DVD Pick of the Week: Big Man Japan

Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

Full disclosure: I have not seen many of these titles, and what follows are not necessarily reviews, but opinions based upon what I know of the titles I pluck from the new release lists I peruse. The opinions I give based on the new releases are my own, and my recommendations are based on my personal interest. In any case, I hope you enjoy and perhaps find something you like or a title to point me towards.

Big Man Japan. I have not seen this, but the trailer alone inspired me to place it at the top of this week's list. In post-WWII Japan, the nation has been protected from monster attacks by a succession of guardians. The problem is that the latest hero, a man who turns into a giant several stories high via electric shock, has not captured the hearts and minds of the people. He is mocked, and people just do not particularly care for him or the destruction that results from his "work." The trailer makes it look like some wacky fun. I am looking forward to seeing how this thing plays out. The CG does not look particularly great, but it does exude an energy that allows me to get past it.

Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series (also Blu-ray). This is a pricey set, but man, do I want it. Before seeing Big Man Japan on the list, this was going to be my pick for the week. This series is one of the greatest ever made. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be remembered as a landmark, all coming after what I thought was a questionable mini-series. This is re-imagining done right. The series has it all: action, drama, comedy, thrills, chills, wonderful direction, acting, design — it's the complete package.

Battlestar Galactica: Season 4.5 (also Blu-ray). This is the final batch of episodes for the series, building up to the "Daybreak" finale. This is a show that went out on its own terms, rather than wait to be canceled. They decided to end with season four, so they were able to plan out the ending, delivering us a satisfying finish. Simply a fantastic show that if you do not watch, you truly need to.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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