Here is my list of the best films you've haven't been able to see this year:

The Puffy Chair - Here's a film which debuted at Sundance, won the audience award at SXSW and then took am armful of prizes at many fests around the country. Then it gets nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Yet there are still no takers. Why? Because the magic of The Puffy Chair is the fact that it's so damn understated. The Duplass Brothers (Jay and Mark) along with Kathryn Aselton and Rhett Wilkins have made the penultimate film about the impact of ambivalence in relationships. Perhaps this isn't a concept people over 35 get, and perhaps this is why studios are clueless about why this film is so amazing. But I have to say that everyone I've shown this film to, and everyone I've spoken to who has seen it have been captivated by the immense honesty of the film. The Puffy Chair stands as a shining example of what you can do with an extremely low budget and a ton of talent and creativity.

I Am A Sex Addict - Many try but few succeed to join the ranks of Woody Allen and Larry David when it comes to painfully real self-reflective comedy. I am now proposing that Caveh Zahedi be added to the illustrious list of those who have tried and succeeded. I Am A Sex addict isn't just one of the best films not in theaters this year, it's one of the best films of the year. The film has an amazing wit, flows extremely well and is so masterfully crafted it should be studied in film schools. I Am A Sex Addict mixes documentary, recreation, monologue and humor into a film that needs to be seen. So why aren't studios rushing to release it? The main character has a prostitute fetish and there are several explicit scenes in the film. But nothing in this film is even remotely as explicit as Mysterious Skin which DID get picked up. Come on studios, take a chance and bring this one out. I'd give my eye teeth to be the studio who first truly discovers Caveh. This guy is going places!

Four Eyed Monsters - The other week I read a blog entry from filmmakers Susan Buice and Arin Crumley that made my heart sink. They had to sublet their New York apartment and go back to living with their parents to try and deal with the mounting debt the incurred making this fantastic film. How can we live in a world where great film makers starve like this and studios make American Pie 4. Four Eyed Monsters is a film with a ton of heart, it follows the relationship of two people who meet online and decide not to speak to each other, only communicate via writing and art. The film is touching, insightful and extremely well done. It's a film which gives voice to an entire generation of people who connect and communicate online. So much has been said about the huge market for Gen Y product. I don't think I've seen a film more geared toward that crowd than this one, and honestly you don't have to be in your 20's or 30's to fall in love with it.

Kekexili: Mountain Patrol - Now this one's a little bit of a cheat. The film does have a distributor (Sony Pictures Classics) but they aren't releasing the damn thing. I saw Kikichili at the 2005 Sundance film fest and it was one of my favorite films at the fest. If it had been released this year it would be in my top 5 films of the year. Kikichili: Mountain Patrol is one of the best films to come out of China in a very very long time. It harkens back to some of the best work done by Zhang Yimou (before he went all Hero on us). It's hard to remember a film that moved me more than Kikichili.

The Education of Shelby Knox - One of this year's best documentaries aired on PBS but never made it out on to DVD or into theaters (where it would have done EXTREMELY well). This documentary follows teenager Shelby Knox as she battles her school for real sex education to be taught. But the magic of this doc isn't just her struggle with the school board it's her internal struggle with her faith, her family and her friends. The Education of Shelby Knox is in the league with Super Size Me and should be out there!

Shakespeare Behind Bars - With the execution of Stanley Tookie Williams the issue of incarceration and redemption has been a hot topic, so it's mind boggling why no one scooped up and rushed out Shakespeare Behind Bars a superb documentary that takes a look at the lives of many convicts and how performing Shakespeare helped them connect and begin to deal with the issues and problems that lead them to jail. Documentaries did phenomenally at the box office this year and on DVD, so why the hell didn't anyone get behind this one?!

Nordkraft - This Dutch 'Trainspotting' journeys through the dark world of drugs and drug abuse and paints a portrait of three people connected and caught in the same web of drugs and violence. Nordkraft is a stunning film that never flinches or turns away from the horror. It features an amazing performance from first time actress Signe Egholm Olsen who makes Nordkraft worth watching for her alone. This year Head-On (Gegen die Wand) made it into US theaters and onto DVD and it did quite well. There's no reason Nordkraft wouldn't have done as well!

LolliLove - I contend that the mockumentary is by far the most difficult genre of film, that's why I think it's generally a REALLY bad idea for first time filmmakers to attempt it. But Jenna Fischer showed no fear in one of the best mocumentaries I've seen. LolliLove pokes with a very sharp stick at the vanity shown by many when dealing with charity. Jenna Fischer (who is well known for her role on the TV show The Office) together with James Gunn (writer of Dawn of The Dead '04 and Scooby Doo 2) pull off a laugh out loud biting indie satire that should not be missed. (note: Lolli Love is set for DVD in March of 2006)

Police Beat - The immigrant story has been told over and over on film but none as inventively as Police Beat. Following the life and struggles of a Seattle beat cop from Africa Police Beat weaves a brilliant tapestry that shows America through the eyes of someone who desperately wants to be a part of it, but never can quite connect. Police Beat also features an amazing performance from first time actor Pape Sidy Niang who is really a football player and not an actor... could have fooled us!

The most frustrating thing about this list is the fact that I'm sure I've missed some great films. As hard as I try to see as many films at festivals and such, there are still great ones out there which there's absolutely no way for me to be able to see. And that's a shame, because in an era of such DVD prevalence, great movies shouldn't be locked away, they should be seen, and studios should step up to the plate, take some risks and bring these films out.

You a film maker with a film that should be on this list? Drop me a line at [email protected]. I'd love to see your film.

- Geoffrey Kleinman

The trends in porn for 2005 closely followed those for 2004 as gonzo continued to become the dominating force in the industry. This didn't stop most of the larger companies from trying their hand at big budget features, some of which impressed even the naysayers for the depth and complexity of the movies, but by and large the biggest sellers tended to be the more extreme sex as an increasingly jaded audience sought out more kink, more hardcore, and more of the circus act sex that industry pundits warn will cause a backlash with the current governmental climate poised to intervene. The AIDS scare of 2004 was largely forgotten as though it didn't exist, the feds increasingly prosecuted those who provided some of the more misogynistic material, and even some of the bigger couples companies withdrew their mandatory condom policies to give the market what it wanted. As in all years, some performers left the business, others surprised us by expanding their sexual repertoire and the contract wars between some companies set off bidding wars at a time when doing more with less became a calling cry for those hoping to squeeze more profit out of the multi-billion dollar industry. In an effort to coax your hard earned money out of your wallet, producers offered more and more for less and less, continuing the trend noticed in the 2003 Top Porn List and 2004 Top Porn List. DVD Talk grew to the point where our reviewers contributed over 5500 reviews, many of them porn, to assist you in your purchasing decisions and you won't find a more comprehensive website covering all the forms of entertainment online or off. Accepting that any top porn list will be a compromise between those who contribute to the making of the list, here's the Top Twenty Adult DVDs of 2005:

1. Pirates: Collector's Edition:
In a year when a multitude of porn companies tried their best to outdo one another with big budget features, there could be only one true pinnacle of porn; Pirates: Collector's Edition. Shot in HD, this feature was so much larger than life that it took two companies to fully realize the expansive tale of a group of pirate hunters are they scoured the seven seas in search of booty. Both Digital Playground as well as Adam & Eve combined resources, and contract performers, to show that a cooperative effort could score big as the three disc set outsold anything on the market this year. The list of stars the movie had included such notables as Jesse Jane, Carmen Luvana, Devon, Teagan Presley, and Janine in roles befitting their status as high end contract ladies. The special effects, story, and inclusion of a 720p version as a bonus all enhanced the value but ultimately the sex was full of replay value. If you buy just one title this year, you'll want to include this one on your short list for all it had to offer! (Full Review by Don Houston and Ian Jane)

2. Camp Cuddly Pines Powertool Massacre:
While Pirates may have edged out the top spot for feature porn, a competitor easily stole the honors of best package of extras; Camp Cuddly Pines Powertool Massacre by Wicked Pictures' director Jonathan Morgan. The story was a send up of just about every horror movie made in the last thirty years handled in the hilarious style that only Jonathan could provide. With ladies like Stormy Daniels, Jessica Drake, Katja Kassin, and Rita Faltoyano, there weren't a lot of filler scenes on hand to flesh out the three disc set. Unlike other three disc packages released this year, the second and third disc this time were crammed full of the kind of awesome extras that would be the envy of most mainstream movies; including extended versions of the sex scenes, hordes of Easter eggs, and more value adding content than you could shake your dick at. (Full Reviews by Don Houston and Disco Dirge)

3. Catherine:
2005 say a lot of 'big budget' and 'high profile' titles from a lot of different studios but the one to really stand out from the pack came from Michael Ninn and his Ninn Worx imprint distributed by Pure Play. Starring the inimitable Audrey Hollander, Ninn managed to put a very unconventional looking starlet in an equally unconventional setting and create one of the most mind bending and surrealist fuck films ever made. It might not be accessible enough for everyone, but the sex is hot thanks to Hollander's enthusiasm for her work, and the art direction is second to none. Smut fans with a taste for something different might just want to give Catherine a look. (Full Review by Ian Jane)

4. Dark Angels 2: Bloodline:
While adventure and humor titles were all the rage this year, a legacy sequel also reined highly in the mind of our review staff; Dark Angels 2: Bloodline. It was five years ago that Dark Angels 1 nearly swept the AVN Awards show for a tale about vampires on the prowl but with enhanced special effects, a few returning characters, and a whole lot of passionate pairings, Dark Angels 2 showed that director Nic Andrews had kept up with modern times as he revisited the title that propelled him into the spotlight so long ago. Shot in HD format to improve the picture quality from the original, the movie showed Dillion Day back in his role as Jack Cross as he tried to protect a cute young gal played by Sunny Lane from a group of vampires intent on making her their sacrificial lamb. The story was a cross between Blade, Vampires, and From Dusk Til Dawn but with better sex than all of those put together. (Full Review by Don Houston)

5. Red Light District/Platinum X Pictures:
With more gonzo porn sold every year, the popular genre has become the defacto standard for fans looking to get off without the weak plots, lame acting, or frills that some companies cater to. There is such a short list of gonzo companies that provide high quality fuck for the buck that most of us narrow it down to a mere handful of the market when we're looking to get off to hardcore sex. If price is factored into the equation though, the list drops down to the Red Light District/Platinum X Pictures conglomerate where fans can routinely find double disc sets for under $20 yet still have the kind of flat lighting that allows them to see all the action rather than be forced to settle for grain, video noise and all the other problems the "other guys" allow in their productions. In 2005, the RLD/PXP consolidation took place and while a few directors have left for greener pastures, many of their peers have remained to continue providing titles like Cum Stained Casting Couch 3, Cum in my Ass Not in my Mouth 4: Collector's Edition, Sport Fucking 4: Collector's Edition, Darkside, No Cum Dodging Allowed 4: Director's Cut, Whore Next Door, Big Tit Anal Whores, and Baker's Dozen 6 for your viewing pleasure. (Full Reviews by staff writers)

6. Jules Jordan:
There were a number of deserving directors this year who made grand efforts to provide quality adult entertainment but it's difficult to argue that Jules Jordan, for all his critics, was not the top pick for the kind of hardcore stroke material that men like to watch. With titles such as Flesh Hunter 8: Collector's Edition, Once You Go Black 4, Feeding Frenzy 7: Director's Cut, Slut Puppies: Director's Cut, Ass Worship 8: Maximass, Take No Prisoners, Aurora Snow Vs. Gauge, and Feeding Frenzy 6: Revenge of the Sperm Donors, under his belt, Jules was one of the most consistently talented directors in the industry once again. There may well be a handful of dissenters on this choice but given the amount of fuck for the buck this guy provided in his movies (averaging well over three hours per movie); he once again set the bar for gonzo producers everywhere to play catch up. (Full Reviews by staff writers)

7. Teen America (series):
Director Robby D. has been known for a perverted sense of humor for quite some time now but his recent work at Digital Playground has ranged from dramatic to comedy to erotic depending on what the movie called for. As his Jack's Playground series continues to break new ground in the field of comedy porn, the spin off series, Teen America, has set the standard for light hearted gonzo porn. Centering on a mythical beauty pageant, Robby plays a disinherited rich kid who makes ends meet by taping women who want to win the contest. The end result of most scenes is that his sound engineers always get laid while he's left holding the camera, providing so much heated material that the series has been referred to as "Jack's Playground on steroids". In 2005, our reviewers thought highly of volumes Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, Volume 5, Volume 6, Volume 7, Volume 8, and Volume 9. (Review by staff writers)

8. Boob Bangers:
>From a measure of sheer smut quantity alone, Boob Bangers is a >gonzo classic, a totally entrancing, completely arousing work of stifling sexual heat. With each scene ranging in time from the 25 to 30 minute mark, and the massive amount of hardcore dynamics involved, you definitely get a lot of bang for the buck. Add to this the chest-friendly format that spends a lot of time on the torso, the expert direction of Evil Angel legend Jonni Darkko and a collection of near perfect pornographic performers and you've got a fantastic, fiery flesh feast. Expertly shot and professionally presented, this is as unabashedly erotic as adult content gets. (Full Review by Disco Dirge)

9. Reign of Tera:
There are few performers in the world of porn that are so sought after that simply lending their name to a title guarantees it becoming a hit but like Jenna Jameson, Tera Patrick commands an audience wherever she goes. Her big hit of the year was Reign of Tera where she ran a bordello full of the most skilled Asian talent found in porn. Her own scenes were more than we expected in terms of heat and energy but her costars were all as talented as could be too. Combining that with a second disc full of more sex than the average movie offers up by itself, the DVD set managed to stoke the fires of our libidos over and over again; proving Tera Patrick's place in the porno Pantheon is secure for yet another year. (Full Review by Don Houston)

10. Invasion 2!
Last year director/performer Jules Jordan came out with an Asian-centric gonzo release called Invasian!. Invasian! turned out to be a solid title and offered porn enthusiasts a chance to see some very exciting sex with several attractive Asian babes. In Invasian 2!, Jordan returns with more girls to continue to the excitement. 8 beautiful girls spread across 7 scenes for a total of 3.5 hours of action. The scenes include the gorgeous Nautica Thorn thumping around with Mandingo, Brooke Milano in a seductive little school girl outfit, Sabrine Maui and Luci Thai double teaming Jules Jordan and more. If you're looking for one of the hottest Asian-centric pornos to hit DVD for 2005, look no further, this is it. (Full Review by Rob Randell)

11. Mind Fuck
Red Light District has long been known as a company intent on providing value but also some of the best fuck for your buck sex in the entire gonzo market. In Mind Fuck, director Manuel Ferrara went out of his way to offer up a number of high energy scenes that compared favorably with anything their more expensive competition put out in 2005. Starring Rita Faltoyano, Kylie Ireland, Sandra Romain and a number of others, this two disc set provided over 6 hours of hardcore gonzo sex to enjoy with some of the finest technical values you'll find in the gonzo world, bar none. There was simply no way to encapsulate the wealth of material contained on the two disc set so check out the review or do yourself a favor and grab your own copy of this awesome DVD set. (Full Review by Don Houston)

12. Ass Worship 7: Assphyxiation:
While director Jules Jordan may have won the best director award of the year, some of his individual titles shouldn't be overlooked too. Aside from the latest in the Invasian series, he was also responsible for the incredible Ass Worship 7: Assphyxiation, a title with such stars as Flower Tucci, Katsumi, Lauren Phoenix, Vanessa Lane and others, all providing some of their very best work in this two disc, 244+ minute long bonanza of booty. Typically, when you think of DVD sets offering that much stroke material, you think of low grade compilations that toss random scenes into the mix with the hope that the quantity will hedge all bets but this one had plenty of quality too with some of the finest performances of the year wrapped up into a single package for your viewing pleasure. (Full Review by Don Houston)

13. Contract Girl
While many directors attempted to lay claim to providing the edgiest and hippest porn of the year, only one offered something that was different yet still strokable and he came from VCA Pictures. No, it wasn't Eon McKay's Kill Girl Kill but Contract Girl from Joe Gallant. The movie pushed the envelop of good taste more than a few times but it was difficult to deny that Olivia Saint as a hired assassin who would just as soon fuck a guy as kill him (or was that the other way around?) was the kind of porn your father would have watched in days of old. If you want something offbeat but meat beatable, try this one out as one of the year winners. (Full Review by Don Houston)

14. Robinson Crusoe on Sin Island
Private has been a world renown leader in adult entertainment for years. Private's competitive advantage has always been their big budget releases. This influx of cash flow from Private brings in the top directors, production quality, and most importantly female talent on the plant. 2005 was an incredible year for the big budget releases from Private, but Robinson Crusoe on Sin Island stood head and shoulders above the rest of the field. Shot in various locations, including St. Maarten, Brazil and Hungry, director Alessandro Del Mar rewove the famous tale from Daniel DeFoe with some of the best production standards in the adult DVD industry. To top it all off, Private contracted some of the hottest ladies in the business including the illustrious Silvia Saint, Lucy Love, Angel Dark and Nikki Rider to perform some of the hardcore sexual acts captured on film in 2005. The movie was so important that we even had two reviews for it, including the Robinson Crusoe on Sin Island: Collector's Edition review to provide you with more options. (Full Review by Colonel Mustard)

15. Double D. POV
Double D. POV is an exciting gonzo release with six gorgeous big breasted gals getting into action with performer/director Vince Vouyer in point of view (POV). This release has been herald for its greatness by reviewer Rob Randell and as such was given DVD Talk's highest rating as a member of the Collector's Series. It was also recently featured in an edition of The Blue Room. Now, it is being presented on DVD Talk's favorite adult DVDs from 2005. Why? Well, it's just that hot. Double D. POV has some very sexy girls like Shy Love, Trina Michaels and Tory Lane. What these girls offer is non-stop excitement, whether they are teasing you with their busty racks, showing off their oral skills or just being nasty in the bedroom. It is easily one of our favorites of the year. (Full Review by Rob Randell)

16. Teenage Spermaholics #4
When it comes to the teen genre, Red Light District and director Mike John, continue to be among the industries best. Building off the success of Teenage Spermaholics #3, they put together another DVD that belongs in pretty much any collection. Using such superstars as Jamie Elle, Karina Kay, and Claire Robbins (Who all actually look like teenagers), you get some of the most intense/playful action you will see anywhere. Another area that this DVD earns its stripes in the amount of content you get. With a total running time of over three hours there is guaranteed to be something for everyone (although it might be a bit too intense for some couples). If you only check out one teen title this year, definitely give this DVD consideration. (Full Review by Namrufmot)

17. Superwhores: Collector's Edition
There are few interracial fans that aren't aware of the legendary Lexington Steele and his Mercenary Pictures production company. In Superwhores: Collector's Edition, Lex went back to the drawing board to remake his classic by adding so much footage that the titles rounded out to over three hours long. Stars like Avy Scott, Vicky Vette, Cashmere, and a bunch of others found out that the Dark Prince of porn doesn't play around when it comes to customer satisfaction; demanding they do anything needed to help the fans bust a nut (or twelve) in some of his best work to date. (Full Review by Don Houston)

18. Double Decker Sandwich 6
Screw Viagra, Zero Tolerance's Double Decker Sandwich 6 will have you rock hard in no time. Tapping into every warm-blooded, heterosexual male's fantasy, Mike has directed one hell of a flick. From the first scene with the plump, sexy Brandy, to the tanned, curvy Lanny and Austin, this is probably one of the hottest non-Latina discs I've ever reviewed (though Jenaveve is reppin' Latinas in scene five). While the disc briefly stumbles during the third scene, I've figured out that Mike probably structured it this way to give us time to reload and/or grab some more tissues. Here at DVD Talk, we usually end our reviews by summing up our thoughts and feelings on the disc and, in four words or less, giving the reader advice. The phrase buy this fucking DVD comes to mind in this sense, for all it had to offer as fuel for your stroking fantasies. (Full Review by Michael Vega)

19. Swallow My Squirt 2:
I'm not a doctor, so I can't comment on the biological properties behind female squirting. I'm also not a well-informed fan of the whole squirt-genre, so I won't be able to differentiate between onscreen pussy spray and your plain old golden piss. But I do know of Elegant Angel, and I'm always excited to see the newest film by director extraordinaire William H. Nutsack, such as Swallow My Squirt 2. With that said, I think--despite the never ending squirtilogical debate--that the two are bound to offer some of the best footage one can find for this fetish. I'm not a huge squirt buff; what I like most is to see the actor's reactions and to see the girl's bodies glistening and wet--whatever the fluid is. And there is plenty here. Even though there is a lagging moment or two and some gals don't really deliver, the squirts are too numerous to count. And, if airborne vaginal fluids are not your cup of tea, the straight-on fucking is intense, heated and difficult to resist. Fans of squirting will also be appreciative that Flower Tucci, Eva Angelina, and Tiana Lynn headline this one, each well known for their super soaking capabilities. (Full Review by Saul Good)

20. Girls Who Like Girls
Normally you'd never, ever consider a compilation for "Best of the Year" honors, as they're usually slapped together and rarely seem to represent the best of the best. But neither of those apply to Simon Wolf Productions' Girls Who Like Girls. Nine scenes featuring 18 of porn's finest licking ladies (including Asia Carrera, Jenna Haze, Inari Vachs, Ava Vincent), Girls Who Like Girls showcases some intensely passionate girl/girl romps and well worth a look. (Full Review by Adam Wilson)

Don Houston

OK Ladies, you know Goldenmuse has always got your back when it comes to top adult picks for women. And in many ways, the year 2005 was the Year of the Woman in adult entertainment.
OK, I know that in many ways every year is the Year of the Woman in adult; referring to the porn star chickstas with overwhelmingly big breasts and cripplingly high heels that your boyfriend and/or hubby spends much of his paycheck on -- buying their DVDs en masse, then telling you he just doesn't have the dough for that quaint diamond bracelet that you just know would look damned cute on you. We've all been there. . .
Yet in 2005, the female porn viewer actually was cut her own share of breaks. Playgirl TV hit the airwaves, through cable, satellite systems and on the Internet. We saw new releases from Playgirl, Femme and Inpulse Productions, and a slew of gorgeous men in a number of well-produced, romantically plotted releases.
A number of women assumed the reins of adult productions, as directors, producers and writers. And although I would still love to see more strong female characters in adult films, I must say that Devinn Lane completely blew me away with her performance in Lovers Lane, playing police officer Sarah Blake. And Savanna Samson not only co-hosted the 2005 AVN Awards; she was a judge at Playgirl's Las Vegas Strip Search male stripper competition.
As a female reviewer at DVD Talk and the 'posse-meister' of the Playgirl Posse, I'm trying to do my own small part on behalf of women's adult entertainment. With this in mind, I'm introducing The Pink Room; a variation on The Blue Room column that will showcase top picks in adult films and toys geared toward women, plus profiles and pictures (yep, Ladies, PICTURES!!!) of top male stars. And for my first Pink Room, I've enlisted the help of my Posse gals to honor top achievers in femme porn (quite an achievement, that) with the first annual women's adult film awards -- or, as I like to call them, the Goldies.

1. Best of Playgirl TV:
Have you ever taken advantage of one of those free DVD offers - and actually received a quality product in return? What a concept!
People who write letters to their cable and satellite companies requesting PlaygirlTV are eligible to receive this disc, one of the most truly beautiful adult productions I've seen.
Viewers saw the elegantly produced love scenes - featuring Jean Val Jean, porn's talented, gorgeous answer to the matinee idol, in a Victorian dream sequence and other rich fantasy scenarios - as well as two centerfold scenes - one of which featured Niko, a stunning Romanian model and exotic dancer who is now appearing as a male lead in PlaygirlTV and Wicked productions.
This disc, shot entirely on film by leading female directors such as Kelly Holland (aka Toni English) and Skye Blue, is an industry groundbreaker that emphasizes the beauty of the male form and the artistry of lovemaking - the ultimate adult chick flick. (Full Review by Goldenmuse)

2. Candida Royalle's Rites of Passage:
By presenting Rites of Passion, Candida Royalle achieves another first: a "his-and-her porno." Sure, today's adult market boasts a plethora of couples movies (though your typical DVD store still will carry far more copies of "Teen-Age Teabagging Tarts" and "Kiki Does Kansas"). Yet Rites of Passion actually features two separate scenarios; one custom-made for females and the other seemingly geared toward males -- though in a way that still respects and empowers the female lead. However, a woman who had been sufficiently revved by "In Search of the Ultimate Sexual Experience" could get her mate in a similar state by showing him "Shady Madonna." And that's why I feel that, taken as a whole, Rites of Passion is the ultimate his-and-her adult film. (Full Review by Goldenmuse)

3. Lovers Lane:
Although not as dreamy and sweetly erotic as my first two choices, this Wicked film was a rare treasure; a landmark in adult filmmaking that featured strong dialogue and a compelling plot. Perhaps it's no surprise this film was written by a woman - none other than Stormy Daniels. And as police officer Sarah Blake, Devinn Lane delivers a strong, sensitive, truly unforgettable lead performance; one unparalleled in adult cinema. (Full Review by Goldenmuse)

4. VIP 54:
Right behind the dreamy and inspiring selections of 2005 comes one that's just plain fun - and for the female viewer, this Vivid release was a smorgasbord of attractive male talent at their gorgeous and sensual best. Jean Val Jean, Evan Stone, Julian, Voodoo and Nick Jacobs in all their glory, with a host of top female stars such as Mercedez, Nicole Sheridan, and Kelli Tyler all joining in as equals rather than subservient airheads. (Full Review by Goldenmuse)

5. Candida Royalle's Caribbean Heat:
The year 2005 brought another release from Femme Productions, this one directed by newcomer Manuela Sabrosa under the tutelage of producer Candida Royalle. Aside from the lush scenery, the film offers five erotic sequences; each of which features romance, playful erotic situations and explicit sex (well, it is still a porno!). The men are handsome, the women are beautiful but realistic (not an ounce of plastic or silicone to be found!), and the fantasies are titillating. This was another good show from Candida and crew. (Full Review by Don Houston)

6. Internal Affairs:
Women have long appreciated a good comedy but in porn, the comedy always seems to be at the expense of the ladies so forgive us if we tend to pass when you bring a porno home that's been billed as comedic by some 400 pound male marketing guru at your favorite gonzo company. Internal Affairs is not about creampies though as director Jonathan Morgan shows the sequel to the well received Valley 911 spoof of the cable TV show Reno 911. Both movies were good for women since the guys were attractive and the women were all in positions of authority. Julia Ann was the lead along with Stormy Daniels with the IAD investigator played by Alana Evans as they made sure the ladies came first. (Full Review by Don Houston)

7. Celeste:
Celeste, the female contract director at Digital Playground, is best known for her days as a performer under a different name but a cursory look at her body of work shows that she enjoys making movies primarily for women, not for men. This doesn't mean that men have to hate her movies but she shows the female point of view with her slow motion, lighting effects, and use of men a lady would WANT to sleep with instead of anyone that walked past her door. As 2005 was her breakthrough year, we decided that it was high time a like-minded woman was presented as director of the year instead of a guy who focuses on circus act sex like you'll find on the main list. Some of her work includes Story of J, Devon: Erotique, Teagan: Erotique, Devon Decadence, All American Girl, Posh Kitten, Mrs. Behavin', and Intoxicated. (Full Reviews by staff writers)

8. The New Devil in Miss Jones:
The New Devil in Miss Jones was notable for the large budget, capable direction, and great extras but also for the way that Savanna Samson showed her ability to act like a real woman and not just a glamorous porn chick. If I've said it once, I've said it at least twice that if a company wants to produce a feature with plot and dialogue, they need to get people that can act to fill the roles, not just whoever they could hire that day. The New Devil in Miss Jones provided plenty to turn on the posse as the cast stopped acting like they were in a porno and started acting like they wanted to get off. (Full Review by Don Houston)

9. The Villa:
Most male dominated porn is geared to showing young, disposable women barely of age thrown into scenes with perverted old letches that take advantage of them. That's why I liked watching The Villa, starring Evan Stone, Dale DaBone, and Julian as they were looking all ripped and fine in scenes featuring Janine. In each of her four acts, she was in charge and not about to let the men of the movie tell her how to live her life. The guys were nice eye candy too though so the Playgirl posse gave this one a thumbs up all the way around. (Full Review by Don Houston)

10. Secrets of the Velvet Ring:
Stormy Daniels was a role model once more as she led a group of friends through the process of making their fantasies come true in Brad Armstrong's Secrets of the Velvet Ring. This was another case where the women were in charge of the action and the men managed to service them in all sorts of ways in the nine included scenes. Stormy Daniels appeals to men and women so it's easy to see why Wicked Pictures markets to couples with hot action like this one. (Full Review by Don Houston)

Goldenmuse and Don Houston

Note: I think it's worth mentioning that Warner Brothers is responsible for four of the Top 10 best double-dips and none of the disappointments, while Universal is to blame for five of the disappointments, and none of the best double-dips. Congratulations and jeers go out accordingly.

Top 10 Double Dips

1. The Wizard of Oz: Three-Disc Collector's Edition
One of the classic family films, The Wizard of Oz belongs on the shelf of every person who owns a DVD player. No matter who you are, this timeless story has something to appeal to you, be you midwest soccer mom or Tribeca cinephile. Considering the original disc came out way back in 1999, it was quite nice, making the job of impressing DVD buyers harder for this new version. But impress it did, with a three-disc set that boasted one of the single most beautiful restoration jobs ever, an impressive set of retrospective extras and an excellent assortment of other interpretations of Frank L. Baum's book. Throw some well-made collectibles into the case and you've got what is likely to remain the definitive DVD release of this film.
Review by Scott Weinberg
2. Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997
Most any fan of Batman looked at this big box set with at least a bit of pause, thanks to the presence of the two non-Tim Burton films, especially the awful Batman and Robin. So it was certainly a nice surprise when buyers found the films were treated for what they are: unpopular visual spectacles. Very honest, and even critical views of the series were shared, while all four films look and sound outstanding. A wealth of new bonus material, including the in-depth "Shadows of the Bat" multi-part documentary, made this an easy upgrade for Bat-fans, who had been looking to ditch their bare-bones editions for over eight years.
Review by Francis Rizzo III
3. The Twilight Zone: Seasons 1-3 - The Definitive Edition
Is there a more abused fan in DVD land than the Twilight Zone folk? (Perhaps the Trekkies...) After being sold volume after random volume of episodes, over 40 in all, at a rather hefty price each, these fans were then offered lower prices which many jumped at to complete their collections. Of course, that was followed by these beauties, which though infuriating for those invested in the original volumes, is exciting for fans of the show. These sets are loaded to the gills with tremendously valuable and varied bonus material, and more importantly, feature improved transfers that look better than one might expect for a show of this age. Any of the first three seasons would have made this list on its own, but to be fair to the rest of the industry, I've combined them.
Review by das Monkey
4. Frank Miller's Sin City: Recut & Extended Edition
When Sin City was released in August with just a few minor extras, most everyone knew to expect a blow-out special edition soon (but then, we're still waiting on Ocean's 12.) That special edition didn't take too long, as just four months later, we were blessed with this two-disc wonder, complete with one of Miller's graphic novels. A recut version of the film that separates the film's interwomen tales is just one of many reasons to double-dip on this one, as it includes an excellent spread of bonus features, including Robert Rodriguez' now-traditional Film School and Cooking School featurettes.
Review by Randy Miller III
5. Ran
Though technically not a double-dip (the first two releases were by Fox Lorber and Wellspring), Criterion's release of Akira Kurosawa's classic masterpiece represents the good that such second (and third) chances can bring. The two-disc edition includes a wide assortment of extras that provide an education on both the film and Kurosawa, along with one of Criterion's standard great booklets and, best of all, the most impressive transfer the film's ever seen.
Review by Stuart Galbraith IV
6. Raging Bull: Special Edition
This is the set that gives hope to those who have a favorite Criterion laserdisc that's yet to make it to DVD. MGM upgraded their previous boring release, by adding three commentary tracks, including a Martin Scorsese chat that was licensed from everyone's favorite niche DVD studio. That alone would make this an attractive second helping of Bull, but a second disc with almost two hours of featurettes, interviews and newsreels makes this an upgrade that's hard to not make.
Review by Preston Jones
7. The Outsiders: The Complete Novel
So many clssic books are eclipsed by the film adaptation, but this is one special edition that looked to fix that problem. Improving on the original snapper-encased bare-bones release, this new two-disc version presents a new edit of the film that follows the novel more closely, with a new soundtrack and a bevy of extras that are focused on the book, including excellent commentaries, a featurette on author S.E. Hinton and readings by the main cast. Finally, a DVD good enough to show in English class.
Reviews by Preston Jones and DVD Savant
8. Malcolm X: Special Edition
This two-disc collection is hardly the ideal DVD, with an film that's spread across two discs with an oddly-timed split, a commentary cobbled together from solo sources, and a list of extras that hardly look impressive. Of course, quantity rarely trumps quality, and that's still true here. Combining the fictionalized biography that is Spike Lee's excellent film with a 90-minute documentary on the man himself delivers as close to a total package as one could hope for. Any time you get material worthy of two separately releases in one, it's a value. When the material is of the quality seen in this set, it's a must-upgrade.
Review by Gil Jawetz
9. Titanic: Special Collector's Edition
Six years after underwhelming DVD fans with a no-effort release of one of the biggest films of all time, Paramount finally graced us with a DVD worth actually owning. Spreading the film over two platters to ensure the highest audio and video quality possible, there's plenty of space for the multitude of extras that are not only plentiful, but also meaningful, taking viewers deep into the story and the making of the movie, with many featurettes, informative commentaries and deleted scenes. A movie this big, this acclaimed and this...well, big, deserved a presentation like this, and Paramount got it right when they eventually delivered.
Review by DVD Savant
10. Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut
Whether you fancy the more ambiguous nature of the original film or the more fleshed-out feel of the director's version, there's no doubt that this was a highly-anticipated release among the movie's fan base. That anticipation was in large part due to the inclusion of the ultimate cut of the movie, including the film's original music, but also because of the audio commentary, featuring writer/director Richard Kelly, with fanboy-god Kevin Smith acting as moderator. A great behind-the-scenes featurette, some bits that play to the film's status as an object of cult affection and a lack of repetition from the first DVD, help make this into discs two and three of a three-part complete collection for Darko-maniacs.
Reviews by Aaron Beierle and Jason Bovberg
Honorable Mention: Ben-Hur Four-Disc Collector's Edition, Gladiator: Extended Edition, The Frighteners: Unrated Director's Cut, Toy Story: 10th Anniversary Edition, To Kill a Mockingbird: Legacy Series

Top 10 Double-Dip Disappointments

1. Office Space: Special Edition...with Flair!
With its spot as one of the most popular DVDs out there, despite it being a bare-bones disc, Office Space was a guaranteed double-dip at some point. When it finally came out, with a meager featurette and some deleted scenes, there were plenty of Milton fans who felt cheated. Sure, it was finally in anamorphic widescreen, but everything else about this set makes it seem like "...with MORE flair" is coming soon. Of course, if you were willing to shill out more cash, you could grab the gimmick-filled gift set.
Reviews by Randy Miller III and Aaron Beierle
2. The Brat Pack Movie and Music Collection
Taked three beloved teen films, improve their quality, add no extras and call them the High School Reunion Collection. Result: sell plenty of DVDs. For an encore, take those exact same discs, put them in a three-ring binder and add a CD of '80s music. Result: nothing but disappointment for fans hoping to see their favorite movies get a fully-packed DVD.
Review by Francis Rizzo III
3. The Jerk: 26th Anniversary Edition
Sure, Steve Martin doesn't draw the kids the way he once did, but there are plenty of DVD dollars out there to spend on DVDs of his old movies. So why, when it came time to revisit one of his greatest films, if not the greatest, did The Jerk get treated like crap? Instead of producing some fun retrospective featurettes or an informative, entertaining commentary, the disc delivered an insult in the form of a ukelele lesson, a deleted scene and the film's trailer. While I can get the idea of matching the film's stupidity with a 26th-anniversary release, somehow, based on the rest of the disc, I doubt it was planned that way.
Review by Scott Weinberg
4. The Big Lebowski: Collector's Edition/Achiever's Edition
It may be a Coen Brothers film, but how does that explain the nice special edition made for Fargo? What we get here in the Collector's Edition, is a somewhat improved presentation, and not much else. Of course, you could spend a bit more cash for the Achiever's Edition and get...not much else. Unless of course you needed coasters and a bowling towel. Once again, a cult classic gets the shaft, despite a loyal fan base.
Review by Randy Miller III
5. The Producers: Deluxe Edition
Deluxe Edition? Apparently, turning a flipper disc into a two-disc set is good enough for Deluxe status now. After all, that's all this set does. There's no improvement to the quality or the extras. All you get is the opportunity to not get smudges on your disc. After the reused Mel Brooks' commentary on the Spaceballs double-dip, this probably shouldn't have been a surprise. The only positive is the fact that Universal is releasing the new film, thus sparing us the usual upcoming-film whoring.
Review by Scott Weinberg
6. Mallrats: 10th Anniversary Edition
After Dogma and Clerks X, the bar was set mighty high in terms of Kevin Smith double-dips. To say that the anniversary re-release of Mallrats doesn't clear it would be an understatement. Being the black sheep of the Smith canon, and a non-Miramax release, it doesn't get the treatment it should, though there are two extras that are entertaining. But when stacked up against some of the other Smith DVDs, especially the fantastic X release, it can hardly satisfy the faithful.
Reviews by Francis Rizzo III and Aaron Beierle
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Special 2-Disc Collector's Edition
If you're like most savvy DVD fans, you took one look at the decent first release of this movie and thought, maybe a double-dip is coming (a safe bet with basically every DVD now.) If you did, you were also disappointed, thanks to a double-dip that added precious little. Admittedly, some of what was added is interesting, but there's not nearly enough for such a critically-acclaimed film. Even worse, there was a total of three months between releases, which makes it an unashamed grab for cash.
Review by Jason Bovberg

Bottom 5 Editions

With a "Fun and Flirty Edition" of 13 Going on 30 on the way, the market for dumb DVD names seems to be only growing. This year was certainly a bumper crop.

5. Tommy Boy: Holy Schnike Edition
4. Airplane: The "Don't Call Me Shirley" Edition
3. Half-Baked: The Fully Baked Edition
2. The Longest Yard: The Lockdown Edition
1. Office Space: Special Edition...with Flair!

8. The Muppets 50th Anniversary DVDs
Pretend you're Disney for a moment. You've got one of the most beloved properties in children's entertainment history in The Muppets, and it's the 50th anniversary of the characters. Obviously, you create some extensive DVDs to celebrate the occasion. Well, obviously, if you aren't Disney. If you're Disney, you put the same old films out on DVD, with no improvement in quality and even take away extras in some cases. Way to go, Disney. Someone needs to remind them the felt puppets aren't the competition anymore.
Review by Todd Douglass Jr.
9. The Truman Show: Special Edition
Another Jim Carrey film, another critically-acclaimed movie, another disappointing double-dip. The new version is anamorphic and adds some extras, but when you have a movie like this, which is not only great, but also has a place in pop-culture history, you need to put in more of an effort. This film not only introduced a different, more serious Carrey to audiences (hello featurette idea!), but also heralded the coming wave of reality TV. If that's not worth spending some disc space on, in addition to what equals just over an hour of bonus material, what is?
Review by Randy Miller III
10. The Warriors: The Ultimate Director's Cut
As more and more people discovered the '70s classic, it became more and more likely that a double-dip would be following the bare-bones edition. 2005 delivered on that promise four years later, but didn't do it the way fans hoped for. Sure, the image and sound is improved, and the extras are enjoyable, but the film is not the original film, and that original film is no longer offered by Paramount. In its place is a hybrid that represents the director's vision, but not the film fans fell in love with. That's never acceptable.
Review by Ian Jane

2. House of Flying Daggers Wooden Box Limited Edition (Region 3 China)
This elegant Limited Edition from mainland China is housed in a real wooden box. Among the contents inside is an actual dagger just like the ones in the movie. The blade is unsharpened for your protection, and you'll just have to trust me that it doesn't dodge and weave through the air when you throw it.

3. Office Space - Special Edition with Flair! (Best Buy Exclusive Box Set)
It seemed like the long-awaited SE of this Mike Judge cult classic would never come out. The eventual release finally gave us a decent anamorphic transfer, but the selection of bonus features was a bit disappointing. Not at all disappointing, however, is this exclusive Best Buy box set packaging. Shaped like a filing cabinet, inside you'll find all of your essential office supplies: coffee mug, mouse pad, photo frame, and of course a red stapler!

4. Invader Zim House Box
A unique box very much in the spirit of the show, the best part of this special package is that you can purchase it either with the entire series inside or (for those who had already bought the individual releases) just as the box itself plus the bonus disc of supplements.

5. Phantasm Sphere (Region 2 UK)
Phantasm fans in the US will probably never see a set as nice as this, since the various sequels are owned by different studios. In the UK, however, Anchor Bay distributes them all and has put together this terrific chromed plastic death sphere.

6. Peanuts Complete Collection Dog House (Region 2 Germany)
How great is this? What a wonderful tribute to the show.

7. The Simpsons Complete Sixth Season "Homer Head"
In a bold move, Fox changed up the packaging configuration for the show's sixth season to this intriguing "Homer Head" design. Not all fans were happy about it. Not to worry, for just the price of shipping you can mail away for a standard box in the same design as the last five seasons.

8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Chosen Collection
In the same amount of space taken up by just three of the previous season sets, you can now get all seven seasons of the greatest television series ever in one very nice box. As an added incentive to upgrade, the Chosen Collection includes a bonus disc of all new supplements and a booklet essay by Joss Whedon on his Top Ten (or so) favorite episodes that he didn't write or direct.

9. House of Flying Daggers Acrylic Case Limited Edition (Region 3 Korea)
Perhaps not as elaborate or fancy as the mainland China wooden box set, this simple but stylish acrylic case has a lovely design that suits the movie and just happens to compliment last year's Korean box set for Hero (which was released by another studio!).

10. Gone With The Wind Collector's Edition / The Wizard of Oz Collector's Edition / King Kong Collector's Edition
Warner Home Video really outdid themselves this year when it came to deluxe presentations of their biggest classic titles. I really can't decide which of these classy packages I like the best, so they all tie.

Evil Dead 2 - Book of the Dead 2
The only reason this freaky rubber concoction is relegated to Honorable Mention status is because, frankly, it's basically a repeat of the first Book of the Dead. Nonetheless, it's a great design and deserves another mention.

Saw Uncut Edition
This marginal movie that already had a decent enough DVD edition goes the extra mile with a… well, just plain icky special package featuring a moving saw blade and floating gobules of blood. If you liked the movie, you'll love this sick treat.

Anime ThinPak Collections
One of the best trends to come out of "double-dip" re-releases has been the repackaging of complete anime series in ThinPak collections. Fans who just can't wait are free to gobble up the initial keepcase volumes, but those with a little patience will be rewarded with both monetary and space savings.

Steelbooks
An evolution of the Collector's Tin, the sleek Steelbook design made its first appearance in the US with the anime movie Appleseed. It has also appeared in foreign market releases for such titles as Dune (Region 4 Australia), Flash Gordon (Region 2 UK), and a host of Luc Besson movies (Region 2 France).

- Joshua Zyber

10. King Kong Production Diaries (Reviews by Scott Weinberg and Aaron Beierle)

Call it a quick cash grab by Universal (since it is, after all), but Peter Jackson's King Kong was perhaps one of the best candidates to receive such an in-depth look at the film's production---and it was fed to the hungry masses before the film hit theaters. There's roughly four hours of stuff to dig through, balanced with fun featurettes and more technical documentaries. All things considered, it's a very interesting experiment that further blurs the line between multiplexes and the home theater experience.

9. The Fearless Freaks (Review by Randy Miller III)

Bradley Beesley's fascinating look at Oklahoma City rock group The Flaming Lips isn't just one of the better music documentaries this year, it's also one of the strangest. A sorta-ever-changing lineup of talent has graced the Lips' musical back catalogue over the years, but they've made some very interesting records---so it's good to know this one digs deep, through the bad times and the good. The optional audio commentary with the director and the band is just icing on the cake. If you liked this one, check out VOID, a compilation of their oddball music videos from 1992-2005.

8. Ring Of Fire (Review by Randy Miller III)

With the recent onslaught of boxing films like Million Dollar Baby and Cinderella Man, there have been a few notable documentaries on the same page. The most notable is Ring of Fire, the story of Emile Griffith and his road to redemption. Griffith was the man who killed Benny "Kid" Parrett in a 1962 championship bout, resulting in the "banning" of the sport---at least on TV---for the better part of the decade. Now suffering from memory loss, Griffith seeks forgiveness from Parrett's son…and they finally meet. It's a great story about boxing, even though most of it's told outside the ring.

7. Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster (Reviews by Bill Gibron and Aaron Beierle)

As much as I love The Flaming Lips---and especially since I'm not a huge fan of Metallica—I've got to give a fair shake to Some Kind of Monster, a fascinating documentary about a band that's managed to survive a lot through the years. It may not make a die-hard fan out of you (though die-hard fans should enjoy it even more), but it'll certainly earn your respect. Interviews with members past and present---sometimes in the same room, despite their obvious dislike for one another---keep the tension high throughout.

6. Murderball (Review by Francis Rizzo III)

It's one of the most unlikely subjects for a documentary (quadriplegic rugby players!), and that's the reason this acclaimed film didn't sell as many tickets as that penguin film. Even so, Murderball is one of the best sports-related documentaries in recent memory, if only because what's here is relatively uncharted territory. Last year's documentary winner (My Flesh and Blood) told one story about dealing with disability. This one tells another one entirely, and the DVD's just as good.

5. Shake Hands With The Devil (Review by Randy Miller III)

Hotel Rwanda led the pack of films about the 1994 Rwandan massacre in most critics' eyes, but Shake Hands With The Devil earns top honors in my book. It's a highly personal documentary about Canadian Lt. General Roméo Dallaire and his struggle during the tragedy, touching on personal loss, regret and the general apathy of outside forces to step in and help. Shake Hands With The Devil is one of the most emotional accounts of the massacre on film, but gets its point across without taking the easy way out.

4. No Direction Home (Review by Bill Gibron)

Rounding out the trio of music-related nominees is No Direction Home, Martin Scorsese's amazing portrait of music legend Bob Dylan. Utilizing Dylan's career twists and turns (the Newport Folk Festival, a near-fatal motorcycle accident, and more), Scorsese has painted a detailed picture that fans will really enjoy from start to finish---and even at roughly four hours in length, it never drags. The two-disc set from Paramount is light on the extras (which mainly consist of several live performances), but the film does more than enough to carry the weight of this important release.

3. The Errol Morris Collection (Review by Scott Lecter)

This isn't a fully loaded set, but this trio of excellent documentaries by famed filmmaker Errol Morris still adds up to plenty of interesting entertainment. Gates of Heaven, Vernon, Florida and The Thin Blue Line are all packed tightly inside and there's not a bad one in the bunch. The first two offer an off-center look at life, love and loss, while the third is…well, just go see The Thin Blue Line and thank us later. More effort in the extras department may have placed this one even closer to the top, but it's still a fine collection.

2. March of the Penguins (Review by Randy Miller III)

Easily the most talked-about documentary of the year---at least during its successful theatrical release---March of the Penguins is the rare film that the whole family can enjoy. The story of emperor penguins and their trek through Antarctica is much warmer than its cold climate would have you believe, while Morgan Freeman's calm narration ties everything together perfectly. The DVD also includes a documentary by the filmmakers (shot during the difficult production), giving viewers an alternate tale of survival that helps put things in perspective.

1. Hoop Dreams: The Criterion Collection (Reviews by Bill Gibron and DVD Savant)

From rags to…well, almost riches: such is the story of Arthur Agee and William Gates, two talented young inner-city basketball players with dreams of making it big. Standing in the way of these dreams were personal injury, family problems, grades and other roadblocks that 99% of viewers can relate to. It's easily one of the finest films of any genre, while the DVD is yet another fantastic package from Criterion. Among other highlights, fans are treated to a newly recorded commentary with the more mature Agee and Gates. From top to bottom, this is truly a must-own documentary.

Honorable Mention: These include (a) DVDs I've seen that almost made the cut, and (b) DVDs on my "wish list" that are highly recommended by members of the DVD Talk staff. They are as follows:

The result is a compendium of crazy cult classics that deserves a substantially wider audience. From the unhinged hysteria of the late 1960s to recent reinventions of the mixed-up macabre genre, these outsider offerings stand out because of qualities both exceptional and experimental. They prove that some of the most innovative and original filmmaking is coming not from Sundance or studio-backed prestige production companies. Instead, true moviemaking subterfuge is occurring in backyards and on PCs everywhere. The revolution is indeed upon us, and the digital domain is its primary propaganda source.

So without further ado, here are the Top Ten Obscure Outsider Homemade Movies on DVD That You Probably Never Heard Of from 2005:

10. Raising the Stakes: You can't get much more homemade than first time director Justin Channell's homage to high school geekdom and horror film fandom. Indeed, this entire project is a labor of love between friends so in tune with each other's sense of humor that everything clicks in this amazing comic gem. The pseudo-scary storyline about a couple of dorks who want to be vampires because...well, the undead are kinda cool, is never fully explored, and a lot of the jokes are stolen from shows like South Park and Family Guy. Still, Channell manages to do the nearly impossible - he creates a truly hilarious film that's fresh, not forced.

9. Buzz Saw Serial slaughter...alien invasion...hopelessly inept handymen...you name it, Buzz Saw has found a way to add it into its mixed-up menagerie of the macabre. Imagine the Coen Brothers as the kings of carnage, or David Lynch exposing the true secrets behind Area 51 - that's the visual vibe and narrative tone achieved by directors Robin Garrels and Dave Burnett. Beyond its bizarro world tendencies is a film that fully understands the requirements of a fictional realm. Garrels and Burnett give their movie about murder and extraterrestrial menace untold dimensional details, making it as authentic and inviting as it is arcane and insane.

8. Sins of the Fleshapoids: Welcome to the outsider film's official starting point. Working from their New York home, and an unbridled love of cinema, brothers George and Michael Kuchar single-handedly brought moviemaking to the mixed-up masses with their oddball ode to sexually frustrated robots. Sins centers on a post-war planet one million years in the future, but all the sci-fi facets are guided through a vision unequivocally eccentric. Though today it's more camp and kitsch than groundbreaking and ingenious, this fascinating film (one of three included on Other Cinema's DVD offering) is still a mind-blowing milestone, a retro reminder of where filmmakers like John Waters got their ideas and inspiration.

7. Aftermath/Genesis: Death is a tenuous subject for a filmmaker, especially when dealing with issues as deep as grief or as shocking as necrophilia. But director Ignacio "Nacho" Cerdà handles both with such deftness and seriousness that one can't help but be incredibly impressed. Genesis's tone poem of loss is as graceful and beautiful as it is unnerving, but it's Aftermath that's true 'corpse-f***ing art' (to borrow a line from Jörg Buttgereit). While the graphic depiction of sex with the dead will definitely disturb, Cerdà's dialogue-less movie is more than just a glorified geek show. It's a direct retort to mortality and everything it stands for.

6. Jerkbeast: Two dimwits and a guy dressed up in an ogre suit want to start a rock band. All they end up with is an ironclad contract from a couple of corrupt con artists. Doesn't sound like the most promising premise for an anarchic comedy, but filmmakers Brady Hall and Calvin Reedy are well versed in all things Jerkbeast. They have transported their own foul-mouthed public access call-in show to the big screen and created a 'rags to riches to rotten' road film that's as foul as it is funny. As an exercise in extremes both slapstick and scatological this is homemade humor at its most pure and potent.

5. Inbred Redneck Alien Abduction: The plotline couldn't be more promising - invaders from outer space target a group of hopelessly hick hillbillies for their icky "experiments" and the government comes calling. Thankfully, writer/director Patrick Vos and his co-writer Adam Hackbarth do more than just flesh out this funny business. They create a comedy so novel and unusual that recent Hollywood horse-hockey just pales in comparison. Aside from the fact that bumpkins are basically humor gold, these devilishly deranged filmmakers find ways to give FBI agents and egregious E.T.s their own sense of silliness and savvy. The result is a misguided masterwork, an outsider opus you'll revisit again and again.

4. The Stink of Flesh Nowadays, it's nearly impossible to make an original zombie film...that is, unless your name is Scott Phillips. While still playing within the dimensions of the undead, this amazing auteur has found a way to revitalize a genre that the homemade movie has more or less ravaged beyond recognition. And he does it by injecting a little exploitation level sleaze into the mix. This sordid story about a sex-starved couple looking for lovers among the post-apocalyptic survivors of a corpse-plagued planet is both serious and satirical, dealing with issues other horror films wouldn't dare explore. In the realm of overdone ideas, Phillips is the flesh-eaters' certified savior.

3. Reflections of Evil: Along with the sublime Giuseppe Andrews, Damon Packard is a true God of the outsider effort. Using a style that can best be described as mise-en-mess, and a persona filled with equal parts Tourettes and talent, this true independent maverick has mixed his 70s obsessions with his hatred of the world to weave a truly inspired expression of self. Packard plays an overweight street vendor dealing with the death of his sister. In between his profane public outbursts, we witness clips from The ABC Movie of the Week, a young Stephen Spielberg onset, and footage from the Universal Studio tour. As a film, it's fascinating. As a cry for help, it's downright disturbing.

2. The American Astronaut: Some may know Cory McAbee as the lead singer and guiding light of the art rock outfit The Billy Nayer Show. But if there is any justice in this land, he will soon be known as the visionary director of one of the most amazing films from the last decade, The American Astronaut. Centering around a mercenary space jockey who must deliver a real live girl to a planet that worships a young boy who once saw a female breast, McAbee adds idiosyncratic touches and retro-rococo designs to his epic adventure to deliver a wholly unique musical(!!!)that will remind you of the glory days of MGM gone all mangy and diseased.

1. Plaga Zombie: Mutant Zone: Take a trio of horror film fans from Brazil, inspire them with every known motion picture and pop culture reference on the planet and serve up with a sly, ironic sense of humor and you've got one of the most remarkable amateur efforts ever created. Actually two parts in a proposed trilogy, Plaga Zombie, and its Mutant Zone sequel arrive on one DVD so brimming with brilliance that you just might be blinded by its practical perfection. As terror it's a treat. As comedy it's clever and creative. But as a work of pure personal genius, no one can top this pair of productions. They are truly 2005's best.

- Bill Gibron