Since we know time is money, here's a quick handy reference guide to recent DVD releases that should be on your radar and, in many cases, on your shelf. Immediately.
District 9 (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: December 22
What it is: Simply put, one of this year's best movies. A sci-fi sleeper about aliens landing in South Africa, District 9 proved once again that special effects are nice and all, but a story is better.
Why you need it: This is a meaty DVD, whether you snag the standard or the Blu-Ray edition. Every aspect of the movie is broken down in a series of extras (we especially liked "Innovation: The Acting and Improvisation of District 9" because it's amazing that a movie like this could even be open to improv) and director Neil Blomkamp delivers one of the most engaging commentaries we've heard in a while.
Extract (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: December 15
What it is: The criminally-underrated Mike Judge (Office Space, sure, but why isn't Idiocracy hailed as one of the best comedies of all time?) returns to the workplace with Jason Bateman as the put-upon boss of an extract manufacturing company.
Why you need it: Make no mistake, Extract is a very funny movie. Does it reach the heights of Office Space or Idiocracy? No, but it's still funnier than the majority of the so-called "comedies" that came out this year. Bateman's slow-burn exasperation is in fully-effect, Kristin Wiig again proves to be a comedic Wonder Woman who can do no wrong, and Mila Kunis is hot. Very, very hot. The standard disc is bare bones, but the Blu-Ray gets some exclusive deleted scenes that aren't earth-shattering, but they'll make Blu-Ray owners feel special.