12) Do the Right Thing — The Criterion Collection
The early ’90s gave rise to an important number of young black voices who were eager to produce socially relevant films that posed hard questions dealing with race. One of the most outspoken filmmakers was, of course, Spike Lee, whose landmark 1989 film opened the floodgates for this type of film. Criterion goes all out in a two-disc collection, beginning with a written introduction by Roger Ebert, who calls the film the “most important of 1989” (I’d agree). Add in a commentary track, video introductions by Lee, behind-the-scenes footage (from rehearsals through wrap party), the heated Cannes press conference, and an excellent making-of documentary (it revisits the film’s Bed-Stuy location 11 years later), and you have a worthy document of an important piece of cinema history.

11) Alien Quadrilogy
A DVD set so determined to impress, it created its own vocabulary. (“Quadrilogy”?) A nine-disc set filled with acidic extras celebrating science-fiction-bred horror. A Ridley Scott–led commentary track stands poised to burst from the Alien: The Director’s Cut feature disc, while repeat offender James Cameron turns up in our line-up again, providing yet another detailed commentary track in addition to his own highly skilled production illustrations and mechanical and creature designs for the Collector’s Edition of Aliens. What’s more, there are nice documentaries on all four films. The European version of the set was housed inside a replica of the “xenomorph” ’s head, the discs visible through a transparent cranium. Even if you don’t like the third and fourth films (and really, who does?), this set makes the perfect centerpiece for any fan’s entertainment center.

10) Star Wars Trilogy
Why, oh, why did it have to be the 1997 Special Editions? Oh, wait: it’s not. The original trilogy that started them all has been tweaked even further by Uncle George, a virtual Frankenstein’s monster who threatens to forever displace the original theatrical versions of everyone’s favorite 1977–83 space opera. But hey, it’s Star Wars, and a little of that magic still goes a long way. The mythical “Toschi Station” sequence is nowhere to be found (wait for the 10-disc, six-movie edition sure to come out soon), nor are there any deleted scenes to speak of. However, there’s never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage that greatly complements the frankly stunning 150-minute documentary Empire of Dreams. Among its revelations? Harrison Ford wasn’t always a stiff.
Special Mention: Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace
Fans ravenous for a new film could take solace in extra features (another great documentary!) that were far, far superior to the misguided movie that failed to live up to its predecessors from a long time ago.

9) Lawrence of Arabia — Exclusive Limited Edition
This is the last great film that I had the pleasure of seeing in all its 70-millimeter glory (at the defunct Charles Cinema). Can a DVD really recapture that magic in the home? Not on your life. In the theater, I remember straining my eyes as Peter O’Toole’s Lawrence gradually becomes visible, slowly emerging from the desert as Maurice Jarre’s music swelled. Here, he may as well be a speck of dust on the screen. But the extras! An enlightening hourlong documentary, again by Laurent Bouzereau, plus trailers, advertising materials, and newsreel footage of the New York premiere are all housed in a nice clothbound Digipak case.

8) The Lord of the Rings Trilogy — Special Extended DVD Editions
The new Trilogy on the block found the secret to longer life through extended editions that added more than two hours to an already-nine-hour-plus running time. Arguably, the whole thing’s better, although for my money, the first film’s trek could still be shortened by an average film’s running time. Then again, millions of fans don’t seem to mind — especially since they have pristine transfers that set the standard for others to follow, coupled with hours upon hours (upon hours) of Peter Jackson’s generous supplements of every thinkable variety. Take that, George Lucas.

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7) This Is Spinal Tap — The Criterion Collection/MGM Special Edition
The Criterion Collection version may have been somewhat slim, but it did contain the original 20-minute version of Rob Reiner’s film, plus two commentary tracks. One featured Reiner, his producer, and two editors. The other track, however, featured the Tap members themselves: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. Alas, the Criterion disc quickly went out of print — which is where the MGM disc comes in. Packed with music videos, Heavy Metal Memories, and hysterical outtakes, the new disc lacks both the short film and the earlier set of commentary tracks. But what really cranks this disc up to 11 is the brand-new commentary, again featuring Guest, McKean, and Shearer — only this time, they’re in character — in an improvisational tour de force.