This week, not only does the best film of 2011 hit DVD/Blu-Ray (in my humble opinion, at least), but it’s joined by over a dozen other flicks for what has to be one of the biggest columns to date, at least going by quantity. The quality is a bit light, with the recommendation worthy movies being top-heavy, but the prime choice this week is so good you wouldn’t hear me complaining even if every other release today was subpar. Anyone who has even a cursory knowledge of the films I loved last year should know what my PICK OF THE WEEK is going to be, but for those in the dark, I’ll hint by saying it’s one of the many snubbed Best Picture contenders. Guessed by now? Well, whether you have or not, it’s time for the reveal. It’s:
Drive
The best thing I saw last year, this art house action film is about as unique as it gets. Ryan Gosling gave one of his very best performances (bested only by Blue Valenting and Half Nelson in my eyes) as The Driver, a man who lives to be behind the wheel and lives by a very strict code. No one did a better directing job in 2011 than Nicolas Winding Refn, and the ensemble cast is tremendous. I always knew Bryan Cranston and Carey Mulligan were going to be ignored for their work here, but seeing Albert Brooks not get honored for being the best villain of the year was a bit sad. From the visuals to the shot selection to the editing to the music, everything is top notch. This is an instant classic in my eyes and not being recognized (save for one tech nod) by the Academy doesn’t change that one bit. Now that it’s available to own, treat yourself to another viewing of Drive. You’ll be overjoyed that you did!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (1/31/2012)…
Read the Press Release:
