AML’s top DVD releases for 2/19/08

These are a bit late, but I feel it’s my duty to make sure your weekend DVD rental choices are made with educated minds.

Besides, this week’s DVD releases are pretty awesome and may even give you a chance to watch a Best Picture nominated film before Sunday’s Academy Awards.

Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton made my Top 10 films of 2007 so of course this is a hot choice this week. George Clooney is as his best in a great legal thriller than really doesn’t involve a courtroom in the least bit. Like someone said, this is what ever John Grishman movie wished they’d been like.

If you want to see it before Oscar night, I’d suggest running out to Blockbuster before Friday, because I have no doubt it will be out of stock otherwise.

American Gangster

I’ve not seen American Gangster yet, but I heard it was pretty awesome, despite the fact that it was totally inaccurate. There was actually a lawsuit filed over this, and it was dismissed, but not before the judge made sure everyone knew the ending legend was a lie.

But regardless, Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington are supposed to be awesome here, so check it out when you get a chance.

In the Valley of Elah

Another one I haven’t gotten to see, but it stars Tommy Lee Jones and I’ve heard nothing but good things about In the Valley of Elah. Here is the plot from IMDB:

A career officer (Jones) and his wife (Sarandon) work with a police detective (Theron) to uncover the truth behind their son’s disappearance following his return from a tour of duty in Iraq.

It got a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.7 on IMDB. Not too shabby.

He-Man and the Master of the Universe: Volume One

Wow, I totally watched He-Man but can’t remember a single thing about it. The fact that it’s the first season out might be pretty awesome to some fans of the show. I remember liking Thundercats a lot more.

I’m not into watching these old cartoons, but I do love the fact that they are coming out on DVD anyways for those that want to see them.

And here are the rest:

Other DVDs (437 total titles released)

• Rendition - I was so excited about this movie with Reese Whitherspoon, but the reviews were pretty bad.
• Coach: The Third Season - I loved Coach!
• Margot at the Wedding - Nicole Kidman, Jack Black…mixed reviews on this one, but an interesting little indie film.

Blu-ray (7 total titles released)

• Deep Purple: Live at Montreux 2006 (Eagle Rock)
• In the Valley of Elah  (Warner)
• Michael Clayton  (Warner)
• Night of the Werewolf/Vengeance of the Zombies  (BCI)
• Run Lola Run  (Sony)
• Santana: Hymns for Peace - Live at Montreux 2004 (Eagle Rock)
• Yes: Live at Montreux 2003 (Eagle Rock)