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.
The Hurt Locker
Release Date: January 12
What it is: One of 2009's best movies, this is a bite-through-your-bottom lip intense war movie about a bomb disposal expert who prefers to get his hands dirty rather than use remote-controlled robots like some kind of wuss.
Why you need it: Judging by its box office take, you passed this over in theaters. Iraq war fatigue might be to blame, but don't miss this chance. Director Kathryn Bigelow (Point Break) has delivered a knock-out. The only thing that makes this slightly less than an absolutely must-own is its lack of meaningful extras. The disc is bare, so there's sure to be a special edition down the road. Wait for that one to buy, but rent this now.
Big Fan
Release Date: January 12
What it is: Comedian Patton Oswalt goes from Funny Ha Ha to Funny I Shouldn't Be Laughing At This as a dangerously obsessed New York Giants fan who can't let a little thing like getting his ass kicked by his favorite player sway his loyalty.
Why you need it: Directed by the writer of The Wrestler, Big Fan has a similar feel to the Mickey Rourke film—like you're spying on a life rather than watching a movie. Oswalt perfectly captures that rare breed of sports fan who is as bad as the worst comic book obsessive—wrapped up in a fantasy world because he has nothing else in his life. It doesn't quite deliver the gut-shot that the Wrestler does, but see it for Oswalt's performance alone. There's not much on the DVD as far as extras, but the cast and crew interviews are worth a look for a closer glimpse of this under-the-radar production. And don't the Rudy cover art fool you, this is sad, darkly funny, and troubling stuff.
The Simpsons: Complete Twentieth Season (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: January 12
What it is: After 20 years, if you don't know, we can't help you.
Why you need it: Available for the first time in HD (ooooh, the fancy new opening credits), all 21 episodes of season 20 are here for your continual amusement (or snarky scorn if you stick to the idea that the Simpsons was funnier five years ago…or maybe ten years ago…). We were going to complain that the DVDs only feature a "sneak peek" at the Morgan Spurlock-directed anniversary special and not the special itself but then…we saw the special. Never mind!
Moon (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: January 12
What it is: A ridiculously underrated sci-fi head-scratcher, Moon is about a lonely lunar miner (Sam Rockwell) nearing the end of his three-year stretch and preparing to return home to earth. Things, of course, don't go as planned.
Why you need it: Directed by Duncan Jones (David Bowie's son. Yes, for real), Moon shows that you don't need a huge budget to deliver sci-fi goodness. A slow burn, but worth your patience, The special features are a real selling point, too, because you'll be absolutely amazed at how much Jones is able to accomplish with a budget that wouldn't cover Michael Bay's acid-washed jeans allotment. Not to spoil the movie, but "those" effects in particular are an amazing mix of in-camera trickery and FX.