OnVideo Guide to Home Video Releases: December Calendar of Top Movie Releases to DVD

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DVD Top Movie Releases for December


All DVD Releases

Movies are rated on a scale of one to five, with five denoting a classic. For more information on how we rate, check out our
Rentability Index.

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December 3

  • The Wolverine

    photo for The Wolverine Summoned by an old acquaintance to modern day Japan, Wolverine finds himself out of his depth in an unknown world -- a Japan he hasn't seen since World War II, filled with Yakuza gangsters, ninjas, mutants and a brand new class of villains -- where he faces his ultimate nemesis -- the Silver Samurai -- in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than ever before. Extras: "Inspiration -- A Ronin's Journey." Blu-ray adds alternate ending, "X-Men: Days of Future Past" set tour, "The Path of the Ronin" immersive feature following the journey of a hero without a past, "Sync With Wolverine Second Screen App" for an interactive "Second Screen" experience, theatrical trailers. Unleashed Extended Edition includes extended, unrated cut (with an additional 30 minutes) and commentary by director James Mangold. Vitals: Director: James Mangold. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, Rila Fukushima, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Hal Yamanouchi, Famke Janssen. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 126 min., Action, Box office gross: $131.304 million, Fox. 3 stars

  • The Smurfs 2

    photo for In this sequel to the hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster comedy "The Smurfs," the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world's greatest sorcerer. It's up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her. Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue? Extras: Deleted scenes, two featurettes: "Daddy's Little Girl: The Journey of Smurfette" and "Animating Azrael." Blu-ray adds "The Puurrfect Companion: Azreal's Tail" featuetter, "Evolution of the Naughties" featurette, "The Naughties! The Tale of Hackus and Vexy" featurette, Smurfs mini-movie"The Legend of Smurfy Hollow." Vitals: Director: Raja Gosnell. Stars: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Brendan Gleeson, Sofia Vergara, Hank Azaria, George Lopez and the voices of Katy Perry, J.B. Smoove, Christina Ricci, Anton Yelchin, John Oliver. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 105 min., Family, Box office gross: $69.583 million, Sony. 2 stars

  • The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

    photo for Based on the best-selling book series. A seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of young half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures Extras: "Bringing Them to Life" behind-the-scenes featurette, "Descendants of the Cup" featurette on the stunts and the cast's transformation into Shadowhunters, "Almost Is Never Enough" music video by Ariana Grande, deleted scenes. Blu-ray adds "Interactive Lineage Tracker," "Deadly Attraction" behind-the-scenes featurette with Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower on their roles as Clary Fray and Jace Wayland, "Entering the Shadow World" creatures featurette, "Into the Shadows: From Book to Screen." Vitals: Director: Harald Zwart. Stars: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Lena Headey, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kevin Zegers, CCH Pounder, Jared Harris. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 130 min., Fantasy Adventure, Box office gross: $31.046 million, Sony. 2 stars

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December 10

  • Despicable Me 2

    photo for "Despicable Me's" Gru, the newly reformed master criminal now trying to live life as a normal dad to his three adopted daughters, is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to track down a new criminal mastermind and save the world. Partnered with secret agent Lucy Wilde, Gru, along with the wildly unpredictable Minions, must figure out how to keep his cover while also keeping up with his duties as a father. Extras: "Gru's Girls" behind-the-scenes featurette; "Gadgets Galore" featurette explores lipstick tasers, magnet ships, foam dart dispensers and jelly guns; commentary with directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin. Blu-ray adds Three mini-movies starring the Minions, introduced by Gru: "Puppy," "Panic in the Mailroom" and "Training Wheels"; "The Making of the Mini-Movies" featurette; deleted scene; "The Minions" featurette, a visit to Illumination Entertainment in Paris and Los Angeles to discover what it's really like to work with the Minions; "Evil Minions" behind-the-scenes featurette; "A Gru-Some Transformation" with Steve Carell as he discusses the transformation of Gru from the ultimate super-villain to super-dad and international spy; "El Hombre Malo: The Villainy of El Macho" behind the scenes featurette with the new villain (Benjamin Bratt). Vitals: Director: Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffi. Stars: Steve Carell, Kristin Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan, Ken Jeong, Elsie Fisher, Dana Gaier, Moises Arias. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 98 min., Animated, Box office gross: $361.774 million, Universal. 3 stars

  • Fast & Furious 6

    photo for Fast & Furious 6 Since Dom (Vin Diesel) and Brian's (Paul Walker) Rio heist toppled a kingpin's empire and left their crew with $100 million, the "Fast" gang has scattered across the globe. But their inability to return home and the angst of living forever on the lam have left their lives incomplete. Meanwhile, federal agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) has been tracking an organization of lethally skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind (Luke Evans) is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so they can return home and make their families whole again. Extras: Deleted scenes; "The Making of Fast & Furious 6" four-part featurette ("The Fastest of Them All" chronicles the saga of the "Fast" films from Chapters 3 through 6; "Reuniting the Team" explores the characters (and actors) that make up the "Fast" family, with a focus on founding partners Dom and Brian (and Vin and Paul); "Letty's Return": ­Heralded by a crowd-pleasing cliffhanger in "Fast Five," Michelle Rodriguez makes a dramatic return in the sixth installment; "The Mastermind and The Mole": introduces "Fast" "newbies" Luke Evans and Gina Carano as they share their experience joining the cast of "Fast & Furious 6" and how their characters fit into the new plot); "On the Set With Vin"; commentary with Justin Lin. Blu-ray adds an extended version of the film; "Take Control" in which Diesel, Walker, Rodriguez and Lin appear at key moments throughout the film, offering observations and reflections on the movie, behind-the-scenes footage and more; "Planes, Tanks and Automobiles" four-part featurette ("The London Chase" gives viewers a front-row seat for the filming of the sprawling car chase through the streets of one of the world's most historic ­and congested ­cities; "Highway Heist: The Convoy Attack" is a first-hand account of the meticulously planned and executed action sequence; "The Antonov Takedown" explores what went into creating "Fast & Furious 6's" spectacular finale sequence, featuring the world's largest plane, including first- and second-unit filming, special effects, visual effects, car rigging, stunt drivers, green-screen shooting and more: "Dom and Letty Race Again"); "Gearhead's Delight": ­From the shop to the test track, to the set and back again, a look at the latest hot cars showcased in "Fast & Furious 6", featuring Dom's latest Charger, Brian's Nissan Skyline GTR, the BMW M5s, the Alfa Romeo and the classic cars from the film's car-auction scene; "The FLIP Car" ­provides an inside look at the "Fast" franchise's newest mind-blowing vehicle, ­the pivoting FLIP car; "Hand-to-Hand Fury" offers viewers a detailed look at the rehearsals, choreography, stunt work and filming of some of "Fast & Furious 6's" most bone-jarring fight sequences. Vitals: Director: Justin Lin. Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Sung Kang, John Ortiz, Gal Gadot, Elsa Pataky, Luke Evans, Gina Carano, Shea Whigham, David Ajala, Kim Kold, Thure Lindhardt, Joe Taslim. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 131 min., Action, Box office gross: $238.673, million, Universal. 3 stars

  • Adore

    photo for A sensual and provocative drama about two lifelong friends who find unexpected happiness in relationships that cross the bounds of convention. An unpredictable tale of misguided love and a heartfelt celebration of the enduring nature of female friendship, "Adore" is the English-speaking directorial debut of Anne Fontaine ("Coco Before Chanel"). Set in an Australian seaside town of otherworldly beauty, the film explores the intricacies of love, family, morality and passion as the two women become romantically involved with each other's sons. Based on a novel by Nobel Prize for Literature winner Doris Lessing. Vitals: Director: Anne Fontaine. Stars: Naomi Watts, Robin Wright, Xavier Samuel, James Frecheville, Ben Mendelsohn, Sophie Lowe, Jessica Tovey, Gary Sweet. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Drama, Box office gross: $.317 million, Paramount. 2 stars

  • Battle of the Year

    photo for Dance film follows a legendary break-dancing crew's return to its roots in order to reclaim the world championship after more than a decade of defeat. The Battle of the Year competition is an all out war of mind-blowing dance moves, explosive routines and electrifying displays of skill and imagination. The American team, a group of underdogs, is pitted against the world's elite as they tear it up in their struggle for the top spot. Extras: "This Is Planet B Boy" featurette explores B-Boy history and culture, "Preparing for Battle: Training & Rehearsals" behind-the-scenes featurette. Blu-ray adds Extended dance sequences from three scenes in the film; "The Art of B-Boying: A Guide to Breaking" featurette. Vitals: Director: Benson Lee. Stars: Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Caity Lotz, Josh Peck, Chris Brown. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 110 min., Music, Box office gross: $8.792 million, Sony. 2 stars



December 17

  • Elysium

    photo for In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. The people of Earth are desperate to escape the planet's crime and poverty, and they critically need the state-of-the-art medical care available on Elysium -- but some in Elysium will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve their citizens' luxurious lifestyle. The only man with the chance to bring equality to these worlds is Max (Matt Damon), an ordinary guy in desperate need to get to Elysium. With his life hanging in the balance, he reluctantly takes on a dangerous mission -- one that pits him against Elysium's Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) and her hard-line forces -- but if he succeeds, he could save not only his own life, but millions of people on Earth as well. Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, who brought the innovative sci-fi morality tale "District 9" to the big screen. Extras: "Collaboration: Crafting the Performances in Elysium" behind-the-scenes cast featurette; "Engineering Utopia: Creating a Society in the Sky" featurette on designing and creating the utopian space station. Blu-ray adds an extended scene; "Visions of 2154," an interactive exploration of the art and design of Elysium; "The Journey to Elysium," a three-part documentary with "Envisioning Elysium," a pre-production diary, "Capturing Elysium" location featurette, and "Enhancing Elysium," a post-production diary that explores the editing process; "In Support of Story: The Visual Effects of Elysium," an in-depth look at the process of shooting visual effects scenes and incorporating CGI environments and vehicles into those scenes in post-production; "The Technology of 2154," a featurette that offers insights into the film's depiction of the technology of Elysium, from independently functioning Droids to next-generation military tech that gives humans machine-enhanced power. Vitals: Director: Neill Blomkamp. Stars: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, William Fichtner, Michael Shanks, Alice Braga, Talisa Soto, Diego Luna, Carly Pope. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 109 min., Science Fiction Action, Box office gross: $90.790 million, Sony. 3 stars

  • Prisoners

    photo for Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) is facing every parent's worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) arrests its driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces his release. As the police pursue multiple leads and pressure mounts, knowing his child's life is at stake, the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family? Extras: Two featurettes: "Prisoners -- Every Moment Matters," "Prisoners -- Powerful Performances." Vitals: Director: Dennis Villeneuve. Stars: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 153 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $59.127 million, Warner. 3 stars

  • Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

    photo for Percy Jackson The magical, mythical adventures of teenager Percy Jackson -- son of the Greek god Poseidon -- continue in this sequel. Out to prove he's not just a "one-quest wonder," Percy and his demigod friends embark on an epic, cross-country journey into the treacherous Sea of Monsters, where they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate evil. Their mission: to bring home the fabled Golden Fleece and save their dying safe haven, Camp Half-Blood. Based on the teen fiction book series by Rick Riordan. Extras: "Back to Camp Half-Blood" featurette, "It's All in the Eye" featurette. Blu-ray adds Motion comic, collectible character cards, "Deconstructing a Demigod" featurette. Vitals: Director: Thor Freudenthal. Stars: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Douglas Smith, Leven Rambin, Brandon T. Jackson, Jake Abel, Anthony Head, Stanley Tucci, Sean Bean, Nathan Fillion. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 107 min., Action, Box office gross: $65.380 million, Fox. 2 stars

  • The Family

    photo for In this off-beat action comedy, a mafia boss and his family are relocated to a sleepy town in France under the witness protection program after snitching on the mob. Despite the best efforts of Agent Stansfield (Tommy Lee Jones) to keep them in line, Fred Manzoni (Robert De Niro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and their children Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D'Leo) can't help but revert to old habits and blow their cover by handling their problems the "family" way, enabling their former mafia cronies to track them down. Chaos ensues as old scores are settled in the unlikeliest of settings. Extras: TBA. Vitals: Director: Luc Besson. Stars: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Tommy Lee Jones, Dianna Agron, John D'Leo, Dominic Chianese, Vincent Pastore. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $36.578 million, Fox. 2 stars

  • One Direction: This Is Us

    photo for A look at hit pop group One Direction and its meteoric rise to fame, from humble hometown beginnings and competing on the "X-Factor" to conquering the world and performing at London's famed O2 Arena. A captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon, interspersed with live concert footage. Available as a DVD, an Ultimate Fan Edition DVD/Blu-ray Combo, and an Ultimate Fan Edition DVD/Blu-ray/3D Blu-ray. Extras: "Best Song Ever" music video; five "Going Home" featurettes in which each member of the group visits their home town, family and friends offering fans a glimpse at their life off the road; "Before the Show" featurette with the boys hanging out, playing games, exercising/training, and getting ready for one of their performances; "1D Family" featurette on the fans of One Direction; extended scenes. Blu-ray adds Extended cut with 20 minutes of new footage and four additional songs; three featurettes: "I Didn't Do It" in which the boys try to complete on-air promotions at a Japanese radio station, "Hold That Pose" in which the boys visit the famed Madam Tussauds wax museum to experience their own sculptures being created; and "Up All Night!," two mini movies previously only shown during the live concert. Vitals: Director: Morgan Spurlock. Stars: Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 92 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $28.818 million, Sony. 2 stars

  • The Lone Ranger

    photo for The Lone Ranger The famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed idealistic lawyer John Reid (Armie Hammer) into a legend of justice -- as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption in the Wild West. Shortly after the Civil War, Reid rides with his Texas Ranger brother to apprehend notorious bandit Bruce Cavendish and his gang. The Rangers are ambushed and the only survivor, Reid, is rescued by a renegade Comanche, Tonto, and brought back to life as the masked man. The pair pursue Cavendish and get involved in other adventures, including a Comanche uprising, fights with the U.S. cavalry, a blown-up silver mine, and an attempted takeover of the transcontinental railroad. Extras: Blooper reel; deleted scene; "Riding the Rails of The Lone Ranger" behind-the-scenes featurette on the train sequences; "Armies's Western Road Trip" location tour; "Becoming a Cowboy" featurette that follows the cowboy (and cowgirl) cast to boot camp, where they got a chance to experience what their characters would really be living like in the Wild West. Vitals: Director: Gore Verbinski. Stars: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Wilkinson, Ruth Wilson, William Fichtner. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 149 min., Western Action, Box office gross: $88.559, million, Warner. 3 stars

  • Kick-Ass 2

    photo for Kick-Ass 2 Sequel to the surprise 2010 hit about costumed high-school heroes. Self-made superhero Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and sweet-faced, foul-mouthed assassin Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) try to return to life as "normal" teenagers, but soon find themselves faced with their deadliest challenge yet. To seek revenge for his father's death, Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) has re-invented himself as The Mother F%&*^r and assembled an evil league of super-villains. To defeat their new nemesis, Kick-Ass and Hit Girl must team up with a new wave of masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), in this battle of real-life villains and heroes. Extras: Extended scenes; "Upping the Game" featurette; "Going Ballistic: Weapons & Stunts" featurette; "Creating a Badass World" featurette; commentary with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Grace Moretz and writer-director Jeff Wadlow. Blu-ray adds alternate opening; "Big Daddy Returns: The Unshot Scene"; "An Ass-Kicking Cast" featurette; "Street Rules: Showdown at the Evil Lair"; "Hit Girl Attacks: Creating the Van Sequence." Vitals: Director: Jeff Wadlow. Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jim Carrey, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Clark Duke, Lyndsy Fonseca, Morris Chestnut, John Leguizamo, Donald Faison, Lindy Booth, Yancy Butler. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 103 min., Action Comedy, Box office gross: $28.751 million, Universal. 3 stars



December 24

  • Insidious: Chapter 2

    photo for Insidious: Chapter 2 Sequel to 2010's horror-thriller in which a family tried to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. Here, the haunted Lambert family seeks to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world. They must rely on familiar allies to exile the demons that follow them and unearth the secret before the evil continues its deadly rampage. Extras: "Peripheral Vision: Behind the Scenes" featurette, "Ghostly Transformation" featurette on how the actors were transformed into ghosts in The Further through make-up effects. Blu-ray adds "Haunted Hospital: On Location" featurette; "Leigh Whannell’s Insidious Journal"; "Work in Progress: On Set Q&A" with Barbara Hershey, Patrick Wilson, Jason Blum, James Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell; "Insidious: Spectral Sightings" three-part webisodes. Vitals: Director: James Wan. Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 106 min., Supernatural Horror, Box office gross: $82.133, million, Sony. 2 stars



December 31

  • Don Jon

    photo for Don Jon Jon Martello (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a strong, handsome, good old fashioned guy. His buddies call him Don Jon due to his ability to have a different woman every weekend, but even the finest fling doesn't compare to the bliss he finds alone in front of the computer watching pornography. Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson) is a bright, beautiful, good old fashioned girl. Raised on romantic Hollywood movies, she's determined to find her Prince Charming and ride off with him into the sunset. Wrestling with good old fashioned expectations of the opposite sex, Jon and Barbara struggle against a media culture full of false fantasies to try and find true intimacy. Extras: HitRECord Shorts: "My Favorite Things: Request Video," "My Favorite Things Remix: Film Preservation," "Love of Objects," "Vinegar." Blu-ray adds "Making of Don Jon," "Don Jon's Origin," "Joe's Hats," "Objectified," "Themes & Variations." Vitals: Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $23.501 million, Fox. 2 stars




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All DVDs are screened on a reference system consisting of a Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Disc Player w/SACD & DVD-Audio, a Rotel RSX-972 Surround Sound Receiver, and Phase Technology 1.1 (front), 33.1 (center), and 50 (rear) speakers and Power 10 subwoofer.


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