Hurry and Catch These Oscar-Nominated Movies on DVD

So it's like this: the Academy Awards are almost here and you haven't seen most of the nominated movies. Not a problem. If the nominees aren't in the movie theater any more, there's a pretty good chance you will find them at your local video store. Below is a list of my six favorite Oscar-nominated films on DVD.

Michael Clayton
Nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score and Best Original Screenplay

Of all of the Oscar nominees on DVD, this is the one you should seek out first. It's the only Best Picture nominee with multiple acting award nominations and is as satisfying a film as you're likely to have missed in 2007.

American Gangster
Nominated for: Best Supporting Actress and Best Achievement in Art Direction

I watched this one again recently and forgot how well made it was and what an interesting story it is. Denzel and Crowe are excellent and they're surrounded by a very strong supporting cast. After watching the movie you might start wondering why it wasn't nominated for more awards.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Nominated for: Best Supporting Actor and Best Achievement in Cinematography

This is one beautiful movie to watch and it features a ton of great acting talent. Of course, Casey Affleck came through this year in a big way. His creepy but gentle performance as Robert Ford is certainly one of the year's best. But lost among the hype is an incredibly intense Brad Pitt in one of his very best roles.

Gone Baby Gone
Nominated for: Best Supporting Actress

Ben Affleck's directorial debut showed more than just promise; it showed real command of narrative and a knack for getting his actors to turn in great work. Casey Affleck had a very good year in 2007 and Amy Ryan deservedly won a slew of awards as a mother whose daughter is kidnapped. This is one of the great pieces of entertainment of last year with a great ending that will spark real discussion among your friends and family.

Eastern Promises
Nominated for: Best Actor

David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen reunite and the result is -- again -- a superior and original crime picture that could only have come from a master like the Toronto auteur. Mortensen is amazing in his Oscar-nominated turn as a Russian mobster. It's a bloody good time. Check it out.

Ratatouille
Nominated for: Best Animated Film, Best Original Score, Best Achievement in Sound, Best Achievement in Sound Editing and Best Original Screenplay

I've probably seen Ratatouille more times than any other of the Oscar nominees because it has an insanely high watchability rate. It's beautiful to look at, listen to and I catch myself smiling a whole lot. Suffice to say, it's a winner.

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Dre writes three times a week for Film.com. Email him!

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