New On DVD, Blu-Ray: 'A Christmas Carol'

"A Christmas Carol" (PG): While the sight of Jacob Marley and the Christmas Ghosts may spook kids under 8, the latest version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" by innovative director Robert Zemeckis is a visual feast that can't be missed.

Zemeckis pretty much follows the Dickens classic to the letter, a timeless classic about a stingy businessman, Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) who sees no need to be charitable any day of the year, much less Christmas Day.

Like his previous holiday movie, "The Polar Express," "A Christmas Carol" is filmed using a motion-capture technique and is made to look like a surrealistic animated film. Carrey is spectacular as Scrooge at many different stages in the curmudgeon's life, and also heartily steps into the spirits of the Christmas Ghosts. But Carrey isn't the only show in town: Gary Oldman brings his dependable screen presence to the roles of Bob Cratchit and his son, Tiny Tim, as well as the frightening specter of Scrooge's dead business partner Marley.

In addition to the stunning portrayals, the film is loaded with action, vibrant colors and stunning detail, all while maintaining the spirit of Dickens' classic tale. Technically, "A Christmas Carol" is definitely a step above "The Polar Express" (which reteamed the director with his "Forrest Gump" star Tom Hanks), which tells a timeless tale about a boy on the verge of losing his belief in Christmas who is suddenly swept up on a magical train ride to the North Pole.

Unlike "The Polar Express," the characters in "A Christmas Carol" don't appear wooden and disconnected. That's something you can't necessarily blame Zemeckis for -- he was simply working with the best technology available at the time. It's amazing what a difference five years makes. Zemeckis favorites Robin Wright ("Forrest Gump") and Bob Hoskins ("Who Framed Roger Rabbit?") co-star.

Bonus features: The Blu-ray release includes "Behind the Carol," which presents the full motion capture experience, an interactive Christmas calendar, production featurettes, six deleted scenes and more. The DVD version includes production featurettes and three deleted scenes. (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)

"Eat Pray Love" (PG-13): True, Julia Roberts is looking better than ever -- but it's tough to get excited about the role she's playing in the romantic drama "Eat Pray Love," Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir that comes as a chronicle of self-pity.

Roberts stars as Gilbert, a journalist who decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery around the world following a painful divorce. The only thing the audience will likely discover, though, is that Gilbert didn't have it that bad to begin with.

Richard Jenkins brings life to the film as a troubled, fellow soul-searcher, and Javier Bardem elevates the story as one of Gilbert's potential romances.

Bonus features: Production featurette with director Ryan Murphy, Eddie Vedder music video and more. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Also New:
"Charlie St. Cloud" (PG-13): Zac Efron turns from "High School Musical" to the romantic drama genre as a young man who is torn between a new love and a promise he made to his late, younger brother (Charlie Tahan). Ray Liotta, Kim Basinger and Amanda Crew co-star. (Universal Home Entertainment)

"Lottery Ticket" (PG-13): Bow Wow stars as a young man from the projects who faces three days of holiday-weekend mayhem when he discovers that he won $370 million in the lottery. Ice Cube co-stars. (Warner Home Video)

"The Expendables" (R): Sylvester Stallone assembles most-every hero from the '80s action film genre for an up-to-date action adventure. Bruce Willis, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren and Mickey Rourke also star. (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)