The Numbers News - DVD and Blu-ray Releases for March 19th, 2013

It is a very healthy week on the home market, at least at the top, as there are a number of big hits and Awards Season contenders. The biggest of these is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The film didn't live up to expectations, but it is still worth picking up, especially if you've made the leap to 3D. There are also a couple of Awards Season contenders coming out this week, but I'm waiting for the screeners for both of them. Les Miserables has generated a lot of praise, but also some harsh criticisms. On the other hand, Zero Dark Thirty was one of the best movies of the year and even sight unseen, the Blu-ray Combo Pack is the Pick of the Week.

10th Kingdom - The Epic Miniseries Event - Buy from Amazon
I only vaguely remember this mini-series. It was heavily promoted, mainly because it cost a fortune to make, but failed to live up to expectations in the ratings. This is not the first time it has been released on DVD, but the old release has been out of print for a long time.

Bachelorette - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
There were some reports that this film would open wide, but in the end, it opened in a few dozen theaters. That's far from a wide release, but too many for a limited release, and it struggled to find an audience. Will it perform better on the home market? Or was there a reason it was dumped on limited release? Read our review for my opinion.

3D Blu-ray Releases - Buy from Amazon: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Just the one 3D release this week, but it is a huge one.

Note: This DVD made its home market debut on the 19th of February.

Dora the Explorer: Dora's Easter Collection - Buy from Amazon
A two-disc box set from Dora the Explorer that includes one DVD I previously reviewed and an older release that was from before I was doing reviews. What episodes are found within? And is it worth picking up? Read our review to find out.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Buy from Amazon: DVD, Blu-ray Combo Pack, or 3D Combo Pack
On the one hand, this film didn't live up to really high expectations. On the other hand, it still managed to earn 65% positive reviews and more than $1 billion worldwide. There are more than two hours of featurettes on the DVD and the Blu-ray releases, which is enough to make it worth picking up. However, it isn't Pick of the Week material.

Jersey Shore: Season Six (Uncensored) - Buy from Amazon
A lot of people are cheering the end of this show. It's not over. I wish it were over. MTV just spun it off into two new shows.

Note: This DVD made its home market debut on the 12th of February.

Martha and Friends: Martha's Magnificent Egg - Buy from Amazon
A TV on DVD release from the arts and crafts show based on Martha Stewart's empire. What episodes are found on the DVD and is it worth the price? Check out our review to find out.

Note: This Blu-ray made its home market debut on the 29th of January.

Paranormal Activity 4 - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray Combo Pack
This franchise has already been expanded to five films, so obviously the studio was happy with the end product. But will fans of the franchise want to watch the latest installment? Will those who gave up on the films earlier want to come back? Check out our review for my opinion.

Quincy, M.E.: Season Five - Buy from Amazon
Great show and a must have for fans of Police Procedurals.

Rust & Bone - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
A French film with a great pedigree. It earned excellent reviews and picked up some Award Season nominations. The extras are better than most foreign language films and it is worth picking up if you are a fan of French films. It is at least worth checking out if you are new to French cinema.

Note: This DVD made its home market debut on the 5th.

Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess - Buy from Amazon
This is the pilot for Sofia the First, the latest in the Disney Princesses line. It was watched by more than 5 million people, which is huge for a cable program, and the series has already been renewed for a second season. If you missed it the first time, is it worth checking out on DVD? And is it worth picking up over just renting? Read our review for my opinion.

Straight A's - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
This film has some pretty big names in it, but there are no reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and no buzz to talk about. That's a really bad sign.

Strange Frame - Buy from Amazon or Video on Demand
This movie is almost too hard to explain. The film is being released by Wolfe, which specializes in films aimed at LGBT audiences. Will this film appeal to the target demographic? Will it appeal to wider audiences? Check out our review to find out.

Note: This Blu-ray makes its home market debut on the 22nd.

This is 40 - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray Combo Pack
This film could not live up to high expectations, not with critics and not with moviegoers. Should people give it a second chance on the home market? And if they do, will they be entertained? Read our review to find out.

Note: This DVD made its home market debut on the 13th.

A Thousand Cuts - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
A low-budget horror film from a relatively new writer / director. That creates low expectations, but can the film rise above the average film in this genre? Check out our review for my opinion.

Zero Dark Thirty - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray Combo Pack
One of the best movies of 2012 and a major player during Awards Season. I'm still waiting for the screener to review, but unless they bungled the Blu-ray release, it is the clear choice for Pick of the Week.