DVDs to Crave This Week: Dragon Tattoos, Fine Single Men

By Chris Kavan - 07/06/10 at 11:50 AM CT

It's the movie so hot, it might be smoking on your doorstep.

1) It's no use denying that The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is my most anticipated movie this week. Granted, I'm going to read the book first, but if all the hype is to be believed, this will be a fantastic film. This Swedish adaptation with Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist has garnered nothing but praise and if an American remake does happen, it will have a lot to aspire to.

2) Sticking to the more serious roles, Colin Firth gives a standout performance in Tom Ford's A Single Man. Billed as Firth's finest performance yet, this riveting drama is sure to leave a lasting impression - assuming drama is your thing. A making of and commentary is also included for those looking for even more depth.

3) From the man who brought you Training Day comes another gritty cop drama in the form of Brooklyn's Finest. Like Training Day, the story may be a bit of a stretch, but the cast: Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke, Don Cheadle, Wesely Snipes, Lili Taylor, Ellen Barkin and Vincent D'Onofrio promise a good time. Fans of The Wire should take notice for sure.

4 + 5) Finally, I have to add two comedic gems - old-school comedy. Buster Keaton was a big name who shouldn't be forgotten, and as long as KINO keeps porducing some outstanding finds, he won't be. First you have a collection: Lost Keaton: Sixteen Comedy Shorts 1934-1937. While his work at Educational Pictures may not be his best, it still highlights an important point in his career. On the other hand Steamboat Bill, Jr. is considered one of Keaton's best. Special features abound from stills and notes to two versions of the Steamboat classic. It may be old-school, but for fans of classic comedy it's also a goldmine.

On the Blu-Ray front, other than the above mentioned, you have Jason and the Argonauts. Another Harryhausen masterpiece, considered by many to be his best stop-motion film, this a fun fantasy film. It's not as cheesy as Clash of the Titans, so check it out.