2005 Best DVD's

Just a quick nod to some of the standout DVD releases of 2005...

1. Sin City - Recut & Extended Edition
   Robert Rodriguez continues to extend the boundaries of the format with this nutty DVD edition of his groundbreaking film. Featuring the theatrical cut (with several commentaries) and each of the four stories recut into single films (with additional scenes), the DVD also contains a ridiculous number of informative and entertaining extras. Ever wanted to watch 20 minutes of uncut footage of Tarantino directing a scene? You're in luck!
   
2. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
   Lucas might have a tin ear when it comes to screenwriting, but the dude knows his way around the digital format. The bizarre "making of" feature (which centers around 38 seconds of footage) gets points for innovation but is ultimately disappointing. However, Lucas continues to provide decent commentaries and a whole array of other satisfying extras. Not to mention the most stunning digital visual creation ever made.
   
3. Serenity
   Not jam-packed by any means, but what is included is pretty great (including a witty commentary by writer/director Joss Whedon). Universal gets bonus points for cranking this little bad boy out before Christmas. Best film of the year, in case I forgot to mention it.
   
4. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (Criterion 2-Disc Edition)
   Wes Anderson continues to make weird movies that are just hard not to like (for me, anyway). Bill Murray continues a hot streak of terrific indie performances, and Owen Wilson finds one of his few non-comedy outlets in Anderson's flicks. Totally ridiculous, but just hilarious in its own subtle way. Nice extras and commentary.
   
5. Warner Bros. Steve McQueen re-issues
   Anchored with Bullitt and The Getaway, Warner Bros. continues an impressive slate of classic re-issues, including its Steve McQueen catalog. Shame on Warners for letting their catalog languish in mediocrity for so long (now that HD is quickly on the way), but they seem to be making up for lost time. I just got the Sam Peckinpah Western box, which features insane new editions of Peckinpah's four best westerns (at a pretty reasonable price).
   
6. My Own Private Idaho (Criterion Edition)
   River Phoenix's best performance is remembered in this impressive release from Criterion.
   
7. Batman Begins (2-Disc Edition)
   Great film is given a solid treatment on DVD. But no Christopher Nolan commentary? Come on!
   
8. Howards End (Merchant-Ivory Collection)
   E. M. Forster's best is translated into Merchant-Ivory's finest film. Out of print for some time, it was great to get the definitive edition on DVD.