Read on for the Adult Services Department's lists of the best DVDs, CDs and video games of 2010. These compilations include some of the best reviewed and most popular titles at PCL.
DVDs~Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) - "Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightfully funny feast for the eyes with multi-generational appeal - and it shows Wes Anderson has a knack for animation." - Rottentomatoes.com
~The Hurt Locker (R) - "A well-acted, intensely shot, action filled war epic, Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker is thus far the best of the recent dramatizations of the Iraq War." - Rottentomatoes.com
~Crazy Heart (R) - "Thanks to a captivating performance from Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart transcends its overly familiar origins and finds new meaning in an old story." - Rottentomatoes.com
~Inception (PG-13) - "Smart, innovative, and thrilling, Inception is that rare summer blockbuster that succeeds viscerally as well as intellectually." - Rottentomatoes.com
~Up in the Air (R) - "Led by charismatic performances by its three leads, director Jason Reitman delivers a smart blend of humor and emotion with just enough edge for mainstream audiences." - Rottentomatoes.com
~Despicable Me (PG) (Coming soon to PCL) - "Borrowing heavily (and intelligently) from Pixar and Looney Tunes, Despicable Me is a surprisingly thoughtful, family-friendly treat with a few surprises of its own." - Rottentomatoes.com
~How to Train Your Dragon (PG) - "Boasting dazzling animation, a script with surprising dramatic depth, and thrilling 3-D sequences, How to Train Your Dragon soars." - Rottentomatoes.com
~The Blind Side (PG-13) - It might strike some viewers as a little too pat, but The Blind Side has the benefit of strong source material and a strong performance from Sandra Bullock." - Rottentomatoes.com
~Toy Story 3 (G) - "Deftly blending comedy, adventure, and honest emotion, Toy Story 3 is a rare second sequel that really works." - Rottentomatoes.com
~Avatar (PG-13) - "It might be more impressive on a technical level than as a piece of storytelling, but Avatar reaffirms James Cameron's singular gift for imaginative, absorbing filmmaking." - Rottentomatoes.com
CDs~Contra by Vampire Weekend - "The scholarly Upper West Side Soweto of Vampire Weekend's debut sounded self-assured, but on Contra, they step out of their ivory tower with just as much confidence." - Allmusic.com
~Union by Elton John and Leon Russell - "Surely, it's a revival for Leon Russell, who has spent decades in the wilderness, but it's not a stretch to say The Union revitalizes Elton John just as much as it does his idol: he hasn't sounded this soulful in years." - Allmusic.com
~My Beautiful, Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West (Coming soon to PCL) - "Whether loved or loathed, fully enjoyed or merely admired, this album should be regarded as a deeply fascinating accomplishment." - Allmusic.com
~Need You Now by Lady Antebellum - "Here, the band's seamless, polished, and savvy brand of contemporary country is even more consistent than it was on their debut; it's virtually flawless in its songwriting, production, and performance." - Allmusic.com
~The Suburbs by Arcade Fire - "It's serious without being preachy, cynical without dissolving into apathy, and whimsical enough to keep both sentiments in line, and of all of their records, it may be the one that ages so well." - Allmusic.com
~The Guitar Song by Jamey Johnson (Coming soon to PCL) - "...it makes plain the music contemporary country is trying to erase, while being a thoroughly accessible modern offering. Given its wonderfully crafted and performed material and stellar production, it is the country album of 2010." - Allmusic.com
~Brothers by The Black Keys (Coming soon to PCL) - "And that's the great thing about the Black Keys in general and Brothers in particular: the past and present intermingle so thoroughly that they blur, yet there's no affect, just three hundred pounds of joy." - Allmusic.com
~Recovery by Eminem - "It may be flawed and the rapper's attitude is sometimes one step ahead of his output, but he hasn't sounded this unfiltered and proud since The Marshall Mathers LP..." - Allmusic.com
~Congratulations by MGMT (Coming soon to PCL) - "From the opening moments of the sublime "It's Working" all the way to the titular closer, Congratulations is an incredible follow-up from a band that is still maturing into some unknown entity." - Allmusic.com
~Speak Now by Taylor Swift - "She writes from the perspective of the moment yet has the skill of a songwriter beyond her years, articulating contradictions and confessions with keen detail and strong melody." - Allmusic.com
Video Games
Video Games ~Gran Turismo 5 (PS3 / E / Coming soon to PCL) - "...if you've ever fantasized about a Ferrari or dreamed of driving at Daytona, Gran Turismo 5 is a game that you're sure to get a lot out of. This is simultaneously the most accessible GT game yet and the most uncompromisingly realistic driving game on a console to date." - GameSpot.com
~3D Dot Game Heroes (PS3 / E10+) - "...a pleasant retreat for anyone who pines for the good old days, but even those without nostalgic links to the past will find an enjoyable experience." - GameSpot.com
~Monster Hunter Tri (Wii / T) - "...if you're hungering for some fun, challenging action and online comaraderie, Monster Hunter Tri will satisfy your cravings." - GameSpot.com
~Rock Band 3 (Wii / PS3 / T / Coming soon to PCL) - "All told, Rock Band turns in an absolutely stellar performance...easily one of the most ambitious music games ever produced, and that it is so successful in its ambition makes it something really special." - GameSpot.com
~Final Fantasy XIII (PS3 / T) - "...a legitimately great game for its stunning beauty, fantastic story, and enjoyable battles, which means it has a lot in common with the Final Fantasy games that came before it." - GameSpot.com
~NBA 2K11 (Wii / PS3 / E) - "...a huge improvement over last year's edition. Just about every facet has been improved or overhauled, which makes this a richly rewarding experience with enough depth to make even diehard NBA fans feel like rookies." - GameSpot.com
~Sonic Colors (Wii / E / Coming soon to PCL) - "...a welcome surprise: a fresh-faced 3D Sonic with great looks and breezy action...This is a Sonic game with verve and imagination..." - GameSpot.com
~Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii / E / Coming soon to PCL) - "This is a traditional take on 2D platformers, and it excels because the brilliant level design makes old obstacles seem new again. Every level hides a new surprise, and you'll replay them over and over again not only to nab every hidden collectible, but also because they're exquisitely entertaining." - GameSpot.com
~Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii / E / Coming soon to PCL) - "...makes it clear from the get-go that it is an adorable game that will put a smile on your face through its outstanding visual design, but the delights go much deeper than the delectable aesthetics." - GameSpot.com
~Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii / E) - "...simply an outstanding game. It never rests on its laurels for a second, constantly presenting new objectives and mechanics to push you to never before seen places." - GameSpot.com
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