New DVD releases this week: Great options

We might be in a bit of a slump at the box office, but at least we're getting a whole lot of excellent DVD offerings right now. I'm really enjoying catching up on so many fun movies I missed last year. I might go to the theater almost weekly, but that doesn't mean I actually see everything I want to see. If I win the lottery? You bet I'll see everything. But until then, I'm just thankful for $1 rentals and Netflix.

I've already seen it, but I'm really excited about the fact that Ron Howard's thrilling film Rush is out on DVD and Blu-ray this week. If you missed this one in theaters, I'd highly recommend seeing it now, if you can. And trust me: You don't have to be a racing fan to appreciate this film. The story is incredible, the acting is really solid and the race scenes are not to be missed. Here's my full review, and yes, I actually still do believe that Rush might be one of Ron Howard's best films.

For the kids, big and small, the animated family film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 is finally out on DVD now. I just checked, and it does look like this one will be available via Redbox kiosks, just FYI. I know a lot of us love getting those freebie codes they send out - so this one looks like the perfect choice for everyone in the house.

If you're looking for a more adult comedy, the Oscar-nominated Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa is new on DVD this week as well. Yep, I said Oscar-nominated. This one got the nod for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and I have friends who swear to me it deserved the recognition. I'm now officially interested enough to give this movie a go. If you've seen it, let me know what you think in the comments. Did it deserve the Academy Award nomination?

Other options as far as new DVDs this week include the geezer Hangover-style comedy Last Vegas (which looks just fun enough in the trailer for me to rent on the cheap) and The Fifth Estate, the the docudrama, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Meh.

Hooray for options, people!

Photo courtesy of The New York Times