This Week On DVD and Blu-ray: December 16-21, 2008

Coach Carter: This was a surprisingly good film. Sure, it's formulaic and you know what is going to happen at every turn, but I liked it. However, I have a hard time believing anyone would be interested in the Blu-ray copy if they already own the DVD. This one comes with no new features and is just another chance to start that Blu-ray catalog should you so choose.

The Heartbreak Kid: I have never seen this movie and it was sent to me on HD DVD and now Blu-ray and I am surprised Paramount is leading with it considering even Ben Stiller made fun of it in the MTV comedy skit that is now on the Tropic Thunder DVD and Blu-ray. I say this, of course, since everyone pretty much unanimously loathed this flick. Perhaps I should give it a chance… I hate what everyone else thinks.

Into the Wild: This is a good film, but I was never quite able to get on board with it as much as everyone else. Primarily because I thought the lead character was pretty much a selfish little brat that cared about no one but himself and saw no reason to get too emotional about his journey. However, you could also look at this film from the perspective of those McCandless came into touch with and open up a whole new world of possibilities. With this release of six new titles this is probably the most worthy of giving a look since it offers up some spectacular shots that will look great on HD. On top of that I expect people will look back at this film as the one that really launched Emile Hirsch into a serious acting career. He's great in it. No BD exclusive features though. Sorry.

Hot Rod: Another film I haven't seen but heard isn't all that bad. Of course Paramount is sticking with this one since Andy Samberg has become a hot commodity on Saturday Night Live with his Digital Shorts. However, I still think there are only a handful of comedies out there worth picking up on high-definition Blu-ray and I don't think I would make this one my first.

Tommy Boy: Boom, the "Holy Schnike Edition" of the Tommy Boy DVD is directly transferred over to Blu-ray with the film getting the high-def treatment. Of the comedies on Paramount's opening catalog Blu-ray wave I would say this is probably the one that will draw the most attention of real comedy fans. Chris Farley, love him or hate him, can still make you laugh and this was probably his best feature he made.

As for Chungking Express by Kar Wai Wong and The Man Who Fell to Earth starring David Bowie I am not so sure. Chungking looks good and if it turns out to be as good as I think it looks I will probably be picking it up as well. Man Who Fell I am not so sure about, the trailer just doesn't look all that good to me.

One thing is for certain, with Criterion getting underway with their Blu-ray releases starting right now, there is no better time to start collecting Criterion titles if you haven't started already. Coming in January is The Last Emperor (Bernardo Bertolucci) and El Norte (Gregory Nava)