12 Blu-rays of Christmas (1 Viewer)

Cute title, right?
I was reading Home Theater Mag's article on the best Blu-ray discs and got to thinking....
My intention here is to try and name the 12 must have or must own Blu-ray discs no matter what year the movie was released and no matter the commercial success of the movie. Whether you are trying to make your own Christmas list to give to your significant other, looking for a great gift for Mom and Dad, or you just want to see if your library includes all of these titles, it might be beneficial to get a list out there that is totally subjective and perhaps would lead to some good discussion, right?

How to judge? Should the quality of the movie have some influence? Should that be left out and only take into account picture quality, sound quality and extras? How much weight should extras being in HD add? You can see that there are a number of factors that lead to a great Blu-ray disc and these factors are going to weigh differently in each of our minds.

Judging by the various posts I read daily on home theater and high definition forums, I believe most people want a good movie that looks and sounds good. These are the most important factors. Extras are great for some people (me included) but to others, they don't matter. So I am thinking a 30/30/30/10 split to try and narrow down this list.

Now I mentioned the word "movies" earlier but this list should include every possible Blu-ray release - documentary, concert, TV show, etc.

Here we go.....

Keep in mind, these are in no particular order

• Transformers - Say what you want about Michael Bay, the guy knows how to put together action sequences. One of the best audio presentations on the format along with a stellar picture and tons of extras will put this on anyone's top list.
• Iron Man - The quality of the movie keeps this one from falling off this list along with an outstanding and enveloping TrueHD track. Oh yeah, there's many extras all in HD, too.
• The Godfather Collection - Francis Ford Coppola Restoration - Soft and murky picture aside, this has to be included due to the fact that the first two pictures are the greatest cinematic triumphs in history. The picture and sound won't blow you away but the story will. Not to mention an entire disc of special features and 3 commentaries.
• Wall*E - PQ 10; AQ 10; Quality of the movie 10; Extras 10 NEXT
• I, Robot - One that flies under the radar in my opinion. Picture is razor sharp, the DTS-HD MA track is incredible and the interactivity was (and still is) cutting edge.
• Pirates of the Caribbean Trilogy Boxset - Lumped all three movies together since it is available as a boxset. All three are reference in both picture and audio quality. Not to mentioned loads of extras and the movies are entertaining too.
• Blade Runner Complete Collector's Edition - What more needs to be said of this release that is going on a year old? Still have to admire it and give it it's due.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas - Absolutely loved this presentation. Visual and aural beauty.
• Ratatouille - If Wall*E is a perfect 10, Ratatouille is a 9.99. Pixar just keeps getting better if that's possible.
• Mad Men - Season 1 - 1960's era has never looked so good. Outstanding series and won all sorts of Emmys. The extras would take you days to get through.
• Casino Royale - Collector's Edition - This new edition makes the list whereas the original release wouldn't have. Love the new bonus features that should have been included in the original. An overall outstanding release and the best Bond movie yet.
• Lost - Season 3 - Arguably one of the best high def presentations around, no matter the source. Hours of bonus features will have you reveling in it's glory.

Needless to say, this list will be a work in progress and it's just one man's humble opinion. Will The Dark Knight or Wanted knock one of these off the list? I will find out very soon.

Well, I think The Dark Knight should certainly make your list. I don't know what title it would knock off, but it has to be there.

My top spot is:
Wall-E.
I would also have to add:
The Incredible Hulk (a/v is amazing)
Godfather boxset
Ultimate Matrix Collection
Iron Man
Tropic Thunder
Top Gun
Transformers
Cars
Casino Royale
Weeds
Blade Runner

I would add Dark Knight based on quality of the movie, but I haven't seen the blu-ray.

I would probably have TDK knock off Transformers.

I enjoyed I, Robot, but I'd probably replace that w/ the Kill Bill duo myself (or some other better film w/ a quality presentation, eg. LA Confidential, Sweeney Todd, maybe even Get Smart , etc.).

I'd probably go for Band of Brothers over Lost Season 3.

_Man_

I'm sure TDK is going to end up on the list but I'm still not sure which one it's going to replace.
I also enjoyed The Incredible Hulk disc but it lost points because the movie was mediocre. Yes, I know I, Robot is mediocre as well but IMO, it betters TIH in PQ and bonus features. If I were to make a call right now, I, Robot drops off when The Dark Knight is officially released.

If I was going to make a 'close but no cigar' list, The Incredible Hulk would be on there as well as Band of Brothers, Live Free or Die Hard and the Kill Bills.

How The West Was Won deserves consideration, especially for its inventive presentation in the "smilebox" format.

- Steve

Yes, I totally agree.