Why So Blu?

Brian’s TOP 10 Blu-ray Picks of 2011

It’s that time of the year already.  I have been through so much this year so I thought f$&k it.  I want to try something new this year.  In the past few years, I had this complex algorithm where I weighted a disc by its film score, audio/video presentation and how many special features it had.  In the past, that meant discs that I loved that didn’t have hefty quantities of special features (which I usually tend to ignore anyway) generally fell short on my lists.  That’s bullsh!t.  I’m not being that fake person anymore.  I don’t care.  This is my list dammit.  These are the Blu-rays I personally own and are proud to call my favorites of the calendar year 2011.  If you don’t agree with any of my selections, then A) I have to ask myself why are you reading this and/or B) that’s what the comment fields are there for.  Hit me with your best shot.  Let’s get this party started!

 

My TOP 10’s!

 

10. Shakira: En Vivo Desde Paris – How can I say no to seeing my favorite Columbian superstar shaking her assets in 1080p?  The answer is simple.  I can’t!  She narrowly beat out my beloved Nirvana: Live at the Paramount from appearing on this list, but I think we all know why.  No further explanation is necessary.  This one is for the Shakira fans out there.  Enjoy!

 

9. The Crow – Like The Lion King below, this movie makes my list because this is one of my all-time favorites (I still remember where I was and who I was with when I saw this one theatrically back in the day) and it has never looked or sounded better than it does on the Blu-ray format.   Even after all these years the film and the soundtrack that brilliantly captures the essence of the 90’s still holds up and sounds fresh.   Gotta love it!

 

8. Fast Five – Fast cars.  Adrenaline rushes.  Wild rides.  Eye candy.  A decent story.  A brilliant Blu-ray transfer.  Bombastic!  I could go on and on.  Tell me when to stop!  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

 

7. The Lion King – This one makes my list simply because it’s my favorite Disney movie ever made (my man card is on the table) and it’s finally home on the Blu-ray format.  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

 

6. Pulp Fiction – Oh God!  Anyone wanting to know what good dialogue in a screenplay sounds like?  Search no further!  You have arrived at your destination.  This Tarantino masterpiece has never looked or sounded better.  It’s true love at first sight.  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

5. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena – I honestly think this Starz series is going to make my list every year with the ingenious writing team this crew has assembled.  OMG!  You have not seen anything until you have seen Spartacus on the Blu-ray format.  Its premium cable done right! — See my exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

4. I Spit on Your Grave (2010) – Surprise. Surprise.  Behold the single Blu-ray title that got the most mileage in my players this year.  I simply adore this film and its associated Blu-ray transfer.  It’s a MUST-OWN for all fans of the revenge genre.  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

 

3. TRON: Legacy – The film has its many faults.  Yes.  But this Blu-ray transfer is exceptional.  The techno soundtrack is out of this world.   If you have not seen this one, give it a test drive one day.  I hope you like what you hear and/or see.  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

2. Rise of the Planet of the Apes – What’s ferocious, beastly and heartwarming at the same time?   Yep.  You guessed it.  Rise of the Planet of the Apes can take over my Blu-ray player anytime they want.  I accept my subordinate position in society.  Hail Caesar! — Check out my exclusive Blu-ray review here —

 

 

 

1. Star Wars: The Complete Saga – Need I say more?  I waited my whole life for these!  God bless Blu-ray and George Lucas (just keep him away from further messing up the Indiana Jones lore).

 

 

 

Honorable Mentions

I feel like I have listed a lot of titles below, but I can’t help it.  A recap of the best of from 2011 just wouldn’t feel complete if I didn’t at least mention the below golden nuggets.  And here they are!

 

Chillerama – This one is not going to win any notable awards, but I just had so much fun with this one that I welcomed it with open arms to the Blu-ray format.  I watched it too many times than I should probably admit. Prepare to be offended!  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

The Hills Have Eyes (2006) – Finally!  Finally this horror remake done right has been released on Blu-ray.  I have bee grinning ever since from ear-to-ear.

 

 

 

Nirvana: Live at the Paramount – Just like I said about Hills above, my boys are finally home on the Blu-ray format and I have to be thankful for whatever I can get.  With that being said.   I love it!  — See my exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

 

The Island – I consider this one of the most underrated films ever made.   Bay’s masterpiece has finally been made available on Blu-ray in the US!  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

 

Thor – Initially I panned this film, but I decided to give it a second chance on the Blu-ray format and I reluctantly fell in love with it.  What say you?  Good god!  It looks great!  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

 

The Ward – If it weren’t for Gerard’s persistence, I would have never known about this gem.   What a shame this Carpenter flick didn’t garner any real attention in the U.S.  The twist, although done before, is still amazing.  And by the way…so is Amber Heard.  — See our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

Scarface – Say hello to my last Blu-ray title.  It may not be the prettiest looking Blu-ray, but it’s a classic and it’s finally available on the glorious format I cherish!  — Although I don’t agree with Sean Ferguson on this one, please see our exclusive Blu-ray review right here —

 

 

Feel free to agree or disagree with me in the comment fields below.   I have thick skin.   I can take it.  That means you, Aaron.  And I just read today that tigers are striped under their fur too.  Guess what?  I’m also a Tiger!

Until next year…