Top Ten March Blu-Rays

I hope you've got your Blu-ray player all warmed up and ready because it's really going to make it's keep this March. There's a great slate of releases and here's what I see as the cream of the crop.

#10 Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic
Do you have Watchmen fever, but are paralyzed by your fear of setting foot inside a movie theater? Or maybe you just want to appreciate the dense novel that is Watchmen without the necessary cuts, trims, and swaps of a hollywood production? Either way, this is the blu-ray for you! This lightly animated graphic novel brings the gorgeous artwork of Dave Gibbons to life, and getting it in Blu-ray assures that the color and clarity will be as strong on the screen as they were in the comic.

#9 Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter & Under the Hood
I promise this is the last Watchmen blu-ray on the list this month (supposing the film itself doesn't ship out until at least April, that is.) This comic within a comic, now a film within a film was destined to be the first thing to go in a motion picture adaptation of Watchmen. Thankfully with this disc however, you can watch the whole thing in lovely high definition. Not only that, it stars the voice-work of Gerard Butler.

#8 The Princess Bride
Now, I know when you think "must have on blu-ray" the genres that generally pop to mind are more aligned with action adventure, than any film with the word "princess" or "bride" in the title, but this enchanting story has all the swordplay and mayhem your heart desires. Not only that, but the colorful fairy tale world of this absolute classic deserves the perfectly saturated hues of a blu-ray disc on a nice big screen.

#7 The Matrix
I know a lot of people have a bad taste in their mouth about the Wachowski brothers these days, feeling let down by the latter two Matrix films and Speed Racer, but don't let that cloud your judgement about this film. The Matrix was, and remains one of the greatest, most interesting and most thought-provoking science fiction films of the last 10 years.

#6 Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology
Much like the Matrix, this is a series of films that lost a great deal of its luster over time. I make no apologies for Batman & Robin, mostly because the director, Joel Schumacher already apologized for it before me. That being said this set still includes both highly entertaining Tim Burton, Batman adventures, each a good film in their own right. That's two great Batman movies and two more to chuckle at with your friends. A fun evening that's sure to make you feel superior.

#5 Role Models
I love David Wain, the director of this film. I love Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott, the stars of this film. And I loved the trailer for this film a great deal. Needless to say, going into this film my expectations were pretty high to be entertained, and yet somehow I was still surprised by just how funny and full of heart this movie is. There's something rare about a movie that can so perfectly blend absolutely hilarious misanthropy and cynicism, with genuine warmth and heartfelt sentiment. The end result is something very special and definitely worth checking out.

#4 Slumdog Millionaire
I'm sure Slumdog Millionaire is hurting that it didn't make it to #1 on my list here, but it can just go cry itself to sleep on its big pile of Oscars for all I care. This is a very good film that at the same time, managed to disappoint me. I loved Danny Boyle's previous directorial efforts so much and was just expecting a plot that would have me more engaged and excited. Still, the end result is a fine film that many people will choose as their favorite film of the year. One aspect of the film that did not disappoint me however, was the gorgeous direction and cinematography. Every shot is packed full of so much creativity and imagination it's hard to absorb. This film is a looker and one that's worth experiencing in the best image quality available.

#3 Synecdoche, New York
If you're like me, you didn't get a chance to see this movie when it was in theaters. The directorial debut of Charlie Kaufman, writer of such amazing films as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, and Being John Malkovich, had such a limited release that the film was almost impossible to see for those not living in Los Angeles or New York. Now's the chance for the rest of us smaller town film buffs to sink our teeth into the next work from one of the best screenwriters of our time.

#2 Milk
This was easily one of the best films of the year. Milk tells a story that is simultaneously heart-rendingly sad and uplifting. It tells the story of a struggle for civil rights and acceptance that goes on to this day and a man who sacrificed everything for it. The movie is by no means short but is edited and paced so well, it doesn't feel slow for a moment. The film is shot gorgeously with an excellent color palette that deserves the comfort of a blu-ray disc to shine properly. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie, just don't forget the Prozac.

#1 Silence of the Lambs
Now here's a blu-ray that would go great with some fava beans and a nice chianti. If you have not seen this film, prepare for a movie that will stick with you for life. Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of serial killer and sociopath Hannibal Lecter will haunt you for years to come, and Ted Levine's turn as the equally unfriendly "Buffalo Bill" is sure to disturb even the hardiest of movie goers. If you have seen this film, then you need no convincing. Worth the cost at double the price folks, a true classic.