For some, this is likely going to be an expensive week. There are a number of titles that I know I want to add to my collection. As I went through the list of new releases selecting the ones to highlight in this column, I found a couple of titles that went on the shortlist for the honor of being the pick. This week's selections include horror, drama, animation, thrillers, fantasy, literary adaptations — there's something for everyone. The biggest question is just how much money are you willing to dedicate to this week's releases?

This week's pick is none other than William Shakespeare's Hamlet, a film which I have only seen once since its theatrical release in 1996. I have memories of getting there just before it was to begin, the only seats left were a couple of wooden folding chairs at the back of theater. I was hesitant to sit on what I was sure would be uncomfortable accommodations for a four-hour feature. I took the plunge, and it was a great four hours, I completely forgot about the hard seat I was on. It was also the only film I can recall seeing that had an intermission (I can think of a few that probably could have used one, *cough* LOTR *cough*).

Hamlet was directed by Kenneth Branagh, and was one of the last films shot entirely on 70mm film. I also believe that it is the only film to portray the entire play. The film is beautiful, with gorgeous expansive sets, excellent performances, and perfect staging. Of course, I am working off of my memory, which we all know is not an infallible resource. Still, it has been a long time coming. I have been waiting for this for years. I don't even remember that it had been announced, so I got a little giddy when I saw it on the list. It immediately jumped to the head of the list for this week.

This new two disk set contains the film, split across the two disks, and a few extras. Among the extras:

• Disc #1: Introduction by Kenneth Branagh, Commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Russell Jackson, M.A. PhD, Editor of the Cambridge Guide to Shakespeare on Film and Professor of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham
• Disc #2: Commentary by Kenneth Branagh and Russell Jackson, M.A. PhD, Editor of the Cambridge Guide to Shakespeare on Film and Professor of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham, To Be on Camera: A History of Hamlet, Vintage Cannes Promo, Trailers: Hamlet (1996), Hamlet (1990), Julius Caesar (1953), A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935), Othello (1995), Othello (1965), Romeo and Juliet (1937)