Ten Greatest American Films Available on Blu-Ray

There are so many ways to rank movie DVDs, given how much of the ranking criteria is dependent on individual taste. Ranking Blu-Ray DVD releases is no different. What's important to the individual reviewer - spectacular video effects, a deep selection of extra features - inevitably influences the order in which movies are ranked.

However, there seems to be general consensus among movie buffs that the definitive list of truly great films - as they were originally created, to be viewed by audiences in a communal theater setting - has already been compiled by a the American Film Institute. The AFI's "100 Years, 100 movies" ranking, which was first released in 1997 and then updated a decade later, was the result of an extensive survey of over 1,500 movie critics and historians.

However, not all of those movies have been released in a Blu-Ray version. What follows, then, are the top ten movies on AFi's list that are also available in the Blu-Ray DVD format, with a short review of each.

The Godfather (AFI #2)

The film that topped both editions of the AFI list, Citizen Kane, has not made it to Blu-Ray as yet. But this is no consolation prize for the quintessential American crime drama. Director Francis Ford Coppola oversaw the restoration of the film for a special boxed Blu-Ray set that includes all three chapters of his Godfather saga. There are no eye-popping digital effects here - just lush cinematic shots, deep, dark colors and, of course, the compelling story and performances.

Casablanca (#3)

Released in time for Christmas 2008, the only Blu-Ray version of the film available is part of a larger boxed set. While one might think that a 65-year old black-and-white film doesn't lend itself to Blu-Ray, it's not true in this case. Presented in the original, nearly-square aspect ratio, the images are pristine. The set includes everything from the HD DVD release, plus a 104-minute feature called Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul.

Raging Bull (#4)

Here's another black-and-white classic, though this one is significantly more recent. Director Martin Scorcese's timeless character study of boxer Jake LaMotta takes on a softer film-noir look than the crisp Casablanca, but it is no less impressive on the HDTV screen.

The Searchers (#12)

At the other end of the spectrum - literally - is this beautifully-shot John Ford western in startling, jump-off-the-screen technicolor. This is the western that defines the genre, starring John Wayne. It is such a revered film that the extra features include analysis by the likes of Scorcese, Peter Bogdanovich and John Milius.

2001: A Space Odyssey (#15)

As one notable critic once said, this movie looks like it was filmed tomorrow. That was never more true than in this format, where director Stanley Kubrick's sets, effects and obsessive attention to detail are so evident.

Godfather II (#32)

What a drop down the AFI list we have to take to get to our next Blu-Ray release. We've already seen the original Godfather at the top of the list, and some of the great films we've passed over on our way to this point just scream for Blu-Ray versions. Films like Star Wars, E.T., Apocalypse Now and Chinatown are not yet available in the format.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (#33)

This one is a bit of a disappointment, as it doesn't seem to lend itself to the high definition of Blu-Ray. It certainly offers a better picture than any version you've seen before. But it was not shot originally in a manner that makes this version a must-see. It is all about story and character development, not an impressive visual achievement.

Bonnie and Clyde (#42)

Arthur Penn's mid-sixties crime drama starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway remains influential. While the cinematography won't look as crisp as 21^st century films you are used to seeing, it's a cleaner version than you've ever experienced, with warm colors and beautifully composed shots.

Rocky (#57)

One of the earlier Blu-Ray releases, you can really tell in this version how it was shot on a low budget. Some of the shots don't live up to high-def standards. It has its moments, but you can tell that studios have learned a lot about producing - and packaging (there are no extra features here) - a Blu-Ray film.

Unforgiven (#68)

For a better idea of what an early Blu-Ray release could have been, here's your choice. Perhaps the subject matter lends itself better to the format, but the cinematography definitely does. Clint Eastwood earned an Oscar for directing this western, and you'll know why when you watch this beautifully-crafted film.