TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009: Number One. LE MEPRIS

Jean-Luc Godard's LE MEPRIS is a fine addition to the famous Criterion Collection, delivering a features-packed special edition of this absorbing tale of a disintegrating marriage.
The relationship between a scriptwriter and his wife (Michel Piccoli and Brigitte Bardot)conflicts with a project concerning a celluloid version of Homer's Odyssey, and Picolli's character is forced to battle betwixt reality and fiction as his life slowly falls apart.

Full marks to Optimum for their reverential treatment of this important work. Although the Blu-ray does not include all the features that can be found on the Criterion release, it does feature over 2 1/1 hours of extras (including the 8-part conversation between Godard and Lang and a 20-page booklet.
While there are some problems with the image quality (mostly due to the film stock, and varying colour palette), it's the best home video incarnation currently available and well worth an upgrade.

The forthcoming Blu-ray releases of BREATHLESS, UNE FEMME MARIEE and PIERROT LE FOU promise to be real treats for Godard buffs in the next few months, destined to stand proudly alongside LE MEPRIS on your shelf.

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009: LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

And so we come to the other vampire love story, and a film that actually exceeds all the positive word-of-mouth reports and critical acclaim.

On Blu-ray, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN benefits from an outstanding transfer. The snow-laden landscape looks of the purest white, while the colour ranges from vibrant to dull reflecting the narrative shifts. As much of the film takes place at night, solid blacks are important and that's just what we get. A worthwhile commentary track is included, together with 4 deleted scenes. While it's likely their addition would not have significantly improved the film, it's good to be able to watch them here.
of course, a remake is underway and that's good news if it prompts newcomers to watch this beautifully told tale.

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009 PART EIGHT: MOON

Featuring a terrific shift by Sam Rockwell as an astronaut whose three-year stint on the moon is coming to an end.
Set in a future where fuel is mined from outer space, MOON is of the old school sci-fi canon but constantly belies a £5 million budget to amaze with the director's sheer creativity. There is a spoiler I don't intend to give away, except to say that I don't believe it came too early in the film; indeed, it's so refreshing to encounter a film that doesn't rely on the 'big reveal' and instead goes on to examine its implications with a generous amount of running time.

The Blu-ray transfer is sharp and colourful, and you'll find a nice selection of extras to enjoy.
Another great directorial debut.

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009 PART SEVEN: FRANKLYN

Set in the parallel worlds of contemporary London and the futuristic fantasy locale of Meanwhile City, Gerald McMorrow's feature debut has inspired many derogatory comments ("losing the plot" is one that springs readily to mind) but this one stood out for me as a brilliantly conceived tale of four individuals whose personal crises connect in a stunning final act.

I'm pleased to see the Blu-ray release - though light on extras - delivers a crisp transfer, with different colour schemes for each of the four main characters.
Full marks to McMorrow for his ambition, guts and talent which make this a film to savour over multiple viewings.

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009 PART SIX: WATCHMEN

Regret missing this one at the cinema, but an excellent Blu-ray presentation made up for the disappointment.
I'd read the graphic novel before seeing the film and thoroughly enjoyed the breadth of vision employed by both artist and writer. When the US region-free Blu-ray was announced in the form of a director's cut, I took the plunge and ordered sight unseen. Happily, the film fulfilled all my expectations and grabbed me right from the word go.
Set in an alternate timeline, WATCHMEN begins with the killing of costumed vigilante 'The Comedian', and moves into a wonderful opening credits sequence which provide character history before weaving a tale of paranoia and imminent nuclear war.

The transfer is a thing of beauty, with shadow detail particularly well rendered.
The famous 'Maximum Movie Mode' - where Zack Snyder hosts the film next to side-by-side comparisons of scenes, pages from the graphic novel and more - works very well, and the release of this edition in the UK is a real bonus in itself for import-shy fans of the film.

Now, we have another release to consider in the form of WATCHMEN ULTIMATE CUT: THE COMPLETE STORY, which loses the MMM, but adds a commentary track, the complete motion comics movie and TALES OF THE BLACK FREIGHTER edited into the DC.
Up to now, I haven't had the cash to double-dip but not an immediate concern, as I'd bet hard cash on there being yet another 'Ultimate' release in the not-too distant future. For now, this one will do admirably.

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009 PART FOUR: DAWN OF THE DEAD

A nice three-discer featuring the theatrical cut in HD format, with the Argento cut and director's cut in SD. The theatrical version is a big step-up from previous home video incarnations and will surely please its legion of fans. Apparently, the other two cuts were in too poor condition to elevate them above standard def treatment, due to time and money available.

Those of us who purchased the Anchor Bay US 4 -disc SD box will be familiar with most of the additional material, though it's nice to have them on the UK set, together with some new featurettes. Look out for Nicolas Garreau's Fan of The Dead, taking us on a pilgrimige to locations used in the filming of DAWN.

Although we lose the commentary tracks that were present and correct on the European and Director's cuts via Anchor Bay, this UK Blu-ray gives solid reasons to upgrade.

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009 PART THREE: NORTH BY NORTHWEST

Not my favourite Hitch film by a long way, but the marvellous restoration on this Blu-ray transfer compelled me to enjoy this movie like never before.
Yes, the crop-dusting plane and the chase across the stone Presidents on Mount Rushmore look spectacular, but damn near every second of this film showcases what Blu-ray should be all about.

Add to this some valuable featurettes for Hitchcock buffs, and you have one stunner of a release.Just sit back and feast your eyes on those eye-popping colours and the detail in both interior and exterior scenes.
Now, can we please have a Blu VERTIGO sometime soon?

TOP TEN BLU-RAYS OF 2009 PART TWO: THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE

For me, this is middle-tier Argento, but still a wholly impressive work.
Here, Tony Musante - a novelist living in Rome - winesses a violent attack at an art gallery and becomes haunted by a sliver of visual information that remains just out of reach.
While the plot is nothing out of the ordinary, Argento's orchestration of suspense and atmosphere made this film a more than worthwhile declaration of intent, peppered with some great set-pieces containing an abundance of visual ingenuity; many of which have been reused in subsequent genre movies.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release - while hardly reference material - has kept the film's grain intact to deliver a beautiful film-like transfer. Indeed, taking into account the faded Eastman film stock, it's a remarkable piece of work.
The extras from the Blue Underground SD release have been ported over to this Blu-ray,including the rather wonderful commentary track from Alan Jones and Kim Newman.
The expert duo return in January to once again take the mic for commentary duties on the SUSPIRIA Blu-ray that will be available in the UK on 18th January. Stay tuned for a review!