2008 DVDs IN REVIEW
by David Blackwell

BEST DVDs of 2008:
Many of the best DVDs of 2008 are two to three disc sets in addition to some excellent TV on DVD sets, movies that should be watched on DVD, and shows that make it to DVD after years since they first aired.

Movie DVDs:
TROPIC THUNDER Director's Cut- The movie is made entertaining by Robert Downey Jr's scene stealing performance and the mockumentary footage on disc 2 alongside the raw footage are the best extras.
HELLBOY 3-disc Special Edition- I began to like the film better with my second viewing. The behind-the-scenes extras are a joy to watch including the 2 hour plus making-of documentary on disc 2.

AMERICAN GANGSTER 3-Disc Collector's Edition- DVD Producer Charles DeLauzirika provides a comprehensive set of extras for the set for Ridley Scott's film.
IRON MAN 2-Disc Collector's Edition- The making-of documentary on disc 2 and the deleted scenes on disc 1 add to one of the most entertaining films of 2008 (made magic by Robert Downey Jr's acting)
ZODIAC Director's Cut- David Fincher delivers a great film and yet the documentary that looks at the real events with the surviving witnesses and investigators are just as interesting.
CHARLIE CHAN Collection Volume 4 and 5- 20th Century Fox completes their run of the restored Charlie Chan films that even includes informative featurettes that reflect on the times and people during the times the Chan films were made.

TV ON DVD:
TV shows provide a nice range of extras like the three shows below. Also a few shows from years ago make it to DVD (THE INVADERS, BIRDS OF PREY, WITCHBLADE, NASH BRIDGES). Then you have new shows that deserve a chance to be seen if you have caught it (TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES).

LOST Season 4- A nice primer to catch up on the series or rewatch it before season 5 starts this month. The extras on disc 5 and 6 are a must watch including the minisodes.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Season 3- Even though season 3 is uneven, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA is one of the best shows on TV in addition to some of the extras that get included on the set (like the extended cut of UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
DOCTOR WHO Series 4- Deleted scenes and the Dr. Who Confidential episodes are the highlight of a mixed season (some episodes work while others fail due to the horrible writing by the show runner who is leaving).

FILMS TO CHECK OUT ON DVD:
NIGHTMARE DETECTIVE- combing nightmares and finding a reason to live makes this one among the best by director Shinya Tsukamoto. A sequel has been shot.
PERSEPOLIS- The most entertaining animated film up there with WALL-E.
SOUTHLAND TALES- I didn't like DONNIE DARKO'S ending and yet next film by Richard Kelly has cult film written all over it.
STORM- If you love films like the first MATRIX and NIGHT WATCH, check out this metaphysical tale from Sweden.
CONTROL- this story about the lead singer of Joy Division, Ian Curtis, is electrifying once you get past the first 20 minutes. Then you see the real guy is even more intense if you see the two live concert performances on the DVD and compare it to the actor who plays Ian.

this article is (c)1-6-2009 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com  

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