Sherlock Holmes When it was announced that Guy Ritchie of all people was going to direct a film with a reimagined version of the classic detective and put Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role, the collective moviegoing mind reeled. The director of highly styled, madcap action flicks like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels taking on this staid British literary icon? And turning him into a streetfighting bad-ass, to boot?
Turned out, though, to be a rollicking good time—the team of Downey Jr. and Jude Law as his bromantic object of affection Dr. Watson play off each other brilliantly, and Ritchie’s penchant for blowing stuff up and putting his main characters through the wringer actually works, despite its paper-thin plot: a killer is on the loose in London, and may be part of a government cover-up. Oh, and there’s an inconsequential love interest. Extras: “Sherlock Holmes: Reinvented” featurette with Downey Jr. and Ritchie (DVD/BD). Definitely Worth Doing: If you own the BD and register online you can chat in real time with Downey Jr. as he hosts a Live Community Screening of the movie this Thursday, April 1, at 6 p.m. PST. You'll be able to hear his answers to questions you submit or see them posted on the screen as the movie plays.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Proving that children will pretty much eat up anything you put in front of them, cinematically speaking, this sequel did gangbusters at the box office and parents will no doubt snap this right up. Here, the singing sensations meet stiff competition in the Chipettes, a girl group discovered by the boys’ evil ex-manager. Extras: Sing-alongs with Beyonce, “Shake Your Groove Thing” dance-along, “Meet the Chipettes,” music videos, more (BD/2-disc DVD); “Munk Music Machine” and “Music Mania” (single-disc DVD)
An Education Set right on the verge of the swinging London scene, the movie stars an excellent Carey Mulligan as a teenager getting ready to attend Oxford when she meets a dashing older man who introduces her to jazz clubs, trendy friends and a fast scene. The movie was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay and captures the era to a T. Extras: Deleted scenes, making-of, commentary (DVD/BD)
IMAX: Under the Sea Those nature documentaries seem to be a dime a dozen and end up as pleasant aquarium-like backdrops with the volume off, but this one narrated by Jim Carrey is well worth your attention. The filmmakers explore tropical waters from New Guinea to the Great Barrier Reef and bring you face-to-fin with everything from a Great White’s jaws to lovestruck cuttlefish. Extras: Making-of (DVD/BD); the BD offers five more expeditions. If you don't "do" Blu yet but think you may spring for it one day, buy this version—it contains a standard-def copy too.
