2005 In Review
The rest of the DVDActive staff add their thoughts on the best discs from 2005
We’re in a very reflective mood here at DVDActive. First, we heard from Chris Gould as he recounted the past year on DVD and gave us his ten favourites from a rather lackluster twelve months. He was then quickly followed by some of our other staff, namely Matt, Gabe, Ben and Bodhi, who proved how much of an eclectic bunch we are by listing a range of films in their top ten lists for the year.
Now it’s time to hear from the rest of us.
Pete Roberts
1. Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
2. Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (R1)
3. A Very Long Engagement (R4) review
4. Heat: Special Edition (R1)
5. We Can Be Heroes (R4)
6. The Muppet Show: Season One (R1) review
7. Fraggle Rock: The Complete First Season (R1) review
8. Batman Begins: Deluxe Edition (R1)
9. Team America: World Police (Unrated) (R1) review
10. Before Sunset (R4) review
2006 Most Anticipated: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Match Point, The Producers, Capote

Quite a range in this year’s list from me, though there are plenty of predictable titles which are deserving of their position. Managed to get my hands on a copy of the Sin City extended edition just in time to slot it in to top spot. It’s a great set for an adventurous film and there was no hesitation in giving the release my number one position. Mr. Alfred Hitchcock again finds a spot in my year-end list, this time with his MasterPiece Collection. While it may take a fair chunk of cash out of your wallet, this brilliant set is well worth having, and the best bit is there’s no doubling up so you can enjoy both the Signature and Masterpiece Collections without owning two copies of his films.
I’m quite possibly most proud to have A Very Long Engagement sitting at number three. I fell in love with this film in the cinema and the two-disc collection I had the pleasure of reviewing does the film the ultimate justice. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but for me it was a sure fire entry in the top ten list for 2005. The Special Edition of Heat was another no-brainer, with the classic action flick finally getting the treatment it deserves. Great to hear Michael Mann add his thoughts in the commentary track, while the rest of the extras really do add value to the package.
What’s this film at number five, you ask? Well, it’s not a film, rather a brilliant little television series from Australia. Created by comedian Chris Lilley, the series follows a group of five Australian of the Year contestants in mock-documentary style, with Lilley playing each and every one of the candidates. The content might be very uniquely Australian but anyone with a sense of humour should seek this one out right away. I’m glad to give it some international exposure in this year’s collection of triumphs.
The last five slots contain some of the more popular releases for the year, and rightly so. Jim Henson’s Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock have finally made it to our favourite format, while the quality of the Batman Begins and Team America sets can’t be ignored. The region four release of Before Sunset sneaks in at tenth spot on the back of the wonderful film alone.
I agree with most of the sentiments regarding 2005 as a year full of plenty of promise but a lot less quality than in previous years. 2006 should see plenty of action, with the likes of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Capote and The Producers ready for an early release. Match Point should be an interesting one too, and might just get me back on board the Woody Allen bandwagon, since I fell off many films ago. Bring on 2006.
Malcolm Campbell
1. Taegukgi (HK R3)
2. Dead Man's Shoes (R2)
3. Garden State (R1)
4. Napoleon Dynamite (R1)
5. Batman Begins: Deluxe Edition (R1)
6. House of Flying Daggers: Collectors Edition (HK R3) R1 review
7. Kung Fu Hustle: Limited Edition (HK R3) review
8. Memento Mori: Ultimate Edition (KN R3) R1 review
9. Saw: Uncut (R2)
10. Land of the Dead: Unrated (R1) review
2006 Most Anticipated: Saw 2, Sympathy of Lady Vengeance , Howl's Moving Castle

And now we have my wacky list for 2005. To be totally honest I have more or less stopped buying DVDs and only get the occasional unusual or genuinely limited edition, therefore some effort was required assembling a list of ten titles - a few were released last year but were unable to make it in time.
Top place goes to Taegukgi, this is a big budget South Korean film covering the Korean war; I guess it's a bit like Saving Private Ryan but I would place it somewhere above Spielberg's effort. The three films that follow it were mentioned as my most anticipated of 2005 and of course they were very good. And with Batman Begins I was seriously surprised that a studio movie could turn out that good. Kung Fu Hustle was great fun and Saw provided the gore/horror fix, Land of the Dead is the token zombie title of the year – not that it doesn't deserve the position.
The two best DVDs in terms of extras were House of Flying Daggers and Memento Mori. House of Flying Daggers included: a large glossy book, soundtrack CD, bamboo pen, DVD and was limited to just 2000 copies, so sold out within weeks. Memento Mori got a special six disc release featuring: the theatrical version, directors' cut, high definition version, soundtrack CD, lots of extra features like documentaries, and a disc containing the directors' short movies – the only problem was the extras weren't subtitled.
Rebecca Taylor
1. The Incredibles (R4)
2. The Frighteners: Special Edition Director's Cut (R4)
3. The Wizard of Oz: Special Edition (R1)
4. Toy Story: 10th Anniversary Edition (R4)
5. Fraggle Rock: The Complete First Season (R1) review
6. The Muppet Show: Season One (R1) review
7. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Deluxe Edition (R1)
8. Toy Story 2: Special Edition (R4)
9. Cinderella: Special Edition (R1)
10. Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
2006 Most Aniticipated: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Bueller, Bueller Edition, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, All The President’s Men: Special Edition

Ah, the joy of lists. At the start of a new year, you can’t help but look back and reminisce about all that has surpassed. So as I look back over 2005, I am surprised by how many titles from my DVD release wishlist (yes, another list), have seen the light of day.
Now, it’s not like me to follow the crowd, but first place has to go to The Indredibles. Simply put, this release was jam packed DVD perfection. However, THE most highly anticipated release for this reviewer comes in at second place, The Frighteners: Special Edition Director’s Cut. God Bless Peter Jackson, a man who was paying great attention to “supplementary materials” (or as we say around here, extras) even before the existence of DVD. Another year, another release of Toy Story, but no one should be complaining when such outstanding transfers and extras are available for the celebration of the 10th Anniversary.
Special Edition releases of The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. Classic Bliss!
Henson fans like me were given a huge treat this year with the long wished for, and frequently requested first season sets of The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock. The Muppet release was certainly great, but the Fraggle Rock package was spectacular. Dazzling embossed packaging, comprehensive extras, better than could be hoped transfers; all complimented by the inclusion of a replica of Henson’s Fraggle notepad.
2006 is already looking amazing, with two releases in particular making this reviewer excited beyond description. A special edition of Ferris Bueller in January (I’m counting the days!), and a long overdue special edition of All The President’s Men in February. Both of these are destined to be on my 2006 top ten list before they are even released.
Peter Martin
1. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (R2) R1 review
2. The Truman Show: Special Edition (R1)
3. The Simpsons: Season Six (R2)
4. Red Dwarf VI (R2)
5. 24: Season Four (R2) review
6. The Bourne Supremacy (R2) review
7. Extras (R2)
8. Leon - The Professional (Deluxe Edition) (R1) review
9. Saw (R2)
10. Collateral (R2)
2006 Most Aniticipated: Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

It didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that there’s been a distinct lack of quality movie discs this year. After being underwhelmed by Batman Begins and War of the Worlds and bored by Sin City (yes, really) there were rather a lot of spaces up for grabs in my top ten. In the absence of decent movies, it’s fallen to the TV boxed sets to drag this list into the realms of respectability. The recent DVDs of Red Dwarf, 24 and The Simpsons continued these wonderful collections in style, while the team behind The Office (namely Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant) offered an enjoyable follow-up in Extras.
The Truman Show and Leon have always been two of my favourite movies but the previous releases were near-vanilla. The region one re-releases of both films managed to right some wrongs with detailed documentaries and good presentation. Neither disc is as special as ‘special editions’ should be, but they’re both worthy of a double-dip. Saw isn’t a particularly glossy horror movie and is populated by some dodgy performances from the cast. What it lacks in style, it makes up for in cheap thrills. It’s the cheesiest movie on this list but who can deny the guilty pleasure of that final ten minutes?
In a slightly better year, the region two releases of The Bourne Identity and Collateral would have found themselves relegated to the top fifteen. It may be hard to take either Tom Cruise or Matt Damon seriously after ‘Katie-love’ and Team America respectively, but both star-vehicles are stylish features that deserve to be seen.
Finally, Revenge of the Sith managed to salvage the Star Wars prequels and, while it failed to capture the spirit of the original films, it’s a far more entertaining and streamlined movie than the other prequels. The two disc set boasts superb presentation and concise extras. Go and pick it up! Oh, you already did…
David Beamish
In no particular order:
Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
Deep Blue (R2)
Red Dwarf: Series VII (R2) review
Casino: Anniversary Edition (R2) review
The Incredibles (R1)
Batman: Special Edition (R1)
Batman Begins: Deluxe Edition (R1)
God of Gamblers 1 and 2 DTS SE pack (R2)
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (R1) review
Old Boy DTS (R2) R3 review

I have found it a hard year DVD wise to pick titles here. There have been quite a few titles I have liked a lot but that doesn't make them great titles - including too many monster based popcorn flicks which including here will probably get me thrown out so I've restrained myself a little (says the man who NEARLY spent £45 on a DTS Japanese version of Lake Placid). One thing I have noticed is that most of us have selected a few titles that have already been released once and that pains me. The fact that studios can get away with releasing films on DVD lacking extra material or with ropey transfers and then release a proper version a few months or years later is starting to be noticed by many who might not have if this happened less. Obviously studios are realising how profitable this can be for them.
Still, the likes of the Sin City re-cut, Casino, Batman and God of Gamblers are all now welcome additions to my collection as I am sure these new editions are to yours. It’s just a shame we spent money on the lacking versions in the first place.
I’ve included the latest Red Dwarf not because it is a brilliant series, or even for the fact that all the Red Dwarf DVDs are excellently presented with loads of added material, but for the reason that it completes the Red Dwarf logo on my shelf. And about time is all I can say! Deep Blue is a DVD most of you won't have – it’s almost a follow on from the Blue Planet and looks fab on my LCD TV. Documentaries are being presented in such a way now that they really can be a joy to behold and this fits the bill nicely.
I've included Old Boy here which is cheating a bit since it’s so old now but I really couldn't find anything else I wanted to point out to you all. I'm sure there are more good DVDs available but some I really just couldn't include since they were re-releases such as The Shawshank Redemption and Gladiator. Amazing films, but I think we are all aware of them.
I'm going to be a miserable sod and say there's nothing scheduled to come out in 2006 that I am currently looking forward to. This is a way of covering up the fact that the only films I can think of coming out next year are Narnia and King Kong, neither of which I want to own.
Stephen Cowgill
=1. Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
=1. The Incredibles: Collector's Edition (R2)
3. Batman Begins: Special Edition (R2)
4. Steamboy: Superbit (R4)
5. Battlestar Galactica: Season One (R2)
6. Red Dwarf VI & VII (R2)
7. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Special Edition: Volumes 4-7 (R1)
8. Batman: The Animated Series: Volumes Two and Three (R1)
9. The Descent: Two-Disc Special Edition (R2) review
10. Appleseed: Limited Edition (R1)
2006 Most Anticipated: Red Dwarf, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, the rest of Ghost In The Shell: SAC 2nd Gig, Hellboy Director’s Cut, Serenity

Let me start off by saying that for me personally, 2005 was a bad year for DVD buying. There just haven't been that many that have cried out 'buy me now' as soon as they're on the shelves, and I'm usually not so circumspect in my purchasing. However, being a newbie to the site this year, I thought I should at least put up something using the limited choices I have. You won't find your Titanics or your Siths in here - mainly because I have never seen (and possibly never will) the former, and the latter still smarts from the promise it did actually manage to show but for me didn't deliver what it could (and should) have. So, this isn't much like the other 'Tens' on here - apart from a couple that deserve to be in any collection - and given the connection between some of them I've lumped those into single placings.
Of the portion represented by TV fare, the Batman: TAS sets and Stand Alone Complex volumes showcase some great animation and video quality, although GitS: SAC is somewhat lacking in the extras department. The Red Dwarf sets continue at the high standard the BBC have set themselves, and BSG is in there for, well, being one of the finest sci-fi series in recent years (the US-R1 set may very well be better, but I don’t have that!).
Of the films, the top two places were pretty much interchangeable, so they both get number 1. The rest? Well, the style of animation in Appleseed both impressed and annoyed me in places but, that aside, the presentation of audio and video is excellent – as is the nice tin. I thoroughly enjoyed Steamboy when I caught it in the cinema back in 2004, and with the constant delays in the UK release the R4 ended up on my shelf. Not as super as the ‘Superbit’ tag would suggest, but still a decent package. The Descent is in there for being a fine British film and for the outstandingly atmospheric, full-rate DTS track – watch it in the dark with the volume up. Which leaves Batman Begins, and the hope that the Dark Knight returns with an installment as well crafted and acted as this one. Oh, and the DVD release isn’t bad either - apart from having to navigate through endless pages of languages just so I could select UK and get on with things.
A quick mention to some of the others that were just edged out of the ten. Bubba Ho-Tep (R2) would probably snatch number 11, mainly because of 'The Chin' but also because it's a nice set. A couple of Director's Cuts – Daredevil (R2) and The Chronicles of Riddick (R2) - could have made it in there as well, but although better than their original form they still didn't cut it for me. Lastly, Ghost in the Shell: Special Edition (R1), which was better than the original release, but someone dropped the low-frequency ball on the DTS track (at least on my set). With House of Flying Daggers being released a little to early to include it, Hero (R2) was also on the cusp of the ten, but I didn't know what I would drop to let it in.
Honourable mentions would possibly have gone to King Kong (’33) Collector’s Edition (R1), The Fly SE (R1) and Flash Gordon: 25th Anniversary Edition (R2), but they’re in the post and as such I can’t include them anywhere!
As for this year, well R1 already has half of my list. That said, Manga’s UK release of Innocence would beat the US version solely on the cover choice, but the addition of a DTS track and a dub by the GitS: SAC team sells it to me straight away. I’m hoping the lack of an official announcement of a UK DVD release of Serenity means that something good is coming this way as well.
Paul Cooke
1. Batman Begins
2. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
3. Crash
4. Battlestar Galactica - Season One
5. Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology
6. Wizard of Oz - Collector's Edition
7. Seinfeld - Seasons Five & Six
8. Scrubs - Seasons One & Two
9. Titanic - Special Collector's Edition
10. 24 - Season Four (R1) R2 review
2006 Most Anticipated: Superman Returns

While my list does not include any "lesser" known titles, or "off the beaten trail" entries, you might notice that it can be broken down into three distinct categories: 1.) Re-releases of films which were originally sold during the infancy of the DVD medium – Wizard of Oz, Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology and Titanic all had original bare-boned releases, and this year got the issues they deserved, chock full of extras, commentaries and overall great packages. 2.) Outstanding television shows which either finally saw the light of day or continued excellence in presentation – Seinfeld, Battlestar Galactica, Scrubs and 24 all were top notch entries into the TV on DVD arena, and which, for my money, BSG currently reigns as the best show on television, within or outside the sci-fi genre. A nod also goes to 24 for including a "bridge" between season four and the upcoming season five. 3.) Great movies of the past year – Batman Begins showed that you can resurrect a franchise after Schumacher has gotten through with it, while Lucas displayed that it possible to still make a Star Wars film that can be both eye candy and effecting. Finally, Crash was the best film I saw all year, and so had to make my list.
As for my most anticipated for this year: Superman Returns. That's it. The only film that I have to say I am truly looking forward to the DVD, and it hasn't even been released yet. I'm trusting in Singer to work his X-Men magic on the Man of Steel, and bring Supes back to the top of the super-hero film mountain.
One thing I am not looking forward to is the still simmering HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray disc fight which appears almost inevitable. With many film studios now committing to both, it seems it is the late 70's/early 80's again with a VHS/Beta situation. In the end, there will be no winners. I am going to sit this out until one format is left standing.
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So that’s it from all of us at DVDActive. It’s been an interesting year, and 2006 is bound to hot up with the introduction of rival HD-DVD formats. Rest assured we’ll be on the front line giving you all the latest news as it comes to hand. Feel free to add your lists from 2005 and discuss what you think will make cut for 2006.
Editorial by Pete Roberts
Now it’s time to hear from the rest of us.
Pete Roberts
1. Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
2. Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (R1)
3. A Very Long Engagement (R4) review
4. Heat: Special Edition (R1)
5. We Can Be Heroes (R4)
6. The Muppet Show: Season One (R1) review
7. Fraggle Rock: The Complete First Season (R1) review
8. Batman Begins: Deluxe Edition (R1)
9. Team America: World Police (Unrated) (R1) review
10. Before Sunset (R4) review
2006 Most Anticipated: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Match Point, The Producers, Capote

Quite a range in this year’s list from me, though there are plenty of predictable titles which are deserving of their position. Managed to get my hands on a copy of the Sin City extended edition just in time to slot it in to top spot. It’s a great set for an adventurous film and there was no hesitation in giving the release my number one position. Mr. Alfred Hitchcock again finds a spot in my year-end list, this time with his MasterPiece Collection. While it may take a fair chunk of cash out of your wallet, this brilliant set is well worth having, and the best bit is there’s no doubling up so you can enjoy both the Signature and Masterpiece Collections without owning two copies of his films.
I’m quite possibly most proud to have A Very Long Engagement sitting at number three. I fell in love with this film in the cinema and the two-disc collection I had the pleasure of reviewing does the film the ultimate justice. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but for me it was a sure fire entry in the top ten list for 2005. The Special Edition of Heat was another no-brainer, with the classic action flick finally getting the treatment it deserves. Great to hear Michael Mann add his thoughts in the commentary track, while the rest of the extras really do add value to the package.
What’s this film at number five, you ask? Well, it’s not a film, rather a brilliant little television series from Australia. Created by comedian Chris Lilley, the series follows a group of five Australian of the Year contestants in mock-documentary style, with Lilley playing each and every one of the candidates. The content might be very uniquely Australian but anyone with a sense of humour should seek this one out right away. I’m glad to give it some international exposure in this year’s collection of triumphs.
The last five slots contain some of the more popular releases for the year, and rightly so. Jim Henson’s Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock have finally made it to our favourite format, while the quality of the Batman Begins and Team America sets can’t be ignored. The region four release of Before Sunset sneaks in at tenth spot on the back of the wonderful film alone.
I agree with most of the sentiments regarding 2005 as a year full of plenty of promise but a lot less quality than in previous years. 2006 should see plenty of action, with the likes of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Capote and The Producers ready for an early release. Match Point should be an interesting one too, and might just get me back on board the Woody Allen bandwagon, since I fell off many films ago. Bring on 2006.
Malcolm Campbell
1. Taegukgi (HK R3)
2. Dead Man's Shoes (R2)
3. Garden State (R1)
4. Napoleon Dynamite (R1)
5. Batman Begins: Deluxe Edition (R1)
6. House of Flying Daggers: Collectors Edition (HK R3) R1 review
7. Kung Fu Hustle: Limited Edition (HK R3) review
8. Memento Mori: Ultimate Edition (KN R3) R1 review
9. Saw: Uncut (R2)
10. Land of the Dead: Unrated (R1) review
2006 Most Anticipated: Saw 2, Sympathy of Lady Vengeance , Howl's Moving Castle

And now we have my wacky list for 2005. To be totally honest I have more or less stopped buying DVDs and only get the occasional unusual or genuinely limited edition, therefore some effort was required assembling a list of ten titles - a few were released last year but were unable to make it in time.
Top place goes to Taegukgi, this is a big budget South Korean film covering the Korean war; I guess it's a bit like Saving Private Ryan but I would place it somewhere above Spielberg's effort. The three films that follow it were mentioned as my most anticipated of 2005 and of course they were very good. And with Batman Begins I was seriously surprised that a studio movie could turn out that good. Kung Fu Hustle was great fun and Saw provided the gore/horror fix, Land of the Dead is the token zombie title of the year – not that it doesn't deserve the position.
The two best DVDs in terms of extras were House of Flying Daggers and Memento Mori. House of Flying Daggers included: a large glossy book, soundtrack CD, bamboo pen, DVD and was limited to just 2000 copies, so sold out within weeks. Memento Mori got a special six disc release featuring: the theatrical version, directors' cut, high definition version, soundtrack CD, lots of extra features like documentaries, and a disc containing the directors' short movies – the only problem was the extras weren't subtitled.
Rebecca Taylor
1. The Incredibles (R4)
2. The Frighteners: Special Edition Director's Cut (R4)
3. The Wizard of Oz: Special Edition (R1)
4. Toy Story: 10th Anniversary Edition (R4)
5. Fraggle Rock: The Complete First Season (R1) review
6. The Muppet Show: Season One (R1) review
7. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Deluxe Edition (R1)
8. Toy Story 2: Special Edition (R4)
9. Cinderella: Special Edition (R1)
10. Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
2006 Most Aniticipated: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: Bueller, Bueller Edition, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, All The President’s Men: Special Edition

Ah, the joy of lists. At the start of a new year, you can’t help but look back and reminisce about all that has surpassed. So as I look back over 2005, I am surprised by how many titles from my DVD release wishlist (yes, another list), have seen the light of day.
Now, it’s not like me to follow the crowd, but first place has to go to The Indredibles. Simply put, this release was jam packed DVD perfection. However, THE most highly anticipated release for this reviewer comes in at second place, The Frighteners: Special Edition Director’s Cut. God Bless Peter Jackson, a man who was paying great attention to “supplementary materials” (or as we say around here, extras) even before the existence of DVD. Another year, another release of Toy Story, but no one should be complaining when such outstanding transfers and extras are available for the celebration of the 10th Anniversary.
Special Edition releases of The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella. Classic Bliss!
Henson fans like me were given a huge treat this year with the long wished for, and frequently requested first season sets of The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock. The Muppet release was certainly great, but the Fraggle Rock package was spectacular. Dazzling embossed packaging, comprehensive extras, better than could be hoped transfers; all complimented by the inclusion of a replica of Henson’s Fraggle notepad.
2006 is already looking amazing, with two releases in particular making this reviewer excited beyond description. A special edition of Ferris Bueller in January (I’m counting the days!), and a long overdue special edition of All The President’s Men in February. Both of these are destined to be on my 2006 top ten list before they are even released.
Peter Martin
1. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (R2) R1 review
2. The Truman Show: Special Edition (R1)
3. The Simpsons: Season Six (R2)
4. Red Dwarf VI (R2)
5. 24: Season Four (R2) review
6. The Bourne Supremacy (R2) review
7. Extras (R2)
8. Leon - The Professional (Deluxe Edition) (R1) review
9. Saw (R2)
10. Collateral (R2)
2006 Most Aniticipated: Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

It didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that there’s been a distinct lack of quality movie discs this year. After being underwhelmed by Batman Begins and War of the Worlds and bored by Sin City (yes, really) there were rather a lot of spaces up for grabs in my top ten. In the absence of decent movies, it’s fallen to the TV boxed sets to drag this list into the realms of respectability. The recent DVDs of Red Dwarf, 24 and The Simpsons continued these wonderful collections in style, while the team behind The Office (namely Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant) offered an enjoyable follow-up in Extras.
The Truman Show and Leon have always been two of my favourite movies but the previous releases were near-vanilla. The region one re-releases of both films managed to right some wrongs with detailed documentaries and good presentation. Neither disc is as special as ‘special editions’ should be, but they’re both worthy of a double-dip. Saw isn’t a particularly glossy horror movie and is populated by some dodgy performances from the cast. What it lacks in style, it makes up for in cheap thrills. It’s the cheesiest movie on this list but who can deny the guilty pleasure of that final ten minutes?
In a slightly better year, the region two releases of The Bourne Identity and Collateral would have found themselves relegated to the top fifteen. It may be hard to take either Tom Cruise or Matt Damon seriously after ‘Katie-love’ and Team America respectively, but both star-vehicles are stylish features that deserve to be seen.
Finally, Revenge of the Sith managed to salvage the Star Wars prequels and, while it failed to capture the spirit of the original films, it’s a far more entertaining and streamlined movie than the other prequels. The two disc set boasts superb presentation and concise extras. Go and pick it up! Oh, you already did…
David Beamish
In no particular order:
Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
Deep Blue (R2)
Red Dwarf: Series VII (R2) review
Casino: Anniversary Edition (R2) review
The Incredibles (R1)
Batman: Special Edition (R1)
Batman Begins: Deluxe Edition (R1)
God of Gamblers 1 and 2 DTS SE pack (R2)
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (R1) review
Old Boy DTS (R2) R3 review

I have found it a hard year DVD wise to pick titles here. There have been quite a few titles I have liked a lot but that doesn't make them great titles - including too many monster based popcorn flicks which including here will probably get me thrown out so I've restrained myself a little (says the man who NEARLY spent £45 on a DTS Japanese version of Lake Placid). One thing I have noticed is that most of us have selected a few titles that have already been released once and that pains me. The fact that studios can get away with releasing films on DVD lacking extra material or with ropey transfers and then release a proper version a few months or years later is starting to be noticed by many who might not have if this happened less. Obviously studios are realising how profitable this can be for them.
Still, the likes of the Sin City re-cut, Casino, Batman and God of Gamblers are all now welcome additions to my collection as I am sure these new editions are to yours. It’s just a shame we spent money on the lacking versions in the first place.
I’ve included the latest Red Dwarf not because it is a brilliant series, or even for the fact that all the Red Dwarf DVDs are excellently presented with loads of added material, but for the reason that it completes the Red Dwarf logo on my shelf. And about time is all I can say! Deep Blue is a DVD most of you won't have – it’s almost a follow on from the Blue Planet and looks fab on my LCD TV. Documentaries are being presented in such a way now that they really can be a joy to behold and this fits the bill nicely.
I've included Old Boy here which is cheating a bit since it’s so old now but I really couldn't find anything else I wanted to point out to you all. I'm sure there are more good DVDs available but some I really just couldn't include since they were re-releases such as The Shawshank Redemption and Gladiator. Amazing films, but I think we are all aware of them.
I'm going to be a miserable sod and say there's nothing scheduled to come out in 2006 that I am currently looking forward to. This is a way of covering up the fact that the only films I can think of coming out next year are Narnia and King Kong, neither of which I want to own.
Stephen Cowgill
=1. Frank Miller's Sin City: The Recut & Extended Edition (R1)
=1. The Incredibles: Collector's Edition (R2)
3. Batman Begins: Special Edition (R2)
4. Steamboy: Superbit (R4)
5. Battlestar Galactica: Season One (R2)
6. Red Dwarf VI & VII (R2)
7. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: Special Edition: Volumes 4-7 (R1)
8. Batman: The Animated Series: Volumes Two and Three (R1)
9. The Descent: Two-Disc Special Edition (R2) review
10. Appleseed: Limited Edition (R1)
2006 Most Anticipated: Red Dwarf, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, the rest of Ghost In The Shell: SAC 2nd Gig, Hellboy Director’s Cut, Serenity

Let me start off by saying that for me personally, 2005 was a bad year for DVD buying. There just haven't been that many that have cried out 'buy me now' as soon as they're on the shelves, and I'm usually not so circumspect in my purchasing. However, being a newbie to the site this year, I thought I should at least put up something using the limited choices I have. You won't find your Titanics or your Siths in here - mainly because I have never seen (and possibly never will) the former, and the latter still smarts from the promise it did actually manage to show but for me didn't deliver what it could (and should) have. So, this isn't much like the other 'Tens' on here - apart from a couple that deserve to be in any collection - and given the connection between some of them I've lumped those into single placings.
Of the portion represented by TV fare, the Batman: TAS sets and Stand Alone Complex volumes showcase some great animation and video quality, although GitS: SAC is somewhat lacking in the extras department. The Red Dwarf sets continue at the high standard the BBC have set themselves, and BSG is in there for, well, being one of the finest sci-fi series in recent years (the US-R1 set may very well be better, but I don’t have that!).
Of the films, the top two places were pretty much interchangeable, so they both get number 1. The rest? Well, the style of animation in Appleseed both impressed and annoyed me in places but, that aside, the presentation of audio and video is excellent – as is the nice tin. I thoroughly enjoyed Steamboy when I caught it in the cinema back in 2004, and with the constant delays in the UK release the R4 ended up on my shelf. Not as super as the ‘Superbit’ tag would suggest, but still a decent package. The Descent is in there for being a fine British film and for the outstandingly atmospheric, full-rate DTS track – watch it in the dark with the volume up. Which leaves Batman Begins, and the hope that the Dark Knight returns with an installment as well crafted and acted as this one. Oh, and the DVD release isn’t bad either - apart from having to navigate through endless pages of languages just so I could select UK and get on with things.
A quick mention to some of the others that were just edged out of the ten. Bubba Ho-Tep (R2) would probably snatch number 11, mainly because of 'The Chin' but also because it's a nice set. A couple of Director's Cuts – Daredevil (R2) and The Chronicles of Riddick (R2) - could have made it in there as well, but although better than their original form they still didn't cut it for me. Lastly, Ghost in the Shell: Special Edition (R1), which was better than the original release, but someone dropped the low-frequency ball on the DTS track (at least on my set). With House of Flying Daggers being released a little to early to include it, Hero (R2) was also on the cusp of the ten, but I didn't know what I would drop to let it in.
Honourable mentions would possibly have gone to King Kong (’33) Collector’s Edition (R1), The Fly SE (R1) and Flash Gordon: 25th Anniversary Edition (R2), but they’re in the post and as such I can’t include them anywhere!
As for this year, well R1 already has half of my list. That said, Manga’s UK release of Innocence would beat the US version solely on the cover choice, but the addition of a DTS track and a dub by the GitS: SAC team sells it to me straight away. I’m hoping the lack of an official announcement of a UK DVD release of Serenity means that something good is coming this way as well.
Paul Cooke
1. Batman Begins
2. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
3. Crash
4. Battlestar Galactica - Season One
5. Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology
6. Wizard of Oz - Collector's Edition
7. Seinfeld - Seasons Five & Six
8. Scrubs - Seasons One & Two
9. Titanic - Special Collector's Edition
10. 24 - Season Four (R1) R2 review
2006 Most Anticipated: Superman Returns

While my list does not include any "lesser" known titles, or "off the beaten trail" entries, you might notice that it can be broken down into three distinct categories: 1.) Re-releases of films which were originally sold during the infancy of the DVD medium – Wizard of Oz, Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology and Titanic all had original bare-boned releases, and this year got the issues they deserved, chock full of extras, commentaries and overall great packages. 2.) Outstanding television shows which either finally saw the light of day or continued excellence in presentation – Seinfeld, Battlestar Galactica, Scrubs and 24 all were top notch entries into the TV on DVD arena, and which, for my money, BSG currently reigns as the best show on television, within or outside the sci-fi genre. A nod also goes to 24 for including a "bridge" between season four and the upcoming season five. 3.) Great movies of the past year – Batman Begins showed that you can resurrect a franchise after Schumacher has gotten through with it, while Lucas displayed that it possible to still make a Star Wars film that can be both eye candy and effecting. Finally, Crash was the best film I saw all year, and so had to make my list.
As for my most anticipated for this year: Superman Returns. That's it. The only film that I have to say I am truly looking forward to the DVD, and it hasn't even been released yet. I'm trusting in Singer to work his X-Men magic on the Man of Steel, and bring Supes back to the top of the super-hero film mountain.
One thing I am not looking forward to is the still simmering HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray disc fight which appears almost inevitable. With many film studios now committing to both, it seems it is the late 70's/early 80's again with a VHS/Beta situation. In the end, there will be no winners. I am going to sit this out until one format is left standing.
_________________________________________________________________________________
So that’s it from all of us at DVDActive. It’s been an interesting year, and 2006 is bound to hot up with the introduction of rival HD-DVD formats. Rest assured we’ll be on the front line giving you all the latest news as it comes to hand. Feel free to add your lists from 2005 and discuss what you think will make cut for 2006.
Editorial by Pete Roberts
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Another great article guys.
This Illi Mai guy always has the best and most constructive critiques to add to the conversation, doesn't he?
Sin City = One of the c**ppiest films of 2005.
No worries Stephen I caught the wink there and didn't take it as you being upset. I just wanted to be sure folks knew I was not meaning to come off as an ass. I was just wanting to make an observation.
...I was just trying to be humorous (and maybe baiting only a little) - sarcasm and irony just don't work in text, so I failed miserably. Wasn't having a go (hence the wink), honest.
Stephen, didn't mean to sound like a rant, as I said, didn't meant for it all to sound that way. Though it does come off like it.
Peter wrote: I doubt that this exponential increase in storage space will mean a exponential increase in extras
Given the penchant for single releases covering many territories in a region it will probably just mean that companies will master a single disc and pack it full of all the subtitles and languages know to the human race to cut down on production costs.
Of course that could just be me being cynical.
Just piping up on the 'best of' lists debate, it is possible I missed someone pointing this out in the above rants (
), but our lists are also restricted to those that we actually own or have reviewed for the site - it's a bit difficult to have an opinion on the many discs mentioned in the comments and the main text if you haven't got the disc! This was to blame for my own limitations given that - as I pointed out - it was a bad year for my DVD purchasing. Hence my list contained some faves that others may not bother with usually, and in some cases was based on the video/audio/feature quality rather than a surplus of decent extras.
Given the penchant for single releases covering many territories in a region it will probably just mean that companies will master a single disc and pack it full of all the subtitles and languages know to the human race to cut down on production costs.
Of course that could just be me being cynical.
Just piping up on the 'best of' lists debate, it is possible I missed someone pointing this out in the above rants (

LLcruize wrote: Because if it was only about the movie, everyone would have purchased/seen the single disk.
You’ve said that there’s more to DVDs than the movie. I’ve agreed and said that, when buying a disc, it’s 70/30 in favour of the movie. You’ll notice that the reviews on this site carry separate ratings for Feature, Video, Audio and Extras. They also carry an overall rating, where all of those factors are consolidated. I’m sure I speak for my fellow contributors, when I say that the same logic has been applied to the lists above. Pretty much every disc listed has fantastic supplementary material or near-perfect presentation. But, more importantly, the movie was worth seeing (in cinemas or on DVD) in the first place.
I think it’s a little naïve to suggest that everyone who visits this site is simply researching the disc for a film they’ve already seen, and that all consumers place such empahisis on extras. I’m sure we’d get many negative comments if we did not offer a proper critique of the feature itself. You also mention the 4-disc DVD of ‘Fellowship’; which, after all, contained additional scenes that you could not have seen in theatres and changed the feature itself. Viewing a movie on DVD is very different to watching it in movie theatres or on VHS.
LLcruize wrote: But how much and the quality of extras can and will help sell a movie to someone that either didn't care for a movie or hasn't seen it.
That’s very true, but I think that the people who haven’t seen it will also want to know whether it’s worth seeing regardless of how many extras it carries. You also mention Blu-ray and HD-DVD. The main reason for the push towards these formats is because they offer high-definition pictures to those with enabled televisions. It’s pure conjecture, but I doubt that this exponential increase in storage space will mean a exponential increase in extras.
We *could* have produced one definitive list with the “Top Ten 2006 DVDs with the Best Extras”, but I doubt there would have been as much enthusiasm as we'd have invariably ended up listing a bunch of DVDs containing features that no-one particularly enjoyed. As you’ll see from the lists above, we all have very different ideas and viewpoints. Of course we don’t expect our readers to agree with them wholeheartedly, but perhaps they’ll see a previously unknown movie or TV programme that’s worth investigating. The site has an international readership and covers multiple regions.
LLcruize wrote: But unlike sites like AICN, DVD specific sites such as this, we are looking for best of lists to, like the reviews, account for the whole disk not just the movie.
I’m pretty sure that the lists above cater for this need. The rare discs listed that do not have an abundance of extras are discs that boast superior presentation, high value or have been missing on the format for an eternity. Try and remember that to many people, this is just as important as supplementary material.
You’ve said that there’s more to DVDs than the movie. I’ve agreed and said that, when buying a disc, it’s 70/30 in favour of the movie. You’ll notice that the reviews on this site carry separate ratings for Feature, Video, Audio and Extras. They also carry an overall rating, where all of those factors are consolidated. I’m sure I speak for my fellow contributors, when I say that the same logic has been applied to the lists above. Pretty much every disc listed has fantastic supplementary material or near-perfect presentation. But, more importantly, the movie was worth seeing (in cinemas or on DVD) in the first place.
I think it’s a little naïve to suggest that everyone who visits this site is simply researching the disc for a film they’ve already seen, and that all consumers place such empahisis on extras. I’m sure we’d get many negative comments if we did not offer a proper critique of the feature itself. You also mention the 4-disc DVD of ‘Fellowship’; which, after all, contained additional scenes that you could not have seen in theatres and changed the feature itself. Viewing a movie on DVD is very different to watching it in movie theatres or on VHS.
LLcruize wrote: But how much and the quality of extras can and will help sell a movie to someone that either didn't care for a movie or hasn't seen it.
That’s very true, but I think that the people who haven’t seen it will also want to know whether it’s worth seeing regardless of how many extras it carries. You also mention Blu-ray and HD-DVD. The main reason for the push towards these formats is because they offer high-definition pictures to those with enabled televisions. It’s pure conjecture, but I doubt that this exponential increase in storage space will mean a exponential increase in extras.
We *could* have produced one definitive list with the “Top Ten 2006 DVDs with the Best Extras”, but I doubt there would have been as much enthusiasm as we'd have invariably ended up listing a bunch of DVDs containing features that no-one particularly enjoyed. As you’ll see from the lists above, we all have very different ideas and viewpoints. Of course we don’t expect our readers to agree with them wholeheartedly, but perhaps they’ll see a previously unknown movie or TV programme that’s worth investigating. The site has an international readership and covers multiple regions.
LLcruize wrote: But unlike sites like AICN, DVD specific sites such as this, we are looking for best of lists to, like the reviews, account for the whole disk not just the movie.
I’m pretty sure that the lists above cater for this need. The rare discs listed that do not have an abundance of extras are discs that boast superior presentation, high value or have been missing on the format for an eternity. Try and remember that to many people, this is just as important as supplementary material.
What Garth and I are saying is that DVD specific sites are all about the whole disk, not just the movie. Otherwise this would just be MOVIEactive not DVDactive. We can get a top 10 list of favorite movies any place. But here, the expectation is that a list of the best DVD's is going to account for the appetizer, salad, bread, and dessert, not just the main course
I mean, why do most people visit DVD specific sites and discuss the cover art, packaging and content? Because all of that counts toward the purchase a long with the movie. We are already sold on the movie in most cases. But how much and the quality of extras can and will help sell a movie to someone that either didn't care for a movie or hasn't seen it. Case in point is the Fellowship of the Ring. I did not really care for the movie when I saw it in the theater. But through a fantastic DVD release I grew to enjoy the film, specifically through the 4-disk release. The desire for quality and content beyond just the movie is growing more and more. Especially now with the dawn of the Blu-Ray and HD-DVD age where we are going to be paying triple for players and double for disks.
The acceptance that the "best" DVD is due in a large part to the extras is acknowledged by the lists above. Out of the 7 reviews, everyone but one person who listed "Begins" specifically listed the Deluxe edition, not the single disk edition. Everyone who listed "Sin City" specifically mentioned the 2-disk, not the single disk. Why is that? Because if it was only about the movie, everyone would have purchased/seen the single disk.
These are personal opinion lists and I am not complaining about them. You are entitled to your opinion and I do not mean to appear to be attacking that. For sure, that is not my intent and apologize if that is how my posts have been taken. Other sites I have checked out, AICN, etc, post the same kind of reviews that are more about personal opinion of the movie, not the whole disk. But unlike sites like AICN, DVD specific sites such as this, we are looking for best of lists to, like the reviews, account for the whole disk not just the movie.
As I said, appreciate the reviews and the time it takes to put them together. These are just observations and nothing else.

The acceptance that the "best" DVD is due in a large part to the extras is acknowledged by the lists above. Out of the 7 reviews, everyone but one person who listed "Begins" specifically listed the Deluxe edition, not the single disk edition. Everyone who listed "Sin City" specifically mentioned the 2-disk, not the single disk. Why is that? Because if it was only about the movie, everyone would have purchased/seen the single disk.
These are personal opinion lists and I am not complaining about them. You are entitled to your opinion and I do not mean to appear to be attacking that. For sure, that is not my intent and apologize if that is how my posts have been taken. Other sites I have checked out, AICN, etc, post the same kind of reviews that are more about personal opinion of the movie, not the whole disk. But unlike sites like AICN, DVD specific sites such as this, we are looking for best of lists to, like the reviews, account for the whole disk not just the movie.
As I said, appreciate the reviews and the time it takes to put them together. These are just observations and nothing else.
Garth D wrote: Or at least 50/50, rather than giving the movie more weight than the contents of the DVD.
Extras are er, just that; extras. Occasionally they can redeem an average feature, but I've yet to find a terrible film that's worth a purchase just because it's got trailers, featurettes and a nice, very concise documentary on how the director made such a mess.
Extras are er, just that; extras. Occasionally they can redeem an average feature, but I've yet to find a terrible film that's worth a purchase just because it's got trailers, featurettes and a nice, very concise documentary on how the director made such a mess.
David Beamish wrote: says the man who NEARLY spent £45 on a DTS Japanese version of Lake PlacidGood to see our reviewers are human
and can make mistakes! (no offence David!)

Good lists. Loving the Sin City.
Pete wrote: The point about all this is if we were to just include the out-and-out "best" DVDs of 2005 then it would only be one list, as that kind of angle can't allow for differences in opinion.
What? Choosing what DVDs are best is still based on opinion. All I'm saying is that I think that a DVD site's top ten lists shouls be more based on the DVD than the movie. Or at least 50/50, rather than giving the movie more weight than the contents of the DVD.
What? Choosing what DVDs are best is still based on opinion. All I'm saying is that I think that a DVD site's top ten lists shouls be more based on the DVD than the movie. Or at least 50/50, rather than giving the movie more weight than the contents of the DVD.
Yes, docs and music/concert DVD's didn't get much of a mention. That is what I am saying, would be nice to have a full on best DVD's from 2005, not a personal movie favorite list. That is all I am saying. That is no bash on the lists here, I just for one get tired of all the top 10 movie lists.
The point about all this is if we were to just include the out-and-out "best" DVDs of 2005 then it would only be one list, as that kind of angle can't allow for differences in opinion. I think it's a good way to have a diverse range of lists so that different tastes are highlighted, otherwise things would get pretty bland very quickly. I don't quite see why everyone regards these lists as gospel.
As for the lack of documentaries and music DVDs, I must admit that a few did cross my mind this year but didn't quite make the cut. And I haven't delved into too many music discs this year to be well-versed enough to include any.
As for the lack of documentaries and music DVDs, I must admit that a few did cross my mind this year but didn't quite make the cut. And I haven't delved into too many music discs this year to be well-versed enough to include any.
Aaron Schneiderman wrote: Well, I found it interesting that in a year that brought some great music or concert related DVDs, I didn't recall seeing any on a "best of 2005" list. Not sure there were any documentaries either.
Chris mentioned Super Size Me in his list, and I included The Devil's Rejects based more on its making of doc than the actuall qualit of the film. Personally I'm not really interested in most concert releases, I think the only one I own is Oingo Boingo's Farewell concert. Maybe I just don't like popular music enough.
Chris mentioned Super Size Me in his list, and I included The Devil's Rejects based more on its making of doc than the actuall qualit of the film. Personally I'm not really interested in most concert releases, I think the only one I own is Oingo Boingo's Farewell concert. Maybe I just don't like popular music enough.
I have to agree with my fellow contributors here at DVDActive. It is personal opinion, and I tried to rate mine based on "What are the DVDs that really impressed me this year and I will want to watch 10 years from now". And since the main part of the disc is (and will presumable continue to be) the feature itself, to not take that into account does the whole disc a disservice. That's my two cents, and of course, everyone else is entitled to theirs....which is one of the reasons I enjoy contributing to this site.
i think batman begins was just a waste of money, I got the single disc edition and I'm trying to trade it hahah
Well, I found it interesting that in a year that brought some great music or concert related DVDs, I didn't recall seeing any on a "best of 2005" list. Not sure there were any documentaries either.
One of the best dvds this year was the SE of Batman 89. the bonus stuff on that kicked Begins's bonus stuff's arse
My top ten list contains two films that I personally really don't care for, but I thought excluding them would be somewhat negligent. The DVDs released for these two movies this year were outstanding and although aren't pictures that I would pop in and watch on any old Saturday evening, I can definitely appreciate them as being good and well made films that are loved by the vast majority of people--kind of like in the way that while I hate broccoli, I still know it's good for me. Now the real trick is to see if you can figure out which two movies I'm talking about.

Basically like Peter has said, it's personal opinion. Extra features used to be important to me back in 2000-2001 but now they are pretty much meaningless. I just go after early releases and the occasional - very - limited edition. Good thing I'm not a reviewer.

LLcruize wrote: Peter, but this is a DVD site and personally, when I see a top 10 site here, I expect it to be byond just a personal top 10 movie pick list.
I'm afraid these articles are purely based on personal opinion, and it's probably the reason why we enjoy doing them and the reason they promote so many comments. As we've said, it's not a list of 'the top ten movies that were released on DVD this year', it's a list of 'the top ten DVDs that WE enjoyed most this year'. I already agreed with Gabe's assesment that a good DVD should be 70/30 in favour of the movie and its presentation. All of the DVDs above have a great selection of interesting extras; probably why there was a leaning towards TV boxed sets in a lot of the lists as they had these in spades.
As I've said: "Yes, DVDActive is a DVD website (not a movie website), but by that same logic; we’re not exclusively a ‘special features’ or ‘digital presentation’ website either."
LLcruize wrote: I need to know if beyond the movie, the disk is worth the purchase.
These are the reasons we have the reviews. The extras are always reviewed with a completely unbiased slant, regardless of the reviewer's opinion on the main feature. Likewise for the sound and picture quality.
I'm afraid these articles are purely based on personal opinion, and it's probably the reason why we enjoy doing them and the reason they promote so many comments. As we've said, it's not a list of 'the top ten movies that were released on DVD this year', it's a list of 'the top ten DVDs that WE enjoyed most this year'. I already agreed with Gabe's assesment that a good DVD should be 70/30 in favour of the movie and its presentation. All of the DVDs above have a great selection of interesting extras; probably why there was a leaning towards TV boxed sets in a lot of the lists as they had these in spades.
As I've said: "Yes, DVDActive is a DVD website (not a movie website), but by that same logic; we’re not exclusively a ‘special features’ or ‘digital presentation’ website either."
LLcruize wrote: I need to know if beyond the movie, the disk is worth the purchase.
These are the reasons we have the reviews. The extras are always reviewed with a completely unbiased slant, regardless of the reviewer's opinion on the main feature. Likewise for the sound and picture quality.
In my opinion, when "the best DVD's of 2005" are listed, that is telling me the film was watchable, but the whole DVD experience is "the best". If we are going to actually rate the best DVD's (layout, content, packaging and technical aspects), most of the best DVD's were releases of films/shows from previous years either in new special editions or boxed set editions.
Peter, but this is a DVD site and personally, when I see a top 10 site here, I expect it to be byond just a personal top 10 movie pick list. There are literally hundreds of top 10 lists on the net strictly based on the movie. What I would like to see from a site such as this which is dedicated to the specific format of DVD is lists that reflect the whole disk, not just the movie. I don't need to be infomed that Sin City was good or bad, by now there is enough input from the theatrical release I have my mind made up. I need to know if beyond the movie, the disk is worth the purchase.
Peter, but this is a DVD site and personally, when I see a top 10 site here, I expect it to be byond just a personal top 10 movie pick list. There are literally hundreds of top 10 lists on the net strictly based on the movie. What I would like to see from a site such as this which is dedicated to the specific format of DVD is lists that reflect the whole disk, not just the movie. I don't need to be infomed that Sin City was good or bad, by now there is enough input from the theatrical release I have my mind made up. I need to know if beyond the movie, the disk is worth the purchase.
As Gabe says, a 70/30 weighting towards the movie or show makes some kind of sense. Garth, you mention that Sin City is a phenomenal disc but you didn’t like the movie (same opinion as me, then).
Yes, DVDActive is a DVD website (not a movie website), but by that same logic; we’re not exclusively a ‘special features’ or ‘digital presentation’ website either. Fantastic featurettes are hard to find on the format, but as fantastic as the ones on the extended Sin City are, my enjoyment of them can only go so far. Invariably, I’m learning about a movie that I didn’t particularly enjoy. Likewise, should I get too excited that the presentation of the movie is faultless when I struggle to concentrate on the picture for more than half an hour?
Try and remember that these are personal lists, not a list of titles which carry merits towards the medium. Would Sin City make your PERSONAL top ten, despite the fact that you didn’t like the movie?
Yes, DVDActive is a DVD website (not a movie website), but by that same logic; we’re not exclusively a ‘special features’ or ‘digital presentation’ website either. Fantastic featurettes are hard to find on the format, but as fantastic as the ones on the extended Sin City are, my enjoyment of them can only go so far. Invariably, I’m learning about a movie that I didn’t particularly enjoy. Likewise, should I get too excited that the presentation of the movie is faultless when I struggle to concentrate on the picture for more than half an hour?
Try and remember that these are personal lists, not a list of titles which carry merits towards the medium. Would Sin City make your PERSONAL top ten, despite the fact that you didn’t like the movie?
You have a point, but there are pleanty of decent DVD releases for films that make me want to wretch. This is why I avoided the actual top ten list for my article. This year wasn't as cut and dry as last year, there just weren't very many LOTR quality releases. Also, we all only refered to films we actually own.
I would agree with LL...seems to me that lists for a DVD site should primarily be concerned with the quality of the DVD rather than the movie.
I mean, from what I've seen of the Sin City Extended DVD, it is pretty amazing. Same with Episode 3. I didn't like either movie, but can't deny that the DVDs are phenomenal.
At the same time, I love my new Office Space DVD, as well as Napoleon Dynamite and Garden State, but I wouldn't say that any of those would be among the best DVDs of the year.
Seems to me that putting a movie on your 'best DVDs' list because it was funny would be like Roger Ebert giving a film a negative review because he didn't like the layout of the poster.
I mean, from what I've seen of the Sin City Extended DVD, it is pretty amazing. Same with Episode 3. I didn't like either movie, but can't deny that the DVDs are phenomenal.
At the same time, I love my new Office Space DVD, as well as Napoleon Dynamite and Garden State, but I wouldn't say that any of those would be among the best DVDs of the year.
Seems to me that putting a movie on your 'best DVDs' list because it was funny would be like Roger Ebert giving a film a negative review because he didn't like the layout of the poster.
Tony DeFrancisco wrote: And Mal, the R1 version of Napoleon Dynamite was released December 21, 2004. From article: ...a few were released last year but were unable to make it in time.
Basically it takes anything up to a week for something to go from Canada to the UK - plus the usual post delays around Christmas. So my 2005 started a little earlier.
Dakota Fanning Fan: I don't know why anyone would have Napoleon Dynamite on their list. That is by far one of the worst and overrated films I've ever seen. Not funny at all, IMO.
I guess it's an acquired taste, it's full of the sort of surreally dry and self-deprecating humour that I enjoy but I'm sure others hate.
Basically it takes anything up to a week for something to go from Canada to the UK - plus the usual post delays around Christmas. So my 2005 started a little earlier.

Dakota Fanning Fan: I don't know why anyone would have Napoleon Dynamite on their list. That is by far one of the worst and overrated films I've ever seen. Not funny at all, IMO.
I guess it's an acquired taste, it's full of the sort of surreally dry and self-deprecating humour that I enjoy but I'm sure others hate.
LLcruize wrote: Kind of interesting that Batman Begins is on everyone's list, yet it was not one of the top 10 DVD's put out this year. Being the best DVD is more than just about the movie. It is the presentation, extras, sound quality, picture quality, price, etc as well as the movie. Begins was a far inferior release when compared to the double disk edition of the 89 Burton version of Batman.
The extra's on the second disk of Begins are very light weight. This film struggled for many years to be made and made right. That struggle and eventual success are only lightly hit upon. This double disk deserved a making of documentary filled with detail much like the one presented on the 89 version's second disk. Instead, we are given snipits of info. The biggest ommision was not one single person could do a commentary for the film and zero deleted scenes.
Come on guys, Begins was a top 10 film, but the DVD was a far cry from being 20, much less top 10.
For my list I counted about 70% film, 30% DVD, so Batman Begins made my list for that reason...then I suppose mine wasn't really a list.
William Coffey: I'm surprised The Fly didn't make anyone's list. Those were some EXCELLENT features.
Two of us put this on our seperate lists.
And I'm going to go on the record saying I was disapointed by Tai Gu Ki, good and very well made, but it didn't quite do it for me.
The extra's on the second disk of Begins are very light weight. This film struggled for many years to be made and made right. That struggle and eventual success are only lightly hit upon. This double disk deserved a making of documentary filled with detail much like the one presented on the 89 version's second disk. Instead, we are given snipits of info. The biggest ommision was not one single person could do a commentary for the film and zero deleted scenes.
Come on guys, Begins was a top 10 film, but the DVD was a far cry from being 20, much less top 10.
For my list I counted about 70% film, 30% DVD, so Batman Begins made my list for that reason...then I suppose mine wasn't really a list.
William Coffey: I'm surprised The Fly didn't make anyone's list. Those were some EXCELLENT features.
Two of us put this on our seperate lists.
And I'm going to go on the record saying I was disapointed by Tai Gu Ki, good and very well made, but it didn't quite do it for me.
Quote: I hope the HD war ends. The biggest problem would be with consumers having say a Blu-Ray player and not knowing the difference when they purchase a HD-Dvd. They wouldn't know what was going on and yes, everyone would go back to regular, dependable DVD.Amen to that. While the Toshiba HD-DVD players should be at around $700, the first Blu-Ray player from Sony is to be $1800.
Quote: I don't know why anyone would have Napoleon Dynamite on their list. That is by far one of the worst and overrated films I've ever seen. Not funny at all, IMO.It wasn't that bad of a film. And Mal, the R1 version of Napoleon Dynamite was released December 21, 2004.
Quote: I don't know why anyone would have Napoleon Dynamite on their list. That is by far one of the worst and overrated films I've ever seen. Not funny at all, IMO.It wasn't that bad of a film. And Mal, the R1 version of Napoleon Dynamite was released December 21, 2004.
Kind of interesting that Batman Begins is on everyone's list, yet it was not one of the top 10 DVD's put out this year. Being the best DVD is more than just about the movie. It is the presentation, extras, sound quality, picture quality, price, etc as well as the movie. Begins was a far inferior release when compared to the double disk edition of the 89 Burton version of Batman.
The extra's on the second disk of Begins are very light weight. This film struggled for many years to be made and made right. That struggle and eventual success are only lightly hit upon. This double disk deserved a making of documentary filled with detail much like the one presented on the 89 version's second disk. Instead, we are given snipits of info. The biggest ommision was not one single person could do a commentary for the film and zero deleted scenes.
Come on guys, Begins was a top 10 film, but the DVD was a far cry from being 20, much less top 10.
The extra's on the second disk of Begins are very light weight. This film struggled for many years to be made and made right. That struggle and eventual success are only lightly hit upon. This double disk deserved a making of documentary filled with detail much like the one presented on the 89 version's second disk. Instead, we are given snipits of info. The biggest ommision was not one single person could do a commentary for the film and zero deleted scenes.
Come on guys, Begins was a top 10 film, but the DVD was a far cry from being 20, much less top 10.
I'm surprised The Fly didn't make anyone's list. Those were some EXCELLENT features.
I don't know why anyone would have Napoleon Dynamite on their list. That is by far one of the worst and overrated films I've ever seen. Not funny at all, IMO.
I hope the HD war ends. The biggest problem would be with consumers having say a Blu-Ray player and not knowing the difference when they purchase a HD-Dvd. They wouldn't know what was going on and yes, everyone would go back to regular, dependable DVD.
I don't think we'll have to sit and wait long for the emergence of a unified format. I believe we already have the winner: DVD. Yep... I just don't believe either of the new HD formats will have the mass interest that the DVD enjoys. The HD format war and the added confusion of the UMD discs will have consumer's heads spinning and they will turn to what they are most comfortable with. I've said it before but there simply is not enough advantage for "most" people to make the switch or to even purchase a few titles. The average price of catalog DVDs continues to drop, the collecting phenomenon is pretty widespread and DVD players are cheaper than dirt. I look at my own collection and wonder what I could possibly gain visually or convenience-wise from the HD versions...not much except for boasting rights to my friends. There are maybe a few titles I might consider but the current quality of visuals delivered from DVDs has really pushed the envelope. Can you say "Pioneer Laserdisc?"
Bodhi, I got the R1 DVD from Sony to review for my site.
Paul Cooke has the best anticipated movie.

I really want to get "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang", "Match Point", "Munich", "King Kong", "Brokeback Mountain", "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"
David Blackwell wrote: Nice to see someone included Tae Guk Gi on their list (I have it listed as an honorable mention on my lists of best DVDs.
I was going to add it but I could've sworn that the HK disc was released in 2004... November 3rd to be precise.
Haha no big deal, close enough to 2005 anyway. It's a smashing war movie that strangely didn't get big marks from the UK movie magazines.
I was going to add it but I could've sworn that the HK disc was released in 2004... November 3rd to be precise.
Haha no big deal, close enough to 2005 anyway. It's a smashing war movie that strangely didn't get big marks from the UK movie magazines.
Nice to see someone included Tae Guk Gi on their list (I have it listed as an honorable mention on my lists of best DVDs.
I can't wait for the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang dvd
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