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High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: December 2013by Steven Cohen Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with high-def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for affection, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted the birth of a drug kingpin, a hilarious sci-fi pub crawl, and a masterpiece of world cinema. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November 2013. [teaser]This month, we're covering an adamantium laced action flick, an umbrella-flying nanny, and an emotionally charged mystery thriller. Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there might be some spoilers for the films listed.[/teaser] If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in December, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Wolverine' - After the travesty that was 'X-men Origins: Wolverine,' I can't say that I had particularly high expectations going into the mutant hero's latest big-screen outing. Thankfully, however, with a little help from director James Mangold ('Copland' '3:10 to Yuma'), 'The Wolverine' manages to heal the still festering wound left by its predecessor -- a superhuman feat that even Logan would be impressed by. With a (mostly) self-contained story, slick action, and a solid focus on character, the flick offers audiences a thrilling adventure that does the comic book icon justice. Very loosely inspired by the 1982 comic book series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, the story sees Logan head to Japan to deal with dangerous Yakuza while trying to escape his deadly past -- which isn't exactly a productive combination. With Hugh Jackman once again back in the role that made him famous, we're treated to another grizzly, brooding performance filled with animalistic rage and badass charisma. Comic fans have been waiting to really see the character let loose on-screen, and while he never quite goes "berserker," it's pretty cool to watch him slash his way through an army of ninjas and thugs. And as an added twist, we even get to see the nearly invincible man get a taste of mortality (a plotline that almost every godly superhero seems to endure at one point or another), leading to some decent character bits that delve a bit deeper into his psychology. Director James Mangold keeps things stylistically interesting throughout, offering a few cool set pieces with kinetic action and engaging choreography. I was dreading the bullet train sequence when I first saw it in the trailers, but the finished scene was actually very exciting, and though things can get a little too cartoony with the CG, the film manages to retain a welcome grittiness that suits the character very well. As a life-long 'X-Men' fan, (the 90s cartoon was a huge part of my childhood) I can't help but still geek out every time I hear "Snikt!" blare from my speakers, and thankfully with this release there's now finally a solo Wolverine flick that I can get excited about. It's not exactly perfect, but it's a huge step in the right direction, and Jackman continues to kick ass in the role. This Blu-ray disc comes packed with demo worthy video and audio, and a great assortment of special features, making it the perfect flick to show off all that fancy new equipment you just got for Christmas. And be sure to stick around during the credits for a tantalizing little tease for this summer's 'Days of Future Past.' Here's to hoping that director Bryan Singer can somehow use the time travel plot to completely erase the events of 'X-Men: The Last Stand.' That's not too much to ask for, is it? 'Mary Poppins: 50th Anniversary Edition' - "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Young or old, if you were lucky enough to grow up with movies in your life, then you must have surely heard that word. An immortal bit of magical nonsense, it's simply "something to say when you have nothing to say," and it's just one of the ageless pieces of wonder that makes 'Mary Poppins' so special. A treasured family classic that continues to stand the test of time, the film is full of fantastic images, infectious songs, heartwarming emotion, and an iconic performance from Julie Andrews. In other words, it's "practically perfect in every way." As a mysterious and seemingly magical nanny enters the lives of two troublesome children and their stern father, the movie places audiences on a fantastical journey. From the minute she first descends into view, floating down to the ground with her flying umbrella, Andrews effortlessly embodies the title role, creating a firm but loving character full of whimsical insights and clever life lessons. And then there's Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep, who manages to delight audiences with one of the worst Cockney accents to every grace the silver screen. Or is it one of the best cockney accents to ever grace the silver screen? After all, there's a very fine line between the two. Either way, his rendition of "Chim Chim Cher-ee" is as hummable as they come, and the rest of the movie's songs also prove to be irresistibly enjoyable as well. From "A Spoonful of Sugar" to "Jolly Holiday," the film's melodies are destined to put a smile on the faces of all who hear them. Likewise, the special effects are also marvelous, blending live action, animation, and practical wizardry to concoct all sorts of fun imagery like a tea party on a ceiling. It's enough to melt the heart of any adult, even good old stuffy Mr. Banks. This 50th Anniversary disc from Disney is packed with supplements and features beautifully restored video and audio presentations, preserving this timeless classic for generations to come. Like 'The Wizard of Oz' before it, this is one of the greatest family films ever produced, and it will likely always remain so, no matter which way the wind blows. 'Prisoners' - I know what you're thinking, "Really? More Hugh Jackman?!" Well, you're damn right more Hugh Jackman! But this time I promise he keeps his shirt on. Sorry, Beatrice. A far cry from the sci-fi thrills of 'The Wolverine,' 'Prisoners' instead sees the Aussie action star take on the weighty role of a determined father desperately trying to find his missing daughter. Intricately plotted and tightly woven, this is an admirably crafted mystery thriller steeped in unsettling brutality and harrowing drama. Tackling a tragic case of abducted children, the film's plot plays out like a carefully designed maze of tension, misfortune, vengeance, and justice. As we follow detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) slowly track down the elusive kidnappers, we are also bear witness to one of the Father's misguided attempts to seek retribution himself. Through Keller Dover (Jackman) we see a man pushed to the brink, blinded by his obligations as a parent and consumed with a lone mission. Overrun with frustration and grief, Dover takes matters into his own hands, but his rage clouds his judgment, and as we see him continually push beyond the point of no return, we know that even vindication won't save him from the inescapable moral consequences of his actions. The script's treatment of this material is surprisingly complex, weaving a morally gray story where relatable motivations are twisted into disturbing horrors. And beyond the multifaceted characterizations and deep themes, the film's central mystery is well executed, resulting in an engaging and winding thriller that offers a few solid twists and a mostly satisfying conclusion. Sure, it's not quite up to par with the very best of the genre, and as David Krauss relates in his full review, the pace does drag a bit, but the film's flaws are minor compared to its strengths, and the movie ultimately packs a powerful emotional punch. A distressing but fully gripping examination of tragedy, revenge, sacrifice, rage, obsession, and paternal instinct, 'Prisoners' reveals just how far some are willing to go when their family is placed in danger, illuminating the all too murky line between men and monsters. Though light on extras, Warner's Blu-ray release features an exceptional technical presentation, fully evoking the film's dreary and somber mood. The movie's disturbing subject matter does limit its mass appeal, but this finely crafted drama certainly deserves a spot among this month's top titles. So, there you have it. While there are many titles worth picking up this December, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for December's must own titles?Posted Mon Dec 30, 2013 at 02:45 PM PST by: -
'On the Job' Blu-ray Announced[teaser] The crime thriller is opening an investigation on Blu-ray in February. You can order 'On the Job' now. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'On the Job' for Blu-ray on February 18. When a prominent drug dealer is murdered, Sergeant Acosta (Joey Marquez) and Federal agent Francis (Piolo Pascual) lead the investigation, but the trail goes immediately cold. What they discover is a conspiracy of massive scale: the killers (Joel Torre and Gerald Anderson) are inmates, temporarily released from jail as assassins before returning to incarceration. Prison. The last place a cop would look. A perfect cover-up. Caught in a web of deceit and corruption, Acosta and Francis are on a collision course with the government officials who will do anything to silence them and no one is safe. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Deleted Scenes and a Making of featurette. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'On the Job' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 18.Posted Mon Dec 30, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'The Vanquished' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Michelangelo Antonioni's 1953 drama is heading to Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Raro Video is preparing 'The Vanquished' for Blu-ray in May. Challenging the linear narrative by weaving multiple story lines and exploring a directorial style way ahead of his time, Director Michelangelo Antonioni's unique triptych film, features three murders, one taking place in Paris, another in Rome, and another in London. All of the perpetrators are affluent youths, each killing for dubious motives. In the France segment, a group of adolescents kill for money, even though they don’t need it; in the London segment, a poet uncovers a woman’s body and tries to profit from the discovery; and in the Italian segment, a student becomes caught up in a smuggling ring, with deadly results. With elements that serve as a precursor to 'Blowup,' Antonioni explores how modern society can produce nihilistic tendencies in the least likely characters. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'The Vanquished' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Dec 30, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Blu-ray Highlights: Week of December 29th, 2013Don't be surprised that this is another slow week for new Blu-ray releases. After Christmas, no one has any money left or much interest in shopping. Nonetheless, another small handful of new titles will trickle out. Take a look at our weekly Blu-ray roundup in the blog to see if there's anything at least worth renting.Posted Mon Dec 30, 2013 at 07:00 AM PST by: -
A Double Dose of 'Get Carter' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1971 and 2000 films will be gunning for Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on the original 1971 'Get Carter' as well as the 2000 remake for Blu-ray on April 22. 'Get Carter' (1971): A vicious London gangster, Jack Carter (Michael Caine), travels to Newcastle for his brother's funeral. He begins to suspect that his brother's death was not an accident and sets out to follow a complex trail of lies, deceit, cover-ups and backhanders through Newcastle's underworld, leading, he hopes, to the man who ordered his brother killed. 'Get Carter' (2000): It's not his turf. But it is his war. Las Vegas muscle and glitz meets dot-com, triple-latte Seattle, is a Vegas mob enforcer named Jack Carter (Sylvester Stallone) who prowls the Northwest city to smoke out his brother's killer. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price have yet to be revealed. You can find the latest specs for both editions of 'Get Carter' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under April 22.Posted Mon Dec 30, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Weekend Roundtable: 2014 Home Theater WishesAs we close the books on 2013, let's look forward to the things we'd like to see in 2014. Do you have a favorite movie still waiting to be released on Blu-ray? Would you like to upgrade some of your home theater gear? Tell us about it in today's Roundtable.Posted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Conspiracy Theory' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]Richard Donner's 1997 thriller starring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts arrives on Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be bringing 'Conspiracy Theory' on Blu-ray on April 22. New York taxicab driver Jerry Fletcher (Gibson) is a man in love with a woman (Roberts) he only observes from afar. She works for the government; Fletcher is an outspoken conspiracy theorist who doesn't trust the government whatsoever. Soon, though, one of his theories proves to be true, sending the unlikely couple in pursuit of the truth. But dangerous people want Fletcher dead, and the only person he trusts is a Justice Department attorney he loves but barely knows. Specs, supplements, and suggested list price have yet to be revealed. You can find the latest specs for 'Conspiracy Theory' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 22.Posted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Far and Away' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]Ron Howard's acclaimed 1992 film will be available on Blu-ray early next year, and pre-orders are currently available at Amazon! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Far and Away' on Blu-ray on March 4. In 1893, a young, tempramental Irish immigrant named Joseph Donnelly (Tom Cruise) flees Ireland with his landlord's daughter, Shannon (Nicole Kidman), after some trouble with her father (Robert Prosky). Moving to the United States, the couple dreams of acquiring land via the big giveaway in Oklahoma. The film is directed by Ron Howard, with a screenplay by Bob Dolman and music by John Williams. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include the Theatrical Trailer and an Ultraviolet Digital Copy. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Far and Away' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 4.Posted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'George Washington' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]David Gordon Green's acclaimed 2000 film heads to Blu-ray this spring. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion says 'George Washington' will arrive on Blu-ray on March 11. Over the course of one hot summer, a group of children in the decaying rural South must confront a tangle of difficult choices. An ambitiously constructed, elegantly photographed meditation on adolescence, the first full-length film by director David Gordon Green features remarkable performances from an award-winning ensemble cast. 'George Washington' is a startling and distinct work of contemporary American independent cinema. The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will feature a 1080p transfer, a lossless 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements include: Commentary by director David Gordon Green, cinematographer Tim Orr, and actor Paul Schneider; Deleted scene, with commentary by Green, Orr, and Schneider; Two student shorts by Green: Pleasant Grove (1997), with commentary by Green, Orr, and Schneider; and Physical Pinball (1998); Charlie Rose interview with Green from 2001; Interviews with cast members; Clu Gulager's 1969 short film A Day with the Boys, an influence on George Washington; Trailer; and a booklet featuring an essay by critic Armond White and a director's statement. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'George Washington' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 11.Posted Fri Dec 27, 2013 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
'Intolerable Cruelty' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2003 rom-com starring George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones is in the works for Blu-ray in March. Pre-order this title here! [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Intolerable Cruelty' for Blu-ray on March 4. Miles Massey (George Clooney), a prominent Los Angeles divorce attorney has everything. But despite his impressive client list, a formidable win record, the respect of his peers and an ironclad contract (the "Massey pre-nup") named after him, he's reached a crossroads in his life. Sated on success, boredom has set in and he's looking for new challenges. All that changes when Miles meets his match in the devastating Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Marylin is the soon-to-be ex-wife of his client (Edward Herrmann), a wealthy real estate developer and habitual philanderer. Underhanded tactics, deceptions and an undeniable attraction escalate as Marylin and Miles square off in this battle of the sexes from directors Joel and Ethan Coen. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: A Look Inside Intolerable Cruelty, The Wardrobe, Filmmaker Approved and Assembled Outtakes, and an Ultraviolet Digital Copy. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Intolerable Cruelty' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 4.Posted Thu Dec 26, 2013 at 10:00 AM PST by:
