With news that The Avengers has smashed the record for the biggest box office opening weekend, this week we’re taking a look at some of the highest grossing movies of all time on Blu-ray. So if you’re stuck for ideas this weekend, why not try out one of the following?
Avatar – Extended Collector’s Edition
Currently taking the top spot as the highest grossing film in cinema history, Avatar tells the story of paraplegic marine Jake (Sam Worthington) and his journey on Pandora. Dispatched to take part in a unique mission to infiltrate the moon’s native population, Jake falls in love with the indigenous people and disobeys his orders to protect the world he feels is home. When director James Cameron said the Extended Collector’s Edition of Avatar would have everything fans could possibly want, he wasn’t joking. The three-disc box set delivers on all fronts, boasting an extended cut of the film, 45 minutes of deleted scenes, an alternative opening, 17 featurettes covering performance capture, scoring the film, 3D fusion camera, stunts and much more.
Harry Potter – The Complete 8-Film Collection
With Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II charting at number three, this eight film collection comprises the entire back catalogue of adventures starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. Adapted from J. K. Rowling’s much loved tales about witches and wizards, the box set sees them journey from fledgling students to masters of magic. Presented in stunning HD across 11 discs packed with exciting and entertaining features, fans of the franchise can enjoy Maximum Movie Mode viewing, features on the author, directors, cast and productions and a look at costumes, sets, stunts and special effects.
Transformers 1, 2 and 3
With the most recent instalment proving to be the biggest to date and currently standing at number four, Michael Bay’s Transformers series is going from strength to strength. The battles between two robot races aided by teenager Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his friends have captivated audiences for years with their adrenalin-pumping action sequences and phenomenal special effects, which look even better in high definition. Extras exclusive to the three movie box set include extensive commentaries from Bay, never before seen interviews with the cast and crew and a look at the concept art, robot designs and weaponry.
Toy Story 1-3 Box Set
Nominated many times and finally achieving Oscar and BAFTA gongs for the third outing, which currently resides as the seventh highest grossing movie of all time, there’s no denying the Toy Story movies are a hit with audiences around the globe. Brimming with gripping adventure, magnificent satire and lump-in-the-throat nostalgia, the Blu-ray box set provides layer after layer of added insight in stunning HD. All three movies follow the adventures of a group of toys led by traditional cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks) and futuristic space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). A plethora of exclusive extras are spread across the four disc collection, including a look at the original character designs, animation techniques, music and audio, commentaries from the team of writers and directors, as well as shorts introduced by Buzz and a look at the alternative story and concept that was canned in favour of the film we’re all familiar with today.
The Dark Knight / Batman Begins Box set
And finally, with the last instalment under Christopher Nolan’s watch due in cinemas next month, his brilliant re-imagining of Batman’s battle with The Joker in The Dark Knight sits at number twelve. Christian Bale stars alongside Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine in the movies which chart tales of greed and destruction so brilliant and thrilling they’ll leave you pondering their meaning for days after. With action, romance and special effects that are sure to impress, Bale’s portrayal of the mysterious superhero is utterly brilliant. Comprising a feast of extras, the box set includes documentaries Gotham Uncovered, Batman Unmasked and Batman Tech, which take viewers on a 360 degree look at the set design, props, weaponry, stunts and special effects. Multiple interviews with cast and crew on the performances, script and Ledger’s contribution, alongside poster art and production stills, complete the pack.
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us about your favourite blockbuster or tell us what else you’ll be looking forward to watching on Blu-ray this weekend.
