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.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: December 8
What it is: The latest installment in the ongoing perils of young Mr. Potter (or should that be "peril" since it's the same threat in every movie?), this one sees the increasingly hormonal wizards of Hogwarts battling first loves in addition to black magic.
Why you need it: Kidding aside, you'd be hard-pressed to name another franchise that has gone on this long without a really significant drop in overall quality. Hell, you'd be hard-pressed to just name a franchise that has gone on this long, period. The Blu-Ray provides a nice twist on the always-engaging "Maximum Movie Mode" by having Daniel Radcliffe himself take you through the movie. Fans will also be sucked in by the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the final movie) tease included on the discs.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ultimate Edition/Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ultimate Edition
Release Date: December 8
What it is: Can't get enough Potter? WB wheels out the first two of what will be a long series of "Ultimate" editions of all the Potter movies.
Why you need it:. These are strictly for the hardcore, but in that respect they will certainly satisfy. Stocked with an incredible wealth of bonus material (awwww, check out the original screen tests! Harry, Ron, and Hermione were so widdle!) as well as extended versions of the movies previous not available on DVD. Again, this is for certified Potter-ites only, but well worth it if you count yourself among them.
Public Enemies
Release Date: December 8
What it is: Michael Mann (Heat) directs Johnny Depp and Christian Bale in this unusual take on John Dillinger's legendary life of crime.
Why you need it: Bad word mouth might have dampened your enthusiasm when Enemies came out this past summer, but it's worth a home viewing. This is an "unusual" take because Mann pretty much shoots a Depression-era period piece the same way he shot Miami Vice—with a handheld, almost documentary feel. It's not what you're used to, but given a chance it (mostly) works. With leads this strong, how could it not? The nine-minute doc "Last of the Legendary Outlaws" is also recommended viewing. You can snag a look at the docs here, too.
World's Greatest Dad
Release Date: December 8
What it is: Bobcat Goldthwait's pitch black comedy stars Robin Williams as a depressed teacher forced to come to terms with the death of his asshole son. Nothing plays out like you'd expect.
Why you need it: This got about as wide a theatrical release as Kim Kardashian's sex tape, so you might not have even heard of it before now. This is a shame, and something that needs to be rectified. This is cringe-worthy, hilarious stuff, and we can't recommend it enough.
Lost: The Complete Fifth Season (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: December 8
What it is: Gear up for the final bow of TV's wackiest island not named Gilligan's with the penultimate season.
Why you need it: First of all, Lost is prettier than most movies, and Hi-Def is its best friend. And for those who are still trying to keep all the plotlines straight, there's the "Lost Starter Kit" which handily recaps the previous four seasons. We also recommend this set for the featurette "Building 23 and Beyond"—because, honestly, you can always use more Michael "Ben Linus" Emerson.