16. Pan's Labyrinth
Optimum Releasing - £25
The third of writer/director Guillermo del Toro 'adult fairy tales', this dark and disturbing film contrasts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War with a nightmarish world of creatures overseen by the decrepit beast Pan. Del Toro packs the film with incredible sights, all of which are brought brilliantly to life by the exceptional Full HD transfer. Features include a commentary, documentaries, art galleries and more. It's just a shame that the video commentary from the US release isn't included.
15. Shoot 'em Up
Entertainment In Video - £25
This adrenaline-fuelled flick might have its tongue wedged deep into its cheek, but it also serves up a kick-ass DTS-HD Master audio 7.1 soundtrack that really makes the most of the film's seemingly never-ending shoot-outs. Add a top-notch transfer and an exclusive BD-Java video commentary, and you have a Blu-ray disc to set your sights on.
14. The Host
Optimum Releasing - £25
Forget Cloverfield; if you want a truly original monster movie then make sure you catch this South Korean addition to the genre. Admittedly, the impressive HD imagery on the disc ensures that you can now pick apart some of the small flaws in the computer-generated beastie, but the film still manages to impress. This single-disc offering is overflowing with extras, including a commentary, 10 behind-the-scenes featurettes, a gag reel, 14 deleted scenes and the trailer.
13. 300
Warner Home Video - £28
300 may be historical revisionism at its most macho, but what the film lacks in realism, it more than makes up for with stylish visuals (inspired by the acclaimed Frank Miller's comic book) and a Dolby TrueHD soundtrack that's more aggressive than the whole Persian army put together. Throw in a host of extras, including a six-part documentary, deleted scenes and a commentary, and you have an unbeatable warrior in Blu-ray form.
12. Die Hard 4.0
20th Century Fox - £29
This Blu-ray version of Die Hard 4.0 isn't the slightly extended, 'swearier' version that appeared on R2 DVD, but it's undoubtedly the better release, with an atmospheric DTS-HD Master Audio mix that continually drags you off the sofa and right into the middle of the onscreen action, and a pin-sharp, highly detailed image.
11. Casino Royale: Deluxe Edition
Sony Pictures - £23
Is Daniel Craig the best Bond? Well, with this flick he puts forward a decent case. Casino Royale is undoubtedly the sharpest-looking and sounding Bond film in the franchise's lengthy history. The video has an almost 3D crispness and the Dolby TrueHD mix is packed full of sonic highlights. This new two-disc set also makes amends for the earlier single-disc release, packing in plenty of bonus features.
10. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Warner Home Video - £26
This is a dark, dark film, and yet the image is always packed full of detail, while the animation itself is smooth and clean. although the disc only offers a high-bitrate 640kbps Dolby Digital 5.1eX mix, the film always sounds rich. Fans will also get a kick out of the eight informative featurettes and music-only soundtrack.
09. Planet Earth: The Complete Series 2
Entertain Ltd - £50
Who would have thought it? A nature documentary nestled amongst HCC's top 10 Blu-ray platters! But then Planet Earth is no ordinary nature series – it inspires a greater sense of awe in the viewer than most Hollywood blockbusters could ever hope for. The HD transfer makes it feel like you could step forward and be swimming with dolphins or scaling steep cliffs with snow leopards yourself.
08. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Walt
Disney Home Entertainment - £30
The final part of the Pirates trilogy may end with a whimper, but its BD release is a revelation. The PCM 5.1 audio and image quality never falter. extras-wise, a fascinating documentary that looks at the making of the sets for the final battle is the highlight, but there's a whole treasure chest of bonus booty included.
