DVD Releases!

Hey guys! Here's a look at what is coming out on DVD this week, starting with my pick of the week.

Crazy Heart - This movie, featuring the Academy award winning performance of Jeff Bridges as washed-up country music singer Bad Blake, was a fine film in my opinion. While I thought the story line was a bit dry and typical, I thought the acting performances carried the film from average to quite good. I was a bit dissapointed in it (I was hoping for something along the lines of The Wrestler, but it wasn't of that quality), but I still feel like this is one to see if you haven't.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Avatar - This doesn't actually come out until Thursday, but it is still worth mentioning, since it is the highest-grossing film of all time, after all. I thought this film was visually stunning and a triumph on that level, but the story was severly lacking as was the acting. This is not one I particularly liked, but it is one that would be worth picking up if you own a nice TV, a Blu Ray Player, and a hell of a sound system.
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Lovely Bones - Peter Jackson's newest film was one that was often regarded as a dissapointment in critics' circles. While I have not seen it, I'm not too intruiged based on the critism I have heard. Still, I would like to see it eventually because of the cast, but I am in no hurry.
Rating: 2 out of 5

The Young Victoria - This was a film that, rather surprisingly, came out of nowhere to be a minor player in the awards season, even winning an Oscar for costume design. Emily Blunt's performance was heavily praised, even resulting in a few nominations. While I hear this is good for a period film, the subject matter doesn't really appeal to me at all. If it does for you, however, I encourage you to check it out.
Rating: 2 out of 5

Peacock - This is a direct-to-DVD film that has quite a bit intrigue for me. It features a cast of Cillian Murphy, Ellen Page, Susan Sarandon, and Josh Lucas, and it is about a train accident in rural Nebraska that causes an interesting turn of events. While I cannot vouch for the quality of this particular film (there are no reviews released), I will say that one effect the economic recession has had on the movie industry is the quality of direct-to-DVD films has improved. This is a result of many independent film production companies folding, forcing them to release their films this way. This famously almost happened to Slumdog Millionaire, which, as we all know, found another distributor and went on to win Best Picture. I did rent this film, and I will let you know what I think after I watch it.
Rating: 3 out of 5

So what do you plan on renting this week?