New DVD and Blu-Ray Releases to Crave: Harold & Kumar Enjoy a Christmas High, Twilight's Dawn Breaks

By Chris Kavan - 02/07/12 at 12:12 PM CT

I hear the cry of many a tween (and probably some adults too) as the week of February 7, 2012 brings us the release of the shiniest of shiny vampires and stoners can also get their buzz with the third installment of what has become a beloved franchise.

1) I have never been a fan nor will you convert me, but I'm not going to deny that The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part I is going to dominate the week. Its box office numbers may not quite be up to it predecessor, but I admit it's one of the most lucrative series out there right now. The 2012 movie season is packed with some pretty big names, but I have a feeling Breaking Dawn Pt. 2 will be right up there in the top five movies of the year, or at least in the hunt. Fans will have to wait a bit longer, as for whatever reason, this doesn't come out until Feb. 11th, but I'm sure fans of the series will be able to bear the wait just a little longer.

2) If you're not into Twilight, perhaps you're a fan of a certain stoner duo. If so, A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas is just what the doctor (and by that, I of course mean Doogie Howser) ordered. I admit I found a certain crude enjoyment in the first two outings - especially the continuing outrageous cameos by Neil Patrick Harris. While I'm not ready to elevate this to the comedic level of, say, Animal House or Caddyshack, Harold & Kumar manages to carve out a nice little niche for itself.

3) If you want something more mysterious, Roland Emmerich gets political (in the Shakespearean age) with Anonymous. In the film, he posits that it was Edward De Vere who penned The Bard's body of work. If English political intrigue is your thing, and I'm sure some fantastic period costumes, then you have reason to celebrate. Me? I enjoy Emmerich more when he's trying to end the world in some horrific way.

4) Finally, for all those who keep track of the Disney Vault, it's time once again for a classic film to be made available for a short time before disappearing back into the ether for a few years. This time Lady and the Tramp is getting it due, including the first time being available in the Blu-Ray format. You wouldn't think that puppy love would make that compelling of a film - but just think how many times that spaghetti scene has been copied or parodied. I might not place this on par with some of the biggest Disney films, but it is certainly an enjoyable ride and belongs in your collection if you don't happen to have it already (or just want to update your films).

On the Blu-Ray front, things are led by the madcap It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, which has a really long name but an ultra-fun premiss. It's been copied (Rat Race, Cannonball Run) but I don't think it's ever been equaled. If you like zany, classic comedies, you won't get much better. Two stories for the romantic in your life before Valentine's Day hits: first up is the appropriately titled Love Story. I've never understood why something so obviously saccharine-sweet became so popular, but hey, to each their own. It might make some people cry - but it just makes me feel slightly ill. On the other hand the also appropriately titled Dangerous Liaisons is scandalously naughty. Another period piece featuring bored bourgeois playing games of love and betrayal, it's not exactly my cup of tea, but if I had to choose between this and Love Story, I'm going for the naughtier film every time.

Don't think this is it - you can find all the new releases this week on the
FilmCrave New DVD Releases and FilmCrave New Blu-Ray Releases pages today.