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.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (Blu-Ray)
Release Date: February 23
What it is: DC Comics/Warner Bros Animation continues to knock them out (and knock them out of the park) with another straight-to-video feature film. This one has the Justice League (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter) facing off against their evil doppelgangers from an alternate Earth.
Why you need it: Again, the quality of these offerings continues to impress. Rated PG-13 and featuring some impressive voice talent (James Woods, Bruce Davison, Mark Harmon, Chris Noth), Crisis is face-punching fun from beginning to end. It helps that the writer, Dwayne McDuffie, is an actual funnybook vet who has penned issues of the Justice League comic. DC has also thrown in an exclusive short film starring The Spectre—at no additional charge!
Clash of the Titans (Blu-Ray)
Release Date:March 2
What it is: The original (and wonderfully cheeseball) tale of Perseus (Harry Hamlin) and his quest to save the fair maiden Andromeda from a host of Greek myth-derived villains (and, um, one Norse one).
Why you need it: Even though this is a transparent cash-in for the upcoming remake and Blu-Ray treats special effects legend Ray Harryhausen's work with all the respect that Chris Brown shows his girlfriends, this is a nostalgia trip of the highest order. There's something charming in its budget special effects that no amount of state-of-the-art CG can replace, and the collectible booklet-keepcase is a handsome addition to your collection.
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin/Return to the 36th Chamber
Release Date: February 23/March 2
What it is: The movies that basically spawned the Wu-Tang Clan come to Blu-Ray through the Dragon Dynasty label. The plot goes like this: "You want to fight, huh? FIGHT ME!"
Why you need it: The Wu-Tang connection is in full-effect, as none other than RZA himself provides a commentary track that is definitely worth a listen. The Blu-Ray transfer on 36th Chamber is gorgeous, capturing every whooshing punch and every hot pink spurt of blood with crystal clarity. The movies have subtitle tracks, but you know the only way to watch these is dubbed. Both of these are must-owns. For fans of awesomeness.
The Wraith
Release Date: March 2
What it is: Charlie Sheen stars in this 1986 lost classic about an evil biker gang (led by John Cassavetes' son, Nick) who get taken to task by a mystery black car with supernatural abilities. A young Sherilyn Fenn and a never young Randy Quaid are also in it.
Why you need it: You probably have vague memories of this unabashed schlockfest, and you can do with a refresher. Like a teen Mad Max meets Ghost Rider meets something on Cinemax starring Sherilyn Fenn and Randy Quaid, this is the type of DVD release that makes you think: "We remake anything? I can just watch this old stuff any time I want and it's usually way better?" Imagine a "reboot" of The Wraith starring some Disney Channel automatons and we think you'll agree.