Holiday Buy Guide 2009: DVD

With DVDs, it’s nearly impossible to keep track of all the special editions, re-issues, and Blu-Ray versions being released week to week. Keeping that in mind, here’s a list of some great movies that have recently been released on DVD, for your viewing (and purchasing/giving) pleasure.

Funny People
The latest feature from writer/ director Judd Apatow features a more serious, subtle humor than what he is famous for. But don’t let that make you think that the Apatow flavor isn’t there.

Perfect for that friend who: is a fan of Apatow’s other stuff.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
If numbers are any indication, then the 6th installment in the Harry Potter movie series’ $139.7 million five-day-opening should at least be an indication of the movie’s popularity. Now Half-Blood Prince is on DVD, for those who missed the chance to see it in theaters, or those who want to own the entire collection on DVD.

Perfect for that friend who: loves Harry Potter… yes… a “friend.”

Public Enemies
Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, it’s every teenage girl’s dream to see these two star across from each other (and okay, yeah, it was mine too). Not to mention they’re set in a 1920’s mobster era Chicago, with Depp portraying the infamous John Dillinger, you’ve got a hit on your hands.

Perfect for that friend who: wants to see Christian Bale get upstaged by another actor.

Terminator Salvation
The third installment in the Terminator franchise (we don’t talk about Terminator 3) takes place in the future, where we finally get to see some human uprising kick some robot ass. With Christian Bale as Kyle Reese, leader of the human rebellion, and an amazing performance by Sam Worthington, Salvation is definitely a worthy addition to, arguably, one of the greatest action series of all time.

Perfect for that friend who: see "Public Enemies” entry

The Hangover
Okay, yes, it's true that they already had a sequel planned for this film even before it came out in theaters, but that can’t stop the fact that The Hangover was hailed as one of the most original comedies to come out in a long time. Now it's yours to own and watch, even when you DO have a hangover.

Perfect for that friend who: loves a good comedy (even if they hate pointless sequels)

(500) Days of Summer
500 Days of Summer was one of those films that came out of nowhere, and really knocked people on their backs. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, 500 Days has been well received by critics and audiences alike.

Perfect for that friend who: wants a good, fresh, romantic comedy. Or just really likes Zooey Deschanel (so cute).

Inglourious Basterds
The latest film from cinema giant Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds tells the story of a squad of Nazi-killing soldiers who invade France during the German occupation in World War II. Little else really needs to be said.

Perfect for that friend who: is a big Tarantino fan. Or just likes to see some Gnatsies get scalped.

Up
Pixar must be doing something right, because this brilliant follow-up to Wall-E speaks a lot about loss, death and unfulfilled wishes, without really saying much. Oh, and it’s a kids movie featuring talking dogs and a floating house.

Perfect for that friend who: knows how to enjoy a “kids” movie (and doesn’t mind crying. Seriously.)

Star Trek
J.J. Abrams proves, once again, that he knows what he’s doing, with this terrific and fun reboot of the Star Trek movie franchise. Featuring sexy, young new crewmembers for the at-once recognizable USS Enterprise, Star Trek is sure to please newcomers and “trekkies” alike.

Perfect for that friend who: wants to see some awesome action scenes. In space! And lots of lens flare. In space!

Now, before I reveal my number 1 choice, I just want to point out that, despite what this list seems to indicate, not all movies released in 2009 were terrific. In fact, I’m afraid to say, some of the movies that came out where downright bad. One in particular, which was recently released on DVD, really takes the cake though; and, in an effort to make sure that you don’t ruin any friendships by buying this DVD for a friend of yours, I’d like to point out what movie I’m talking about.

You’re welcome.

District 9
Neill Blomkamp’s directorial debut certainly turned out to be a good one. Produced by Peter Jackson, District 9 tells the story of Wikus van de Merwe, who is part of a task force sent in to deal with moving the “prawns,” a race of aliens that were stranded on Earth several years go. From there, the film builds, never once letting the viewer go until the credits roll.

Perfect for that friend who: wants a good the best action/sci-fi movie of the year.