New to Blu: February 26-March 4

Ahead of its Oscar wins on Monday comes the Blu-ray of Gravity in 2D and 3D editions.

“Gravity features an eye-popping, near-perfect, top tier 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer that has already solidified its place as one of the best Blu-ray presentations of 2014.”

“As a Blu-ray, 3D is definitely the way to go — giving viewers that window into another world feeling — though this two dimensional version is pretty great too.

“The 5.1 sound mix is also amazing, though not quite articulate as some 7.1 mixes.”

“The highlight of the extras are the Mission Control featurettes and the shot breakdowns, but the information feels incomplete without a critical piece about the theatrical presentation.

“Additional video elements and alternative viewing formats round out the package, but something tells me there’s more material in the studio archives awaiting a special edition.”

Another Oscar contender, Captain Phillips, “looks terrific on Blu-ray.

“Sony’s latest ‘mastered in 4K presentation’ excels throughout, delivering sparkling colours and refined details throughout.”

“There is a lot of darkness but black levels are not crushed and there is no noise.”

“The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix has a wide sonic range, from subtle environmental surround effects to explosive gunfire and booming naval horns. The audio adds authenticity to the true crime story.”

“Promotes stunning video and exhilarating audio – both of which will no doubt heighten your experience – as well as the equivalent of a boat-load of extras condensed down into two relatively inconspicuous packages: commentary and documentary.”

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is “perfection!

“Across the board perfection. Seriously. Sony’s 1080p presentation of Cloudy 2 provides the very best platform for this wonderful animation.

“Bursting colours, bold lines, and beautiful lighting. It’s all here.”

“Sony’s 3D transfer retains the dazzling array of bold, brilliant colours and never fails to dazzle even through the filter of the 3D glasses.”

“Almost as punchy is the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Sony provides for this release. It’s a full-bodied presentation without a hiccup to announce. The first movie had demo-quality sound and this one follows suit.”

“Of all the movies being needlessly converted to the new 3D format, John McTiernan’s Predator was probably at the bottom of my list.

“But wouldn’t you know it, the results are shockingly not half bad, especially when compared to the other Fox titles I, Robot and Jumper.”

“The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound mix won’t be mistaken for more active modern action film sound mixes, but the audio engineers have done a superb job of giving the film’s fire-powered action sequences real heft and body, and there isn’t much disappointing about the use of the soundfield here.”