[SteelSD]

With all the Blu-Ray talk after the Warner move, I wanted to mention what I consider to be an underappreciated HD DVD gem- "Stardust" (Paramount). I gave it a shout-out in my 1/06/08 post, but after watching it again, I enjoyed it even more.

The film hypes Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro as the draws, and each give excellent performances. But it's little-known Englishman Charlie Cox who really seals the deal in this flick as a truly good hero who plays a character that actually grows during the film. "The Office" and "Extras" writer/producer Ricky Gervais also gives a cameo that's a great inside joke to "Extras" viewers.

"Stardust" isn't an epic, but it's in the same vein as "The Princess Bride", which was a similarly underappreciated diamond-in-the-rough theatrical release. And it's just as good. The PQ leaves a little to be desired due to softness in some scenes (I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5), but the plot and execution are excellent, as is the audio. The film's pace is great throughout the 127 minutes and never leaves you wanting (a rarity).

Even if you have doubts about the format, I'd suggest a purchase of this film on HD DVD (heck, even on SD DVD it's a good buy). It's got a ton of value as a family film (PG-13) and it's worth repeated viewings. Just good and feel-good. That's a pretty good match for a fantasy title.