With the films that were released this year and towards the tail end of last year, 2017 has been pretty good for extending your DVD collection. From the revival of the musical to Western-esque superheros to unique and underseen gems, the variety and quality on offer means that there’s more than likely one you can match up with that person on your present list (or even some DVDs to add to your own wishlist).
For the Comedy Lovers
2017 wasn’t brilliant in terms of comedies; most of the big studio ones came out flat and unfunny. That isn’t to say there aren’t a few worth rewatching, and some maybe even destined for cult status.
Logan Lucky – released 26th Dec
Steven Soderbergh’s return was sorely underseen as it was one of the funniest films of the year. Centering around a NASCAR-based heist and starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Riley Keough, plus Daniel Craig as you’ve never seen him before, it is utterly hilarious, original, and provides a nice slightly offbeat break in the crude humour that often characterises modern comedy. A real treat.
It has been a long time since we have had a really great film about teenagers that 
feels authentic and goes deeper than the generic humour that washes across most of its peers. This Hailee Steinfeld-starrer breathes fresh life into the genre, chronicling the complicated nature of teen friendships, and not falling into the ‘girl fawning over guy’ trope. It is likely to be enjoyed by more than just teens.
For the Romantics (and romcom fiends)
There weren’t many straight romantic films release on DVD this year, but we do have a couple of romcoms, plus one romance than doubles up as a heart-wrenching drama.
The rare breed of (belated) sequel that wasn’t a disappointment, instead garnering praise that it matched, if not surpassed, the original. We are reunited with Bridget (Renée Zellweger) and Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), but with a Hugh Grant replacement in Patrick Dempsey’s Jack Quant. It is utterly hilarious, and maintains the heart of the franchise. It will delight long-time fans, and maybe even convert some cynics.
One of the surprise hits of the year, this true tale of star Kumail Nanjiani and wife Emily V. Gordon’s (played by Zoe Kazan) unconventional romance makes for a romcom with a fresh twist. Chronicling their romance and the struggles it faced – namely Emily falling into a coma and 
Kumail’s traditional Muslim family’s views on love marriage – the film makes the genre feel fresh and new, whilst presenting a cultural viewpoint that is too rare to see.
Based on the best-selling novel, this is a weepy drama not of the highest caliber, but effective all the same. It stars Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender as a couple who, after suffering several miscarriages, discover a baby and her dead father washed up on the beach near their home and decide to raise her as their own. However, they later run into the child’s mother (Rachel Weisz). The film poses some interesting questions but is undoubtedly relegated to weepy status. A film for all those Jude-Law-in-The-Holiday types (weepers).
For Those Who Love a bit of History or a True Story
There was a boatload of exciting and interesting true stories of icons of history, as well as those whose stories were less familiar to us. From war to romance to reuniting families, these true tales span the breadth of genres and serves as great tributes to the people they depict.
War films
Detailing the incredible true story of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), Mel Gibson’s Oscar-nommed return is a portrait of the unbelievable courage and faith of the conscientious objector who saved countless lives as a medic who repeatedly ran back into the battlefields, weapon-less, when his company had retreated. It is an excellent war film which depicts the absolute horrors of the battlefield, but is also much more textured due to Doss’ treatment and his resilience. A potential classic of the genre.
Dunkirk – Released 18th Dec
Christopher Nolan’s latest is a visceral experience, and one of the most emotionally exhausting 
and intense pieces of cinema in memory. Detailing the Dunkirk evacuation from three distinct viewpoints – land, sea and air – which are intercut, despite their ordeals occurring for differing lengths of time (one week, one day and one hour, respectively). It captures the horrific experience of those who were there, as well as the goose-bump and tear inducing spirit of the rescue. A modern masterpiece.
Assorted Biopics – Historical and Hidden Figures
Based on real events, this energetic joyride, starring Tom Cruise (as more character than action hero, 
sure to delight fans), follows Barry Seal, a pilot recruited by the CIA to fly reconnaissance over Central America in the late ‘70s to photograph the communist threat. Soon, he finds himself embroiled in a secret operation to deliver weapons to them, which he flips to his financial advantage…which of course begins to unravel. It is an entertaining tale that builds a strong momentum and fun pace, and is as far away from dry as biopics come.
This depiction of the First Lady’s experience of dealing with the fallout of her husband’s assassination is a poignant and unconventional character study that strives to peer behind the icon, and look at the person. It stays close to Jackie (Natalie Portman) as it presents a collage of the events, told through 
flashbacks during an interview with her. It is slightly meandering, so best for those with a specific interest in the woman and the White House.
One of the surprise hits of the year, this tale of overcoming prejudice and discrimination hit a chord with its inspiring spirit and hugely entertaining storytelling. The film follows three Africa-American women working at NASA – Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) – who would go on to become groundbreakers, and this film details their journey to that point (set around the time of trying to get John Glenn into space). 
It is a fantastic film that has something for everyone, and a very important message at its heart.
Another tale of triumph over adversity, Jeff Nichols’ telling of Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildren (Ruth Negga) Loving, an interracial couple whos court case change the United States’ constitution. This is a much quieter film, but feels very authentic, keeping you engaged despite the fact that you may know the outcome of their trial.
Recent Events
Chronicling more recent events, this film focuses on the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ water landing of a crashing plane by Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger (Tom Hanks), and the subsequent investigation. It does well with the bare content it has, and balances quiet moments with the intense plane sequences. For anyone interested in what happens, or fans of Tom Hanks, this is one for you.
Another more recent true story, but less publicized, is this of Saroo Brierley, a young Indian boy who, 
following a dangerous journey after being separated from his family, was adopted and taken to Australia. 20 years later, as an adult, sudden flashbacks compel him to search fro his birth family, and he does so, extraordinarily, using Google Maps. The two halves of the story – his dangerous journey as a child and his search as an adult – are woven together to create an overall powerfully human story. Its universal themes will surely connect with everyone.
Based on the infamous 2010 explosion of the titular drilling rig, this intensely powerful retelling of the day from the perspective of those on board may be labeled a disaster film, but it is more than that. It factors in the devasting human element in a way other disaster films fail to do, and features more build-up than explosion, ensuring your investment is in the people. Horrifically thrilling and arresting, and avoids being exploitative.
For the Aspiring Superheroes
We are constantly bombarded with Superhero fair, but it feels as though 2017 offered up some fresher takes on the genre, helping to reinvigorate any audiences experiencing people-in-suits-fighting-to-save-the-world fatigue.
LoganThe final film starring Wolverine after nearly two decades, this film took an entirely different path, playing out more like a revenge-fueled western than your traditional X-men. We rejoin Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) as a much older hero as he, with an ill Professor X (Patrick Stewart) become involved in the life of a manufactured mutant, Laura (Dafne Keen). It takes a whole new angle on the superhero film and thus, could be given a try by those who find themselves disinterested in or tired by the genre. Plus, it works as a standalone – you don’t need to catch up.
The only hit in the DCEU, and first female superhero film in this era spanning over a decade. It perfectly balances the blend of genre within it; the action, romance and comedy all come off beautifully. Don’t just get this for people who like superhero films, get it for any little girl you know so she can really see girls can do anything boys can. Get it for anyone; this film proved that it’s not only girls who want to see female action heroes.
For the third Spiderman franchise in 15 years, this had to contend with Spidey-fatigue, and luckily its entertaining and newer look at the character (it is certainly the most teenage-feeling Spiderman we’ve had). It delivers an entertaining tale which is bound to become the Spiderman for younger generations. It also works with little knowledge of the MCU. Just maybe don’t get it for anyone who steadfastly contends that Sam Raimi’s Spiderman is the only Spiderman.
For the Action Lovers
There’s not a huge amount of straight-up action. The most action films we get nowadays are cemented in the Superhero genre (see above), but there are a few others.
Honestly, this film is so hard to categorise (as are most Edgar Wright films), it is a mixture of action, crime-thriller, romance, comedy and more. I’ve placed it here purely because it has some of the best car chases (and foot chases) in cinematic memory. This story about a getaway driver coerced into the crime world is a brilliantly entertaining ride and incredibly unique for its use of music. The film’s eclectic soundtrack is woven into every scene as every action and cut that occurs does so completely in time with the music creating an original and compelling film. With its mix of genres, it’s worth giving a try whatever you usually like to watch.
Some of the best war scenes this side of Saving Private Ryan.
See ‘History or True Story’ above.
Dunkirk – Released 18th Dec
Further extraordinary war scenes on land, sea and air – a visceral and exhausting assault on the senses.
See ‘History or True Story’ above.
For Those Who Want a Thrill
There haven’t been many really great straight thrillers out this year. Instead, the most striking and memorable DVDs we have are ones that have primarily combined the thriller with another genre to create a unique blend.
Hell or High Water This is almost a modern Western that surfaced as one of the gems of 2016 and gained more attention and traction as it picked up numerous awards nominations. Following Chris Pine’s struggling father and his angry ex-convict brother, played by Ben Foster, as they execute heists on the bank trying to foreclose their family farm, whilst being pursued by Jeff Bridges’ Texas Ranger, this film certainly has something to say about the current socio-economic state. It is a brilliant mix of thriller and drama, with some incredibly tense moments and fantastic climax. It poses moral questions and engages in a unique way. A real gem.
Nocturnal AnimalsTom Ford’s second film is unsurprisingly stunning to look at, but is also an enthralling psychological thriller that gets under your skin. The film tells three interweaving tales – the life of Susan (Amy Adams) as she reads the novel written by her ex-husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal, the story of the book itself, and flashbacks to Susan and Edward’s relationship. It is a striking film that doesn’t hold back and builds up incredible tension. It is intoxicating.
This political thriller covers a part of the political sphere we rarely get to see into – the world of lobbying. Centering on Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain), the film follows her as she rejects a large firm for a smaller one trying to push through a bill for increased gun regulations. It is a dialogue-heavy thriller but its snappy writing, direction, score and performances keep a driving pace, proving that a multitude of conversations can add up to a thriller.
Its unconventional structure lends it more to the thriller genre than many of its peers.
See ‘History or True Story’ above
For the Drama Queens and Kings
It has been a strong year for drama with it covering a huge number of sub-genres and topics. Many of these seem poised to become classics.
Manchester by the SeaAn Oscar-winner and one of the most heartbreaking films I’ve seen, this emotional drama is a powerful punch to the gut. After his brother’s death, the film follows Lee (Casey Affleck) as he navigates his grief and guilt whilst trying to decide whether to take guardianship over his nephew (Lucas Hedges). His past remains mysterious for much of the film until it is dredged up with some heart-wrenching scenes with his ex-wife (Michelle Williams). It does have some comic moments, but is primarily a powerful study of grief that makes up a devastating masterpiece.
Ken Loach’s look at the UK benefits system is an important film to see. Following Blake (Dave Johns) and a young mother he befriends (Hayley Squires), the film really depicts the problems with the system that cause people to fall onto incredibly hard times and drive them to horrible states. It is filled with raw emotion and an authentic sense of humanity that ensures the gravity of the situation hits home. It is at once heartbreaking and defiant.
Martin Scorcese’s passion project finally came to fruition this year and the result is a powerful epic and a meditation around faith. The film depicts the horrors of Christian persecution in Japan as two 
priests (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) travel across it in search of their mentor (Liam Neeson). This film doesn’t shy away from the graphic violence as the horror spills over from the screen. It is about faith but isn’t just for the faithful.
This year’s Best Picture Oscar winner is a quietly powerful story of a young black boy, Chiron, struggling with his sexuality. Told in three separate chapters, each detailing a different time in Chiron’s life, we see him grow up and watch how his feelings develop and evolve. The film is almost poem-like with its dreamy imagery and striking visuals. It is a beautiful piece of cinema.
FencesBased on August Wilson’s play of the same name, and featuring the two Tony-winning leads from its 2010 Broadway run, Fences is an intimate portrait of a working family. Its acting is masterful in presenting the rich script. Those who enjoy plays will likely get the most out of this as it often feels more like a filmed play than something really cinematic.
A brilliant blend of drama and crime-thriller – a film where every element is brilliant and combines to create a real treat.
See ‘Thrill’ above
For the Sci-Fi Fans
There has been a wide range of sci-fi films released on DVD this year, from the continuation of big franchises to startlingly original pieces, it covers a wide range of sci-fi possibilities.
ArrivalOne of the best films of 2016, and hopefully destined to join the list of greatest sci-fis ever, Arrival is a unique alien contact film that lacks a multitude of explosions or one-note us vs them philosophy. We follow linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) as she is recruited to attempt to communicate with the aliens and understand their language. This is a cerebral approach to the genre and features one hell of a plot twist. It is an intelligent masterpiece.
The first Star Wars spinoff helped to settle some nerves about the extension of the franchise 
by proving itself to be an entertaining, if small, side dish to the main spectacle. Stepping back into the time just before A New Hope, the film focuses on a small group (led by Felicity Jones’ Jin Erso) as they attempt to steal the Death Star plans. It is fun to step back in time and this is sure to be a staple for the hardcore Star Wars fans.
This prequel to Alien and sequel to Prometheus is a middling entrance into the Alien canon. It returns more to the roots of Alien, whilst definitely still touching on the existential crises that characterised Prometheus. This results in an entertaining retread that has enough freshness to keep you on board. 
For those who love but aren’t overly protective of the original Alien, and maybe skipped this due to a dislike of Prometheus.
One of the most original and underseen films of the year, Nacho Vigalondo’s dark comedy come monster movie won’t be to everyone’s taste, but for fans of the weird and wonderful (and dark humour) this will be a treat. The film follows Anne Hathaway’s Gloria, a burnout drunk, who discovers that her actions mirror those of a giant monster that appears at nigh and attacks Seoul. You’ll know from that brief synopsis whether this will appear to you or not, but there is a chance it could surprise you.
For Kids…Families…Grown-ups (let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a good kids’ film?)
The quality in kids’ DVDs has fluctuated wildly this year. As a self-respecting technical grown-up I’ve only seen the ones that are supposed to be good.
Beauty and the BeastAs the remake of a classic animation, there was a lot riding on this, and thankfully the team behind it managed to pull of a magical and entertaining musical that borders on the theatrical at times. There are enough updates and additions to bring a sense of freshness to the adaptation, without taking away too much of the magic. It might to replace the animation, but is a worthy follow-up.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Our first Harry Potter DVD in six years has arrived. Chronicling the adventures of Newt Scamander 
(Eddie Redmayne) as he tries to retrieve his magical creatures from across New York, this film offers the chance to jump back into the Wizarding World. This was received well so most Potter fans would probably enjoy this DVD, although maybe the younger ones moreso.
Moana
Disney’s big hit of last year featuring an inspiring message and catchy songs captured the hearts of kids and adults alike. The film centres on Moana (voiced by Auli’I Cravalho) as she dares to leave the island where she lives to take on an adventure to fulfill her ancestors’ wishes. It is a spirited tale that captures the imagination and is sure to have you singing How Far I’ll Go for weeks.
For People Who Want to Sleep with the Lights On
There have been some groundbreaking and hugely successful horrors released this year, sure to satisfy any fan, and entice any aficionado.
Get OutJordan Peele’s cultural phenomenon seems to already be an instant classic. A melding of various genres and biting social commentary, the film charts the story of Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) an African-American man who is meeting his white girlfriend’s family for the first time. His initial wariness is soon proved to be entirely warranted, as things are definitely not what they seen. Tense, scary, funny and politically poignant, this is an original debut for the books.
A horror that took the home-invasion premise and turned it on its head. Here, the three would-be-burglars enter the home of a blind, ex-Army soldier, and soon find themselves trapped and trying to escape. This flipping of the victim-villain roles makes for an original and unpredictable ride. Coupled with the factor sound plays in the film (as the potential victim-turned-psychopath is blind), this is a very effective, tense and terrifying film. It may satisfy fans of a dark thriller too.
M. Night Shyamalan’s return to form comes in this tale of a man with 23 personalities (James McAvoy), who abducts three girls. It is a taut horror-thriller that maintains a sense of mystery 
throughout as it slowly builds to its climax (and inevitable twist, which doesn’t come in the form you might expect). The personality disorder allows this film to stand out from other kidnap films as it introduces an interesting layer that a friend and foe can exist in the same person. A must for Shyamalan fans, and a thrill for any fans of the genre.
The lesser of this bunch, this sequel to the spinoff of The Conjuring is better than its predecessor by all accounts, but still does not touch the quality of the main thread of films. It is an effective spooky-doll story, but doesn’t offer up anything new. Best suited to those purely after genre scares and thrills.
For the Person Who Always Talks About Films You’ve Never Heard Of
A lot of people have that one friend who only seems to watch indies and recommends films to you that you didn’t even know existed. Their favourite films of the year are often littered with underseen gems; I believe a lot of the below fall into that category.
20th Century WomenMike Mills’ most recent film is an unconventional comedy-drama that chronicles the lives of a household of eclectic characters during the 1970s. It is engaging and has the power to evoke emotional moments throughout (from highs to lows). Featuring a great ensemble cast, for those who can settle into the film’s offbeat rhythms, this will be a real delight.
An original and unconventional mash of genres that sidesteps the mainstream by a mile.
See ‘Sci-fi’ above
This Arthouse film from Sofia Coppola, is bathed in soft tones and colours, but features a simmering tension underneath. A remake of the Civil-War set Clint Eastwood-starrer, it tells the tale of a girls’ boarding school that takes in an injured soldier of the other side. The sexual tension and rivalry builds up, and thankfully in a way seen very much through the female gaze. For fans of Sofia Coppola, and period arthouse fair, this is sure to satisfy.
For the Music Lovers
I’ve essentially had to create this category just for La La Land, seeing as the movie musical is such a rare breed nowadays. I’ve thrown in another musical, previously mentioned, and a film that I think comes as close to being a musical as it can, without actually being one.
La La Land Another phenomenon of the year, and proof that there is still a hunger for original musicals in cinema, Damien Chazelle’s universally adored story of the love and dreams of an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) in Los Angeles is a masterpiece and sure classic. This is not the happy-clappy fluff that cynics may expect. This is a grounded musical that, yes, lets your heart soar and lifts it with wonderful musical numbers, but also features authentically heartbreaking moments. It is truly special and timeless, and likely a DVD (and album – the songs are brilliant) desired by the majority, to replay for years to come.
The other musical to be released on DVD this year, this remake captured something theatrical in its staging of its songs.
See ‘Kids’ above
Moana
If you’ve not seen the film, you’ve no doubt heard (and possibly, even unintentionally know a lot of the words to) its lead song How Far I’ll Go.
See ‘Kids’ above
This isn’t a musical, but for people that like music, this film’s use of it is incredible, and worth a watch even just to experience that.
See ‘Action’ above
There have been a lot of great films released on DVD this year across the genres. Even in this streaming age, there are sure to be a few soon-to-be-classics that you’ll still want to get.
