New and noteworthy new DVD releases

I love it when lots of new DVD releases are movies I skipped in the theater. So far in recent weeks, I've been able to catch (and generally like or love) Mud, 42, Trance and Evil Dead. Now, we have two brand new DVD releases to enjoy: The Great Gatsby is finally out, as is Pain & Gain.

Let's talk first about The Great Gatsby. I liked it in the theater well enough, but overall it was (for me) a case of style over substance. I was totally dazzled by the costumes and director Baz Luhrmann's crazy-good visuals. I like Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of Jay Gatsby. So those are pluses.

As you can read in my lengthy Great Gatsby movie review, I had some issues with the story in general, but if you're a costume freak? Oh, you absolutely positively must see The Great Gatsby. You'll love it. At least now I feel like if I say "see it" you won't be too upset if you hate it, since it's on DVD and all.

The other major DVD movie release this week is the Michael Bay-directed action movie Pain & Gain, starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. I hope I don't offend anyone too much by saying this, but I will never pay theater prices to see a Michael Bay movie. I did, however, think the trailer looked interesting enough that I'll see this one on DVD. If action is your thing, I'm pretty sure you'll do fine by renting Pain & Gain and by all means, if you do, let me know in the comments if it's worth our time.

I am a bit behind in my new DVD watching. I've still got to see some of the other films released on DVD and Blu-ray in recent weeks, including The Place Beyond the Pines and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. I'm expecting great things from the former, and just so-so things from the latter.

Has anyone seen anything else new on DVD that's worth checking out?

Photo courtesy of Coed.com