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TOP DVD’S by Ben Peeples

1. CARLOS

You may think five-and-a-half hours is more than enough time to tell the story of infamous terrorist Carlos the Jackal, but after viewing the extensive documentaries and archival interviews on the man in question via Criterion’s amazing Blu-Ray package, you’ll realize just how much incredible history they had to shave down to make that running time. It does what every supplemental package should strive to do; giving us information to make the film even more compelling.

2. THE PHANTOM CARRIAGE

Ninety years after it’s initial release in Sweden, Victor Sjostrom’s cautionary tale still has a chilling presence. The transfer is astonishing given the film’s age, and seeing Ingmar Bergman himself talk extensively about the influence it had on his life and work solidifies its place in history.

3. TAXI DRIVER

Sony’s meticulous 4K restoration serves as one of the high-watermarks for home video presentations. The scuzzy, sleazy, pre-Guilliani New York comes to vivid life around then-young Robert De Niro, and a great assortment of extras (including the 1986 Criterion laserdisc commentary with Martin Scorcesse and Paul Schrader) makes this product of a by-gone era seem like a film that was made yesterday. Also the disc costs less than if you treated your friend to lunch at Chipotle, so there’s that.

4. BAMBI

One of life’s guarantees is that when Disney releases one of their top-tier titles on video, they do not screw around. You get the movie in a transfer so good it looks like they reshot all the animation in IMAX, and a gigantic amount of supplements, with the most fascinating on BAMBI being a documentary about the story conferences, and the classic 1937 short THE OLD MILL.

5. Three Colors Trilogy

Krzysztof Kieslowski’s final work remains one of the pinnacles of modern filmmaking. In addition, this box set serves as a nice overview of Kieslowski’s life and early work.

6. CITIZEN KANE

Learning from the shortcomings of their DVD, Warner has delivered a flawless representation of KANE in HD, with a package full of collectables including a reproduction of the souvenir program handed out at premiere engagements. Whether it’s the greatest film of all time or not is up to debate, but this is undoubtedly the best presentation of it on video.

7. BEN-HUR

A few minor quibbles (the 1925 version is standard-def only, and this thing doesn’t fit easily on a shelf) do not detract from the astonishing transfer and surprisingly robust sound. Charlton Heston’s on-set journal is included with the package, and it’s a fascinating read; one of the best non-AV supplements ever included with a film.

8. WEST SIDE STORY

Even with the infamous ‘fade’ flaw, this is a suitably grandiose package for a suitably grandiose musical. The Stephen Sondheim commentary is an anecdote-filled riot.

9. Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance

What started as a four-film remake of the equally loved-and-loathed TV series took a strange, yet-to-be-explained turn in it’s second installment. You’ll go for the jaw-dropping action sequences, and stay for even more years of speculation as to what, exactly is going on. 2.22 took a franchise that I thought had long since been exhausted, and made it fun again.

10. Giorgio Moroder Presents: METROPOLIS

I never in a million years thought this would see the light of day on video again outside of bootlegs, but Kino brought this bizarre take on Fritz Lang’s classic back into the limelight. Not only did this version introduce a new generation to METROPOLIS, it made the world take film preservation and restoration seriously, and generated new interest in silent films.

Honorable Mentions: ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, ARCHER Season Two, THE TREE OF LIFE

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TOP FILMS

1. THE DESCENDANTS

Dovetailing perfectly between comedy and realistic drama cannot be an easy feat for any filmmaker, but Alexander Payne and co. manage drastic shifts in mood and don’t let the audience know it. There’s welcome appearances by Matthew Lillard, Robert Forster, and Beau Bridges, plus a surprising dramatic turn by Judy Greer.

2. MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO may have touted itself proudly as ‘the feel bad movie of Christmas’, but Sean Durkin’s terrifying and expertly-crafted debut will have you longing for a cold shower. It ain’t pretty, but it’s the most effective horror film in years.

3. DRIVE

A cinematically perfect throwback to Michael Mann’s work in the 80s, with an emotionally distant feel that echoes its nameless main character, played with precision by Ryan Gosling. Supporting turns from Ron Perlman and an unexpectedly scary Albert Brooks sweeten the deal.

4. THE TREE OF LIFE

Polarizing as it may be, there’s no denying just how gorgeous and atmospheric Terrence Malick’s latest venture was. I’m hoping the rumored six-hour director’s cut surfaces within the next few years.

5. 50/50

Much like THE DESCENDANTS, this is a tightrope walk between writer, director, and actors to not make the constant tonal shifts noticeable, and it works to a near-perfect degree.

6. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

Woody Allen, a man far removed from his own golden age, makes a charming movie about the weird fixation we have with the idea of a ‘golden age’.

7. CEDAR RAPIDS

A perfectly serviceable ‘three-star movie’; a nice, quiet good-natured comedy with a terrific cast. It didn’t exactly make waves in theaters, but I’m hopeful it finds an audience on video.

8. THE GUARD

Avoiding the trappings of the tried and true ‘buddy cop with racial tension’ formula, John Michael McDonagh (brother of IN BRUGES director Martin McDonagh) serves up a ribald, pitch-black comedy that manages to endear us to some pretty flawed characters.

9. TAKE SHELTER

Michael Shannon disappears into the lead role, while Jeff Nichols’ subtle direction does everything in its power to put you in the character’s shoes. The end result is agonizing, but incredibly moving.

10. THE MUPPETS

After a twelve year hiatus from the big screen, Jim Henson’s universally-loved creations made a welcome comeback. Even though it has a few pacing problems, it’s an absolute joy to see something this hilariously unhinged come to us without a hint of cynicism or pandering.

Honorable mentions are in order for FAST FIVE, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL, and RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES for delivering solid action-thrillers from franchises that everyone thought were long-stagnant.

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