 This week, along with my 9 month anniversary (yes, my girlfriend has put up with me for that long), we have a very good slate of Blu-Ray/DVD releases to share with you. I always love doing this column, but the past few weeks have been a bit on the rough side, so this is a welcome change of pace at the moment. No less than 3 titles are fighting it out for my top honors today (with more to recommend), and I love when there’s competition for the slot. Speaking of which, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. For the coveted honor of being my PICK OF THE WEEK, I had to narrow it down from a top 3, though in all honesty it wasn’t that hard of a choice. The two runners-up are fine selections, but my top pick is a cut above. Curious what I picked? Well, it’s: Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (5/15/2012)…
 I knew this day was coming, but I tried to block it out of my mind and hope that one of the titles from the upcoming more crowded weeks would switch back to today, but alas…it wasn’t to be. This week is quite possibly the worst DVD release slate in all of my time writing this column. I’ve never given thought to skipping a week, but if ever there was a prime candidate for that, it’d be this particular week as the one to just forget that Blu-Ray and DVD releases occur each Tuesday. Still, I’ve got a job to do and I take pride in my work, so let’s press ahead and actually talk about the film I…gulp…chose as my top choice. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, I was essentially forced to choose the only film of this week’s group that I saw and didn’t overtly hate. That may be the shallowest praise I’ve ever heaped on a movie in this particular column, but it’s more or less apt here. My choice? Well, you asked for it ladies and gents. It’s: Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (5/8/2012)…
 This week, we’re treated to another average slate of Blu-Ray/DVD releases, but one that certainly has a worthy top choice for those in the mood for something action-oriented (not to spoil my choice or anything). Two weeks from now we’ll have a strong bunch of films to talk about, but for now let’s just remember that things could be worse here. For my PICK OF THE WEEK I really only had one choice, but it’s one that I can back whole-heartedly, so that’s good at least. Those with a little knowledge of the calendar and what films of this ilk I enjoyed recently can guess already what the title in question is, but for everyone else, there’s no need for surprise here. It’s: Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (5/1/12)…
 This week, we’re again coming down a bit from the heights of the week prior, but when the DVD/Blu-Ray releases were as good as those were, it’s hard not to. The current slate leaves something to be desired, but there are surely diamonds in this rough. If nothing else, there’s a decently large number of films to choose from, so there’s that. We’re at the part of the DVD release calendar where this is prone to happen from time to time, so we deal with it and move on to the next week. As for this week’s top selection, there’s wasn’t much of a debate for me. My choice for the PICK OF THE WEEK is a little horror film that’s big on charm. It also happens to be by one of the darling filmmakers of the genre. Guessed the movie yet? Well, if you haven’t, here goes nothing. It’s:
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (4/23/2012)…
 This week, one of the absolute finest films of 2011 hits shelves, along with another well regarded release…plus, well…not much else to really get that excited about. The pickings for DVD/Blu-Ray today aren’t especially wide, but it’s quality over quantity here at the column, so nobody’s really going to be complaining. As for the films themselves, they certainly have variety in their favor, though the two main selections are really heads and tails above the rest. In terms of the PICK OF THE WEEK, it really was a no brainer. As mentioned above, it’s one of the best movies of last year, and came in high on my annual Top Ten list. It’s also one of 2011′s most controversial films. Any idea what movie I’m talking about? Well, it’s:
Shame
The second best film of 2011 in my book, this drama about sexual addiction from filmmaker Steve McQueen featured the best performance by an actor last year (or actress, for that matter) in Michael Fassbender, and one of the five best supporting turns of any thespian in Carey Mulligan. Fassbender absolutely commands the screen, and Mulligan is right behind him. I was haunted and moved by this work, and I know that I’m not alone. Fassbender received a Golden Globe nomination, but sadly was snubbed by the Academy, as was the film on the whole. Regardless of that, you owe it to yourself to see this flick if you haven’t, and to see it again if you have. It’s one of the finest works of last year, but it would stack up favorably in just about any other year as well. It’s simply that magnificent a film.
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (4/17/2012)…
 Oh boy. This week is, well…one of the worst we’ve ever had here at the column. It’s not often that two of the 10 worst films of 2011 (in my opinion at least) are the premier titles being released on DVD, but it’s also a week when not much else is out to shield us from that dreck. Wow. One has to dig deeper than usual to find any movies actually worth one’s time, but hey…that’s the name of the game sometimes. We’ll press on as always, and just get set for next week, which I assure you is as good as this one is bad. As for this week’s top pick, well…it was between 3 films I’m not amazingly fond of. The choice for the PICK OF THE WEEK came down to the best of a mediocre bunch, but in the end I came up with a documentary that was championed heavily by some. It’s:
Into the Abyss
Werner Herzog’s well regarded documentary on the American prison system is a flawed but passionate look at a subject worth making a film about. I never felt like I was seeing a masterpiece or even something above and beyond your standard solid doc, but in a week like this, it isn’t a hard choice for the top slot. Nothing here shocks you, but Herzog hits all of the proper notes to cull out an emotional response. I happen to be against Capital Punishment and tend to agree with Herzog’s points here, but I just wish the flick could have gotten to me as much as it did to many others. If you’re interested in the subject, this is one to pick up, for sure…
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (4/10/2012)…
 This week, one of the more purely enjoyable films of 2011 hits Blu-Ray and DVD, along with a Best Picture nominee, an underrated little documentary, and a few other flicks as well. The week overall is pretty good and a step up from last week, though honestly we’ve had plenty of better DVD slates to choose from as well. Let’s call this an average week, why don’t we? It’s got some quality choices, perhaps even more than average, but none that blow your hair back. Never fear, as I’ll make it up to you in the Vintage spot later in the column, but we’ll get to that in a bit. For now, let’s turn our attention to this week’s choice for the top spot in the column. For the PICK OF THE WEEK this time around, I opted to go with a flick that few people besides myself were particularly enthusiastic about, but a film that the majority of people seemed to enjoy enough to recommend. The film in question? It’s one by a filmmaker who’s one of my 5 favorites in the business. Still can’t guess the film? Well, I’ll save you the hassle now. It’s:
We Bought a Zoo
I’ve yet to dislike a Cameron Crowe film, and it seems that this is another example (along with the criminally underrated Elizabethtown) of a work of his that I’m going to have to defend more than I think I should have to. Granted, this isn’t ‘Almost Famous’, ‘Jerry Maguire’, or ‘Say Anything’, but it’s a crowd pleaser and manages to warm your heart in a way that few people besides Crowe can. The story of a grieving family, you guessed it, buying and opening a zoo is perfect for the entire family without pandering to the youngest ones and features some fine work by Matt Damon to boot. It’s not the best film of 2011, but few individual scenes were as affecting last year as the final scene in this flick. The movie’s just something to be seen and enjoyed…nothing wrong with that. Pick it up and have a smile on me!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (4/3/2012)…
 This week, there’s not too much to get excited about in terms of DVD releases (or really even theatrical releases, but that’s another story), but since this is nothing new to the faithful readers of this column, we won’t have any trouble pressing on regardless. This is also a rare occasion where I’m going to be recommending something that I previously didn’t when doing my original review of the film. Astute readers will know that I wasn’t big on either of this week’s major releases, but only one of them changed my mind somewhat on a subsequent viewing (I even said as much in the comments section of that particular review), and that film is the one that’s getting this week’s top honor. I won’t argue that it’s an especially strong PICK OF THE WEEK, but it’s the best of a mediocre bunch. The film in question that I’m admitting to being too harsh on initially? Well, it’s:
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
I maintain that this movie has a lot of issues (mainly in terms of the script), but even the first time around I admitted that it had some real emotional power to it. I gave it a second chance after that and found that my issues were diluted somewhat (I still think the screenplay is the weak link and things get pretty monotonous in the 2nd act), but the power of the story wasn’t (especially in terms of the acting and some of the visuals). The flick still isn’t as good as I’d hoped it to be when predicting it to win Best Picture last summer, but it’s not as flawed as I found it to be on that first screening. Now that it’s out on home video, those who didn’t bother with it can see for themselves and make up their mind as to whether or not the pseudo surprise Best Picture nomination was a just decision by the Academy or not. I gave it another chance, so why don’t you do the same as well!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (3/27/2012)…
 Sorry all for the small delay in posting the column…my apologies, and it shouldn’t happen again. Anyway, this week (not unlike last week), two of the top 20 films of 2011 are out on Blu-Ray and DVD for your purchasing and viewing pleasure. None cracked my top 10 list, but both of the prime selections made strong plays for a spot. Joining them are a variety of other titles, including one surprisingly strong Oscar player. Overall, there’s very little to complain about this week, and it’s a trend that has been a few weeks old now (to my utter pleasure)…and one I wish would continue for the next few as well, but we’ll cross that crumbling bridge when we come to it in the columns to come (it won’t be pretty sometimes, but we’ll get through it, like we always do). As for the top choice this week, it was actually a rather tough decision. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, it came down to basically the best adult mystery of the year against the best family film of the year. I may still be a child at heart, but in the end I went with the more mature option…plus, it’s directed by David Fincher, which is always a plus. The title I chose? It’s:
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (3/20/2012)…
 As if knowing that today was my birthday, 2 of my very favorite films of 2011 are hitting shelves (both were in my top 12 of the year), and the column this week is filled with quality film choices for everyone. It’s truly a happy birthday, in terms of choices! I can see at least 3 or 4 choices that might appeal to people as excellent selections, so when something like this occurs in the column, it’s always a time to rejoice. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, it wasn’t a hard decision at all, as one of the options is my #3 pick of last year. It was a major Oscar nominee, and though a backlash certainly occurred, I retain my love for it. Can you guess which film I’m talking about? Well, if you can’t, it’s:
The Descendants
I remain a big fan of what Alexander Payne did here with his latest cinematic endeavor, but he certainly split viewers at times. Here at The Awards Circuit, the film received 3 perfect scores of 4 stars in reviews from myself, John, and Mike, while our fearless leader Clayton and Anna weren’t as big fans, and Robert downright loathed it. Regardless of all that, I still think this is Payne’s second best film, led by one of George Clooney’s finest performances to date. It’s a touching tale of family and coming to terms with tragedy. I know some found it on the sitcom-y side, but I’m not among them. I adore the flick and am very pleased to be able to own it, and I hope many of you are too…it’s well worth your time and money!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (3/13/2012)…
 This week, one of the more underrated films of 2011 comes to Blu-Ray and DVD (along with the new Bruce Springsteen album, which makes me very happy, but that’s a whole other type of entertainment), while the other releases fall into one of two categories. The first are smaller titles of (mostly) high quality, and the other is bigger but not necessarily better ones (though there’s some leeway in that description, as you’ll see). We’ll get to all of those also-rans in a moment, but for now, let’s focus on the best of what this week has to offer. Yes, my PICK OF THE WEEK wasn’t a hard selection at all. It’s a heart-wrenching indie drama that plays like a spiritual prequel to ‘Blue Valentine’ (if not nearly as good, though few movies are, so let’s not hold that against this title) in a way. It’s got strong acting and showcases a filmmaker with a bright future. The film that I speak so highly of? It’s:
Like Crazy
I was a big fan of this flick last year, and early on thought it had some strong Oscar potential. From the lead performances of Felicity Jones and Anton Yelchin to the scene stealing supporting turn by Jennifer Lawrence to the writing and directing of Drake Doremus, I was of the mind that the Academy could warm to this tale of young love torn apart and the fight to keep the light burning even long after logic suggests otherwise. Obviously, Oscar didn’t come calling, but the flick is still excellent and well worth your time and money now that it’s available to own. It’s the little touches that elevate this work, and I hope you all give it a watch. Many of you didn’t get a chance to see it in theaters, so now’s a perfect chance to rectify that!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (3/6/2012)…
 Fresh off of the Oscars here at The Awards Circuit, it’s time for the DVD column! This week, one of the big winners from the ceremony hits store shelves, along with, well…not too much else of note. It’s not a complete one and done type of week, but aside from the film you can easily guess is my top pick, there’s a definite visible drop-off in the quality of title available today. That’s hardly a big deal though, as we’ve been spoiled in weeks past and have some good ones still to come on the not too distant horizon. Anyway, we’ll get to them when the time is right, but for now, let’s focus on what we have right now. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, I chose one of the Best Picture nominees, a film with 5 Oscar wins this past Sunday evening, and a very different work from an esteemed director. This shouldn’t be a hard one to guess. If by any chance you’re stumped though, I won’t leave you hanging. It’s:
Hugo
I didn’t fall head over heels for this work like some did, but I definitely liked how it was essentially a Film 101 class as taught by Martin Scorsese under the guise of a children’s film. It’s just as technically proficent a work as he’s ever done, and his first foray into 3D is one of the best uses to date of the format. The writing and acting couldn’t quite match up to the direction, but this is definitely a very good movie overall. It wasn’t a huge blockbuster, but it’s doing decently theatrically, and now that it’s available on Blu-Ray and DVD, many more people will take this journey. I fully endorse booking that trip!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (2/28/2012)…
 This week we have quite a nice assortment of selections available to you on Blu-Ray and DVD. The field is led by two solid and well acted films, while the rest of the slate is of more mixed quality, but without a shortage of recognizable titles…so there is that. Overall, I’m pleased enough with the choices, so I’m sure you will be as well. In terms of my PICK OF THE WEEK, as mentioned above it was between two very different films. One is a dark psychological tale with a tremendous female lead performance and the other is a more up with people road trip film of sorts with a great performance by a veteran male actor. Both have their fans, and I was torn between them for a while. Which did I choose, you say? Well, the answer is below:
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (2/21/2012)…
 Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Go figure, this week’s releases lack a true romance for you all to pick up for you and your loved one, but one of the releases does happen to be the least romantic movie in recent memory, so there’s that. All in all, there’s not really a super strong top pick to highlight, but there are a good number of solid picks to give a mild thumbs up to. As for the aforementioned honor, my PICK OF THE WEEK selection is kind of a toss up. A bunch of these selections are films that others liked more than me, so I wound up with a choice that I liked slightly more than others. It’s also a horror flick, and that can work with your significant other if you so desire. The movie in question? It’s:
Paranormal Activity 3
A prequel to the prequel that also was a sequel to the initial Paranormal Activity franchise, this installment is more of the same, but done at a consistently high level. I found this to be better than #2, but a step down from #1, since that one had a freshness that can’t be matched. Also, the directors of Catfish made this, and their creativity comes through here and there. Overall, it’s not a real strong endorsement, but it’s an endorsement nonetheless. Of the releases this week, it happens to be my favorite. If you enjoyed it as well, grab it on DVD now that you have the opportunity.
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (2/14/2012)…
 This week on the home video front, we don’t quite have the assortment we’ve been used to of late, but there are still some very solid options out there for Blu-Ray/DVD purchasing. Consider this a time to catch up on all of the recent home viewing goodness if none of these options tickles your fancy. I’m fairly confident something this week will have appeal to you all, so let’s get started. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, I went with what was clearly the best option for me. It’s also one of the finest documentaries of the year. You shouldn’t have any trouble guessing this one. It’s:
Project Nim
Sadly snubbed by the Academy, this hauntingly sad tale of what happens when you try to make an animal human won’t be competing for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar, but it’s still a very fine flick that’s well worth your attention. While not the best that filmmaker James Marsh has ever done, it’s still an incredibly effective piece of cinema. It didn’t quite catch on as the “must see” documentary of 2011 like some had thought/hoped it would have, but now that it’s available to view in the comfort of your own home, I assume many of you will give it a shot and see what you missed. In my humble opinion, you’ll be making a fine selection.
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (2/7/2012)…
 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)…
 Yes, I know today is going to be pretty much dominated by the Oscar nominations and their odd choices (though honestly, is it ever not this way?) with this morning’s announcement, but there’s a place for this column as well (and perhaps you can distract yourself from wondering what the Academy was thinking by watching one or two of my selections), so here it is. This week, one of the best films of 2011 hits shelves, along with some other high quality selections. In fact, this is one of the most stacked release weeks in a long time. 2 of my top 30 films of last year are out, plus a host of other titles I can easily recommend. This is an embarrassment of riches…a superlative DVD/Blu-Ray release week and the Oscar nods. How lucky are we? Anyway, there are two flicks that rose to the top today, and one of them is an easy choice for my PICK OF THE WEEK overall. It was one of my very favorite movies of 2011, an Oscar player all winter long (though sadly completely ignored this morning…a real shame), and a shockingly good piece of cinema. It’s:
50/50
There were a whole host of ways that this dramedy about a young man struggling with a cancer diagnosis could have gone wrong. It’s a real testament to those involved that it not only does everything right, but in an exceptional way as well. Directed with a really deft hand by Jonathan Levine, based on a real life event in scribe Will Reiser’s life, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the lead role, the flick is an incredible achievement. Factor in great supporting turns by Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Phillip Baker Hall, and Anjelica Huston, along with a career best performance by Seth Rogen, and you have easily one of the best films of 2011. It came in at #7 on my Top Ten list, and now that it’s available to own I urge all of you to pick it up. It’s going to be a classic one day, even if the Academy didn’t see fit to honor it with a nomination. It’s just that great!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (1/24/2012)…
 This week, one of the better films (if not the most widely admired) of 2011 hits Blu-Ray and DVD, along with a variety of other titles bearing mixed quality. It’s definitely not a release slate to get in a tizzy about, so that’s always a good thing. The slate is top heavy, but then again, most weeks are…so no surprises there. In terms of the top pick, it’s not just the clear best choice this week, but also a PICK OF THE WEEK that I can get behind with no issue in most weeks. It’s got terrific acting, it happens to be a timely hatchet job on politics, and wouldn’t you know that it’s one of the best thrillers of last year. Haven’t guessed what film it is yet? I’d have thought that you’d have already, but no matter, I’ll reveal all now. It’s:
The Ides of March
George Clooney’s latest directorial effort (which he co-wrote, as usual) is a biting satire of the current political climate. A star studded cast is headed by Ryan Gosling as a campaign worker who’s fully drunken the Kool-Aid when it comes to his Presidential candidate, played by Clooney. The look at the primary season is pretty spot on, and even if the thriller aspects of the plot don’t quite mesh as well as they might have (despite being effective on their own terms), the end result is pretty terrific. I know that many people we’re mildly let down by this flick, but it’s one of the 15 best of 2011 for me. Now that it’s available at home, I recommend giving it a second watch. I know I’ll be doing just that!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (1/17/2012)…
 Apologies all for the column not being as prompt as usual this week…it’s been the busiest week or so of my life, so bear with me as we move forward. I won’t ever leave you all hanging, but a delay sometimes might be in the cards, and for that I’m sorry in advance. On the Blu-Ray/DVD front this week, we have one of the best films of the year hitting shelves, along with a few other things, though precious little else is worth real consideration. Lucky for us then that the top choice for home viewing is a real stud. It’s always nice when it’s easy to decide on my PICK OF THE WEEK without it being a choice by default and focusing on quality. This particular flick has quality in spades too, so that’s a real plus. It’s also a major Oscar contender and hitting DVD at the perfect time. I think you all know what movie I’m referring to by now, but in case you don’t, I won’t leave you hanging. It’s:
Moneyball
One of my 10 favorite films of 2011, this is one of the most entertaining flicks to come out last year, and it’s one of the better sports movies in some time. Scribes Stan Chervin, Aaron Sorkin, and Steven Zaillian took a popular non-fiction book by Michael Lewis that many (including myself) thought to be unadaptable, and turned out one of the best scripts of the year. I read a few earlier drafts from before Sorkin came on, and this is the clearest and most effective version that could have been made, so props go out to last year’s Oscar winner for closing out the script (to take a baseball phrase and use it for film). Credit also goes to Bennett Miller’s assured direction and of course Brad Pitt’s stunning lead performance. Factor in Jonah Hill’s career best turn in a supporting role and the excellent technical aspects of the film, and the story of Billy Beane changing the way baseball teams evaluate talent is one of the top notch releases of 2011. It’s in the hunt for Oscar glory, and a high profile home video release this week right before the Golden Globes can only help it. I can’t recommend this one enough!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (1/10/2012)…
 This week we welcome in 2012 here at the column by highlighting a solid crop of new DVD releases for your purchasing pleasure. Last year ended on a low note, but a trio of recommended titles make sure that this year gets off right. Here’s to a great year of Blu-Ray and DVD releases! Anyway, back to the column. For my first 2012 PICK OF THE WEEK, I went with a darling little comedy that very few people bothered to see last year. It did get noticed at the Golden Globes, but a wider audience would have been great for this flick. It’s:
The Guard
Brendan Gleeson gives a comedic tour de force in John Michael McDonagh’s action comedy debut. It doesn’t have as much to it as his brother’s film In Bruges in terms of depth, but for my money this is the funnier flick by far. Gleeson’s chemistry with Don Cheadle is excellent, making for a fantastic time. It’s a bit on the silly side, but I can’t imagine anyone not getting a kick out of this movie. Gleeson received a well deserved Globe nod, but he’s a long shot to win in the Comedy category. Still, it’s nice to see the film recognized, no matter what. Now that it’s on DVD, you all can get a chance to watch this movie, since many missed it in theaters. So far, it’s the best release of the year. Not much to choose from, but still…
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (1/3/2012)…
 This week we close out the 2011 DVD column with a whimper instead of a bang. Yes, this week is another one of those down weeks, but luckily it comes after a rather terrific one, so it’s folly to complain too much. We always bounce back here, so no one worry! That being said, it’s slim pickings around these parts today for DVD and Blu-Ray. In fact, there was almost nothing for me to choose from. Luckily, some quick thinking allowed me to figure out what to give a very unglamorous top honor to. It’s hardly worthy of my PICK OF THE WEEK status, but then again, nothing else was either. So consider this a pick by default. The film in question. It’s:
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy
I’d prefer that this not be my pick, but I ended up going with it solely because it’s the least painful to recommend and better than its reputation. Not much better mind you, but just a bit. The title promises a better comedy than this actually delivers, but there’s a laugh or two to be had and it’s hardly a hard flick to sit through. Consider it a mediocre old fashioned comedy, if you’ll pardon my attempt at a pun. If you’re desperately looking for a new release comedy, this will have to suffice…
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (12/27/2011)…
 This week two of the best films of 2011 hit DVD/Blu-Ray for your buying/viewing pleasure, and I couldn’t be happier about it. This was one of the harder choices for my top slot in a while. Both are in my current top 12 for the year and I wouldn’t be surprised if both wind up in the top 10 when all is said and done (though the list is still in flux). They’re joined by a few surprisingly good other flicks, plus some assorted movies besides them…of varying quality, of course. It all adds up to one of the 5 best release weeks I’ve seen this year. It’s a perfect haul right in time for the holidays. Most of these would make a rather perfect stocking stuffer or middle of Hanukkah gift to the film lover in your family! Anyway, as for the PICK OF THE WEEK, it simply was a case of deciding which of two great movies gets the honor. It was almost a coin flip, and I nearly went with my runner up in order to give it a little more of a spotlight here, but I just couldn’t quite do it. My ultimate choice is just a little bit better. It’s also one of the surprise hits of the year. I know you all want to know what film it is. Well, wait no more. It’s:
Midnight in Paris
One of Woody Allen’s biggest hits is also his best film in over a decade and for my money, one of his 10 best works. It’s been high up on my best of the year list since the moment I saw it, and I highly doubt it will end up excluded from my final rankings. A romantic comedy with just a hint of science fiction to it, there were few movies this year that entertained me more. Allen just hit a home run here, and now that it’s angling for Oscar attention, this is the perfect time to be putting it out on DVD to expand its profile. I can’t recommend this one enough…it’s simply a modern classic!
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (12/20/2011)…
 This week we have one of the most surprising films of the year hitting shelves, along with a host of other diverse titles for consideration. There isn’t really a bad one in the bunch that I’ve seen, so this is a nice change of pace from the rather miserable slate of last week’s column. Things are going to be good for a while now, though occasionally there will be down weeks, but we’ll power through them like always! This is a release slate that has something for everybody, and that doesn’t always happen here. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, I went with a film that may only have the smallest of Oscar buzz, but it’s been mentioned more than a few times as one of the better flicks of 2011. I don’t quite have it that high, but it’s in my top 25 right now. It’s:
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
I expected nothing from this prequel, but instead got a stunningly effective and surprisingly emotional take on how those damn dirty apes seized control of Earth. James Franco and Frieda Pinto may have been forgettable, but John Lithgow gave a great supporting performance and Andy Serkis did amazing motion capture work as Cesar. I don’t think he’ll wind up with a Best Supporting Actor nod, but there’s a campaign in place for him and I fully support that. More intimate a film than you’d think, this is a real winner. The action works alongside the drama, and few movies this year were more satisfying overall. It’s well worth grabbing on DVD, I assure you of that.
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (12/13/2011)…
 This week, there’s a number of high profile titles hitting DVD for your buying pleasure, but for me…none of them really made a mark. In fact, this was a decently hard week to choose a #1 pick, since so few of them did anything for me. It’s not something that often happens, so the column will obviously survive, but it does take a bit of the fun out of things. For my PICK OF THE WEEK, I ultimately decided to go with a solid, yet unspectacular choice…mainly since most of the other contenders were outright disappointments. This one didn’t disappoint me, but it really didn’t wow me either. What film is it, you ask? Well, it’s:
The Debt
An engaging but less than extraordinary suspense flick remake that will ultimately end up known as one of the “other Jessica Chastain movies” by next year, this didn’t thrill me one bit, but I don’t have any huge complaints about it either. The acting is solid and the story is dramatic enough, but it’s just not quite on the level it perhaps could have been in another universe. That being said, it’s the best of the bunch this week, so we’ll be going with it. It only did decent business at the box office, so now’s a good time to give it a shot, especially considering the other options available to you.
Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (12/6/2011)…
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This week, along with my 9 month anniversary (yes, my girlfriend has put up with me for that long), we have a very good slate of Blu-Ray/DVD releases to share with you. I always love doing this column, but the past few weeks have been a bit on the rough side, so this is a welcome change of pace at the moment. No less than 3 titles are fighting it out for my top honors today (with more to recommend), and I love when there’s competition for the slot. Speaking of which, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. For the coveted honor of being my PICK OF THE WEEK, I had to narrow it down from a top 3, though in all honesty it wasn’t that hard of a choice. The two runners-up are fine selections, but my top pick is a cut above. Curious what I picked? Well, it’s: Read more on Joey’s DVD Picks of the Week (5/15/2012)…
