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High-Def Digest Holiday Gift Guide 2011: The Essential Holiday Blu-rays
Wed Nov 23, 2011 at 01:39 PM ETTags: HDD Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2011, High-Def Retailing, David Krauss, Fun Stuff (all tags)
"Just like every year, I'm Dreaming of a Blu Christmas yet again." by David Krauss
Though it seems like I just took the Christmas tree down last Tuesday, here we are again in late November, just a month or so before Santa will be making his annual globe-spanning trip. So while the white-bearded elf readies his reindeer and packs on a few extra pounds, it's time for movie-lovers everywhere to get into the seasonal spirit with some high-def Christmas classics (and not-so-classics) on Blu-ray. Whatever your taste, be it romantic or irreverent, there's a disc that will infuse you with that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling, and for the third year in a row, High-Def Digest will outline what's new, what's essential, and what to avoid when it comes to yuletide viewing. So mull that cider (or wine), cuddle up under your favorite Christmas blanket, and add some serious blu to the reds and greens that color your holiday!
New Releases: A number of notable films make their Blu-ray bow this year, with the 1970 musical 'Scrooge' leading the list. Starring the versatile and always impressive Albert Finney (who was just 34 years old when he tackled Dickens' iconic, miserly curmudgeon), this spritely film remains surprisingly faithful to the original novel, contains a host of memorable songs by Leslie Bricusse, and features a gallery of top British actors (Alec Guinness, Edith Evans, and Kenneth More among them) in key roles. The high quality video and audio transfers make this "spirited" film come alive even more, filling us with plenty of Christmas cheer. Of course, if you like your annual helping of 'A Christmas Carol' a little more on the comedic side, you'll be happy to know that Richard Donner's 'Scrooged,' featuring Bill Murray as the Ebenezer-esque Frank Cross, also makes its Blu-ray debut this fall. With an updated take on the classic yarn that strikes a more relatable chord, and fine supporting work from such stalwarts as John Forsythe, Robert Mitchum, Karen Allen, and Alfre Woodard, this light-hearted comedy merges laughs with wonderful warmth and a bit of edgy bite, and will ultimately charm even the crustiest Christmas killjoy. Upgraded video and audio make this one a keeper, too.
And speaking of keepers… Though only about a third of Vincente Minnelli's classic Americana musical, 'Meet Me in St. Louis,' takes place at Christmas, this year-in-the-life of a typical family circa 1904 remains one of the most beloved and endearing holiday movies of all time. (It covers Halloween, too!) First and foremost, it contains one of Judy Garland's finest performances, as well as a number of instantly recognizable tunes, including 'The Trolley Song,' 'The Boy Next Door,' and of course, 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' which was written expressly for this film and performed with exceptional beauty and grace by Garland. This sumptuously colorful, impeccably produced motion picture won't be released on Blu-ray until December 13, so be sure to mark your calendar and pick up this new digibook edition this season.
And for fans of animated fare in general and Disney in particular, 'Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas' also hits store shelves this November. This direct-to-video companion to the acclaimed original takes place while Belle is still a prisoner in the Beast's castle, and finds the lovely heroine on a mission to celebrate Christmas with festive cheer, much to the chagrin of her hairy and humbug captor. Though a far cry from its parent film, both artistically and thematically, 'The Enchanted Christmas' may not be 100 percent enchanting, but it provides enough tuneful warmth to satisfy audiences of all ages. Another animated film debuting in high-def this season is 1974's ''Twas the Night Before Christmas,' one of the lesser titles in the Rankin/Bass holiday catalogue, which was inspired by Clement Moore's immortal poem and deals with the timeworn premise of doubting Santa's existence. Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, and George Gobel are among the stars who lend their voices to this charming tale.
Romance lovers and those who like their Christmas movies filled with inspiring messages might want to check out some of the following titles, although, to be honest, we've had a hard time tracking them down after their initial announcements, so if you can find them, please give us the scoop on where they can be picked up. The first of these films is 'The Christmas Shoes' and its sequel, 'The Christmas Blessing,' two TV movies that emphasize the power of love, faith, and family in the face of disillusionment and despair. Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams-Paisley star in the first film about a young boy determined to make his mother's final Christmas special, and Neil Patrick Harris plays the grown-up version of that boy in the sequel, grappling with issues from his past and strained familial relationships. 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' also falls into this category, with a more whimsical spin, as a harried single mother (Brooke Burns) and cynical son find the true meaning of the season, thanks to jovial Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler) and the hunky stranger (Warren Christie) he brings home for the holidays.
Viewers with more offbeat taste may find these curios interesting, all of which are making their Blu-ray debut this season… 'Santa Claus' (we're looking for this one too!) is a 1959 Spanish language film from Mexico that checks in at #54 on IMDb's list of Bottom 100 Films (as rated by site users) and charts St. Nick's battle with the devil Pitch, who's determined to – you guessed it – ruin Christmas. Tyler Perry's indefatigable character Madea is also on a mission to save the holiday when family strife and secrets threaten to sabotage it in 'A Madea Christmas: The Play,' while a homosexual college student (Keith Jordan) crawls back into the closet to survive the holidays with his conservative parents (Derek Long and Kelly Keaton) until his boyfriend (Adamo Ruggiero) unexpectedly shows up in the warm-hearted comedy 'Make the Yuletide Gay.'
Double Dips: Three notable double dips are being hawked by various studios this Christmas – one is worthy of your money, one is a toss-up and depends on your frame of mind, and one should be avoided at all costs. The one that's worth an upgrade is VCI's 60th anniversary edition of the 1951 classic, 'A Christmas Carol,' starring arguably the cinema's finest Ebenezer Scrooge, Alastair Sim. This version is regarded by many as the most faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' immortal tale, and Sim's portrayal – by turns sullen, dour, defiant, wounded, and joyously giddy – lends Scrooge more dimension than the role often receives. Though VCI initially put out 'A Christmas Carol' on Blu-ray a mere two years ago, this Diamond Edition substantially improves on that release with a slightly upgraded video transfer, lossless LPCM audio (the previous disc had a compressed track), and a slew of all-new supplements, including a fold-out, abridged reproduction of the film's American pressbook. (Note: The packaging and disc menu lists the audio as Dolby Digital 5.1, but it is indeed a lossless LPCM 5.1 track.) The second double dip, the cartoon favorite, 'Frosty the Snowman,' was released as a stand-alone title this fall (it was only previously available as part of a Rankin/Bass box set of animated classics [see below]). I don't know whether this edition boasts a new transfer or even includes the anemic sequel, 'Frosty Returns,' which appears on the disc in the box set (we never received a screener to review), but if you're a Frosty fanatic and don't care about 'Rudolph' or any of the other Rankin/Bass holiday specials, then you might want to pick up this release. On the other hand, for only a few bucks more at online retailers you can get the four-disc box set, so keep that in mind when shopping this season. The third double dip – that's right, the one to steer clear of – is, surprisingly enough, a "collector's" edition of the all-time classic yuletide tale, 'It's A Wonderful Life.' I know, I know…say it ain't so! Believe me, I'm as disappointed as you. I love this film; it's an undeniable treasure and worthy of all the praise and affection heaped upon it. But this new release is a travesty. The transfers (which are quite nice) and extras are exactly the same as the ones on the previously released edition, and the collector's extras – flimsy packaging, a chintzy commemorative Christmas ornament, and a generic booklet – are hardly worth the extra expense. Even if you've never purchased the movie before (and if you haven't, you need to!), go with the original Blu-ray, which takes up less shelf space and presents the emotionally affecting and inspirational (in the best sense of that word) story of George Bailey just as well as this unnecessary "upgrade."
All-Time Classics: We've already mentioned the 1951 version of 'A Christmas Carol' as well as 'It's A Wonderful Life,' both of which rank high on the list of all-time classics. (Other versions of 'A Christmas Carol' available on Blu-ray include Disney's 2009 blockbuster 3D interpretation starring chameleon Jim Carrey [available in both 3D and 2D versions] and an acclaimed 1984 television adaptation featuring the esteemed George C. Scott as the irascible Scrooge.) Not far behind them is the 1954 favorite, 'White Christmas,' a spritely Irving Berlin musical starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney. With high-spirited numbers galore, along with two renditions of the iconic title song, this breezy tale of romance and friendship ranks right up there with Hollywood's best holiday fare. And no discussion of classic Christmas tales would be complete without a nod to the original 'Miracle on 34th Street,' featuring an Oscar-winning performance from Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. It's impossible not to believe in Santa Claus after watching this charming yet incisive comedy that gently reinforces the season's true meaning. Though the video quality isn't a huge upgrade from the DVD, it's good enough to stuff this little beauty in your holiday stocking. (The 1994 remake starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, and Mara Wilson, is also available on Blu-ray, but who would ever want to see that?)
Modern Classics: Sometimes age alone transforms a run-of-the-mill movie into a classic, and that seems to be the unfortunate fate that's befallen 1985's clunky, elephantine Kris Kringle biopic, 'Santa Claus: The Movie.' I remember loathing this bloated behemoth when it was first released, and I haven't mustered the courage to see it since. Fonder (or at least more realistic) Christmas memories are explored in the nostalgic 'A Christmas Story,' the darkly comic 1983 adaptation of humorist Jean Shepherd's fictional memoir. Who among us can't identify with nine-year-old Ralphie and his dogged pursuit of his dream toy? With both wide-eyed wonder and a mischievous twinkle, this fan favorite deliciously skewers the season. And if you can't identify with Ralphie, then surely you've fantasized at least fleetingly about making your parents and/or siblings disappear, like Kevin McCallister does in 'Home Alone.' C'mon, admit it. Cute-as-a-button Macaulay Culkin battles bungling house burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern after his family leaves on a Parisian vacation without him, learning a lot about independence and the meaning of Christmas in the process. Deftly juggling uproarious slapstick with honest sentiment, this John Hughes production makes us laugh and cry and appreciate the simple pleasures that make this holiday special. And speaking of Christmas vacations – or should I say "stay-cations" - no yuletide celebration is as wacky or wacked out as the one Chevy Chase and family experience in 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Running a close second, though, would have to be Buddy the Elf's Big Apple odyssey in Jon Favreau's surprisingly sweet, festive, and hilarious Christmas comedy, 'Elf.' As the orphan child raised at the North Pole and now on a quest to find his real family, Will Ferrell captures the essence of wide-eyed innocence, while James Caan makes a fine foil as his crusty, Scrooge-like dad.
Romantic Comedies: Christmas is certainly one of the most romantic times of the year, and two films blanket us with that warm, fuzzy feeling only a good love story can provide. 'Love, Actually' takes a mosaic approach as it chronicles the exhilaration and heartache of several couples as they navigate love's treacherous minefield. The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, and though I'll never forgive Alan for what he does to Emma (and will never be able to listen to Joni Mitchell again without thinking about it), it's impossible not to embrace this well-crafted film. I also really like 'The Holiday' (sssshhh! Don't tell anyone!), Nancy Meyers' chick flick supreme about two lonely women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who trade houses at Christmas and find unexpected love with Jude Law and Jack Black. (I won't spoil who hooks up with whom.) It's a bit predictable and trite, but also strangely irresistible, especially if you've got the tree lit and a roaring fire in the fireplace. It's also one of the few movies in which I don't find Diaz to be annoying.
Animated Fare: When I was a kid, one of the few things that could help speed the interminable wait between Thanksgiving and Christmas was the steady stream of children's holiday specials that flooded the network airwaves, and as of this year, almost all my favorites are now available on Blu-ray! Leading the charge are such perennially delightful programs as 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (let Linus tell your family "what Christmas is all about") and 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' as well as a must-have box set called 'The Original Christmas Classics.' And classics they are! 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (narrated by Burl Ives), 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' (narrated by Fred Astaire), and 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Frosty Returns' are all included. Also high on the animated list is another top-notch entry, 'The Year Without a Santa Claus,' featuring the talents of Mickey Rooney and Shirley Booth as the beleaguered Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There's even a cartoon adaptation of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' starring the myopic Mr. Magoo – 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.' For those who prefer more modern, innovative animated fare, check out Tim Burton's ghoulishly delightful 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and Robert Zemeckis' magical 'The Polar Express,' which is available in both flat and 3D versions. Remember, it's never too early to get your kids addicted to high-def discs.
Turkeys: We all love turkey around the holidays, except when it comes to movies, and there are a couple of rancid offerings that will only serve to sour us on the season. Despite a strong cast that includes Oscar-winners Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, and Jon Voight, make sure you keep away from 'Four Christmases,' a tiresome slapstick comedy about a selfish couple (Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) who visit a quartet of quirky, annoying, even frightening relatives when their balmy Christmas plans get canceled. Equally wretched is 'Deck the Halls,' a tiresome, completely unfunny chronicle of neighbors (Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito) trying to outdo and ultimately sabotage the other's massive holiday light displays. Thankfully, 'Christmas with the Kranks' hasn't yet found a Blu-ray release, and if studio executives are smart, it never will.
Dozens of other holiday Blu-rays are available to brighten (or darken) this Christmas, from traditional Yule log presentations and concerts to irreverent black comedies ('Bad Santa') and, yes, even horror films ('Silent Night, Zombie Night'). But for those who desire a well-balanced, family-friendly selection that plays well from year to year, you can't go wrong with any of the above choices (well, maybe with the exception of 'Santa Claus: The Movie,' 'Four Christmases,' and 'Deck the Halls'). So plop a few marshmallows in your hot chocolate, grab a comfy blanket, light that fire, and let these movies infuse you with seasonal spirit. Happy Holidays!!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
High-Def Digest Holiday Gift Guide 2010: The Essential Holiday Blu-rays
Wed Nov 24, 2010 at 01:25 PM ETTags: HDD Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2010, High-Def Retailing, David Krauss (all tags)
"I'm Dreaming of a Blu Christmas…Again" by David Krauss
It's hard to believe it's that time of year again, but the holiday season will soon be upon us, so it's time to start pulling the decorations down from the attic or up from the basement, and dragging those beloved holiday Blu-rays out of the cabinet. As the popularity of high-def discs continues to grow, so do the number of specialized releases, and this holiday season, some notable gaps in the Blu-ray canon have been filled. And if you didn't have the time or funds to stock up on yuletide discs last year, seize the moment right now. Make that list, check it twice, and begin compiling a collection of seasonal films and television programs that will surely be watched and enjoyed over and over again for years to come.
The following list contains some bona fide classics, as well as a crop of new releases. So mull that cider (or wine), cuddle up under your favorite Christmas blanket, and add some serious blu to the reds and greens that color your holiday!
All-Time Classics: The biggest classics news this season is the release of 'White Christmas,' the tuneful Irving Berlin musical starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney. With high-spirited numbers galore, along with two renditions of the iconic title song, this breezy tale of romance and friendship ranks right up there with Hollywood's best holiday fare. Of course, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without 'It's a Wonderful Life,' and what a gift this Blu-ray edition is for classic movie fans. With an impeccable transfer that delights the eyes – before they well up with tears – and a marvelous story that no matter how many times we've seen it (and I've lost count myself) never fails to brighten our perspective, this beloved production deserves a fresh look this year. Ditto the definitive edition of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' Produced in England in 1951 and starring the best Ebenezer Scrooge ever, Alastair Sim, this faithful adaptation captures all the bitter angst, rueful melancholy, and unabashed joy of this holiday ghost story. Best of all, the spanking new transfer renders the previous DVD obsolete. (Other versions of 'A Christmas Carol' available on Blu-ray this year include Disney's 2009 blockbuster 3-D interpretation starring chameleon Jim Carrey [available in both 3-D and flat versions] and an acclaimed 1984 television adaptation featuring the esteemed George C. Scott as the irascible Scrooge.) And no discussion of classic Christmas tales would be complete without a nod to the original 'Miracle on 34th Street.' It's impossible not to believe in Santa Claus after watching this charming, surprisingly incisive comedy that gently reinforces the season's true meaning. Though the video quality isn't a huge upgrade from DVD, it's good enough to stuff this little beauty in your holiday stocking.
Modern Classics: Sometimes age alone transforms a run-of-the-mill movie into a classic, and that seems to be the unfortunate fate that's befallen 1985's clunky, elephantine Kris Kringle biopic, 'Santa Claus: The Movie.' I remember loathing this bloated behemoth when it was first released, but Lionsgate is banking on short memories and an insatiable hunger for all things Santa to fuel this 25th anniversary release. Fonder (or at least more realistic) Christmas memories are explored in the nostalgic 'A Christmas Story,' the darkly comic 1983 adaptation of humorist Jean Shepherd's fictional memoir. Who among us can't identify with nine-year-old Ralphie and his dogged pursuit of his dream toy? With both wide-eyed wonder and a mischievous twinkle, this fan favorite deliciously skewers the season. And if you can't identify with Ralphie, then surely you've fantasized at least fleetingly about making your parents and/or siblings disappear, like Kevin McCallister does in 'Home Alone.' C'mon, admit it. Cute-as-a-button Macaulay Culkin battles bungling house burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern after his family leaves on a Parisian vacation without him, learning a lot about independence and the meaning of Christmas in the process. Deftly juggling uproarious slapstick with honest sentiment, this John Hughes production makes us laugh and cry and appreciate the simple pleasures that make this holiday special. And speaking of Christmas vacations – or should I say "stay-cations" - no yuletide celebration is as wacky or wacked out as the one Chevy Chase and family experience in 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Running a close second, though, would have to be Buddy the Elf's Big Apple odyssey in Jon Favreau's surprisingly sweet, festive, and hilarious Christmas comedy, 'Elf.' As the orphan child raised at the North Pole and now on a quest to find his real family, Will Ferrell captures the essence of wide-eyed innocence, while James Caan makes a fine foil as his crusty, Scrooge-like dad.
Romantic Comedies: Christmas is certainly one of the most romantic times of the year, and two films blanket us with that warm, fuzzy feeling only a good love story can provide. 'Love, Actually' takes a mosaic approach as it chronicles the exhilaration and heartache of several couples as they navigate love's treacherous minefield. The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, and though I'll never forgive Alan for what he does to Emma, it's impossible not to embrace this well-crafted film. I also really like 'The Holiday' (sssshhh! Don't tell anyone!), Nancy Meyers' chick flick supreme about two lonely women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who trade houses at Christmas and find unexpected love with Jude Law and Jack Black. (I won't spoil who hooks up with whom.) It's a bit predictable and trite, but also strangely irresistible, especially if you've got the tree lit and a roaring fire in the fireplace. It's also one of the few movies in which I don't find Diaz to be annoying.
Animated Fare: When I was a kid, one of the few things that could help speed the interminable wait between Thanksgiving and Christmas was the steady stream of children's holiday specials that flooded the network airwaves, and as of this year, almost all my favorites are now available on Blu-ray! The newest edition is a must-have box set called 'The Original Christmas Classics.' And classics they are! 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (narrated by Burl Ives), 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' (narrated by Fred Astaire) and 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Frosty Returns' are all included. Also new this season is another top-notch entry, 'The Year Without a Santa Claus,' featuring the talents of Mickey Rooney and Shirley Booth as the beleaguered Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There's even a cartoon adaptation of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' starring the myopic Mr. Magoo – 'Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.' Of course, such immortal classics as 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas' are still available, but for those who prefer more modern, innovative animated fare, there's Tim Burton's ghoulishly delightful 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and Robert Zemeckis' magical 'The Polar Express,' which is available in both flat and 3-D versions. Remember, it's never too early to get your kids addicted to high-def discs.
Dozens of other holiday Blu-rays are available to brighten (or darken) this Christmas, from traditional Yule log presentations and concerts to irreverent black comedies and, yes, even horror films. But for those who desire a well-balanced, family-friendly selection that plays well from year to year, you can't go wrong with any of the above choices (well, maybe with the exception of 'Santa Claus: The Movie'). So plop a few marshmallows in your hot chocolate, grab a comfy blanket, light that fire, and let these movies infuse you with seasonal spirit. Happy Holidays!!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
High-Def Digest Presents: A Mother's Day Shopping Guide
Tue Apr 27, 2010 at 12:30 PM ETTags: David Krauss (all tags)
by David Krauss
Flowers, candy, and a sappy Hallmark card always make good Mother's Day gifts, especially in a pinch, but many sons and daughters often forget movies can also warm Mom's heart, especially those with a romantic, historical, or (ssshhh!) sexy twist. And if dear old Dad has taken the plunge and upgraded the archaic family entertainment center with a spanking new HDTV and Blu-ray player, then how 'bout shaking things up a bit this year by presenting Mom with a couple of high-definition discs that will brighten up her world just as well as a standard low-tech bouquet. (They'll last a lot longer, too!)
But what to choose? Never fear, dear reader, your friends at High-Def Digest are here to help, armed with plenty of great gift ideas that will turn your mild-mannered 480i mother into a raging 1080p fanatic.
Let's start with Oscar and the two front-runners in this year's Best Actress category – Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep. Both stars enjoy a loyal female following, and both have several noteworthy Blu-rays from their film canon hitting the shelves just in time for Mom's big day. Of course, first up would have to be Bullock's award-winning turn in 'The Blind Side' as an impassioned mother who takes in a homeless African-American teen and seamlessly weaves him into her family's fabric. Though some might call the picture sentimental, I found it to be a surprisingly forthright family drama that will touch and inspire moms everywhere…and the football angle should snag Dad's interest, too. But if a typical romantic comedy is more your mother's "speed" (sorry, couldn't resist), two of them featuring Bullock at her perky, sassy, and irresistible best are ripe for the picking. Last year's 'The Proposal,' which casts Sandra as an uptight Canadian executive who tries to engineer a quickie marriage of convenience with her browbeaten American assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to avoid deportation, possesses plenty of spunk and humor, along with a priceless supporting performance from the indomitable Betty White, while 2000's 'Miss Congeniality' finds Bullock as an undercover FBI agent infiltrating the beauty pageant world in the hope of preventing a mad bomber from wreaking havoc at a huge televised event. (The latter film comes bundled with its eminently forgettable sequel, 2005's 'Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous,' but no one says Mom has to watch that one…)
If Streep is more your mother's cup of tea, there's a plethora of Blu-ray offerings showcasing the legendary star to wet her whistle. Even if your mom doesn't like to cook, she'll certainly eat up 'Julie & Julia,' which features Streep's uncanny channeling of the iconic chef Julia Child, a joyous performance that earned the actress a well-deserved 16th Academy Award nomination. Nora Ephron's light-as-a-soufflé film serves up enough delicious dishes to make anyone hungry, as it chronicles both Child's personal and professional evolution and the challenge of a young blogger (Amy Adams) to prepare all the recipes in The French Chef's magnum opus in one frenzied 365-day period. Streep also scored last year in the fiftysomething romantic comedy, 'It's Complicated,' as a harried divorcee juggling a new romance with Steve Martin while still fanning the flames with her randy ex (Alec Baldwin). And if ever a movie was tailor-made for mothers, it's 'Mamma Mia!' If Mom doesn't already own this blockbuster (and even if she does), be sure to pick up the flashy limited edition giftset, which features a soundtrack CD, 32-page full-color booklet, and musically enhanced bejeweled packaging (quite festive!). The long-running Broadway hit may have made a clunky transition to the screen (to put it mildly), but not many women cared, as they sung along to a dozen or more ABBA hits, relished the unfettered girl power, and drooled over all the bare-chested men. Streep (in one of her worst portrayals, which means she's still twice as good as most actresses) plays the owner of a broken-down bed-and-breakfast in the idyllic Greek Islands who comes face-to-face with three ex-boyfriends on the eve of her daughter's wedding…one of whom is the girl's mystery father. The lush settings add interest to this mindless bit of jukebox fluff…just make sure to tell Mom to hit the mute button when Pierce Brosnan starts singing. (Talk about tone-deaf…)
Of course, what mom doesn't appreciate haute couture? If yours is anything like mine, she'll savor Streep's incisive, Oscar-nominated incarnation of ice-cold fashion magazine mogul Miranda Priestley in 'The Devil Wears Prada,' one of the decade's most delicious chick flicks. (All right, all right, I admit it, I love it, too!) High fashion and low blows fuel this slick tale of a harried editorial assistant (Anne Hathaway) who struggles to meet the demands of her impossible rhymes-with-rich boss. And if your mom likes to travel (and whose doesn't?), go ahead and send her to The Dark Continent along with Robert Redford. 'Out of Africa' may chronicle the unconventional life of author Isak Dinesen (another pitch-perfect, Oscar-nominated Streep portrayal), but it's also one of the great romantic epics of the '80s, bursting with beautiful scenery and all that repressed passion moms love. (I think Redford was way too old for Streep, but trust me, moms won't care…)
And who says moms can't get a little frisky now and then? With the outrageous sequel opening May 28th, why not surprise mom with the original 'Sex and the City' movie, featuring Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristen Davis), salacious Samantha (Kim Cattrall), and a host of hot hunks romping through the bedrooms, showers, and department stores of the Big Apple? And speaking of hunks, every mother's fantasy, George Clooney, shows off his sensitive side in Jason Reitman's funny, bittersweet satire of corporate America, 'Up in the Air,' while suave Pierce Brosnan savors such delicacies as fine art, fine living, and the oh-so-fine Rene Russo in 'The Thomas Crown Affair.' Thankfully, Brosnan doesn't sing a note in this slick, intoxicating remake of the Steve McQueen classic. Want more eye candy? Moms just go ape over Patrick Swayze, and what better way to honor the late actor than by purchasing the 'Dirty Dancing Limited Keepsake Edition,' which features all the bumping and grinding that made this romantic musical an instant phenomenon, as well as a newly remastered transfer, commemorative book, and a host of all-new extras.
Got a history nut for a mom, or an Anglophile, perhaps? Or someone who just enjoys a good period drama? Then propel her back in time and across the pond, where she can admire the strength, determination, and brazen behavior of such admirable women of substance as the future Queen Victoria ('The Young Victoria') and embattled Elizabeth I ('Elizabeth' and 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'). Emily Blunt plays the former and Cate Blanchett (who received Oscar nominations for both of her stellar performances) the latter in films that also feature eye-filling sets and sumptuous costume design. 'Atonement' is another exceptional work, adapted from Ian McEwan's heartbreaking novel about the devastating ramifications of an adolescent's false perceptions of a series of events one fateful day before the dawn of World War II. James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, the amazing Saoirse Ronan, and luminous Vanessa Redgrave bring this tragic tale to brilliant life, along with stunning direction by Joe Wright. (Mom may not appreciate the jaw-dropping five-minute SteadyCam shot on the beach at Dunkirk, but by all means point it out to her…) And be sure to include a box of Kleenex with the disc; she'll thank you later (and you might find it comes in handy, too).
Finally, all moms are classics, so if you really want to honor the most important woman in your life (sorry, honey, but I had to say that; my mom might read this!), go out and buy her a movie that's as timeless and impeccably preserved as she is. Of course, the perfect choice would be (duh!) 'Gone With the Wind,' David O. Selznick's mammoth adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's saga of the Old South. Take it from me, your mom does give a damn about Scarlett (Vivien Leigh), Rhett (Clark Gable), Ashley (Leslie Howard), Melanie (Olivia de Havilland), Mammy (Hattie McDaniel), and the rest of the cast of thousands that populate this sweeping, melodramatic epic. And if you can't afford the exquisitely appointed 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition (Mom would understand…maybe), don't hesitate to go for the cut-rate Scarlett Edition, which includes the movie and all the supplements without the fancy packaging and collectibles. The same options hold true for another unforgettable masterwork, Michael Curtiz's 'Casablanca,' available in both a super-deluxe collector's box set filled with memorabilia galore and a stripped down single-disc edition. Filmed in glorious black-and-white, the unforgettable story of love, defiance, and "the problems of three little people" stuck in Nazi-occupied Morocco stars – do I really have to tell you? – Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, and a host of terrific character actors, and features more quotable dialogue per capita than almost any other film in Hollywood history. (You can even sign your accompanying greeting card, "Here's looking at you, Mom…" Just give me credit.)
Other can't miss classics include David Lean's superb adaptation of Boris Pasternak's tale of Russian romance and revolution, 'Doctor Zhivago.' Not only will Mom dab her eyes over the unrequited love between Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, she'll be humming 'Lara's Theme' for days afterward. For moms with an adventurous spirit, Alfred Hitchock's 'North by Northwest' is a no-brainer. Here we have a breakneck plot that crisscrosses the country; Cary Grant at his tanned, witty, and sophisticated best; some steamy love scenes with Eva Marie Saint; and a transfer so pristine even Mom's eagle, hyper-critical eye won't be able to spot any imperfections. But if all of Hitchcock's playful innuendos are still too suggestive (in other words, if your mom's a prude), don't despair. John Huston's 'The African Queen' has finally arrived on home video after an interminable wait, and the sweet, spiritual romance between Humphrey Bogart (in his Oscar-winning role) and Katharine Hepburn will warm the cockles of any mom's heart. Was there ever a more unlikely pair than the drunken riverboat captain and pious missionary? Probably, but this one is pretty unusual, and watching them navigate the treachery of an untamed African river to ultimately confront the Germans during the first world war is both thrilling and fun.
So, that's it! There are enough options here to tide Mom over for several Mother's Days. But if you think none of these great films will appeal to that persnickety woman who bore you, well…you can always go back to flowers and candy.
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High-Def Digest’s Holiday Gift Guide 2009: The Essential Holiday Blu-rays
Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 02:40 PM ETTags: Holiday Guides 2009, Best of 2009, High-Def Retailing, David Krauss (all tags)
David Krauss is busy dreaming of a Blu Christmas, but he's taken some time to compile a list of the best holiday Blu-rays currently available.
By David Krauss
For some of us, they're a treasured tradition, like hot mulled cider or Christmas cookies, and we look forward to cuddling up with them each year. For others, who can't stomach the thick layer of sugar they often add to an already saccharine season, they're avoided like the plague. Yet however you view them, holiday movies are a mainstay of American culture, and have been since the dawn of talkies. And for better or worse, the genre's popularity shows no signs of waning.
Each November, a healthy crop of Christmas films march to the multiplex with high hopes of immortality (or at least box office success), but only a select few ever attain classic status. Most are miserable failures and succeed only in giving the holidays a bad name. (Remember that Matthew Broderick/Danny DeVito debacle, 'Deck the Halls'? I wish I didn't.) But those that nail the season's essence live forever, and evoke tender, familiar emotions we never tire of experiencing. Unfortunately, not all of our holiday favorites have made their way onto Blu-ray – it's a shame we can't yet see buh-buh-buh-Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" in high definition (next year, perhaps, Paramount?) – but there's enough diverse Blu-ray fare currently available to keep our players humming in the weeks leading up to Santa's arrival.
With so many holiday movies and so little time to watch them during this frenetic season, what follows is a list of essentials, a yuletide hall of fame that hopefully will have some appeal for every taste. So if you like your Christmas films classic and traditional or saucy and irreverent, here's the best of what Hollywood has to offer on Blu-ray, and here's hoping you can carve out a few hours to view one or two this year…
All-Time Classics: Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without 'It's a Wonderful Life,' and what a gift this Blu-ray edition is for classic movie fans. With an impeccable transfer that delights the eyes – before they well up with tears – and a marvelous story that no matter how many times we've seen it (and I've lost count myself) never fails to brighten our perspective, this beloved production deserves a fresh look this year. Ditto the definitive edition of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' Produced in England in 1951 and starring the best Ebenezer Scrooge ever, Alastair Sim, this faithful adaptation captures all the bitter angst, rueful melancholy, and unabashed joy of this holiday ghost story. Best of all, the spanking new transfer renders the previous DVD obsolete. Of course, no discussion of classic Christmas tales would be complete without a nod to the original 'Miracle on 34th Street.' It's impossible not to believe in Santa Claus after watching this charming, surprisingly incisive comedy that gently reinforces the season's true meaning. Though the video quality isn't a huge upgrade from DVD, it's good enough to stuff this little beauty in your holiday stocking.
Modern Classics: Christmas memories can both warm a nostalgic heart or chill us to the bone, and no movie better depicts both extremes than 'A Christmas Story,' the darkly comic 1983 adaptation of humorist Jean Shepherd's fictional memoir. Who among us can't identify with nine-year-old Ralphie and his dogged pursuit of his dream toy? With both wide-eyed wonder and a mischievous twinkle, this fan favorite deliciously skewers the season. And if you can't identify with Ralphie, then surely you've fantasized at least fleetingly about making your parents and/or siblings disappear, like Kevin McCallister does in 'Home Alone.' C'mon, admit it. Cute-as-a-button Macaulay Culkin battles bungling house burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern after his family leaves on a Parisian vacation without him, learning a lot about independence and the meaning of Christmas in the process. Deftly juggling uproarious slapstick with honest sentiment, this John Hughes production makes us laugh and cry and appreciate the simple pleasures that make this holiday special. And speaking of Christmas vacations – or should I say "stay-cations" - no yuletide celebration is as wacky or wacked out as the one Chevy Chase and family experience in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Running a close second, though, would have to be Buddy the Elf's Big Apple odyssey in Jon Favreau's surprisingly sweet, festive, and hilarious Christmas comedy, 'Elf.' As the orphan child raised at the North Pole and now on a quest to find his real family, Will Ferrell captures the essence of wide-eyed innocence, while James Caan makes a fine foil as his crusty, Scrooge-like dad.
Romantic Comedies: Christmas is certainly one of the most romantic times of the year, and two films blanket us with that warm, fuzzy feeling only a good love story can provide. 'Love, Actually' takes a mosaic approach as it chronicles the exhilaration and heartache of several couples as they navigate love's treacherous minefield. The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, and though I'll never forgive Alan for what he does to Emma, it's impossible not to embrace this well-crafted film. I also really like 'The Holiday' (sssshhh! Don't tell anyone!), Nancy Meyers' chick flick supreme about two lonely women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who trade houses at Christmas and find unexpected love with Jude Law and Jack Black. (I won't spoil who hooks up with whom.) It's a bit predictable and trite, but also strangely irresistible, especially if you've got the tree lit and a roaring fire in the fireplace. It's also one of the few movies in which I don't find Diaz to be annoying.
Animated Fare: When I was a kid, one of the few things that could help speed the interminable wait between Thanksgiving and Christmas was the steady stream of children's holiday specials that flooded the network airwaves, and two of my favorites were (and still are) 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' This year, both perennial classics have been released on Blu-ray, and it's a treat to see them in such vibrant, crystal clear condition. For those who prefer more modern, innovative animated fare, be sure to check out Tim Burton's ghoulishly delightful 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and Robert Zemeckis' magical The Polar Express, which is available in both flat and 3-D versions. It's never too early to get your kids addicted to high-def discs.
Dozens of other holiday Blu-rays are available to brighten (or darken) this Christmas, from traditional Yule log presentations and concerts to irreverent black comedies and, yes, even horror films. But for those who desire a well-balanced, family-friendly selection that plays well from year to year, you can't go wrong with any of the above choices. So plop a few marshmallows in your hot chocolate, grab a comfy blanket, light that fire, and let the movies infuse you with seasonal spirit. Happy Holidays!!
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Blu About The Slow Release of Classic Titles On Blu-ray? Take Heart! (UPDATED)
Tue Feb 17, 2009 at 03:10 PM ETTags: Industry Trends, Warner Brothers, David Krauss (all tags)
George Feltenstein of Warner Home Video talks about future releases and why it takes so long to bring Golden Age gems to Blu-ray
Article by David Krauss
Editor's Note - We have corrected the portion of this story relating to Warner Home Video and it's audio policies for Blu-ray releases. Mr. Feltenstein has noted that from this point forward, Warner intends to release all catalog titles with TrueHD audio tracks. Whether or not the films have multitrack audio elements, the studio believes each release deserves the absolute best audio possible.
It's a question serious movie fans have been asking for some time: "Where are all the classics on Blu-ray?" Almost three years have passed since the debut of high-def discs and we're fast approaching the first anniversary of the format war's abrupt end, and still such iconic titles as 'Gone With the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Lawrence of Arabia,' 'Citizen Kane,' and 'Rear Window' have yet to see a Blu-ray release. "What's taking so long?" everyone seems to be asking. "Is Blu-ray only for recent blockbusters? Will we never be able to enjoy our favorite old movies on this glorious new media?" As time creeps along and more households embrace Blu-ray, the clamor for classics grows louder and more persistent, while the wait drags on…and on. I can speak from personal experience when I say film buffs are many things, but patient isn't one of them.
Well, if you're one of those antsy aficionados aggravated by the dearth of film classics available on Blu-ray disc, take heart. A prominent home video executive feels your pain, and he's doing all he can to rectify the situation without sacrificing quality or compromising a film's original elements.
Anybody who knows DVD classics knows George Feltenstein, senior vice president of marketing/theatrical catalog for Warner Home Video. A major Golden Age film fan himself, Feltenstein has been the driving force behind hundreds of classic releases from the days of VHS on through laserdiscs and into the digital era. His unrivaled passion and commitment to classic film has helped cement WHV's reputation as the genre's leading producer, and developed a loyal consumer following for the studio. And guess what? He's just nuts about Blu-ray.
"I don't think you'll find anyone on the planet complaining more about the lack of classic releases on Blu-ray than me," Feltenstein said in a recent phone interview from his Burbank office. As a consumer himself, he personally thinks it's "horrible, ridiculous, and frustrating" that more pre-1970 titles are not available on the format, and believes "thousands upon thousands of people" haven't made the Blu-ray leap because few of the titles on store shelves interest them. (Feltenstein also feels the film industry hindered the public's adoption of the technology because it failed to clearly and accurately communicate the format's vast superiority over standard DVD during its early stages.) As an industry executive, however, he understands all too well the studios' quandary over whether to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on a per title basis to remaster classic films – and that's what it costs if you need to start from "scratch" – when demographic research shows "typical" buyers couldn't care less about the classic genre. And, Feltenstein adds, "The fact that we are in a recession-slash-depression and the world's economy is going to hell in a hand-basket doesn't help things."
All that said, Feltenstein, who dubs himself WHV's "in-house Blu-ray cheerleader," believes WHV has recently made some "bold and aggressive" moves regarding classics, and hopes other studios will follow suit. He cites next month's releases of the biblical epic 'Quo Vadis,' and two Best Picture winners, 'Gigi' and 'An American in Paris,' as a "litmus test" for classics, even though they are "very, very risky titles to put out in this marketplace, which mostly caters to new theatrical releases." (20th Century Fox will also hop on the classic BD bandwagon next month with 'The Robe' and 'South Pacific.')
That trio, however, is just a warm-up for what Feltenstein calls a "murderer's row" of classic releases later this year that will include such AFI 100 masterpieces as 'Gone With the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'North By Northwest.' Hitchcock's thriller underwent a $1 million restoration, while 'GWTW' and 'Oz' – both of which were remastered in 2K Ultra Resolution three or four years ago for splashy DVD releases – have been completely overhauled once again to make sure they meet all of Blu-ray's exacting standards. "What was perfection two to three years ago is not now," Feltenstein says. "We thought 'Gone With the Wind' would be good to go on Blu-ray with what was done previously, plus $200,000 for dirt cleaning. But to look perfect, we had to start all over from scratch at enormous cost. I took it to management and there was no hesitation. Having a film like 'Gone With the Wind' on Blu-ray will set a new standard and pave the way for more classic releases."
According to Feltenstein, WHV has been mastering its classic films in 1080p since 2002, long before Blu-ray's official dawn, but he's quick to point out that even those relatively new transfers still must undergo expensive, time-consuming dirt and scratch removal to make them suitable for Blu-ray. Regular 1080p remastering is fine for standard definition, he says, but HD quality requires additional work. "Blu-ray demands perfection and our consumers demand that these films achieve the best possible image quality. I assure you they will, but there will always be people out there who will nitpick and find something wrong with them."
Perfection, he explains, doesn't mean compromising a film's original elements, such as grain structure, and Feltenstein is adamant that WHV does not condone such tampering, nor does it allow The Motion Picture Imaging Group, the company that produces its transfers, to artificially enhance images or apply digital noise reduction to achieve a more modern, sleek look. Black-and-white films of the 1930s and 1940s tend to exhibit more grain than movies made in the '50s and '60s, and sometimes that grain looks amplified when projected on a high-def display. When doing transfers, Feltenstein says, "we keep the grain, but get rid of every piece of non-photographic originated dirt we can."
Oftentimes, 1080p remastering shines a beacon on basic rudimentary production techniques used in classic films. Mattes, backdrops, and rear projection work are more noticeable, and special effects can lose their mystique. When upgrading 'Top Hat' (1935), Feltenstein was shocked to see how dirty the floor was on which Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced. That dirty floor will be clearly visible when the Astaire-Rogers films make their Blu-ray debut in 2010, as will the wires that support the Scarecrow in certain scenes of 'The Wizard of Oz.' Age-related specks, scratches, and grit, however, will be erased.
Sound issues have also drawn ire from many consumers hungry for high-def audio on Golden Age films. Some have complained about the lack of a Dolby TrueHD track on 'Casablanca' and the upcoming 'An American in Paris.' Both 'Casablanca' and 'An American in Paris' were recorded in mono, so monaural tracks were used on their respective Blu-ray discs to preserve each film's authenticity. However, Mr. Feltenstein has noted that from this point forward, Warner Home Video intends to release all catalog titles with TrueHD tracks. When original multiple channel recordings are available, the studio may produce newer, multitrack audio mixes, but whether or not the films have multitrack audio elements, the studio believes each release deserves the absolute best audio possible and will provide it in TrueHD.
When discussing the criteria for selecting suitable titles for Blu-ray release, especially this early in the format's lifespan, Feltenstein notes there are still "hundreds upon hundreds of wonderful classic films in the Warner library that still haven't even seen a standard DVD release." At this time, he says, limited audience titles will not immediately come out on Blu-ray, such as a collection of Esther Williams movies WHV is readying for later in 2009, because projected sales would not effectively cover costs, which can quickly spiral into the stratosphere. Dirt and scratch removal on existing 1080p masters is expensive enough, but some films require new intermediate elements from the original negative, while others demand a full photochemical restoration before a new master can be created. Authoring, compression, menu creation, and design also inflate the price tag. "Even replicating the physical Blu-ray disc is expensive," Feltenstein says. "So it's not just the cost of making the master that determines whether we go forward." As a result, the studio is currently prepping its most iconic titles for Blu-ray and holding off on more specialized material.
Does that mean some titles, especially those antiques with heavy grain and scratchy audio, will never see a Blu-ray release? "Just because it can't be perfect doesn't mean it shouldn't be on Blu-ray at some point," Feltenstein says. "Some titles will take longer than others, but a film's vintage will not keep it from Blu-ray. Because we've been mastering in 1080p since 2002, we have gorgeous high-definition masters on more than 250 black-and-white 4x3 movies. They're just not the kind of movies that will lure people into Blu-ray. Remember, it was about five years into the DVD era before it became financially viable to go deeper into the classic library; we are about to begin year number four of Blu-ray in a few months, and I believe our plans for Blu-ray library marketing are in line with what we did – and continue to do – for DVD. But right now, we have to try and find the right classic film that will really show off the technology."
And Warner has plenty of those on tap. In addition to the Astaire-Rogers canon in 2010, Feltenstein said the 1954 'A Star Is Born' with Judy Garland, currently being remastered in 6K resolution, will also see a 2010 release, and 'Citizen Kane' will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a Blu-ray bow in 2011. Other titles in the pipeline include the 1959 'Ben-Hur,' which was already remastered in 1080p, but is being redone because, Feltenstein says, many viewers were displeased with the standard DVD transfer. 'Singin' in the Rain,' previously mastered in 1080i in 2001 is unsuitable for Blu-ray in its present form, so it's gone back to square one for a "profusely expensive" 1080p makeover. 'The Music Man,' 'Doctor Zhivago,' and 'Meet Me in St. Louis' also will see high-def releases in the next two to three years. And in honor of its 40th anniversary, 'Woodstock' will arrive on Blu-ray later this year in limited numbered editions with two hours of recently discovered performances. The classic concert film was originally shot in 16mm, so beware, there will be noticeable grain.
Though Hollywood usually thrives during tough times, Feltenstein said the home video industry has not been immune to the economic downturn, as layoffs and store closings make production more time consuming and marketing more challenging. "It's a very difficult environment to further this agenda," he said. "But if you put out a great release, people will buy it, and buying ensures that more releases in the same vein will follow. If people want to see more classic releases, they need to support the ones that are available or will soon be available. It's that simple."
Feltenstein can't speak for other studios, but emphasizes WHV's strong commitment to classics on Blu-ray, both from a financial and ideological perspective. "The horizon is bright," he says. "We will continue to be aggressive, and I believe people will be very happy with what we have in store."
In other words, good things come to those who wait.
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