BEST TRANSFER -- NEW RELEASE

In an extremely tight race with some serious contenders, 'The Incredible Hulk' squeezed past every other new release with a gorgeous, jaw-dropping transfer. While its CG-laden visuals aren't quite as stirring as 'No Country For Old Men's gritty and realistic cinematography, Ed Norton and company stormed past the competition with a perfect, reference quality transfer.

Runner Up: No Country for Old Men
Honorable Mention: Doomsday, Enchanted, Eastern Promises, The Fall, I Am Legend, Iron Man, The Orphanage, Rambo, Saawariya, Speed Racer, Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, Transformers, Tropic Thunder, and Wanted

BEST TRANSFER -- RECENT RELEASE (Three years or older)

Arguably the finest transfer of the year, 'I, Robot' looks absolutely fantastic in high definition. Vibrant colors, a crystal clear image, and razor sharp detailing made this March release an early 2008 juggernaut that other more criticially-acclaimed titles simply couldn't dethrone. Sure, the movie itself isn't for everyone, but a flawless picture goes a long way.

Runner Up: The Ultimate Matrix Collection
Honorable Mention: The 6th Day, Hulk, Kill Bill 1 & 2, Man on Fire, The Mummy Returns, Ocean's Eleven, The Proposition, The Rookie, and U-571

BEST TRANSFER -- CATALOG TITLE (Ten years or older)

You may not think a black and white classic from the '40s could outclass impressive releases like 'The Sand Pebbles,' 'Dr. No,' and 'Baraka,' but you'd be dead wrong. 'Casablanca's Blu-ray debut boasted a stunning transfer that looks as if it were minted yesterday. Detail is revealing, contrast is spot on, and the print appears to be in immaculate shape. Simply beautiful.

Runner Up: The Sand Pebbles
Honorable Mention: The Adventures of Robin Hood, Baraka, Batman: The Movie, Bonnie & Clyde, Bottle Rocket, Casino, Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Gattaca, Live and Let Die, The Lost Boys, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Thing

BEST TRANSFER -- ANIMATED

In another close contest, 'Kung Fu Panda' managed to steal top honors from some very deserving competition. Its bristling fur, lush primaries, inviting contrast, and faultless blacks look exceptional, and never exhibit a hint of artifacting, noise, or banding (an animated transfer's primary pitfall). Granted, category leaders like 'Wall•E' come really close, but it's Po that takes the prize.

Runner Up: Wall•E
Honorable Mention: Bee Movie, Bender's Game, Beowulf, Freedom, Horton Hears a Who, Ice Age, Madagascar, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Persepolis, Shrek the Third, The Simpsons Movie, Sleeping Beauty, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars

BEST AUDIO

In what boils down to at least a ten-way toss-up, 'Wanted' emerges unscathed with a precise, powerful, and inarguably perfect DTS HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that hits hard and never lets up. Its booming LFE support, tenacious rear speaker involvement, and effortless soundfield will yank you in and never let go. In a word, its outstanding.

Runner Up: Transformers
Honorable Mention: 30 Days of Night, The Bank Job, Cloverfield, The Dark Knight, I Am Legend, The Incredible Hulk, I Robot, Iron Man, Kill Bill 1 & 2, Kung Fu Panda, The Orphanage, Rambo, Redbelt, The Ultimate Matrix Collection, and Wall•E

BEST CATALOG AUDIO (Ten years or older)

Using newly-discovered 35mm 3-track recordings, Disney gave one of their most beloved classics a thrilling overhaul. Not only did the studio remix and reinvigorate 'Sleeping Beauty's audio, they did it with style. Better still, the resulting 24-bit DTS HD Master Audio 7.1 monster mix doesn't sound like an unnatural, over-processed gimmick. Bravo Disney, bravo.

Runner Up: Baraka
Honorable Mention: Casino, Crimson Tide, Dark City, For Your Eyes Only, Hidalgo, The Hunt for Red October, Independence Day, JFK, LA Confidential, Men in Black, Nixon, The Rock, Run Lola Run, The Sand Pebbles, and Twister

BEST ANIMATED TITLE

'Kung Fu Panda's video transfer may have stood a hair higher, but when you factor in 'Wall•E's almost equally impressive transfer with its astounding audio, extensive supplemental package, and exclusive features, the little robot that could nudges his way to becoming this year's animated winner. Heartwarming, gorgeous, resonant, and intriguing, it's a true, must-have disc.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE/SERIES

I simply cannnot recommend 'Baraka' enough. Its haunting visuals will stick with you for a long time to come, its chilling soundtrack enhances and inhabits its breathtaking imagery, and its technical presentation is worth legitimate praise. Ironically, many will overlook this title in the holiday hustle and bustle. Stop putting it off and check out this classic documentary today.

Runner Up: When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions
More Digital Drivel: The BBC Natural History Collection, Ganges, Helvetica, Shine a Light, Standard Operating Procedure, and Step Into Liquid

BEST CONCERT/LIVE PERFORMANCE RELEASE

Celine Dion may be devolving into a bizarre parody of herself, but there's no denying the fact that the Blu-ray edition of 'A New Day' is an exceptional release. A show-stopping video transfer, a reference quality audio package (with excellent TrueHD 5.1 and PCM 2.0 tracks), and nearly four hours of documentaries make this one the best of the best. If you're a fan, you can't go wrong.

Runner Up: The Police: Certifiable
Honorable Mention: Hannah Montanna & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds, Justin Timberlake: Live at Madison Square Garden, Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Concert, and Within Temptation: Black Symphony

BEST TELEVISION RELEASE

I went back and forth between 'Band of Brothers' and 'Lost: The Complete Fourth Season' for a long time, but eventually decided to give my favorite cryptic survivors the edge. Rebounding from a season-hemming writer's strike, boldly changing the rules of their own game, delivering top notch video and audio, and giving me countless supplements to dig through? 'Lost' it is.

Runner Up: Band of Brothers
Honorable Mention: Damages: The Complete First Season, Firefly, Heroes: Season One, Mad Men: Season One, Pushing Daisies: The Complete First Season, Supernatural: The Complete Third Season, and Weeds: Season Three,

BEST BOX SET

If you ever decide to drop enough cash to nab the 'Planet of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution Collection,' you won't be disappointed. Every glossy page of its 200-page hardcover insert, every nook of the study box, and every corner of this unexpectedly attractive box set screams "I'm worth every penny." I just wish I had the shelf space to display this one properly.

Runner Up: The Godfather Collection
Honorable Mention: Band of Brothers, Casablanca: Ultimate Collector's Edition, I Am Legend: Ultimate Collector's Edition, The Omen Collection,The Ultimate Matrix Collection, and Wanted: Deluxe Collector's Set

MOST OVERLOOKED GEM

In case you haven't noticed, my adoration of 'The Sand Pebbles,' a catalog film I discovered for the first time when I reviewed it this year, hasn't waned. The film itself is surprisingly relevant and engaging, its faithful 1080p catalog transfer is second only to 'Casablanca,' its audio is refreshingly good, and its supplemental package is vast. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.

Runner Up: The Proposition
Honorable Mention: Baraka, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Eastern Promises, The Life Before Her Eyes, Michael Clayton, The Orphanage, Persepolis, Redbelt, Serenity, Sunshine, and The Visitor

BEST SUPPLEMENTAL PACKAGE

If you haven't dug through 'Sleeping Beauty's supplemental package, you're really missing out. You'll find a Cine-Explore Picture-in-Picture track, an audio commentary, a 45-minute documentary, interactive CG tours, a series of featurettes, deleted scenes, a short film, galleries, storyboards, a trivia track, interactive games, and BD-Live functionality. Whew.

Runner Up: Casablanca
Honorable Mention: The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Godfather Collection, Mad Men: Season One, The Omen, Patton, Planet of the Apes, The Sand Pebbles, The Ultimate Matrix Collection, and Wall•E

BEST BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVES

HBO went all out with the Blu-ray edition of 'Band of Brothers.' Each episode features an Interactive Field Guide (with accessible bios, videos, factoids, and maps), Picture-in-Picture video commentary from actual Easy Company veterans, and other exclusive goodies that enhance the already impressive standard supplemental package. It'll keep you hooked for days.

Runner Up: Sleeping Beauty
Honorable Mention: Heroes: Season One, The Kingdom, The Omen, Planet of the Apes: 40 Year Evolution Collection, Serenity, Transformers, The Ultimate Matrix Collection, Wall•E, Wanted, and Young Frankenstein

BEST HIGH-DEF STUDIO

You have to hand it to Disney - the studio knows what Blu-ray fans want, understands what the format is capable of, and continually delivers discs that look great, sound wonderful, and are packed to the brim with special features and exclusives. Even mishaps like 'Gangs of New York' can't take away from a slew of high-quality releases including 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' 'Enchanted,' 'Kill Bill,' 'Lost,' 'No Country for Old Men,' 'The Nightmare Before Christmas,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' 'Wall•E,' and more. There was some really stiff competition this year, but no studio made more strides toward greatness than Disney. Kudos.

Runner Up: Universal
Honorable Mention: Paramount and Sony

88 MINUTES

Oh Al, what are we going to do with you? After lining your canon with gut-wrenchers and intense dramas for years, you've recently been turning in junk like 'Righteous Kill,' 'Simone,' and, worst of all, a horrid, non-sensical thriller like '88 Minutes.' Not only did your latest cinematic atrocity eek into my personal list of the Ten Worst Films of All Time, but its Blu-ray release was a total mess. An ugly transfer, bland and underwhelming lossless audio, and an anemic supplemental package. People should avoid this one at all costs.

THE AMITYVILLE HORROR

Whether or not it's actually based on a true story or not, age hasn't given 'The Amityville Horror' any extra bite, instead depleting it of the few chills it actually had. Stocky acting, piss-poor effects work, laughable frights, and even more ridiculous imagery combine to drop one of the most overrated horror "classics" on Blu-ray. Its high-def debut wasn't much better. Lumbering onto the scene with a stilted transfer and an embarassing DTS HD Master Audio track, this one didn't even earn a single special feature from MGM. An awful... simply awful release.

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID

This is the point in the article where I shed my first tear. I have strong feelings for 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and when I learned it was being released on Blu-ray, I was overwhelmed and excited. But when I discovered Fox had mucked the whole thing up, my shock and outrage was undeniably fierce. DVD-esque visuals revealed source problems, technical issues, and mastering shortcuts, and the disc's lossless audio was a complete waste of space. Needless to say, this pitiful release was one of the biggest disappointments of 2008.

COMMANDO

I may not be a huge 'Commando' fan, but apparently quite a few of our readers are. When Fox dumped yet another cult favorite on Blu-ray with all the love and care afforded to a wet cardboard box on trash night, Schwarzenegger stalwarts were furious. The disc's weak video transfer and mediocre DTS HD MA track were terrible, but they were a mere sucker punch compared to the reality of a barebones release. While a recent DVD edition contained a Director's Cut and a slew of supplemental material, the BD boasted a trailer. Ouch.

DRAGON WARS

When I think of 'Dragon Wars,' I just start laughing. Remember when the main characters outran a giant, lightning-fast serpent? When a godlike superbeing was felled by a speeding car? When 'The Office's Daryl would try to look concerned for his safety? When... sigh... I could go on and on. Some people enjoyed it as a spoof, but the film took itself far too seriously to nab any camp cred from me. You'd think the effects-heavy film would at least look and sound good on Blu-ray, but you'd be wrong. Weak video, weak audio, and weak supplements. Bah humbug.   

LOST BOYS: THE TRIBE

It's not that I thought an 18-year belated horror sequel would be anything more than a cash-in project, it's just that I expected 'Lost Boys: The Tribe' to retain the tone and feel of the first film. Ah well, one of the worst straight-to-video follow-ups deserves one of the worst Blu-ray discs of the year. Despite modern production values, the disc arrived with a surprisingly dull transfer, a boring standard Dolby Digital audio track, and less than twenty minutes of aimless bonus content. Revisit 'The Lost Boys' this holiday season, but avoid this drab rehash at all cost.

ONE MISSED CALL

How terrible is 'One Missed Call' and its Blu-ray release? Horrible enough that I'd rather use this space to promote a few overlooked and misunderstood gems of the last two years. Stop me when I run out of room. 'Baraka,' 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead,' 'The Counterfieters,' 'Eastern Promises,' 'The Fall,' 'The Fountain,' 'The Lives of Others,' 'Oldboy,' 'The Proposition,' 'Red Belt,' 'The Sand Pebbles,' 'SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers,' 'Sunshine'... what? Out of space? Ah well, spend your money on those titles instead of 'One Missed Call.'

PREDATOR

Cue second, less-manly, more-geeky tear. 'Predator' is one of my favorite guilty pleasures of all time and, as far as I'm concerned, has weathered the years extremely well. Unfortunately, the film's source has not. Anyone who didn't shake their head while digging through its highly anticipated Blu-ray debut must be blind and deaf. Muddy visuals, lingering technical issues, flat surround presence, and weak dynamics left this release floundering on the floor. More troubling is the lack of a single special feature. Personally, I was dumbfounded and speechless.

THE SCORPION KING 2: RISE OF A WARRIOR

Universal's straight-to-video prequel… to a prequel… to a sequel of a campy adventure flick (that didn't need a sequel in the first place) arrived on Blu-ray to little fanfare. Its shockingly bad video transfer left me wondering how low the film's budget actually was. Its uninspiring audio was stagey, flat, and could hardly save the release. Worst of all, the relatively extensive supplemental package that appeared on the standard DVD is nowhere to be found on the disc. Universal doesn't make grave high-def mistakes too often, but this release is definitely one of them.

WITLESS PROTECTION

I'll give you a minute to stop nodding your heads before I lament the faults of a culture that willingly handed over $4 million box office bucks to see Larry the Cable Guy's moronic appearance in this dead-on-arrival comedy. But even those who enjoy the comedian's long-drawled schtick will cringe at this Blu-ray release. An average video and audio presentation, an EPK-laden supplemental package, and a whopping nine minutes of painful exclusives make this one to avoid. Run away... run far, far away.

UGLIEST VIDEO TRANSFER

Thick edge enhancement halos, heavy digital artifacts, texture-swabbing DNR, smeared pans, inconsistent grain levels, blooming, banding, noise, unnatural colors... what did Disney do to 'Gangs of New York?' For a studio that prides itself on top tier releases, it's especially troubling. Easily producing the ugliest, most problematic, most disappointing, and most unforgivable abomination released on Blu-ray this year, Disney needs to release a proper transfer of 'Gangs of New York' as soon as possible.

Other Eye-Gougers: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Black Christmas (1974), Chuck: The Complete First Season, The Last Sentinel, Lost Boys: The Tribe, The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, Short Circuit, and Six Degrees Could Change the World

MOST DISAPPOINTING AUDIO

While Warner Brothers wasn't responsible for the worst technical audio of the year (that dishonor belongs to Sony's 'Zombie Strippers'), it released far too many standard Dolby Digital tracks in place of lossless mixes. Much to my dismay, the most disappointing standard track accompanied 'Speed Racer.' What could have been a rip-roaring, immersive, and dynamic sonic experience, turned out to be a thin, uninvolving blight that didn't live up to the disc's amazing visuals. Warner needs to embrace lossless audio like every other studio before their loyalists revolt.

Audiophiles Should Also Avoid: Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Carrie, Commando, Dirty Harry, Live and Let Die, Predator, and Zombie Strippers

MOST POINTLESS HD EXCLUSIVE

Considering the strides Disney made in producing Blu-ray exclusives this year (the bonus content on 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Wall•E' was exceptional), I was particularly underwhelmed by the lone exclusive included with 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.' Do we get a Picture-in-Picture track? New documentaries? Previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage? Nope, instead we're treated to an 18-second introduction from director Tim Burton that only serves to remind consumers that there aren't any other exclusives on the disc.

MOST DISHONORABLE DISCHARGE

A memo to the studios: if you're going to release older catalog films in high-def, at least give each title a thorough remastering, engaging audio, and some hefty special features. Oh yeah, and it wouldn't hurt to release real classics instead of tossing whatever leftovers you have on hand to a ravenous public. 'Battle of Britain' wasn't a very good film to begin with, but a fugly transfer, a middling lossless audio track, and a non-existent supplemental package make this one of the worst war releases of the year. The 'Bond' films proved MGM could do so much better...

Other Misfires: A Bridge Too Far, Commando, The Longest Day, Patriot Games, the DNR applied to Patton, War Inc, and Zombie Strippers

DULLEST HORROR RELEASE

Is anything more cursed than a Stephen King horror film? Even a beloved, critically-acclaimed flick like 'Carrie' arrives in high definition with plenty of problems. Washed out, dull, and soft, MGM's video transfer was awful. Flat, uninvolving, and muddled, the studio's DTS HD Master Audio lossless remix was a mess as well. Adding insult to injury, there aren't even any special features on hand to redeem the release in the slightest. Here's hoping horror classics like 'Carrie' receive better treatment in 2009 than they did in 2008.

MOST BUMBLING SUPERHEROICS

After squandering momentum, characters, and tension in many of its seventh season episodes, 'Smallville' was nearly derailed by the very problems it worked so hard to overcome in the past. Worse still, Warner Brothers crammed twenty episodes onto three Blu-ray discs (one of which was a single-layer BD-25), coughed up a problematic transfer, standard Dolby Digital audio, and features that will leave fans wanting. Hopefully, Warner Brothers will pony up enough cash to give the series' much improved eighth season a more impressive BD release.

FLATTEST FANTASY TITLE

A moment of silence for writer/director/egomaniac Uwe Boll. Without a doubt, this modern-day Ed Wood has helmed and defended some of the worst films imaginable. However, nothing can possibly prepare you for the hemroidal cyst that is 'In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale.' Correction, nothing can possibly prepare you for the Blu-ray edition's 162-minute director's cut, Uwe Boll audio commentary, or wretched deleted scenes. I just hope Pete doesn't send me this one to review... it might spoil my Christmas cheer altogether.

More Digital Drivel: 10,000 BC, Dragon Wars, The Last Sentinel, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, and Sukiyaki Western: Django

MOST WORTHLESS BOX SET

I know what you were thinking: if only Echo Bridge Entertainment would take twenty of their bargain-bin releases and toss them into an unsightly collector's box (with a convenient handle) for the low, low price of $149.99... that would be a dream worth dreaming! Well, your wish has come true since Echo Bridge has released a laughably worthless Blu-Cube Collection.

Other Costly Collections: The Echo Bridge Blu-Cube 10-Pack, Prison Break: The Complete Third Season, Robin Hood: Season One, Smallville: The Complete Seventh Season, and Yukikaze

WORST CATALOG TREATMENT

Considering all of the mishaps and travesties that befell some true classics this year, it was Image Entertainment's high definition release of 'Short Circuit' that left me shaking my head more than any other. I still have very fond memories of watching the film when I was a child, but the Blu-ray edition's unimpressive 1080i transfer, ordinary audio track, and dated special features left me cold and disillusioned. I wanted to feel like a kid again... instead, I just feel like a grumpy old man whose nostalgia has been trampled. Johnny Five is definitely not alive and well on Blu-ray.

Other Gross Violations: The Amityville Horror, A Bridge Too Far, Battle of Britain, Black Christmas, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Carrie, Commando, Gangs of New York, Outbreak, Predator, and Wall Street

WORST HIGH-DEF TREND

The worst high-def trend of 2008? Digital Noise Reduction. More commonly referred to as DNR (or DFNR for those particularly aggrevated by its side-effects), this meddlesome filter is used to reduce grain, but also inadvertantly robs the image of fine detail clarity, leaving skin waxy and clothing plasticized. Some swear they don't see it, but once you notice its effects, DNR becomes an absolute deal breaker. Ultimately, HD presentations are supposed to reveal more detail, not obscure it. DNR is a lazy, distracting, and counterproductive process that needs to die.

More Pesky Pet Peeves: Releases without lossless audio, Universal's cumbersome U-Control functionality, discs missing DVD special features, and mediocre BD-Live content, availability, and accessibility

MOST EMBARRASSING STUDIO PERFORMANCE

Before MGM finally earned some accolades for releasing impressive versions of six catalog 'Bond' films on Blu-ray in October, their 2008 release slate consisted of 'The Amityville Horror,' 'Battle of Britain,' 'A Bridge Too Far,' 'Carrie,' and 'Stargate: Continuum.' Not exactly a roll call to be proud of. More distressingly, the studio's technical presentations, supplemental packages, and price points caused headaches for fans of all stripes. Hopefully, MGM's 2009 releases will share more in common with 007 than anything else they gave us this year.

Other Troubling Performances: Bandai Visual, BCI Home Entertainment, Echo Bridge Entertainment, FUNimation!, Magnolia Pictures, and Starz Home Entertainment

BAND OF BROTHERS

World War II has been mined by filmmakers ad nauseum, but talented individuals like those responsible for 'Band of Brothers' still manage to make the subject as stirring and inspiring as ever. Taking a cue from 'Saving Private Ryan,' the ten-part HBO miniseries focuses on everyday men sacrificing their lives to accomplish something extraordinary. This high-quality BD release is even better, offering a top notch transfer (marred only by slight DNR), booming audio, and an endless parade of standard and exclusive features. It should adorn everyone's collection.

BARAKA

Unless you've experienced the haunting visuals and unsettling music of 'Baraka,' this release probably isn't on your radar. Simply put, this documentary classic doesn't feature a single line of narration, but instead relies on astounding imagery to make piercing observations about the human condition. Boasting a gorgeous remastered presentation and atmospheric audio, this is exactly the kind of disc people should be tossing in their Blu-ray players to showcase the wonders of high definition. Do yourself the favor of discovering this beautifully unique film.

THE DARK KNIGHT

The most hype, the most buzz, the most anticipation, and the highest selling Blu-ray release of all time just so happens to surround one of the most unexpectedly complex and involving films of the year: 'The Dark Knight.' Christopher Nolan's return to the Batman franchise earns a striking video transfer, a pounding audio mix, solid extras, and some intriguing BD exclusives (including the option to generate your own content and commentaries). If you don't already have 'The Dark Knight' sitting on your shelf, you can bet someone who loves you is working to remedy the situation.

THE GODFATHER COLLECTION

Is anyone actually surprised to see 'The Godfather Collection' grace this list? The combination of three beloved films (two of which are classics in every sense of the word), three meticulous frame-by-frame remasterings, and three unbelievable audio/video upgrades, make this title a must-have release for any filmfan with a Blu-ray player. As if that weren't enough, Paramount has also included a wealth of supplemental material that covers the entire breadth of Francis Ford Coppola's mafia epic. Considering its low pricepoint and astronomical value, this one is a no-brainer.

IRON MAN

Who would've thought a relatively unknown armored superhero would crush the box office competition to become one of the most successful comicbook adaptations of all time? 'Iron Man' turned out to be a blast, hurling wit, style, and pulse-pounding action into the same volatile pot. The studio made sure to impress when the film arrived on Blu-ray as well. A reference-quality transfer, a powerful audio track, and a slew of special features help Shellhead's Blu-ray bow edge past 'The Dark Knight's debut to become the best comicbook-adaptation release of the year.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

There's only room for one Tim Burton Blu-ray release in this list (Sweeney has been relegated to the "Best of the Rest" list below) and the honor goes to his 'Nightmare Before Christmas.' Not only is the film itself a timeless holiday classic, its Blu-ray release looks fantastic and puts previous DVD releases to shame. It even includes a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 surround track just to drive the point home. Add to that a healthy collection of supplemental content (culled from the standard and Collector's Edition DVDs) and you have one of the best animated releases of the year.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

It might be easy to neglect the year's earliest releases, but I'd be foolish to overlook this startlingly unpredictable crime thriller from the Coen Brothers. While it divided audiences and left quite a few completely out in the cold, its characters, plot development, and structure were a breath of fresh air for many cinefiles. Its Blu-ray release was an even bigger surprise. Reference level audio and video helped it overcome an underwhelming supplemental package and emerge as one of the earliest must-have discs of 2008. Thankfully, it's never too late to discover this one.

THE SAND PEBBLES

Emerging as the year's dark horse Blu-ray release, Steve McQueen's 'The Sand Pebbles' was lost in the shuffle when it was released alongside a juggernaut named 'Patton' and other well-known catalogue war classics. However, the film's modern tone and performances, along with the disc's dramatically faithful video transfer, masterful DTS HD Master Audio remix, and involving special features, allowed this release to establish itself as the best of the bunch. Ignore the cover art, resist any hesitation, and immerse yourself in this one before you forget about it again.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Disney has always held their timeless masterpieces in high regard and that pride extends to their first traditionally-animated catalogue release, 'Sleeping Beauty.' Not only did the studio deliver a reference quality video transfer and DTS HD 7.1 lossless audio, but the BD producers took full advantage of everything the format has to offer with countless extras and notable exclusive features. More importantly, Disney successfully married one of their oldest, most beloved classics to cutting edge, home video technology to produce a disc other studios should be jealous of.

WALL•E

You have to hand it to the folks at Pixar. Year after year, they tackle tough challenges, push boundaries, and make us reconsider what children's animation can accomplish. As if it weren't difficult enough to take a cooking rat and craft his tale into one of the best movies of 2007, Pixar gives us 'Wall•E' and shows that a throwback to silent-era filmmaking can result in one of the best movies of 2008. The Blu-ray edition is even better, delivering 5-star reference-level video and audio quality, and bonus features all around. This is easily 2008's best BD release.

THE BEST OF THE REST

ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN

Based on the 1974 non-fiction book by writers Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, 'All the President's Men' follows an unlikely pair of Washington Post reporters as they work to uncover the truth behind the Watergate scandal. Yep, the very same Watergate that led to then-president Richard Nixon's resignation. Not only does the Academy Award nominated film include convincing recreations of events that forever changed the country, but both Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford arguably deliver the performance of their respective careers. While the film may not be as inclusive as 'Nixon' or as extensive as other films on the subject (after all, it focuses squarely on Bernstein and Woodward), 'All the President's Men' tells a fascinating and powerful story that has become a true classic in the genre.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT

My wife and I aren't big fans of romantic comedies, but we both adore 'The American President,' a disarmingly sweet and charming presidential-romcom starring Michael Douglas and Annette Benning. However, it's not just a believable budding romance between Douglas' president and Benning's environmental lobbyist that makes the film work so well. It's the quiet moments between the President and his Chief of Staff (played with subtle stoicism by Martin Sheen), the loving exchanges between the newly-widowed President and his teen daughter, and several glimpses of his resolve and decency, even in the face of aggressive attacks from a senator (a perfectly cast Richard Dreyfuss) trying to foil his bid for reelection. By the end, you may just find yourself wishing you lived in 'The American President's America.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

There are two groups of people reading this right now: those who are familiar with 'Battlestar Galactica' and understand exactly why it's here, and those who have yet to experience its multi-layered stories and are confused as to why a so-called sci-fi space-romp is sitting pretty on my list. To cut to the chase, 'Battlestar Galactica' is an incredibly intellectual drama that deftly deals with presidential politics, the current division amongst voters in the US, the balance of religious ideals and political pursuits, and the policies of a nation living in fear of obliteration. Whether focusing on presidential power, political coups, revolutions, insurgencies, the struggles between the government and military in a time of war, or the differing morals of its people, 'Battlestar Galactica' is one of the most sharply-written political epics of all time.

THE CONTENDER

Plenty of dramas have dealt with the assassination of a president or government official, but very few have dealt with the more grounded and common occurrence in Washington: character assassination. 'The Contender' is a riveting character study that challenges its audience to decide how much a person's past should affect their present pursuits. The did-she-or-didn't-she victim in this intense game of political cat-n-mouse comes in the form of a Vice Presidential hopeful (Joan Allen) who gets dragged through the proverbial mud as a pompous senator (Gary Oldman) tries to paint her as a promiscuous flag-burner. In an election season that has seen some of the most dubious personal attacks and accusations in recent memory, 'The Contender' is a shockingly relevant film that's far more powerful than you might expect.

DAVE

Don't be fooled by 'Dave's aw-shucks approach to its subject matter: the film may be a light-hearted comedy, but it tackles more issues with greater tenacity than most of its political brethren. From ballooning government spending, to behind-the-curtain maneuvering, to the delicate cons pulled by some of Washington's finest, 'Dave' skewers political dishonesty, sleight of hand, and self preservation. It makes a clear case that our country needs leaders who will focus on the needs of its citizens, rather than itself. Kevin Kline is perfect in the title role as a man must to fill the president's shoes without letting the public in on the secret. Sure, the setup requires some hefty suspension of disbelief, but Kline really sells his character as an average guy encountering, questioning, and ultimately affecting his country for the better.

THE FOG OF WAR

As the old adage goes, those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. In 'Fog of War,' a critically acclaimed and award winning documentary from filmmaker Errol Morris, former Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara details the policies, decisions, consequences, and effects of a tumultuous period in US history. Morris keeps his camera focused on an unexpectedly candid McNamara who, at the end of his life, has little reason to gloss over the truth. McNamara discusses mistakes that were made, the arguments and debates that were making the rounds behind the scenes, the motivations of everyone involved, and the lessons he learned from his experience. 'Fog of War' is a fascinating documentary -- one I'll unabashedly declare as the best I've ever seen -- whose subject is refreshingly honest and self-critical.

JOHN ADAMS

I have to admit, I've always been interested in the events of the 20th century... I even have a soft spot for Civil War history. Even so, I've never been particularly intrigued by the foundations of our country, its democracy, or the events that led to our independence. It's not that I don't find it interesting, I suppose I've just learned so much about it in school that I've come to take the facts of the matter for granted. However, 'John Adams,' a 2008 HBO miniseries starring Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, and a slew of other heavyweights, grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. It takes astounding care to render very human portraits of its historical figures and even manages to deliver a resonant commentary on our country's 21st century purpose, liberties, and freedom. Simply put, it's a masterwork everyone should see.

THIRTEEN DAYS

Sometimes overlooked as a secondary JFK film that features Kevin Costner, 'Thirteen Days' doesn't concern itself with John F. Kennedy's assassination, but rather with his reaction to and handling of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Played with inspiring resolve by Bruce Greenwood, the president we see in 'Thirteen Days' is very much alive and in control of his responsibilities, decisions, and, ultimately, the fate of an entire nation. Even though its audience knows the outcome of the story, the film still generates palpable tension and, for anyone but the stone-hearted, sweaty palms and a giant feeling of relief as the credits roll. As a result, the film reveals itself as an exploration of rationality under pressure, a careful look into the instincts and options afforded a man with his finger on the button. It's a stirring presidential portrait to say the least.

WAG THE DOG

The sharpest and most clever political satire since Kubrick's 'Dr. Strangelove,' 'Wag the Dog' takes a hilarious yet sobering jab at the tenuous relationship between Washington, the media, and the public. Robert De Niro plays a professional political spinner who calls upon a failing Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) to distract the American people from a presidential sex scandal by convincing them the country is threatened by an otherwise harmless country. The film's droll humor shoots for clever laughs and earns every one of them, offering a complex and riotous look at truth as it's perceived by a country's citizenry. The modern relevance should be obvious and 'Wag the Dog' is, in my opinion, has become a more pertinent film than ever. Wanna laugh? Wanna think? Strap in and prepare to do just that.

THE WEST WING

It always amazes me that shows about lawyers or detectives litter broadcast and cable networks at every turn, but politicians rarely get any serious screen time. Aaron Sorkin's 'The West Wing' not only focuses on key players in Washington, it examines timely issues, political decisions, and the ramifications of misguided behavior, poor policy, and national divisiveness. Granted, it can get a bit preachy at times, but 'The West Wing' soars with compelling characters, tight scripts, satisfying storylines, and a number of truly cinematic episodes. Short of 'The Wire' and 'Battlestar Galactica' (ever think you'd see those two shows paired together?), 'The West Wing' digs into this country's beliefs, struggles, and motivations more than any other television series in the last ten years.

Other Flicks that Nearly Made My List: Air Force One, Brotherhood, Bullworth, The Candidate, Citizen Kane, Election, Max, Michael Collins, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Primary Colors, Recount, Street Fight, Welcome to Sarajevo

Please Note: I did not include any political films in this list that are currently scheduled for a Blu-ray release. I also did not include any that have already appeared on HD DVD since, presumably, they'll all make their way to BD soon enough (the lone exception being 'Battlestar Galactica' whose inclusion is justified since its second and third season have yet to be released in high definition). Finally, I only considered domestic releases -- there may be titles on my list that are available on Blu-ray in other countries outside of the US.

AUDITION

Controversial Japanese mastermind Takashi Miike ('Visitor Q,' 'Ichi the Killer,' and 'Happiness of the Katakuris, to name a few) is one sick puppy. 'Audition' is hands down one of the most disquieting, unsettling horror films I've ever had to endure. While it starts out innocently enough, 'Audition' slowly descends into madness as bizarre encounters, creepy tic-tic-ticking, and a nauseating torture scene make this a tough one to sit through no matter how many times I've watched it over the years. This is genuine horror. No cheap or unnecessary scares, no cliched cardboard cutouts for characters, no supernatural baddie to contend with. More importantly, it boasts subtle, nuanced performances, palpable tension, and enough realistic gore to make the most hardened among you squirm in your seats. I can't recommend this one enough.

DEAD ALIVE (aka BRAINDEAD)

On the opposite end of the spectrum is one of my favorite horror-comedies of all time. Many people seem to think writer/director extraordinaire Peter Jackson appeared on the scene with a trio of 'Rings' films for the masses. However, those of you familiar with Jackson's early work know the filmmaker has a truly sick-n-twisted imagination. 'Dead Alive' is a gruesome little New Zealand indie that nearly made me vomit the first time I watched it (the custard scene, anyone?) -- luckily, I was laughing too hard to choke up any chunks. As a zombie flick, this one's a blast that will ensure you never look at a lawnmower the same way again. As a comedy, it's loaded with laughs, over-the-top effects, and hilarious performances. Either way you approach 'Dead Alive,' you probably won't be disappointed!

THE EXORCIST

I've heard some people say you have to believe in demonic possession to to be truly unsettled by William Peter Blatty's 'The Exorcist.' Humbug, I say. Like any horror classic, 'The Exorcist' works because it introduces a collection of flawed characters who, in the face of bizarre circumstances, must sacrifice everything (including their beliefs, doubts, and pride) to save a young girl from a supernatural evil. Sure, the 35-year-old special effects are dated and unimpressive, but the film doesn't need polished effects to make the crucifix scene effective, Karras' conversations with his dead mother frightening, or Merrin's struggle with an ancient but familiar foe tragic. It simply relies on our bond with its well-developed characters, a foreboding sense of dread, and a chilling atmosphere to tell a solid story about normal people encountering the abnormal. 'The Exorcist' is a true horror classic that shouldn't be missed.

MISERY

I've always been a big fan of Stephen King's novels. I count his 'Dark Tower' series among the most essential modern literature on the market. However, film adaptations of his stories have been... let's just say, less than impressive. 'Misery,' the deceptively simple tale of a famous writer kept prisoner by an unstable fan, is not only surprisingly faithful to King's minimalistic novel, but it's loaded with an intense game of psychological cat and mouse that really gets under your skin. Over the course of two short hours, Kathy Bates and a sledge hammer become an iconic horror duo, James Caan truly makes you believe he's going through hell on earth, and the clack-clack of a typewriter will be stuck in your brain for days. Easily my favorite adaptation of one of King's horror novels, 'Misery' is an oft-overlooked gem.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

Scheduled for a Blu-ray release earlier this year, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' suddenly disappeared without a trace, leaving Freddy fans in complete disbelief. Ah well. Forget the lame sequels and set aside the slapstick renditions of Krueger that may be fresh in your brain, the original (and best) 'Elm Street' flick is a slasher standout that has some of the best classic scares in the annals of horror. Johnny Depp bites it on a hungry mattress, Heather Langenkamp has one of the worst baths imaginable, and the story... gasp... is actually good. Some people get worked up over a lumbering dolt in a hockey mask, some see a white-faced serial killer in their dreams. Me? I'm an 'Elm Street' junkie through and through. The film still manages to get to me years after it first sunk its claws in my impressionable young brain.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD

While every other George A. Romero zombie flick has been released on Blu-ray ('Dawn of the Dead,' 'Day of the Dead,' 'Land of the Dead,' and, most recently, 'Diary of the Dead'), the critically-acclaimed undead debut that started it all, 'Night of the Living Dead,' is nowhere to be found. Effortlessly blending social commentary with psychological and physical horror, Romero created a genre, raised serious questions within an otherwise implausible alternate reality, and influenced countless filmmakers who wanted to bring their own visions of the dead to the big screen. It never ceases to amaze me that the most frightening scenes in 'Night of the Living Dead' center around the survivors rather than the walking dead. Ultimately, Romero managed to bring vision, originality, and intelligence to a genre that sorely needed all three.

ROSEMARY'S BABY

'Rosemary's Baby' doesn't follow the traditional, linear path from scare to scare like most genre pics. For anyone who isn't familiar with the 1968 award-winning classic, the story follows a young pregnant woman who begins to suspect that her friends and family have nefarious plans for her unborn child. Instead of jolts and frights, director Roman Polanski used a timid and reluctant performance from Mia Farrow to create a creepy atmosphere of mounting doubt and confusion. The people around her are too friendly, her suspicion quickly becomes our suspicion, and her eventual terror transfers to us as well. The film also plays on the inherent worries and fears of first-time parents, giving Farrow's am-I-normal, am-I-insane inner turmoil a relevance that has helped the film keep its edge over the last four decades.

SCREAM

While unwarranted sequels and damning parodies have neutered the original impact of director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson's 1996 slasher-revamp, 'Scream,' I still consider it to be one of the best horror films of the '90s. It not only reinvented and revisited reliable horror conventions, it satirized their rampant proliferation over the years without resorting to comedy or parody. 'Scream' still stands on its own as an excellent slasher with an unexpected twist ending, but also takes several timely and clever jabs at everything that made the subgenre popular in the first place. This careful balance of satire and horror shouldn't have worked, but Craven and Williamson managed to craft a compelling cast of characters, inject new blood into familiar scenes, and deliver the horror goods from beginning to end.

SEVEN

Before you argue that 'Seven' isn't a horror film, let's consider the evidence. A surprise awakening is responsible for one of the most unpredictable and strong scares in cinema history, another victim has a nervous breakdown as he begs to have a stomach-churning weapon removed from his body, and a harmless cardboard box contains one of the most gruesome unseen sights of all time. To this day, Pitt's cries of "what's in the box" still makes the hair on my neck stand at attention. David Fincher may not be a genre director, but he sure knows how to pack some genuine scares into what could have been a standard procedural thriller. It may not fill the bill of gorehounds and slasher-fanatics, but I drag 'Seven' off of my shelf every Halloween long before I watch other, more conventional classics.

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

Considering the fact that one of the most terrifying elements of 'The Silence of the Lambs' is confined to a prison cell (in one form or another) for 98% of the film, you might think this Jodie Foster vehicle would be a relative bore. However, a sinister serial killer who makes clothes out of women's skin, an eerie manhunt, and several choice encounters with Anthony Hopkins' grinning monster make this one a slow-burning horror masterpiece. It even had enough weight to earn Academy attention. Once again, atmosphere trumps scares, meticulous performances trump disturbing imagery, and sharp dialogue trumps cliched conversations. Like 'Seven,' you may not think of this one when pulling horror films off your shelf, but 'The Silence of the Lambs' remains a thinking man's horror classic.  

Other Flicks that Nearly Made My List: 'Alien,' 'The Brood,' 'Cabin Fever,' 'Dog Soldiers,' 'Evil Dead,' 'Hellraiser,' 'The Howling,' 'Jaws,' 'Near Dark,' 'Nosferatu,' 'Pet Semetary,' 'Psycho,' 'The Ring,' 'Shadow of the Vampire,' 'Suspira,' 'Trilogy of Terror,' and 'The Wicker Man.'

Please note I did not include any horror films in this list that have already been released on HD DVD ('Shaun of the Dead' and 'An American Werewolf in London,' among them). Presumably, they'll all make their way to Blu-ray soon enough. -KB