012.

Planning on a trip to the theater to ring in the new year? Consider these recent releases: Django Unchained [a second review] - Quentin Tarantino's latest is incredibly witty, shocking, violent, and most of all - explosively entertaining; and Les MisÃ©rables (2012) - Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway star in this incredible story to be told with cleverly written lyrics. Other recent films include: Jack Reacher, Zero Dark Thirty, This Is 40, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Hitchcock, Hyde Park on Hudson, and Life of Pi. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

There's just enough time for one more Anime Talk column this year, and we've got a lot of neat goodies for you at the end of 2012. In this installment we've compiled reviews for the latest and greatest in anime releases, there's a list of our favorite anime of 2012, and we have some suggestions for post-holiday anime shopping. From Martian Successor Nadesico to Serial Experiments Lain to One Piece and K-On we've got something for every otaku. So what are you waiting for? Check out the holiday edition of Anime Talk!

Some great TV shows have made their way onto DVD this week including:: Ultraseven: The Complete Series - an enormously fun show and being able to see it in its original Japanese adds interest and enjoyment; The Epic Drama Collection - Fascinating collection of British made-for-TV histories from A&E; and The Universe in 3D - a trio of episodes from Season 6 of The Universe, all offered in 3D for the first time on home video. Other shows recently reviewed include: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series, Jackie Chan Adventures - Season 2, and WWE: The Attitude Era. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Cut to the Chase! The Charley Chase Collection - A glorious collection of dozens of hilarious Charley Chase comedy two-reelers from the 'twenties; The Hi-Lo Country -Max Evans' novel becomes a superior story of cowboys trying to make a go of the cattle business, post- WW2; and The Most Impressive Discs of 2012 - Savant's subjective choice of the 15 titles of 2012 that he feels are really worthwhile, that offer something new or special. A wide range of discs this year with a lot of runners-up. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

This week several great movies... oh who am I kidding? Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year and there aren't many high profile titles coming out on a day when stores are closed and the biggest shopping season has just ended. Still, I've got to put something in this slot, so here are some of the recent releases you might want to check out: Mass Effect: Paragon Lost [DVD review] - an entertaining, rather breezy piece of sci-fi action; The Well-Digger's Daughter [Blu-ray review] - Astrid BergÃ¨-Frisbey is radiant and compelling as the 18-year-old girl whose first blush with love brings unforeseen consequences; and Premium Rush [Blu-ray review] - a straightforward, small-scale but accomplished action-thriller hinged on the gritty urban texture of bike messengers. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

At a loss for what to do the day before Christmas? How about reading the latest DVD and Blu-ray reviews that have been entered into the DVD Talk Review Database! Recent reviews of note include: Dark Star - a pretty funny and intelligent film and VCI's Blu-ray shows off the film to good advantage with extras galore; The Joy Luck Club - this dramatic examination of Chinese-American mother/daughter relationships is one of the more noteworthy American big-studio films from the '90s; and Trailer War - If you have a soft spot for low-budget camp and exploitation flicks, Drafthouse Films' compilation of rare, vintage trailers will entertain and amaze you and your demented circle of friends. Other recent reviews include: The Wild Geese, I Am Bruce Lee; and Bach: St. Matthew Passion. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

On the weekend before Christmas, there are several films being released that you'll want to check out including: Jack Reacher [a second review] - this film is a crowd pleaser... you should have little trouble enjoying yourself.; Zero Dark Thirty - an outstanding film and an absolute must-see; This Is 40 [a second review] - Judd Apatow's most personal and revealing film to date, and stands as one of his finest as a result; and The Impossible - a film that will touch the hearts of audiences everywhere. Other recent films include: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Hitchcock, Hyde Park on Hudson, and Life of Pi. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Itâ€™s Christmas time with Brit-streaming taking a look at a somewhat Christmassy episode of Rosemary & Thyme. What starts off as a job for Rosemary and Laura to clear out some weeds at a scenic vineyard turns into a full scale murder investigation with Rosemaryâ€™s old friend being the victim! Plus not only do they have to worry about who the murderer is but what are they going to do about Christmas. Lauraâ€™s plans keep falling through but will a donkey make everything alright? We look at the Christmas episode The Cup of Silence plus give updates to what is going on with Acorn TV and how the schedule is looking for it over the rest of December into January. Check out all this and more in the lastest edition of Brit-Streaming.

Interested in the latest TV on DVD reviews? DVD Talk has you covered! This week's notable entries include: Futurama: Volume 7 - a strong lineup of 13 episodes that display the usual wit and invention of the show; Upstairs Downstairs: Season 2 - a solid six-hours of British drama that sadly will serve as the last entry of what is really a fine series; and History in 3D - a boxed set of three good history shows: WWII in 3D, Titanic: 100 Years in 3D, and History of the World in Two Hours. Other shows recently reviewed include: Shazam! The Complete Live Action Series, Funny or Die Presents: Season Two, and The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Fifth Season. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Hans Christian Andersen - Samuel Goldwyn's popular favorite on TV reruns is an odd, gentle musical about the writer of the famous fairytales, a total fabrication yet an interesting 'take' on the interior life of a misfit dreamer. Danny Kaye became ambassador to the world's children with this picture; Lost Horizon - The remake of Frank Capra's slightly dippy 1937 isolationist fantasy is a terminally maladroit musical that's jaw-droppingly entertaining. It's fascinating! One of the oddest miscalculations of the 1970s, and a favorite of lovers of cinematic car wrecks; and Purple Noon - Director RenÃ© ClÃ©ment's identity-theft murder mystery is tops in all departments, a real nail-biter with a storyline that seems all too possible. The smart Patricia Highsmith story (The Talented Mr. Ripley) is set among the young and wealthy on the sunny Italian coastline. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

There are a few new releases this week that you won't want to miss. Check out these hot titles: Pitch Perfect [Blu-ray review] - a perfectly entertaining film you can watch repeatedly thanks to the fantastic musical numbers and hilarious performances; Sleepwalk With Me [Blu-ray review] - If you've never had the opportunity to experience Birbiglia's storytelling before, this is a great opportunity; and The Sarah Silverman Program: Season Three [DVD review] - an irreverent parody of the situation comedy that is a blast of hilarity and surrealism. Other reviews of note include Forced to Fight [Blu-ray review], Premium Rush [Blu-ray review], and Sometimes A Great Notion [Blu-ray review]. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Our reviewers have been busy this week, filling the DVD Talk Review Database more great entries. Some new reviews of note include: V/H/S -Impressively clever and endlessly inspired, this film is one of the best horror films from 2012; Following - Christopher Nolan's first feature film set the stage for a career that balances the ability to please crowds with the touch of an artist; and The Qatsi Trilogy - a unique global perspective, pairing memorable footage with outstanding musical contributions by Philip Glass. Other recent reviews include: Miami Connection, Purple Noon; and Serial Experiments Lain: Complete Series. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Shout! Factory continues to release some very cool TV sets. Their latest offering is Ultra Seven, one of the most popular entries in the long-running Ultraman series of programs. Ultra Seven features a group of high tech soldiers, the Ultra Guard, who defend the Earth from giant, extraterrestrial monsters who are out to destroy the planet. The six-member team includes Dan Moroboshi who in reality is Agent 340 from Meula M-78. When danger strikes Dan transforms into the giant Agent 340 to fend off alien attacks. Thankful for the aid, the Gaurd makes him an honorary member, Ultra Seven! The whole series is now available in a six DVD set. Order directly from Shout! Factory and get a limited-edition Ultra Seven Poster for free (while supplies last.)

There is one movie that opens this weekend that eclipses all of the others: Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. DVDTalk Reviewer Jeff Nelson was able to catch an advanced screening and enjoyed this first entry in a new trilogy. Jackson has created another beautiful Tolkien flim... this time in 3D. Other recent films include: Hitchcock, Hyde Park on Hudson, Life of Pi, Killing Them Softly, Skyfall, and Lincoln. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

The Sarah Silverman Program: Season Three

More TV shows have made their way on to DVD, and DVD Talk has got them covered. Check out our reviews of the newest TV releases including: The Sarah Silverman Program: Season Three - a blast of hilarity and surrealism that will be sorely missed from the basic cable airwaves; Kidnap & Ransom - a very good show that has its own unique perspective, but it's the tight plotting and great performances that really make the show; and Eastbound & Down: The Complete Third Season - the show's brilliantly hypervulgar sense of humor remains every bit as sharp as those pointy things on the end of Poseidon's trident. Other shows recently reviewed include: Doctor Who: The Claws Of Axos, Hazel: The Complete Fourth Season, and Girls: The Complete First Season. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: Godzilla vs. Biollante - Toho's first true 'next generation' Godzilla epic may also be the most artistic; The Blue Angel -Josef von Sternberg's brilliant look at amour fou in the Weimar Republic is conceived as a vehicle for star Emil Jannings, but the hallucinatory erotic magnet Marlene Dietrich runs away with our hearts and souls; and Gypsy - The big time Broadway show comes to film with a new set of stars, great orchestrations for the Jule Styne/Stephen Sondheim music, and blah static direction from producer Mervyn LeRoy. . Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

This week several great movies are coming out, including a few that shouldn't be missed: Ted [Blu-ray review] - MacFarlane-brand comedy with a boy and his bear ; The Bourne Legacy [Blu-ray review] - an entertaining film, flirting with some of its past to help sow the seeds of its future; and The Portrait of a Lady [Blu-ray review] - a daring, accomplished work that deserved much better reviews and attendance than it initially received. Other reviews of note include Baron Blood [Blu-ray review], Manufactured Landscapes [Blu-ray review], and Django! Double Feature: Django Kills Silently and Django's Cut Price Corpses [DVD review]. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

This week the DVD Talk Review Database has some great new entries, including a few discs you may have overlooked. Recent DVD reviews include: A Christmas Carol (1951) - Restored - what many consider the definitive film version of Charles Dickens classic tale gets a beautiful HD release; Cut to the Chase! The Charley Chase Collection - Essential viewing for anyone interested in silent comedy; and Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn - a live-action Halo experience that actually comes off feeling theatrical and will appeal to both casual viewers and fans of the franchise. Other recent reviews include: Bugs Bunny Superstar, Dick Tracy - Complete Serial Collection; and Last Ride. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

DVDTalk has relaunched its Facebook page... it's new and improved! We now have more coverage of the latest, reviews, bargains, and release information! Friend us to keep up to date with the latest news on all of your favorite home video products, and more. Check out the new DVDTalk Facebook page now, you'll be glad you did.

As the holidays approach, why not take a break from the hectic preparations and take in a film at the local theater? Wondering what to see? Check out DVDTalk's latest theatrical reviews: Hitchcock - Reviewer Jamie S. Rich submits a second review on the biopic of one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors; and Hyde Park on Hudson - The King (Samuel West) and Queen (Olivia Colman) of England visit U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt (Bill Murray) in order to get support on the eve of World War II. Other recent films include: Life of Pi, Killing Them Softly, Skyfall, Lincoln, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, A Royal Affair, Wreck-It Ralph. Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series

TV on DVD remains very popular with more and more favorites being released. New TV reviews include: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series - just as fun, goofy, exciting, and action-packed as ever; Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Two - a must-own Blu-Ray collection, pairing a top-tier technical presentation with a generous assortment of entertaining bonus features; and Psych: Season Six - the show continues to get the job done, providing nice laughs, good entertainment and fun stories. Other shows recently reviewed include: Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule: Seasons 1 & 2, American Restoration - Volume Two, and Metalocalypse: Season 4. Want more? Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVDTalk database.

Brit-Streaming is back with a look at one of the most influential crime series of the 1990s. Helen Mirren plays DCI Tennison who has an uphill battle to fight. She is taking on her first murder case in which one of the suspects points to a recently deceased well-loved Chief Inspector. The first episode of Prime Suspect is the focus of this weekâ€™s article. Plus, all the news of what is going on over at Acorn TV including a free 14 day trial and a marathon devoted to holiday programing featuring favourite British mystery series. Brit-Streaming is waiting for you!

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: The Face of Fu Manchu - Christopher Lee dons fake eyelids and a long moustache to play Sax Rohmer's insidious arch villain, this time perfecting a nerve gas with which to control the world; Ramrod - a tough and cynical tale of ambition and loyalty starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake, a pair of actors one expects in lighter fare. Director Andre De Toth's range war is a step up in ruthlessness and brutality. Very progressive for its year, and until now a 'stealth' western mini-classic appreciated only by genre fans; and Sometimes A Great Notion - Paul Newman's excellent direction enhances Ken Kesey's tale of a family of scab lumbermen that keep working during a big-scale strike. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Another banner week for DVDs with the studios releasing some great films and boxed sets such as: The Dark Knight Rises [Blu-ray review] - a captivating, aggressive, occasionally frenzied climax to Christopher Nolan's trilogy; Comic Book Confidential: 20th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray review] -a great story, detailing the history of comic books and showing off the work of some of its most popular innovators; and Suddenly [Blu-ray review] - a tense and memorable thriller with an interesting concept, great performances and some slick direction. Other reviews of note include Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXV [DVD review], Alps [DVD review], and Butter [Blu-ray review]. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Some great DVD and Blu-ray reviews have been added to the the DVD Talk Review Database recently including: Men in Black 3 - an entertaining summer movie that will please most fans of the first film; The Otto Preminger Collection - A welcome addition to Olive Films' constantly expanding list of Blu-ray releases, this set includes Such Good Friends, an excellent and almost completely forgotten comedy starring Dyan Cannon; and Baron Blood: Kino Classics' Remastered Edition - a really enjoyable and completely entertaining slice of gothic horror. Other recent reviews include: Kung Fu Panda Holiday, DreamWorks Holiday Classics; and The Day He Arrives. Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.