New on DVD & Blu-ray This Week

New DVD and Blu-ray releases for the week of November 17, 2009.

This Week's Must Have:
Star Trek
J.J. Abrams took a huge chance by deciding to tackle one of Sci-Fi's greatest (and most beloved) television and film series. Sometimes, however, the greatest risks lead to the greatest rewards as Star Trek delivers in just about every way possible. The action is top-notch. The acting is superb. And the film works well enough to not offend the hardcore Trekkers. The Blu-ray version is absolutely packed with extra features, easily making it one of the very best releases of 2009.

Also on DVD & Blu-ray:
My Sister's Keeper
Nick Cassavetes delivers another tearjerker in this adaptation of Jodi Picoult's bestselling novel that delves deep into the effects of illness, emotion, and familial bonds. Cameron Diaz is surprisingly effective as the mother of a young girl recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Alec Baldwin and Abigail Breslin also contribute excellent performances to this heart-wrenching and poignant film. The Blu-ray disc has a fun "From Picoult to Screen" feature that examines the adaptation process. My Sister's Keeper release on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and Digital download on 11/17.

Bruno
Sacha Baron Cohen is back with another of his pre-existing characters running amok with hilarious results. This time he's gay Austrian fashionista Bruno. If you dug Borat, chances are you'll be thrilled with Bruno and the Blu-ray edition is full of silly goodness.

Is Anybody There?
Michael Caine stars alongside Billy Milner (Son of Rambow) in this dramedy about letting someone in when you're too lonely to care. The duo tugs at the heartstrings while also throwing us a few well-timed laughs. The film is somewhat predicable, but absolutely worth a chance. It's certainly worth at least a rental. The Blu-ray disc includes several deleted scenes that do little to expand the story, but do help make this another solid release from Magnolia Home Entertainment.

New on Blu-ray:
Fight Club
David Fincher's angsty masterpiece gets the royal treatment on Blu-ray for the first time and the wait is well worth it. If not for Star Trek, this easily would have been this week's "Must Have" title. That said, fans of the film will delight in not only the absolutely beauty of the film in 1080p, but also the barrage of extra material (including a funny, little Easter Egg that will have you scratching your head). This is a guaranteed must-buy for anyone who knows the Rules of Fight Club.

Gone with the Wind: 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition
A huge package for one of the most well-regarded films of all time. If you love the film, you'll flip for this gorgeous Blu-ray package.

Rome: The Complete Series
HBO's seedy and salacious drama gets a proper Blu-ray release and the results are astounding. One of the most pristine 1080p transfers you're ever going to see. That's some seriously clear and crisp flesh!

sex, lies, and videotape
The indie film that really started the entire "indie" craze. Steven Soderbergh's masterpiece is truly independent filmmaking on display. Before he was working with Clooney and Pitt, Soderbergh put James Spader and Andie MacDowell through their paces in this taut thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the most important films of all time looks fantastic on Blu-ray.

New on DVD only:
Thirst
Park Chan-wook made his name across the world with the release of his now-classic Oldboy and for good reason. The film is a no hold's barred look at one man's decent into madness, obsession, and vengeance. This erotically charged vampire tale is wholly original and Chan-wook gives it his signature style, easily setting it apart from all the Twilight imitators.

Check back next Tuesday for more great releases on Blu-ray and DVD!