New to Blu: January 12-18 (Movies)

Blu-ray buyers can choose from two editions of Despicable Me that go on sale Wednesday: one in 2D, the other in 3D.

Raved Blu-ray.com about the latter: “This is a fantastic inaugural 3D release from Universal that comes awfully close to perfection. Of all the transfer’s fantastic features, the best might be its colours.”

It awarded the transfer 4.5/5 as did High-Def Digest: “Easily ranks near the top of the Blu-ray 3D catalogue.

“As with the 2D release, colours are very impressive and prove to be the strongest aspect of this release. Sit back and enjoy the bright blue of the sky, the ‘fluffy’ white clouds, the lush green grass, and banana yellow of the minions.”

Universal also is re-releasing Coraline in Blu-ray 3D. The only review so far posted online, from High-Def Digest, rates it nearly as high, with a 4/5 rating for the transfer, calling it “terrific though not quite the knockout experience I hoped …

“The biggest concern worth mentioning is with the 3D effect itself. Simply put, there’s just not a whole lot going on to make this presentation standout.”

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment also has two ‘toons out on Blu-ray from Wednesday: Open Season 3 and the belated A Bug’s Life, which has a steep price tag of $52 for a back catalogue release – although US reviews reckon the transfer is reference quality.

Reviewers were similarly impressed by the HD transfer of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: “Sharpness and colour density are beautifully achieved in the transfer with details quite well captured and brilliant hues popping throughout” (Home Theater Forum); “Pristine … blacks are inky, flesh tones natural, and white levels spot on” (Blu-rayDefinition); “A 1080p presentation that is as close to perfect as they get” (The Cinema Laser).

Also new from Wednesday are the Michael Caine thriller, Harry Brown; two back-catalogue collectibles, Showgirls and The Evil Dead; and the straight-to-Blu-ray Splice, Noise, Nine Miles Down & Knife Edge, The Maiden Heist, Kill Speed, Ong Bak 2: The New Beginning, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu Collection.