DVD Pick of the Week for 2/7: Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

This week's pick also happens to be an Oscar nominee, for Best Animated Film. The movie that all of you are now assigned to go out and see is Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were Rabbit. I saw this back when it first released to theaters and was instantly caught in the charm and ingenuity, not to mention the fantastic animation.

This was my first real introduction to the Wallace & Gromit universe. Sure, I had seen clips of the prior shorts, but never in their entirety. The great claymation animation is just another addition to the great non-CG animated films to hit the big screen this year. That includes fellow Oscar nominees Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (stop-motion), and Howl's Moving Castle (hand drawn). It is great to see these other animation styles still getting screen time on the big screens on a national scale.

The Curse of the Were Rabbit pits the dynamic duo against a vegetable stealing mammoth that continually evades capture. The menace is causing so much damage that it is threatening to shut down the annual vegetable festival. Can they get to the root of the mystery before it's too late? Watch the movie and find out.

The characterizations are great. I believe that Gromit is one of the finest animated creations ever. The thoughts and emotions they are able to convey through the use of clay and the lack of a voice are astounding.

This film is one of the best of the year and is a treat for the whole family. So, get the disk, pop up some corn, sit back and enjoy this great film.

Also coming out this week:

• 13 Going on 30: Fun and Flirty Edition. This is a delightful film, but not sure I saw the need for a second release. This adds a couple of featurettes, but I doubt it will improve the A/V over the initial release.
  
• Andrew W.K.: Who Knows (Live 1992-2004). Andrew WK puts on a great live show, this should be a fun disk.
  
• Bambi II. The sequel to the classic Disney animated film. My question is, Why? Was there some deep seated need for a sequel? Oh well, its here.
  
• The Batman: The Complete First Season. This is the latest animated incarnation of the classic character. The show is decent, but nowhere near the level of the Animated Series.
  
• Breakfast at Tiffany's: Anniversary Edition. This is a step up over the existing edition, providing some extras and a much improved transfer.
  
• Doom. Strictly B level cheese, but still provides a good amount of fun. Fun sci-fi action with The Rock.
  
• Elizabethtown. A big disappointment, a 2+ hour bore. As much as I have liked Cameron Crowe's films, and as adorable as Kirsten Dunst is, this movie is so dull.
  
• Grounded for Life: Season One. Not sure I agree with this mediocre at best series getting a DVD release, but I guess someone wants it.
  
• Growing Pains: The Complete First Season. See above, but to a lesser extent. I can se a demand for this one.
  
• Jim Gaffigan: Beyond the Pale. This guy is pretty funny in his Mid West Everyman kind of way.
  
• Just Like Heaven. A romantic comedy putting a ghostly Reese Witherspoon together with interloper Mark Ruffalo. It reviewed well, but I haven't seen it.
  
• Samurai 7: Vol.4 The Battle for Kanna. The latest volume of the Akira Kurosawa inspired anime is unleashed.
  
• Saturday the 14th. Old school spoof of the Jason films featuring Linda Blair.
  
• Waiting… Grossout restaurant comedy that would be at home alongside Clerks and Office Space.
  
• WWE Bloodsport: ECW's Most Violent Matches. The latest collection of ECW matches to be released, be prepared for some blood and brutality.

What are you getting this week?