'Super 8,' a sci-fi family drama

This week's top DVD picks range from a close encounter by director J.J. Abrams to a sequel to one of the best animated movies of all time.

Super 8, Grade A-minus: Young filmmakers capture a mysterious image.

This film has all the trappings of a sci-fi film, from a mysterious threat to an ominous military presence. Writer/director Abrams has culled the best paranoia-creating moments from '50s sci-fi movies.

It may have all those trappings, but at its heart is a family drama that swirls around Joe (Joel Courtney), a teen trying to deal with the loss of his mother. All of the sci-fi elements create a metaphor for the emotional beast that dominates the young man's life.

It's the best blend of sci-fi and family drama since E.T. phoned home.

Emotional angst and self-discovery take place between the bookends of a phenomenal train crash and an impressive major battle between the military and the mysterious subject of the movie. The blend of the two makes Super 8 an instant sci-fi family classic.

Beauty and the Beast, The Enchanted Christmas, Grade B: This is one of two sequels to Beauty and the Beast being released. The other is Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World. Both continue the heartwarming story of a beauty who sees the beautiful side of a beast. The holiday story is better.

The Enchanted Christmas is a 1997 animated holiday special that takes place in the middle of the original movie. The action occurs between the Beast's fight with wolves and Gaston. The Beast is against Christmas until Belle and other characters change his mind.

Also coming to DVD this week:

The Adventures of Tintin: Includes 13 episodes of the animated series.

Taylor Swift, Speak Now World Tour Live: Concert film featuring the young country star.

Prep & Landing: A veteran elf (Dave Foley) is partnered with a rookie for a Christmas Eve mission.

Three Amigos: The comedy starring Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short is being released on Blu-ray to mark the 25th anniversary.

Amazing Shadows: The documentary looks at the National Film Registry.

Timmy Time, Go-Kart Timmy: Timmy faces big problems in his new go-kart.

Dragon Tattoo Trilogy, Extended Edition: Includes more than two hours of footage not part of the theatrical versions.

Doctor Who, The Complete Sixth Series: Matt Smith stars in this long-running sci-fi series.

Law & Order UK, Season 2: Jamie Bamber stars.

Conan the Barbarian: Conan (Jason Momoa) looks to avenge his father's death.

The Super Hero Squad Show, Season 2, Volume 2, The Infinity Gauntlet!: Animated series featuring Marvel superheroes.

Marvel Knights Animation Collection: Among the five movies in the set are Black Panther and Iron Man: Extremis.

The Office Collection Special Edition: Features the complete British version of the workplace comedy.

Spy Kids, All the Time in the World: New youngsters are recruited to be spies and save the world. Jessica Alba stars.

Perry Mason, Season 6, Volume 2: Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale star.

Babar and Father Christmas: The elephant travels from Paris to the North Pole.

Sarah's Key: A journalist struggles with questions about her marriage and unborn child.

Flypaper: Two gangs try to rob the same bank.

The Family Tree: A housewife gets amnesia. Hope Davis stars.

Pablo Francisco, They Put It Out There: Comedy special starring Pablo Francisco.

Helldriver: Zombie-fighting road movie.

Conan the Adventurer, Season Two, Part 1: Conan faces the Snake Cult.

The Devil's Double: Dominic Cooper plays Saddam Hussein's party-boy son and his impersonator.

Trigger: Two female rockers reunite after 10 years.

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 2 and 3: RuPaul hosts the ultimate drag queen competition.

Love Begins: Based on the Janette Oke novel Love Finds a Home.

Carjacked: A single mom and her 5-year-old son are overtaken by a bank robber on the run.