Once again, the Blu-ray.com reviewers and contributors have come together to compile individual lists of their favorite releases. 2025 saw an incredible variety of 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray releases, featuring timeless classics, beloved cult and rare genre gems, as well as some extremely rare catalog titles that had been unavailable on the home video market for many decades. Several beloved vintage and more recent TV shows also received lavish releases.
RANDY MILLER III
2025 was a great year for physical media as boutique labels began to continually outpace some of the major studios with definitive editions of catalog classics. The below titles were reviewed by me personally and all come highly recommended.
1.
Tom and Jerry: The Golden Era Anthology (Blu-ray, Warner Archive)
A potentially controversial pick due to more recency bias… but once the dust settles, I think most people will agree that Warner Archive's treatment of Hanna-Barbera's Tom and Jerry shorts -- 114 in all, released to theaters between 1940 and 1958 -- was absolutely outstanding under the circumstances. The franchise was largely abandoned on Blu-ray after WB's last-minute cancellation of 2013's Golden Collection Volume 2, but this surprise six-disc set presents all 114 shorts uncut and in chronological order for the first time on digital home video. Most of these cartoons are absolute classics and Warner Archive scoured the vaults for best-available source materials, assembled a great collection of extras, and wrapped everything up in a bow for fans to enjoy once again for the first time. Of all the discs I reviewed in 2025, this was the one I wanted the most.
2.
Re-Animator (4K/Blu-ray Limited Edition, Second Sight)
Perhaps this one's a slight case of recency bias since my review just went up a few weeks ago, but the numbers don't lie: this is perfect treatment of a genre classic, which is basically on-brand for the UK-based boutique label Second Sight. Timed to celebrate its 40th anniversary, this brick-sized Limited Edition -- which, as with all Second Sight releases, is available in a standard version as well -- features flawless A/V merits, terrific packaging, and a glut of bonus features that celebrate the film's legacy including a celebrated alternate cut of the film.
3.
The Huckleberry Hound Show: The Complete Original Series (Blu-ray, Warner Archive)
Hanna-Barbera's second-ever cartoon series was their first "variety show" and introduced plenty of fun new characters including Huckleberry Hound and good ol' Yogi Bear himself. It's decidedly on-brand for H-B with simple stories, easily distinguishable animation, and outstanding voice work, and what's more is that it still holds up nearly 70 years after its TV debut. Long since disassembled from its original non-stop 30-minute format, Warner Archive once again earns their name with this deep dive into the vaults to reconstruct the true Huck experience by way of long-lost bumpers, interstitials, commercials, and more, bringing the series back to life in a way that will absolutely delight long-time fans.
4.
This Is Spinal Tap (4K/Blu-ray, Criterion)
The late, great Rob Reiner's debut film and an immortal mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap kick-started the director's terrific early run of films and helped to popularize the subgenre, thanks to the note-perfect work of its cast and crew. Criterion's welcome UHD edition quite appropriately feels like a reunion of sorts; last tackled by the studio on laserdisc and DVD in the 1990s, this new release sports a terrific 4K restoration, two lossless audio options, and a treasure trove of bonus features from past and present.
5.
Flow (4K/Blu-ray, Criterion)
The only 2025 movie to make this list, Gints Zilbalodis' Oscar-winning Flow is a singular animated adventure with an accessible story, great music, and uniquely effective visuals that carry the film for all 85 dialogue-free minutes. Criterion thankfully brought Flow to domestic audiences quickly as either a 4K/Blu-ray combo pack or a stand-alone Blu-ray edition, both of which include supportive A/V merits, Zilbalodis' excellent feature-length 2019 animated film Away, and a full disc of worthwhile bonus features.
6.
The Nice Guys (4K/Blu-ray Limited Edition, Second Sight)
Shane Black's underrated action-comedy is right in line with the co-writer/director's previous work; it's the kind of breezy, likeable movie you can pop in on a whim and appreciate something new every single time. Second Sight's Limited Edition again stands as an appealing and definitive edition with top-tier A/V merits including a new Dolby Atmos remix, great packaging as usual, and a healthy collection of mostly exclusive bonus features.
7.
The Curse of Frankenstein (4K/Blu-ray, Warner Archive)
Perhaps the highest-rated release that didn't crack my Top 5, this one doesn't rank quite as high because it's an expansion of Warner Archive's outstanding 2020 Blu-ray edition that already ranked as my favorite for that year. Led by a few visual upgrades (including the bump to true 4K) as well as a mountain of new extras created by Hammer Films for their own UHD edition, it's top-tier work for a celebrated landmark of horror.
8.
The Brood / Scanners (4K/Blu-ray Limited Edition, Second Sight)
Another multiple entry cheat? Yep… but it's been a packed year, so a little rule-breaking is necessary. These like-minded (and brick-sized) Limited Editions from UK boutique label Second Sight lavish attention on two of David Cronenberg's early classics with terrific A/V merits, impressive packaging, and a solid collection of bonus features. (Just for the record, "Scanners" ranks slightly higher, but both deserve a spot on this list.)
9.
007: The Sean Connery James Bond 6-Film Collection (4K, Warner Bros.)
WB's slim 007 set is a compact and efficient way to get all six of the late, great Scottish actor's Bond portrayals in one handy package; they're now available separately, but die-hard fans who consider Connery to be at or near the top of the "Best Bond" list will have no problem going all in on this one. It's hardly a gamble given the uniformly great new 4K restorations, choice of lossless audio options, and legacy bonus features, so pick this one up immediately to ensure the rest of the Bonds get their time in the spotlight.
10.
Fallout: Season One (4K Steelbook, Warner Bros.)
The only streaming original to make my list, Amazon/MGM's well-received adaptation of Fallout makes for great TV and should appeal to die-hard fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. Small speed bumps are present during this eight-episode first season, but it's an impressive run overall with great characters, top-tier production design, and staggering attention to detail. Available as separate Blu-ray and 4K editions as well as Amazon's sharp 4K Steelbook variant, all have overwhelmingly good A/V merits and a healthy set of extras.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (in alphaberical order)
The Beta Test (Blu-ray Limited Edition, Arrow). Jim Cummings' razor-sharp comedy gets the royal treatment from Arrow UK including a full disc of short films.
Companion (4K, Warner Bros.). One of the best (and funniest) horror-comedies in years earns a well-deserved UHD edition.
Corpse Bride (4K Steelbook, Warner Bros.). This underrated stop-motion classic celebrates its 20th anniversary with a much-needed 4K upgrade.
Dirty Harry. This iconic 1970s classic is one of many deserving WB catalog titles to finally get a much-needed facelift.
High Society (4K/Blu-ray, Warner Archive). Last seen on DVD, this star-studded musical earns the A/V upgrade of the year from Warner Archive.
Lethal Weapon (4K, Warner Bros.). Much like Dirty Harry, Richard Donner's massively popular buddy-cop film gets a glow-up… and hopefully its sequels will too.
On Borrowed Time (Blu-ray, Warner Archive). A simple but clever rumination on life, loss, and letting go, this moving drama features top-tier performances and a roller-coaster of emotions in just 99 minutes.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (4K, Warner Bros.). This undisputed 1970s classic features one of Jack Nicholson's best-ever performances and an ending that'll still wreck you.
Paddington: 3-Film Collection (4K, Studio Canal). These three family favorites are finally available in one handy (and region-free) UHD collection.
Sinners (4K, Warner Bros.)
- Ryan Coogler's fifth film made waves upon its April theatrical release, and this 4K edition does it justice with reference-quality A/V merits.
Weapons (4K, Warner Bros.). Another breakout horror hit, Zach Cregger's carefully crafted film starts strong, builds to an unforgettable climax, and likewise plays great in UHD.
DR. STEVE LARSON
4K BLU-RAY RELEASES
1.
Black Sunday
Mario Bava's solo directorial debut still retains its ability to shock and send chills up the spine. His moody cinematography creates a spooky atmosphere that's memorable. It is an undisputed gothic classic. Scream Factory's 4K-based transfers are completely free of artifacts and retain a healthy amount of grain. Black levels are inky but not dialed up as high as the Arrow Blu-ray. The mono track on the Scream discs is superior to the said mix on the Image LaserDisc and Arrow BD. It is clear, perfectly audible, and finely balanced. It shows some high-dynamic range when delivering Roberto Nicolosi's score, which brings in brass, woodwinds, eerie strings, the xylophone, bells, and drums that sound like a gong. Scream's mono has no bad hiss, scratches, or dropouts. I don't think it can sound any better than it does here. Scream has overloaded this set with a quartet of recent audio commentaries.
2.
City on Fire
Ringo Lam's film is a fast-moving crime drama and one of Hong Kong's bona fide action classics of the '80s. Chow Yun Fat demonstrates a wide range of impressive character-acting skills, which are on full display here. He is shown as playful and insolent towards girlfriend Hung and other women. But he also demonstrates genuine concern to Hung that flying to Hawaii with the shady businessman would not be in her best interest. Chow is also portrayed as sensitive when he is dealing with Lau. Shout! Studios has delivered excellent picture and sound transfers to go with several in-depth bonus features. Both the UHD and Blu-ray do a splendid job of bringing out the fluorescent and neon lights of night life in Kowloon. The Cantonese track is often quite loud when there is an explosion and when gunshots ring out. Fortunately, it apparently hasn't undergone any EQing. I found all spoken words audible and intelligible. It is great to see screenwriter Tommy Sham give a recent interview.
3.
Fade to Black
I am so glad to finally have Vernon Zimmerman's cult film on UHD! This is definitely a film that was made for cinephiles. The 4K disc is a BD-66 and sports a healthy encode. I know at least some readers are wondering if Fade to Black looks essentially the same when upscaling Scream's standard Blu-ray (or the Vinegar Syndrome disc) to 4K as it does when viewing the UHD in Dolby Vision or HDR10. There are differences. For example, I noticed a finer grain field on the UHD. I also spotted pockets of the frame that reveal increased clarity and sharper textures. There's also an uptick in detail when watching it in native 4K. Spoken words are always relatively clear and intelligible on the DTS-HD MA mono track. Composer Craig Safan's diverse score is an integral part of the film's sound design. Scream has ported over VS' fabulous package of bonus materials. Drew McWeeny's feature-length commentary is quite informative so it's a solid addition.
4.
Monkey Shines
Monkey Shines is one of Romero's most underrated pictures. Jason Beghe is likeable and sympathetic in the lead. Since Romero scripts several unlikable characters, the film isn't particularly endearing, but the writer/director places the secondary characters on arcs that lead to appropriate outcomes in the story. Scream Factory's UHD is practically flawless. The color corrections it has made are accurate to my eyes. Scream's 2.0 stereo track ranges from good to very good. Fortunately, it legitimately sounds like OGA from the movie's Dolby SR. I could really hear the marimbas on the satellite speakers for the roving "monkey vision" POV shots. Flutist Stephen Kujala did a commendable job performing on this score. The flute represents the warmer moments between Allan and Ella. Composer David Shire combines flute with guitar for Melanie's theme because she resides in the countryside to train the monkeys, and the guitar gives the score a more rural sound. The new commentary track is a fairly enlightening discussion about the film, Romero, and how the latter's career compares to Craven's.
5.
The Place Beyond the Pines
Derek Cianfrance's third feature finds Gosling at his laconic best. The whole cast is stellar. Commentators have claimed that the film's second half is its weakest. I see their point since it isn't as strong as the first. But Dane DeHaan elevates the material with a completely naturalistic performance for a character who, just like his father, is taciturn and pensive. The script has some shortcomings (e.g., gaps in logic during a few scenes), but the film is still excellent overall. The recent 4K scan that Cianfrance approved looks outstanding on the UHD. Grain prominence is very similar in Shout's UHD and standard Blu-ray presentations. On the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, Cianfrance and his sound design team place the viewer in the middle of the amusement park during the main titles. Sounds are circular and completely enveloping. There's also a loud rush when Luke rides his motorbike through congested traffic. Rock musician Mike Patton's score is heavy on atmosphere and texture. His music sets the mood for scenes and the states of characters with aplomb.
6.
Primary Colors
Mike Nichols's political comedy/drama is often funny and moving. It improved for me during my second viewing, which indicates it has replay value. I am glad that Shout included a 1080p Blu-ray (based on a 4K scan) to go along with its 4K UHD. The picture is frequently dark (especially the first half) and doesn't boast a lot of primaries till later on. The DI used for the transfers is in mint condition. Shout's stereo track is legitimate and not a mix down of the 5.1. The LaserDisc's 2.0 and Shout's 2.0 sound similar. Surround channels are only sometime active. Composer Ry Cooder also contributes a lot to the music cues. Besides writing them, he plays guitar. I would rate the tracks "Not the Best People" and "Don't Break Our Hearts" on MCA's soundtrack album the best on disc and finest underscore in the film. Cooder's use of piano is affective and touching. The three recent interviews run longer than what's usually on Shout's releases.
7.
Scent of a Woman
Shout Select's 4K UHD HD Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray combo is the perfect way to experience Pacino's bravura performance. The transfers improve immeasurably on the LaserDisc and Universal's BDs. To my surprise, the letterboxed LD is cropped on all four sides compared to Shout's discs! I scrutinized much of that transfer on a 4K monitor. I only spotted a couple of infinitesimal white specks across the full runtime. These are hard to catch in motion. (You really have to squint.) Texture is abundant. I listened to the LD's 16-bit PCM stereo track and then compared it with Shout's DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix. Thomas Newman's music nicely envelops the satellite speakers on both mixes when it's played over the main titles and other moments where it reaches a crescendo. Shout's 2.0 mix boasts some fine bass. The nearly hour-long interview with Martin Brest covers a lot of ground about the film's pre-production process and shoot. Additionally, there's a fine interview with one of the editors about how some of the most important scenes were put together.
8.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Kerry Conran's lone feature to date is reminiscent of a first-rate Saturday afternoon serial that audiences would flock to in yesteryear. In combining 2D background plates and 3D CGI, the film was a revolutionary breakthrough in the early to mid 2000s. I will see anything Jude Law is in and he appears in fine form here as the titular character. Shout Select's UHD looks breathtaking. It is free of any blooming, moiré effects, or compression-related artifacts. I prefer the UHD over the standard Blu-ray because the Dolby Vision and HDR add depth cues considerably. For example, I could notice in-motion on the UHD how group shots and multi-plane compositions reveal enhanced 3D depth. Colors in the Shangri-La scenes are lovingly rendered. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 is crisp and fully dynamic. When the giant robots invade New York City, their stomping produces loud crunching noises courtesy of the .LFE. There are terrific panning effects along the surrounds when NYPD motorcycles whizz by and planes cruise through the skies.
9.
Snowden
Stone's movie presents as many of the facts that could be gathered along with speculative dramatizations that may or may not have occurred. (There remain a lot of unknowns in the long secretive history of American intelligence agencies.) Stone often makes Snowden a highly cinematic experience and not the dull, repetitious experience its critics claim. The source material looks nearly immaculate. Shout Select has delivered a marvelous presentation in 4K. On the DTS-HD MA mix, the score co-written by Craig Armstrong and Adam Peters stands out. Armstrong's "Happiness Montage" and "Ed Copies Data (Secret Downloading Variation)" are two of the three main highlights for his score. The other is "Secret Downloading", which is also remixed by Boys Noize. I feel this is the most effective cue in the film. It features driving and propulsive rhythms with moderately pounding bass beats. It works magically for the scenes where Ed is shuttling around Hong Kong. The five recent interviews are each worth watching.
10.
Vampires
Repeat viewings of Vampires affirm my observation of how deftly Carpenter successfully mixes horror, action, and comedy in arguably one of his best-directed films. Scream Factory's UHD delivers Gary Kibbe's photography with a bit more panache than the other transfers. The new HDR color grade on the 4K superbly accents Kibbe's filters. A major difference I noted between the 4K and prior transfers is how nighttime shots and interior scenes are generally darker with crisper black levels on the UHD. The new transfer also displays a nice amount of grain on the actors' faces. Grain on both the 4K and Blu-ray is very well-balanced throughout the frame. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 is robust and a noticeable upgrade over the surround track on Scream's prior release. This one opens up the upper registers of music and the f/x in action scenes even more than the older track. I could really hear fires sizzle. Overall, music and sound f/x create an enveloping environment from front to back.
JEFFREY KAUFFMAN
For 2024's Top 10 list, I "broke the rules" (what else is new?) and named a perceived genre or format, namely audio Blu-ray, as my Number 1 choice for the year, and I was frankly tempted to do it again this year, until I then realized that so many of the best discs that crossed my personal review queue in 2025 were indeed audio Blu-rays (some with significant video components as well). Since my Top 10 lists have always tended to shy away from mainstream releases, at least in part, I've therefore decided to highlight some of the best audio Blu-rays individually this year, certain that many of my colleagues here at the site will be concentrating on probably higher profile releases. In no particular order:
1.
Joni Mitchell - Blue. I listed
Joni Mitchell: The Asylum Albums among the releases I singled out for my Number 1 pick(s) last year, and I frankly mistakenly assumed Rhino and/or Warner Music Group would be releasing
all of Joni's albums in hi res audio, but that has turned out not to be case, so far, anyway.
Blue is of course one of the most legendary albums from this legendary singer/songwriter, and it's a wonder to behold/hear all over again.
2.
Frank Zappa: Cheaper than Cheep and
Frank Zappa: One Size Fits All (and, yep, I'm breaking rules again by offering a twofer in the second spot). The Zappa heirs and assigns continue to mine what is evidently a gigantic archive Frank amassed, and both of these offer Zappa's iconic music and at least some video. I'd love for some future release to offer reproductions of Zappa's actual scores so that I and my fellow geeks could follow along.
3.
The Who: Who Are You. Fans of audio Blu-rays in particular have perhaps become immune to releases branded as Super Deluxe (two more examples follow this one), but in this particular case, that sobriquet certainly applies, and this massive set offers both stunning audio as well as decent video, along with an overwhelming supply of accoutrements, including CDs.
4. Speaking of Super Deluxe editions,
Yes: Close to the Edge may not offer any substantial video and arguably not even as much non disc swag as in the above release, but it still features yet more stellar audio work by the venerable Steven Wilson, fully on display on the audio Blu-ray.
5. A hat trick of Super Deluxe editions is capped with
Genesis: The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, which admittedly may not have the instant allure of either of the above releases, but which still offers some really interesting work by the band, and which in this particular instance does have a wealth of non disc swag included.
6.
Ramones: 1! 2! 3! 4! - Ramones in Atmos might seem like an unlikely set of albums to exploit Atmos audio, and while my hunch is some purists may actually prefer the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 options, but one way or the other this makes for a propulsive onslaught that is forceful if admittedly kind of primal (maybe almost feral).
7.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Bold as Love. If the Zappa heirs and assigns are busy offering Frank's work, they're in a similar league with the Hendrix Estate, which offered this limited edition of this legendary album. Once again there's a host of supplemental material, including several CDs and some sweet drawings by Jimi.
8.
The Doors: Immersed may well complete Rhino's curation of the band's discography, since it includes really enjoyable Atmos mixes (by Bruce Botnick) of all the original studio albums. This release admittedly doesn't offer much in the way of packaging extras, but the audio is superb.
9.
Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here. I'm "turning things up to 11" with this choice, since it arrived after our deadline for submitting our Top 10 list, but which had it arrived earlier probably would have been one of my top choices (not that my numbering really is important). While this both adds to and subtracts from the earlier "Immersion Version" of the album, it's going to be a real collector's items for fans with deep enough pockets to afford it.
10.
Rhino's Quadio Series. 2025 offered another 16 quadraphonic mixes to lovers of "early" multichannel surround recordings. This particular bunch featured legendary stalwarts like Rod Stewart and Chicago alongside lesser knowns like Beaver & Krause.
11. ". . .and the rest". My reference to the somewhat hilarious elision the first season theme of
Gilligan's Island will in this case cover far more than two "extras", but in terms of regular, good old fashioned movies and the like, I'd certainly highly recommend any/all of the following:
The Wes Anderson Archive: Ten Films, Twenty-Five Years,
Wild Style, ,
The Sound of Music,
Finis Terrae,
Room 666 / Room 999,
The Fall, and
The Third Man.
JUSTIN DEKKER
Regardless of one's interests or hobbies, the notion of voting with one's wallet is important. This is especially true with physical media as it continues its battle with the juggernaut that is streaming. I'm a firm believer in physical media. I buy books, LPs, CDs, and obviously, an awful lot of Blu-ray and 4K discs. While space for them all can be an issue, I place a great deal of value on knowing that high-quality iterations of the films and television shows I want to see are available to me whenever I I'm in the mood to see them. I encourage each of you reading these lists to also vote with your wallets, picking up the releases and supporting the labels that do their best to bring the films and television shows that matter to you to Blu-ray and 4K disc.
I didn't review each of the titles that made their way onto my Top 10 List this year, but each has found their way into my collection. While every title may not resonate with every viewer, hopefully everyone will find something on this countdown that they will enjoy as much as I do.
4K BLU-RAY AND BLU-RAY RELEASES
1.
The Curse of Frankenstein (Hammer)
The Curse of Frankenstein: Limited Collector's Edition 4K (Hammer) - Hammer has very quickly become the among the very best in terms of putting out high-quality releases of titles that are loaded with an immense amount of on-disc and printed supplemental material. While they've released some amazing films in 2025, none is more important than 1957's "The Curse of Frankenstein" which stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. Simply put, the film not only reinvigorated the languishing horror genre, it also put Hammer, a label which soon would become synonymous with horror, on the map. Stand-out performances, high production values, and incredible direction make this one a classic, and Hammer treats it right. This 6-disc release features hours of on-disc extras, two books, a double sided poster, and lobby card reproductions, all housed in a beautiful slipbox. It's absolutely the release of the year.
2.
Hard Boiled / A Better Tomorrow Trilogy / The Killer (Shout Factory)
I'll admit that this is cheating. Giving one spot to five films? Absolutely. 100% cheating. However, in my defense I'd simply like to say that we've been waiting a terribly long time, decades, really, for solid releases of these essential films from John Woo and star Chow Yun-Fat. Never before has gunplay been more glamorous, and never has an action star been cooler than Chow Yun-Fat is here, and these films stand among John Woo's very best. Sure, "A Better Tomorrow III" was directed by Tsui Hark, but it's still a great time. They're essential viewing.
3.
Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (Limited Collector's Edition) (Hammer)
Hammer's first release maybe wasn't the film fans of the studio may have been anticipating, but the overall package was a good omen of what was to follow: meticulously restored films accompanied by a dragon's horde of printed and on-disc supplemental material. Comics, essays, lobby cards, posters, and new and vintage featurettes, all housed in deluxe packaging; that MO was established here. And this film, which should have been the start of a series, is wonderfully restored. With the legendary Brian Clemens directing and Horst Janson and Caroline Munro as its stars, the film is packed with swashbuckling thrills, vampire scares, humor, and an eerie folk horror atmosphere. As a longtime fan of the film, watching this presentation was like seeing it for the first time. It's an overlooked gem that is ripe for rediscovery.
4.
Wicked (Universal)
The care and craftsmanship on display in every shot of this film relentlessly impress. The labyrinth practical sets for Shiz University (and other locations) are gratifyingly explored and impeccably dressed. Costumes are a richly detailed and sumptuous mix of whimsy and functionality. Considering "Wicked" is a musical, it is important to highlight that the vocal performances of the two leads (Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda) and the elaborateness of the large production numbers are as gripping as they are powerful. They're every bit the equal of the work done by the original Broadway cast led by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. The film is breathtaking and the technical merits of the 4K disc are impeccable.
5.
Downton Abbey: The Ultimate Legacy Collection (Universal)
After 15 years, audiences are saying a final farewell to Downton Abbey, a cozy period English drama about a family in the waning days of the golden age of the British landed aristocracy. Lord and Lady Grantham and their family have endured much: loss of family members on the Titanic, the loss of a daughter, the loss of a son-in-law, a world war, and the Wall Street crash, just to name a few. Through it all, while it hasn't always been easy, they and their staff have somehow prevailed with grace, dignity, and an unerring moral compass. By tackling the issues of their day, they've commented on the issues of ours, and made more than a few viewers long for those bygone days of a "simpler" time. Brought to life by an amazing cast wearing elegant costumes and shot in incredible locations, the six seasons and three films are captivating.
6.
Cannibal! The Musical (Refuse Films)
Long before the television and theatrical cultural touchstone and mirror of "South Park", the marionette mayhem of "Team America: World Police" or the Broadway smash "The Book of Mormon", Trey Parker and Matt Stone were film students who crafted a trailer about a notorious Colorado resident named Alferd Packer. That little trailer became so popular that a film simply had to made, and thus, "Cannibal! The Musical" was born! Showcasing all of their trademark wit, irreverence, and no small amount of Broadway savvy, the end result is incredibly entertaining, and the region-free release from Refuse Films presents the best viewing option available. Pop the disc in and have a "Shpadoinkle" day. You'll be singing that one for weeks to come.
7.
Pink Floyd: At Pompeii MCMLXXII (Legacy Recordings)
This audienceless concert film captures the influential band in one of their more interesting periods between the departure of Syd Barrett and before the more well-known and commercially successful releases of "Wish You Were Here", "The Dark Side of the Moon", and "The Wall". Each member of the band is given their moment in the spotlight, with, Gilmour's expressive guitarwork and Mason's impressive drumming being particularly captivating. The images in and around Pompeii that are intermixed with the performance are fascinating. While almost otherworldly, they enhance rather than overshadow the experience. You'll want to turn the volume up as loud as you can for this one.
8.
How to Train Your Dragon (Universal)
Not trying to veer off in new directions, this live-action adaptation of the animated classic understands that its strength is its source, wisely crafting a veritable shot-for-shot remake that manages to take the film's core a step or two beyond the original. The cast, which includes Gerard Butler and Nick Frost, is spot-on, and the dragon effects are a treat. For devout fans of the franchise or those coming to the film for the first time, the tale is as funny and touching as ever. The presentation here is both visually and audibly stunning, and the film stands up to repeat viewings.
9.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Sony)
As quotable as it is absurd, this is, in my opinion, one of the funniest films ever made. After having purchased the film a number of times in a number of formats, at long last, this release seems to be the very best in terms of audio, video presentation, and extras. It's the comedy troupe at their finest.
10.
House M.D.: The Complete Series (Universal)
Being a fan of Hugh Laurie from his time on "Blackadder" and "Jeeves and Wooster", this medical drama quickly became required viewing upon its initial broadcast. Thanks to his brilliant performance, solid writing, and an excellent supporting cast, "House M.D." has been a perennial favorite in my household, and my family and I have worked through the series several times. It's become the television equivalent of comfort food, in a way. This year, the unusual medical cases, humor, and melodrama, have finally made their way to a wonderful US release that deserves a (big) spot on every collector's shelf.