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Seemingly overshadowed by glitz and glamour on the red carpet; the films of the Academy Awards are often overshadowed. But now that the accolades have been doled out, movie lovers across the country start to edit their movie “to watch” lists. After a film is honored with an Academy Award it will start to fly off the shelf and could be hard to come by. Internet, as well as brick and mortar retailers may run dry. Diligent movie buffs will be looking online; sorting through solid deals, the lowest shipping quotes and waiting lists to get their hands on 2011’s greatest films.
Singular Award Winners
With several nods from critics and fans, these two films appear to have been underappreciated by the Oscar committee. Do not be fooled by their lack of awards, as these two movies are dynamite additions to any collection.
The Descendants – Despite having five nominations The Descendants only took home the award for writing. This film is a character study of a family in crisis. Attempting to discover the deep Hawaiian roots that tie them to an important, historical family, the characters ultimately find truths about themselves and their relationships during the quest. Primarily a feel-good tale, this DVD makes for a comfortable companion during family and friend get-togethers.
The Help – Both the leading and supporting ladies received nominations for their engaging performances in this touching tale. Octavia Spencer did win for best supporting actress, but the film was a favorite for best picture and it fell short. The Help is one of the hottest movies of the year and is still on a “long wait” with the top two DVD online rental companies. Full of controversial moments, The Help tackles race relations in a very relatable way. It is a movie you will enjoy watching again and again.
The Big Winners
Both The Artist and Hugo received five Oscars. These megahits are expected to be the most sought after DVD releases. Interestingly, the two top winners are dramatically different each other, and the usual choices made by the committee.
The Artist – A meditation of the nostalgic silent film era, The Artist captivates viewers with plots of love, loss, and hope. Since its premier at the Cannes Film Festival, it has earned a cult following. Its antics readily bring audiences to tears of joy and sadness. Look for the release on DVD in early spring, and discover why this enigmatic work landed five Oscars, including Best Picture.
Hugo – This was Martin Scorsese’s first attempt at an animated/family film with Hugo. a 3-D creation, tells the tale of a French orphan investigating his father’s sudden death with the help of a robot. Winner of Oscars for Cinematography, Visual Effects, Art Direction, and two sound awards, the film is captivating and stimulating to the senses in all respects. Consider investing in the three-part DVDs with Blu-Ray and 3-D versions for the ultimate experience.
Two remarkable movies received nominations in six categories including best picture, but they didn’t take home a statue: War Horse and Moneyball. However, the appeal of these pictures is not lost on disgruntled fans. They come highly recommended as two additional DVDs to consider adding to your must-see list of Oscar candidates.