March is upon us, and with it comes a wave of fresh releases hitting the shelves for your home entertainment needs. From critically acclaimed dramas to action-packed thrillers, this week's DVD and Blu-ray lineup offers something for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite spot, and prepare to be entertained.
The Big Releases:
1. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
This intense, gripping drama chronicles the decade-long hunt for Osama bin Laden, focusing on the relentless CIA intelligence analyst who spearheaded the mission. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, "Zero Dark Thirty" is a cinematic masterpiece that blends real-life events with a suspenseful narrative.
- Why You Should See It: Critics have praised the film's realism, powerful performances (especially Jessica Chastain as the lead analyst), and gripping suspense.
- Available on: DVD and Blu-ray.
2. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved fantasy epic gets a fresh adaptation in this visually stunning prequel to "The Lord of the Rings." "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" introduces audiences to the young Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who finds himself on an unexpected adventure.
- Why You Should See It: The film offers an enchanting escape into a world of magic and wonder, packed with stunning visual effects, intricate set design, and an epic scope.
- Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray.
3. A Haunted House (2012)
Prepare to laugh out loud as this hilarious parody of the found-footage horror genre takes aim at the "Paranormal Activity" franchise. "A Haunted House" offers a tongue-in-cheek look at the horror genre, complete with over-the-top scares and plenty of comedic moments.
- Why You Should See It: If you enjoy dark humor and a good dose of absurdity, "A Haunted House" will deliver plenty of laughs.
- Available on: DVD and Blu-ray.
4. Parental Guidance (2012)
A heartwarming comedy about family, generations, and the clash of parenting styles, "Parental Guidance" stars Billy Crystal and Bette Midler as grandparents who find themselves stepping in to help their daughter with her three unruly grandchildren.
- Why You Should See It: This family-friendly comedy is packed with humor and heartwarming moments, perfect for a family movie night.
- Available on: DVD and Blu-ray.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Quentin Tarantino brings his signature style to the Wild West in this violent and entertaining revenge story. "Django Unchained" follows a freed slave on his mission to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner.
- Why You Should See It: Fans of Tarantino's work will appreciate his trademark wit, over-the-top violence, and stylish visuals.
- Available on: DVD and Blu-ray.
Other Notable Releases:
In addition to these major releases, this week also features several other worthy films hitting the shelves:
- The Impossible (2012): A powerful and emotionally wrenching drama based on a true story, "The Impossible" chronicles the struggles of a family separated by the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
- The Sessions (2012): This critically acclaimed drama tells the story of a man with polio who seeks the help of a sex surrogate.
- The Woman in Black (2012): A gothic horror film based on the classic novel, "The Woman in Black" follows a lawyer who travels to a remote village and becomes haunted by the ghost of a vengeful woman.
- This Is 40 (2012): A comedic sequel to "Knocked Up," "This Is 40" follows a couple struggling with the realities of marriage, parenthood, and the looming middle age.
More Than Just Movies:
This week's DVD and Blu-ray releases also include a selection of TV shows, documentaries, and special interest content:
- The Walking Dead: Season 3 (DVD and Blu-ray): Catch up on the latest season of this popular post-apocalyptic horror series.
- Boardwalk Empire: Season 3 (DVD and Blu-ray): Dive back into the gritty world of Atlantic City in the 1920s with this critically acclaimed historical drama.
- The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 3 (DVD): Catch up on the drama and glamour of the Beverly Hills Housewives.
- Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (Blu-ray): Explore the wonders of the universe with this stunning new series that updates Carl Sagan's classic documentary.
Finding the Right Release for You:
With so many great options available, choosing the right DVDs and Blu-rays for your collection can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices:
- Consider your interests: What kind of movies do you enjoy? Do you prefer action, comedy, drama, or something else entirely?
- Read reviews: Check out critical reviews and audience ratings to get a sense of what others thought of the films.
- Look for special features: Many DVD and Blu-ray releases include bonus content like behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and commentary tracks.
No matter your preferences, this week's DVD and Blu-ray releases are sure to offer something to entertain and captivate you. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the show!
