This Week in DVD & Blu-ray is a column that compiles all the latest info regarding new DVD and Blu-ray releases, sales, and exclusive deals from stores including Target, Best Buy and Fry's.
GLEE (SEASON 1)
A year—that's all it took for my opinion on Glee to change from "yay" to "bleh". Last time I wrote about the series, Fox had preemptively released a Vol. 1 DVD release/cash grab for the show, and at the time, my enthusiasm for Glee was at its peak. Then the show's sugar high wore off, and left me with a repeat of tiring romances and routine sad-funny character subplots. The first half of the season—"The Road to Sectionals", as it's referred to on the DVD—had an upbeat yet insidious charm to it, and its cynical undertones (turned into deliciously hate-filled overtones by Jane Lynch) kept the otherwise cheerfully formulaic material feeling fresh. And after bringing many of the subplots to a satisfying close, it seemed like the show writers were planning to change up the story and character relationships just in the nick of time. Instead, they sought out frustrating ways to negate any progress that the story had made in order to unenthusiastically recycle subplots that had since grown bland. And perhaps this is just a result of my waning interest, but by the end of the season, the series' much-needed edge had been lost as well. My (shameful) suggestion: stick to the Vol. 1 release, and wait out the rest of the season until you stop caring.
Available on Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: DVD & Blu-ray – Extended episodes, a sing-along karaoke, behind-the-scenes of "The Power of Madonna" episode, Glee Makeovers, never-before-seen "Sue's Corners" and a dance tutorial titled "Staying in Step with Glee."
| BEST DVD PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry's |
| $37.99 | $34.99 | $35.49 |
| Amazon – $34.99 | ||
| BEST BLU-RAY PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry's |
| $47.99 | $44.99 | $54.99 |
| Amazon – $41.99 | ||
EXCLUSIVE DEAL:
What? Includes Q&A with Glee creators and cast at PaleyFest 2010.
Where? Target.
IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA (SEASON 5)
The appealing presence of It's Always Sunny's core trio—Charlie, Dennis and Mac—has already ensured that I will watch the show to the very end, and the additional hilarity brought on by Dee and Frank will keep me tuning in to the episodes as they air. But if Season 5 is indicative of the quality we can expect from future seasons, I don't expect I will be purchasing any more of the DVD sets. The scruffy, semi-improvisational style of the show remains as enjoyable as ever, but the episodes as a whole aren't nearly as engaging or memorable as they used to be, often taking the easy way out when paying off conflicts. If there are any moments this season as magical and well-earned as Charlie shouting "Wild card, bitches!" and jumping out the back of a van, I certainly can't remember them.
Available on Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: DVD – Season Five Blooper Reel, Kitten Mittens Endless Loop, "Phindin' Love in Philly" featurette, Extended/Uncensored Scenes and Alternate Takes, and a Season Five Dream Sequence. Blu-ray – Includes everything on the DVD, as well as The Gang's Dating Profile, and Schwep Dream Sequence.
| BEST DVD PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry's |
| $24.99 | $26.99 | N/A |
| Amazon – $24.99 | ||
| BEST BLU-RAY PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Fry's |
| $34.99 | $34.99 | N/A |
| Amazon – $37.99 | ||
PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME
(Blu-ray available as single-disc and 3-Disc Blu-ray +
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