First week of December is strong with Blu-ray/DVD and VOD releases. I usually do a monthly take on the best movies of the month, but we are changing things up and no point of waiting on these great titles when they are out for you to see. Here is the list for the top releases for the week of December 9 (Dec 1-9):

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS

Animal lovers can’t miss this movie. Heck, animal lover or not, you should see it. It looks very kid friendly, but may be even more relatable for adults with the messages. Anyone who had or has had pets must have wondered at some point what happens when you leave the house and they are alone? Chaos apparently. The Secret Life of Pets touches on that very subject in a hilarious and fun way. Max is a cute terrier and hero of the story, but he’s joined by a colorful and entertaining cast of characters. In addition to all the cool dogs, there are all sorts of animals in this movie including lazy cat Chloe, a canary and the villainous rabbit Snowball. I loved how the cutest looking animal, a white fluffy rabbit, is the meanest and evil one that’s voiced by Kevin Hart. The animals embark on a wild and fun adventure that takes them away from the comfort of their homes. I liked the unity of the animals and how cute all of them were. There is no secret that The Secret Life of Pets is definitely a must see movie this week.

Special Features: The Blu-ray Combo Pack comes with some cool bonus features including 3 Mini Movies:

How to Make an Animated Film
Anatomy of a Scene
All About the Pets
Animals Can Talk: Meet The Actors
Hairstylist To The Dogs
The Best of Snowball

The Secret Life of Pets is available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital HD and On

JASON BOURNE

Arguable of the best Bourne movies. After a bit of a hiatus, Matt Damon is back as Jason Bourne and he’s kicking ass just like he did before. I really enjoyed Jason Bourne, it has all the elements that made this franchise a hit. This time Bourne comes out from hiding and is after a new government group that’s looking for him. Lots of globe trotting with great action. An unforgettable car chase through the Las Vegas Strip. Alicia Vikander. It’s definitely more modernized and fitting in with the times. It’s just a lot more tech and device driven than the previous Bourne movies, and it’s actually fitting. There isn’t much that this movie doesn’t have. Bourne fans such as myself should enjoy it, I know I did. For those that are wondering if Damn can still pull-off all the fight and action sequences, the answer is a simple..YES! Also, definitely get the Blu-ray to check out the special features. They are well worth it.

Special Features: The Blu-ray comes with the following special features:

Bringing Back Bourne
Bourne to Fight (includes: Bare-Knuckle Boxing, Close Quarters and Underground Rumble)
The Athens Escape
Las Vegas Showdown (includes: Convention Chaos and Shutting Dow the Strip)

Jason Bourne is available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand

DON’T THINK TWICE

This is one of the better under-the-radar comedies of the year. As someone who does improv, I can definitely relate to many aspects of this film. It’s about an improv group and the fallout of what happens when one of the members gets famous. Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs and Mike Birbiglia star int he film. I enjoyed the relationships and interaction between the people in the movie. While there is definitely a good amount of humor, there are some genuine moments also. You don’t see many movies about improv, so this one gives a nice inside look the the world of it.

Special Features:

Deleted Scenes
The Creative Team
Don’t Think Twice: The Art of Improv
The Commune

Don’t Think Twice is available on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand

THE HOLLARS

John Krasinski directs and stars in the film and he plays a guy who returns to his hometown due to his mothers illness. This is one of those solid indies that has solid acting and is entertaining. I really liked the cast that includes Anna Kendrick (she’s in everything this year), Charlie Day, Richard Jenkins, Margo Martindale and Sharlto Copley. It’s one of those funny and honest movies you can relate to about coming back home and interacting with friends and former flames you haven’t seen in a while. Krasinski does nice work directing, keeps it simple and focuses on the characters.

Special Features:

Commentary
The Family Trust: Inside The Hollars
Persistent Vision: Margo Martindale
LA Film Festival Q&A

The Hollars is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital HD and On Demand

DECOMMISSIONED

This is one of the more niche movie choices of the week. It’s a Vinnie Jones movie so you know what you get. Action, violence and fun. A retired CIA agent’s family is held captive and he’s forced to take part in a presidential assassination. You know the CIA has some shady operation going on. Like I mentioned this is a movie that serves it’s purpose and delivers on action. This is the clear your mind, kick back and enjoy kinda movie of the week. Plus, the plot is good enough to keep you watching.

Decommissioned is available on DVD, On Demand and Digital HD

ABATTOIR

Jessica Lowendes is haunted by a house and dozens of ghosts. Now, I’m a huge fan of Lowendes and this film gets it done. Lowendes plays an investigative reporter (fitting job for what she ends up investigating) whose family was murdered. She goes back to the house of the crime, but little does she know that house has a lot more bad history to it. I really liked the concept of this film. It’s not a typical ghost or haunted house story, it’s a combination of both with a unique backstory. The house is constructed of several crime scenes. You’ll have to see it to fully grasp the originality, writing about it doesn’t do it complete justice. Abattoir is a clever and entertaining horror thriller that shouldn’t be overlooked.