Zero Dark Thirty Whether you believe Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar-nominated action thriller was pro-American propaganda or merely a based-on-truth tale chronicling the hunt for Osama bin Laden, most would agree it's extremely well-made, entertaining, and features a stellar performance by lead Jessica Chastain as a young CIA agent who spends a decade at the agency doing nothing but searching for the man behind 9/11. You could say the story was a no-brainer; we all know how it ended. Here, though, it's not how it ends, it's how you get there that matters, and Bigelow and Chastain make Maya worth watching from start to finish. Extras: 4 featurettes: "No Small Feat" making-of; "The Compound" - Tour the re-created Osama compound; "Geared Up" - the cast trains with authentic SEAL equipment; "Targeting Jessica Chastain" - More on Maya (DVD/BD).
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey The first of Peter Jackson's trilogy comes out on DVD and Blu-ray today, the first of what will likely be many incarnations; earlier rumors (denied by Warner Bros.) said an extended cut is scheduled for later this year. This debut will get you 130 minutes of bonus features and access to a live first look at The Desolation of Smaug sequel hosted by Jackson and streamed live on March 24 (go to www.thehobbit.com/sneak to submit questions for the director tonight, it's the last day to do so). Extras: Video blogs giving a detailed look at the production, from the initial planning stages, location scouting, 3D and effects production, the dwarves and more (DVD/BD).
Bachelorette This female Hangover wanna-be came a little late to the party, about four gals who get together when one (Pitch Perfect's breakout star Rebel Wilson) announces she's engaged. Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan, and Isla Fisher star as the mean girls who almost ruin the wedding. Extras: None.
Rust and Bone Lauded filmmaker Jacques Audiard (A Prophet) gives us this drama about the relationship between a marine animal trainer who loses her legs and an aspiring kickboxer/single dad.
Coming Friday 3/22
It's a busy week for Oscar nominated films, as Friday marks the release of yet another Best Pic nom. Plus, Judd Apatow's latest.
Les Miserables The epic musical with performances both great (Anne Hathway) and not-so (you decide) comes to BD combo pack on Friday. Extras: Adapting the classic, creating Paris and star interviews (DVD/BD); the BD adds some remarkable behind-the-scenes featurettes on set creation, the live singing production and the location.
This Is 40 Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann play 40-something marrieds going through mid-life crises and parenting challenges in this spinoff of Knocked Up. Extras: Deleted scenes, gags, commentary (DVD/BD); the BD adds 10 featurettes.
