Hexagon here. I will be releasing my top 50 blu-rays I NEED to see before I die. I will release them ten at a time until all my demands are met. You have one week.

1. Angus – Patrick Reed Johnson’s 1994 film has only been released on vhs. I loved watching this underrated underdog film on video but had to sacrifice it when I got rid of my vhs player. This is a high priority blu-ray for me but could see the light of day if company who has the rights to it (Turner Classic Pictures I think) decides to release it to video ever again.

2. The Rocketeer – Great action fun. Disney likes to concentrate on their newest live action films (Pirates films, High School Musical) rather than their older ones (i.e. Cool Runnings anyone?). If Disney could treat this possible blu-ray the same way all their other blu-rays get than we’d be in for a treat! With great special effects and a rousing score by James Horner this Joe Johnston vehicle is one that should be on Blu-ray.

3. Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy – This seems like a no-brainer.  Fast cars? Check. Gun Shootouts? Check. Neutron Dance? BOOM BABY! As much as the third film in the series suffers from a weak script this is still Eddie Murphy doing what Eddie Murphy does best. He makes action supercop films look good and BETTER on Bluray! Throw some commentaries, some making of featurettes and some special interviews from last year’s 25th anniversary of the original film!

4. Battle Royale – Kinji Fukasaku’s 2000 bloody cult masterpiece came to DVD everywhere but here in the states! So much to the fact that we crazy Americans did what we could to bring it to America with all region imports and bootlegs galore! I currently own 3 different versions including the Tartan Asia Extreme Theatrical, The Starmax LE Korean (with slip cover and battle map), and the bootleg uncut special edition (with the correct subtitles as opposed to the starmax). I think a blu-ray releasing both theatrical and special edition versions is umm…mandatory!

5. Jean Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle Rouge/Le Samourai – Melville’s Hitman/Heist movies would benefit from nice criterion blu-ray editions  with added blu-ray exclusives (the same way sony and other companies release bd exclusive features). These films may be over 40 years old but with a proper restoration these films could really pop! How awesome would that scene in the pool hall from Le Cercle Rouge look and sound?!

6. Jurassic Park – Why on Earth wasn’t this one of the FIRST films on blu-ray? Oh yeah, because Spielberg likes to take his friggin time with new formats! Curses. I think most people would agree and question why this wasn’t released in 2008 for an anniversary edition or something.  Universal really dropped the ball with an opportunity but some might attest to the fact that they were still counting their losses with HDDVD at that point. Maybe not. I don’t know. HURRY UP I’M WAITING!

7. Dick Tracy – I don’t know what would be better for the blu-ray, the fantastic soundtrack (score, sound effects) or the picture (rich, colorful sets). Either way, this film could easily benefit from an upgrade to an already meh DVD. Even though the DVD itself doesn’t look terrible (and has a nice DTS track for those with nice home theater systems) it was pretty much barebones. Commentary and a production design special feature could make this a must own blu-ray.

8. Who Framed Roger Rabbit – I must’ve seen this in theaters at least 5 times. It was the most I had seen the same movie in theaters until The Lion King in 1994. I LOVE this movie and there’s not a bad thing about it. Tons of incredible animation, elaborate sets, a beautiful orchestral score by Alan Silvestri, and MORE make this an easy decision for a blu-ray release. The current 2 disc DVD is FILLED with extras which could easily be ported to blu-ray. Exclusive supplements could very easily be added as well. This is a must own family classic!

9. Equilibrium – I don’t know whether to put this as a cult classic or underrated sci-fi action movie but either way I left the theater clapping. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it definitely has enough action and special effects to make it an easy “yes” for blu-ray. Besides, it stars Christian Bale in it and he’s many people’s top 10 actors of the decade. The climax of the movie alone warrants a blu-ray release in the near future.

10. The Mothman Prophecies – One of the scariest films of the decade (maybe even EVER for me). This film may not be the most beneficial to blu-ray (perhaps the bleakness of the picture) but it certainly does for the fact that it’s one of my personal favorite films. I currently own the 2 disc dvd (with terrible cover art) that has commentary, documentaries, etc. But I think the haunting score and disturbing contrast in the soundtrack (from very quiet to very loud scenes) could make it a nice blu-ray. A reminder that this is my personal list of movies for blu-ray.

After the whole ’Hobbit’ debacle, Del Toro sets his bifocals on a reboot of The Haunted Mansion for Disney. I am torn because I really want him to go back to his fantasy/horror in the likes of The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth, and the underrated Cronos. I even like Mimic (and would probably like a directors cut even more!) and especially the Hellboy movies. I feel like he is overqualified for this job and it’s not like he is broke that he needs the money right? I mean he’s not Nicolas Cage broke at all. But maybe some recognition as a director is what he’s looking for. It makes me think of Gore Verbinski who was known for doing the Mexican and The Ring but is now known as ”the director of the Pirates Of The Carribean saga”. At least I’m hoping Del Toro goes in a dark, edgy direction with this movie and not in the spy kids/lava girl/shorts direction that Rodriguez milked $millions$ of in the last decade. I just hope that Guillermo gets enough money back so he can return to do Hellboy 3 and a return to his fantasy/horror spanish flicks. What do you think?  

- The Hexagon

Who is your favorite Stallone character? Rocky or Rambo? Rocky boxes the S out of people, but Rambo rips throats. See, you can see him ripping Rockys throat right up there. Anyways, let us know who you prefer for next weeks show! hectorandtodd@gmail.com!

Everyone! Do me a solid. I’m a guest on the third episode of the Geek Generation podcast. Episode 3! We talk a lot of cool geeky stuff. Its a GREAT show without me so imagine me put into it and holy cow it must be amazing. So please check it out. Click the picture to take you right to iTunes or go to www.thegeekgeneration.com!

Thanks!

-Todd

Time for a new poll, people. What is your favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger flick?

Theres a TON to choose from. Twins? Junior? Kindergarten Cop? Terminator? Pumping Iron? True Lies? Let us know! hectorandtodd@gmail.com!