Sorry for the title, but thats what you get at 11 at night. At this time of year, its nice to inventory the year of 2008 and the DVD releases that have come to us as well as to look at the titles that have since gone out of print and created stirs and demands beyond the supply that has been given to us. So we have made a list for each category that we felt were the top 10 in the two categories.

Top OOP Titles of 2008

 

These are titles that were discontinued sometime in the year 2008 and has sustained a strong demand from collector's.

10) Sex and the City - The Movie (Target Store Exclusive) - With such a popular movie, a few exclusives were released, most notably was the Best Buy Steelbook and this, the Target Exclusive. What made this one a top notch above the steelbook was the extra disc which included bonus features not avaiable elsewhere. It also featured a slip cover in addition to the 2-disc Extended release. Target stores seemed to only carry a small amount of these making them very limited for a crowd that LOVES this show! Probably one of the hottest exclusive this year.

 

 

9) Batman Motion Picture Anthology - With all focus on The Dark Knight, one might have overlooked these gems. Warner released these 2-disc sets in 2005 and then removed them from circulation around June for the premiere of the Dark Knight. Since then, fans have pined for both the original line and the new series of Batman films. This set in particular has become one of the hottest out of print titles this past year - in the year of The Dark Knight.

 

 

 

8) Walt Disney's Aladdin - Walt Disney seems to make every list, no matter what category. Aladdin was discontinued sometime in March, but has only begun to make some serious interest as copies begin to dry up both online and in the brick and mortar stores. They are still available, but as they get harder to find, fans snatch them up even quicker when they see them. Aladdin is one of the best Disney animated feature films to come out of the studio back in 1992 following The Little Mermaid, Rescuers Down Under and Beauty and the Beast. We wont see this baby for another 7 years.

 

7) Walt Disney Treasures: Disneyland - Stories, Secrets and Magic - Another Disney title, this one from the Treasures line. This Limited Edition set issued in a tin was pressed at 50,000 copies and sold out fairly quickly. An excellent documentary on the imaginaning to the realization of Disneyland theme park in Anaheim California. As always, excellent features throughout that gives great insight into Walt's ideas and how closely he watched the development of what was to become the first and most successful theme park in the world. 

 

 

6) Moon Zero Two/When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth - Perhaps the most controversial title in the list. Originally released as a Best Buy Store Exclusive through Warner Brothers, it was quickly realized that the title, When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth' was noted on the back cover to be rated 'G'. But as fans saw the version released was the International version which features scenes with Playboy model and star Victoria Vettri in the nude. A few months later, it was announced that Warner would make these for general release thus removing the Exclusivity of the title. Upon the release, however, copies on Amazon and elsewhere were nowhere to be found and so it was believed that Warner silently discontinued the title. It is a surprising move that changing either the packaging or releasing the correct version never occured, making this one of the top demanding cult title of the year.

 

5) Walt Disney Treasures: Chronological Donald Volume 3 - Another Walt Disney Treasure Limited Edition, released in the same wave as the Disneyland title, was also limited to 50,000 copies. Stepping from Chronological Donald 2, which received fair reviews for its lack of restoration, Chronological Donald 3 was back in top form with some of the best Donald cartoons in his career. This has become of the more sought after Treasures title due to its limited quantities and one of Disney's most loved characters.

 

 

 

4) Gone With the Wind - Warner Brothers gem has been discontinued soon after the announcement at their 85th Anniversary press meeting in early 2008. Gone With the Wind has been a favorite for virtually anyone who adores film, so naturally when something of this calibur is no longer available, it will create a strong stir for demand from its fans. Released in varying edition, the 2-Disc set remains the most popular, followed by the 4-Disc set, both are mastered from the newly restored edition. 

 

3) Wizard of Oz - Only a red ruby slipper ahead of Gone With the Wind, this Warner release of the classic family film, Wizard of Oz, was discontinued at the same time earlier this year. Interestingly, both films were directed by Victor Fleming and released in the same year, 1939 (both films were theatrically released at that time by MGM). Wizard of Oz, likewise, has 2 editions to choose from: a 2-disc set, and a 3-disc Deluxe Set, also remastered editions. Wizard of Oz in the holiday season simply is one of the fastest and most in demand title of the out of print market right now.

 

2) Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Tin - Cult fans love MST3K! Since Rhino stepped down as its distributor, and its sister company, Shout! Factory took over, many fans were excited to see new hands at work with their favorite show. Close to the time of this release, Shout announced that this set sold out in pre-orders alone, thus prompting Shout to move ahead the release date of the standard set. Amazon had this set for sale for about a month before, suddenly, they sold out. Since, it has tripled in price and fans have been climbing over each other to grab a copy. This particular edition came in a Limited Edition tin which comes with 4 lobby cards and a Crowe T. Robot figurine, in addition to 4 new episodes from their favorite and loveable robots on the Satellite of Love.

 

1) Walt Disney Treasures: Dr. Syn: Scarecrow of Romney Marsh - Another Disney Treasures set? This one seems to be the cream of the crop. Since it was announced, everyone was on the edge of their seat waiting for its release. With the smallest run in the Disney Treasures line-up to date, only 39,500 were made, this title sold out in 3 weeks! There has been some controversy over this title and how fast it sold out. Some speculate it was recalled (for editing reasons), some speculate it was just so darn popular, while others are still scratching their heads. Regardless, it made waves in the DVD world, not only for its fast sellout, but also, for the first time to see the entire 3-episode series and the theatrical release in one set. It was one of the most requested titles in Disney's archive and the most pre-ordered item on Amazon.com. This title will become a true collectible.

 

Top Releases of 2008

These are titles that have come to us during the year that we felt were the best releases in either film, package, quality or general release.

10) Wanted Limited Edition - This is definitely a cool package. Perhaps one of the coolest ones to come out this year from a large studio. With a hard plastic case enahcned with a bullet in the center, one can pick it up and feel the weight and appreciate the quality of the set. Released by Warner in both SD and BD, Wanted is one of the hippest action flicks to come out all year. Comepletely ridiculous and over the top action that lets you forgive all of it and ride the wave for a totally fun ride. I loved every minute of it. The set comes in a velvety case with a book, 4 postcards, 2-DVD set, and a framed cel of the film. A cool movie deserves a cool set, and here you have them both!

 

9) Mad Men - Zippo Limited Edition Packaging - One of the grooviest and hippest new television series to come out which is set in 1950's Madison Avenue in New York at a famous Ad Agency. Cigarette smoking advertisers collide their 1950's moral values with under the hoop dresses immorality to make one of the most intriguing dramas of the year. This set was released for a short time in a nifty Zippo Lighter packaging. Nothing exclusive to the set beyond this, but how cool you will look flicking your...Zip?

 

 

 

8) Casablanca - The Ultimate Edition - Here's looking at you kid. Well, once again, we are looking at Casablanca in a new way. This gorgeous set with Moroccan die-cut design on the front makes this one of the prettiest sets to come out for the Christmas gift releases this year. Elegant, simple and all around gorgeous looking set. This is a 3-disc set which features the same material as in the 2-disc set, with an additional disc that includes new documentaries. In addition to this, you also get a 48-page booklet, ten 5x7 cards, 3 reproductions of archival correspondence (a memo from producer Hal Wallis changing the title to Casablanca, a memo from Wallis to studio head Jack Warner urging the casting of Bogart over George Raft, and a letter from the publicity head instructing the publicist to shift Bogart's image from tough to romantic lead) reproduction of Victor Laszlo's letter of transit; passport holder with Casablanca logo; luggage tag with Casablanca logo and a mail-in offer for 27x40" movie poster. A Target Exclusive is also available replacing the luggage tag with 8 dinner name card holders, for those that want to make their dining-in experience more fashionable. A Blu-ray edition of this set is also available.

 

7) Wall - E - Disney/Pixar's latest release is, in my opinion, one of the best movies of the year. I loved the movie and I loved the packaging. The movie first: This has to be one of the best examples of computer animation to date. Pixar continues to push their talents to the foreground by experimenting with style, story-telling and coming up with home-runs every time. Not every one of their films is a destined classic, but this one has everything it needs to fit that bill. One of the most original and surprising film I have seen all year! Now, the packaging some might have qualms over. It was released in a single disc and a 3-disc set. The single disc set sells around $14.95, while the 3-disc set sells around $34.95. Big difference. And easy to pick if budget is an issue. But for the single disc version, you get enough to satisfy without pining for much more. You get 2 short films from Pixar, one dealing is an original short that matches the classic Disney shorts from the original years of Mickey and gang, while the second short tells the story of a robot that had an incidental moment and how we follow his path in his operations. Very cool and gives a nice little back story to the whole film. The packaging, as I mentioned was very well thought out. The whole thing is cardboard (yes cardboard). Some might find this cheap, but I found it very inventive by the way its done. There is a small hub, but the DVD does not seem to slide around much, so it does keep it in place. The cardboard is glossy, so this may save it from scratching. So it really comes down to an eco-friendly package that could save the DVD from being scratched, even if it moves around! So, I wonder if this could be the answer to all those annoying DVD cases we find where the DVD is sliding all over the place, only to open it and find massive grooves all over it? Perhaps we shall see. Also available in a 2-Disc Blu-ray Edition.

 

6) The Strangers - Horror movies today have become less scary and more shock tactics combined with stupidity. Most horror is designed for teenagers who like to be scared out of their wits, but I find that there is a lack of real horror. The Strangers, on the other hand, stands apart from all the others. This tense thriller is the most creepy film I have seen in years, and hands down the scariest film of the year. Watch it at night with the lights out, and it really is scary. I tried it! And I was scared! It feels real and as if you are watching a "true story" (although it states that as such, it never really happened). The characters have mild depth to them, but not enough to really investigate their lives, but also, there is little reason to poke too much into their past as well. Its really about the present moment and just a crappy situation to be in. Awesome stuff! If you think your senses are not scared out of their wits enough, you can also experience the scariness in complete clarity on Blu-ray, to make sure you did not miss any of the dirt on the walls, or be uncertain if that was a footstep in the back ground or a creeking door.

 

5) Dexter - Season 2 - Explore your darker side and root for the killer. Dexter is probably the most popular serial killer in TV history. The second season of Dexter puts him on the run and explores deeper into his mind and how he is able to manage both his career, relationships and his killing spree without (hopefully) anyone finding out! A truly riveting and nail-biting show from first to last episode. If you have yet to see this, it is definitely must see television (start with the first season if you are truly in the dark about this show).

 

 

4) Salo (Criterion Collection) - The bedrock of the OOP world has had its foundations remounted and affirmed by this new 2-disc set from The Criterion Collection. A much cleaner and sharper print accompanied by plenty of extras and insights into, what many people consider, the most disturbing movie ever made. Pier Paulo Passolini's last film before being brutally murdered, made his deep footprint on international cinema with this release as some found it to be profoundly insightful on the social structure in our time by reflecting DeSade's message into the world of the Nazi regime, while others found it comepletely vile, disgusting and a waste of time. No matter what you think about the film, you will certainly remember it.

 

3) Weeds- Season 3 - I have continually recommended this show over and over to friends and family as one of the best shows on television right now. Weeds just keeps getting better and better, while Mary Louise Parker gets hotter and hotter. I thinks its uniquely funny, serious and engaging on all levels of a small suburban widow who deals marijuana to make ends meet and maintain her lifestyle. I have no real descriptive words for this show other than that it is fabulous! My highest recommendation! Also available in wiggity-wig Blu-ray Blend.

 

2) Nightmare Before Christmas (Limited Edition Packaging) - One of the most anticipated re-release this year, Disney has outdone itself with this set. This thing is HUGE! I don't mean thick, I don't mean larger than normal DVD sizes, I mean, you need another cabinet for this puppy. It sits in a large black coffin-shaped box with a resin mold of Jack Skelington's bust. There are some problems that arose during the transit, like the fragile neck and bow-tie being snapped or broken. But for those that received a pristine copy, this will surely be the standout set in your collection. This was hand numbered and signed limited edition of only 25,000 copies. There are still copies out there as the cost may have been somewhat prohibitive in this economic-unfriendly year. For the most ardent fans, however, that did not get in their way to get their hands on one of these. This set comes with a 2-disc remastered version of Nightmare Before Christmas, and a Santa Hat and beard to dress ole Jack up with.

 

1) Dr. Syn: Scarecrow of Romney Marsh - This is also the number 1 release in addition to being the number 1 out of print title of the year. The film is just awesome. Made in 1964 and is still a great feature from Disney. In contrast to today's film, most of Disney's earlier live action stuff has come across as a little on the tame side and probably harder to reach today's audience. But this character has the dark appeal that today's generation can identify with, plus his "comic book" character style that so many of us are in tune with makes this a great modern day hero. The set is limited and comes in the Disney Tin that we have come to recognize. WIth its extremely limited production run coupled with an aweseome film featured in both theatrical and the rarely seen televised version (last broadcast on the Disney Channel in 1990), this is the best set to be released in 2008.

 

Honorable Mention - La Publique Feminine Limited Edition - Andrzej Zulawski's La Femme Publique was released by a new company, Mondo Vision, in an extremely limited 2,000 numbered copies with a newly restored and remastered print approved by director Zulawski. Its a gorgeous set that is reasonably priced. It has a small cult following that have jumped on these, and it is only a matter of time once they clear out and become quite scarce. This set includes a special CD soundtrack, photos, 48-page book and certificate of authenticity. 

 

Well, that is all for this years top ten titles of new and discontinued titles. Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing about them.