‘Up in the Air’ has first-class cast

Up in the Air

Paramount, $29.98; Blu-ray, $39.99

George Clooney gives one of his best performances in Jason Reitman’s adaptation of Walter Kirn’s novel “Up in the Air,” playing a corporate hatchet man who tries to think more about his travel perks than the people he’s being paid to fire. Vera Farmiga is equally excellent as the hero’s frequent bedmate, while Anna Kendrick is a revelation as a protégée who resists his worldview while acknowledging its attractions. Reitman telegraphs too much of what he wants the audience to understand about Clooney’s character and the life he leads, but “Up in the Air” is amusing and moving enough to overcome any patness. Like an upscale hotel, the movie represents quality with a capital Q. The “Up in the Air” DVD and Blu-ray pile on more, by way of a Reitman commentary track, deleted scenes and multiple featurettes.

Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire

Lionsgate, $29.95; Blu-ray, $39.99

The double-Oscar-winning “Precious” became a surprise success at Sundance ‘09, where audiences responded deeply to its story of a morbidly obese, functionally illiterate inner-city teen who blossoms under the influence of a caring teacher. But “Precious” was also hit by a backlash (Oscars and box-office notwithstanding), as critics have blasted the film’s nightmarish take on lazy welfare queens. So is “Precious” worth seeing? Absolutely; especially for Mo’Nique’s staggering performance as the heroine’s monstrous mother. But watch expecting overpowering melodrama, not subtle neo-realism. The “Precious” DVD and Blu-ray tack on some good special features, including a commentary by director Lee Daniels and the audition tape of Gabourey Sidibe.

Capitalism:

A Love Story

Starz/Anchor Bay, $29.98;

Blu-ray, $39.98

Michael Moore’s documentaries typically infuriate and inform in equal measure, but his latest agitprop effort, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” is mostly just confounding. The movie is full of compelling stories abut how the free market works against democracy, but they’re all disconnected, repetitive and specious. The movie is best sampled like hors d’oeuvres, not as a full meal. In that spirit, the “Capitalism” DVD and Blu-ray provide more to chew on, in the form of additional interviews and anecdotes.

Planet 51

Sony, $28.96; Blu-ray, $39.95

What if a planet with a culture that resembles America in the 1950s were invaded by an Earth astronaut from today? That’s the fun question raised by the un-fun “Planet 51,” a computer-animated kid flick that sticks to the blandest kind of pop-culture references and juvenile humor. There’s not much going on with the “Planet 51” DVD and Blu-ray either, beyond some standard behind-the-scenes material. Given how many good animated films came out last year, there’s no reason to give this one a second look.

And . . .

“The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day”

(Sony, $27.96; Blu-ray $34.95)

“Old Dogs”

(Walt Disney, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.99/$44.99)

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