Best Blu-ray movies

Here are our picks for the 10 best Blu-ray movies on the market so you can start building the ultimate Blu-ray collection, or maybe just add to it.

One of the most daunting prospects facing people who are considering buying a Blu-ray player is the realization that they will need to buy a whole new library of movies. While that is a valid concern, some Blu-rays are better than others, and below is our list of ten Blu-rays out now, and five coming soon that you can add to your collection without regret.

Throughout 2011, things changed. The format has become increasingly more accepted and sales have begun to accelerate. With the holiday season now looming, we take a look back at the best Blu-ray releases to date.

To be considered for the list, each of these movies has the highest level of digital conversion possible, so from a technical standpoint, each movie is among the best Blu-ray movie releases on the market. Many Blu-ray movies feature an equally stellar picture, but these are our 10 that every collector should have.

Avatar – Three-Disc Extended Collector’s Edition ($34)

It is with a bit of hesitation that this movie made the list. In terms of quality and additional content, this is one of the most technically sophisticated Blu-rays on the market, hands down. It looks stunning, and the film is already so visually dense that the HD format makes it an incredible work of art. But the nasty truth is that this is not the final version of the film to hit Blu-ray, and there will eventually be another release that includes the 3D version of the film. If you are absolutely determined, you can find a copy of Avatar 3D by either purchasing a Panasonic Blu-ray player or by purchasing a used copy from someone that bought it that way. Of course, it will cost you. There is no set release date on the Avatar 3D retail version, so if you are a fan, it might be worth grabbing this disc now. If you knew nothing of the movie or of the studio’s plans, this Blu-ray would be a must-own for video and audiophiles.

Jurassic Park: Ultimate Trilogy ($30)

When Jurassic Park first came out on Laserdisc back in 1994, it became one of the essential films to own for the quality of the sound and visuals. Even putting aside the movie itself, which was a mega-hit (along with both sequels), the film made for an excellent test of a home theater. When the DVD of the original came out in 2000, that copy also excelled for testing systems. Now that the Blu-ray collection is here, it is again a must for home theater fans. The set contains all three original films, digital copies of all three movies, several featurettes, and more. Most importantly though, all three films have been fully remastered for Blu-ray.

Lord of the Rings Extended Edition ($50)

If you are a true Lord of the Rings fan, this is the set that you have been waiting for. Fans of the series were none too pleased when the Lord of the Rings trilogy was first announced for Blu-ray. Sure, it was a great series formatted in the best audio and visual format available today, but the version coming out was not the Extended Edition. Not counting the VHS tapes, the trilogy has now been released four separate times. That may have left a slightly bitter taste in the mouths of some, but this should be the final and definitive version, both in quality and content. If you are a fan of the series, this is the version to own.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga Episodes I-VI ($89)

This is an easy pick, but still one made with a hint of reluctance. How many releases of Star Wars can there possibly be? Although this is the best collection out right now by far, another set is likely planned for a few years down the road with 3D versions of each film. The 3D re-releases will begin in theaters next year, so expect the first of the next set to be released late 2012 or early 2013, followed by what will probably be the ultra-mega-ultimate-definitive collection dropping after Return of the Jedi hits theaters. Still, it is Star Wars, and this is still the best-looking version of the series to hit home theaters yet. Again: If you are a fan of the series, this is the version to own.

Toy Story Ultimate Toy Box Collection ($73)

The Toy Story Ultimate Toy Box Collection is perfect for fans of the series who do not already own one or more copies of this movie on Blu-ray. There is nothing additional included to make you consider re-buying the films, but you will receive all three original films on Blu-ray, DVD, digital download, as well as a tenth disc filled with supplemental material. The discs all come in a foam container rather than jewel cases, but that won’t affect what are among the best Blu-ray films available today.

Blade Runner Ultimate Collector’s Edition ($150)

The most expensive of the Blu-ray movies on this list also gives you some of the most for your money. This-five disc set contains director Ridley Scott’s “Final Cut” of the film, along with the (apparently poorly named) Director’s Cut, the 1982 Theatrical Release, the 1982 International Release, and more features than you will know what to do with. One of the most influential sci-fi movies ever made, Blade Runner needs to be in your collection. If the Ultimate Version isn’t for you, each version of the film is available separately, and each are equally impressive to watch.

The Dark Knight ($20)

Once the top selling Blu-ray movie, it was surpassed by Avatar. If you are building up your Blu-ray collection, this movie is a must-have that no Blu-ray fan should be without. Beyond just being a top-rated flick, it is a technically sound Blu-ray film that was filmed in IMAX, which on Blu-ray is positively stunning. When you combine that with the action scenes, The Dark Knight is a keeper.

Gone With the Wind 70th Anniversary Collector’s Edition ($41)

To celebrate the anniversary of the classic film Gone With the Wind, Warner Home Video decided to fully remaster the original print of the film. The result is the best-looking version of the film ever released. If you have only seen the VHS, or possibly the DVD version which is just a digital copy of the original movie, then prepare to be blown away by the change. Even if you have seen the movie several times, watching it in this form is different experience. The Collector’s Edition contains eight hours of bonus material, including three hours that are exclusive to the collection. Fans will love it, but the standard Blu-ray release is also worth it if special features don’t appeal to you.

Planet Earth: The Complete BBC Series ($47)

While the sci-fi movies with highly detailed graphics shine on HD, and the transfer and remastering of older movies make them feel new again, you really can’t beat the truly awesome beauty of nature. In standard def, Planet Earth’s visuals are amazing. In HD, they are stunning. A beautifully filmed documentary that you can watch with the entire family, and one that takes full advantage of the capabilities of Blu-ray.

The Wizard of Oz – 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition ($100)

While the Gone With the Wind Anniversary Edition comes with eight hours of bonus footage, making that version worth your time, the Wizard of Oz’s Anniversary set contains a watch, a campaign book reproduction, and a commemorative book. All of these things are cool if you are a fan, but they don’t necessarily make the Blu-ray package better. The movie itself, however, is definitely worth the purchase, as the film has been painstakingly remastered in both picture and sound. It is actually fairly phenomenal the things they did to this film, and despite the age of the original, the Blu-ray looks as good as many movies released today. In terms of both technical specs and movie quality, the Wizard of Oz is one of the best family movies you can own on Blu-ray.

Coming in 2012

Anatomy of a Murder (Feb 21, 2012)

Otto Preminger’s 1959 classic starring Jimmy Stewart was one of the most provocative films of its time, and has famously been called “the finest trial movie ever made.” In February, the movie will receive the Criterion Collection treatment, guaranteeing that despite its age, it will still look amazing.

Game of Thrones Complete First Season (TBD 2012)

Winter is coming, and next spring brings season two of the hit HBO series, Game of Thrones. Although no release date has yet been confirmed, you can expect the first season to hit stores shortly before. If it follows the previous HBO releases, it will feature a handful of choice extras, and some incredible audio and visual representations.

Harry Potter Complete Collection Years 1-7 (TBD 2012)

But wait, you say, there already is a complete collection out on Blu-ray! Although that is true, the recently released Blu-ray collection is actually a barebones version of the films, with all eight movies and very little else. That means no extras, no additional scenes, and average audio and video quality. A new set has not been officially announced, but there is one rumored to be in the works for spring or summer of 2012 that will be the definitive collection.

Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (Feb 7, 2012)

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s uber-hit musical will come to home theaters in February, and give you a front row seat to the massive production. But while the visuals will be good, the real focus will be on the audio, which should be spectacular.

Titanic (TBD 2012)

James Cameron’s other record-breaking hit will be relaunched in 3D in theaters in April to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the (spoiler) sinking of the Titanic. A Blu-ray release with the 3D version is already being discussed for later in the year.