DVD's to look out for: 'Children of Men' Region 2

The Science fiction masterpiece of 2006 from director Alfonso Cuarón comes to Region 2 DVD, with an atrociious cover, but an otherwise worthwhile purchase for film fans, and fans of the genre, painting a not too distant future where women have become unfertile.

Forget cannibalistic freaks on a hill, forget a stranger calling, forget a torture house in Eastern Europe, forget a chainsaw bearing monster, by my money, two of the scariest movies of 2006 were, without a doubt “When the Levees Broke,” and “Children of Men.”

Why? For the simple fact that both reveal the potential horrifying consequences of a sudden natural catastrophe, in bold mediums. The lucky dogs over at the UK are able to obtain the early release of “Children of Men,” now being released on Region 2, in a 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dutch and German subtitles, a featurette or two, and loads of rave reviews from film fans.

“Children of Men,” is a quasi-science fiction film from master director Alfonso Cuarón. Cuarón who directed masterpieces like “Y tu mamá también” and is now sadly known as the director to “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” brings to the screen one of the best apocalyptic films in years setting down on an Earth in war, chaos, and potential annihilation.

After women around the world go unfertile, nations, and super powers, are now battling for dominance, and while countries and cities fall in hails of rioting, war, and destruction, London struggles to maintain its order with corrupt officials, murdering illegal immigrants known as “Fugees.”

Cuarón’s science fiction epic is one the best films of 2006, with disturbing brutality, incredible special effects, and a truly rousing performance by Clive Owen as Theo, a political activist pulled into a rebellion. But when a refugee becomes miraculously pregnant, the mission changes. Owen stars alongside heavyweights like Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Peter Mullan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and newcomer Claire-Hope Ashitey, while Cuarón’s chaotic direction paints a world of the future that’s not as distant as we think.

Cuaron’s masterpiece is now nominated in the BAFTA’s for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and I expect an Oscar nod or two when the nominations are announced in late January.

But decide for yourself, with the Region 2 DVD, now available to anyone willing to shell out £19.99. And yes, while the cover is utterly atrocious, “Children of Men” is a must watch for science fiction fans, and film geeks looking for advanced word before the Oscars here in the US.

Be sure to purchase "Children of Men" here, and don't forget to compare and contrast with the original novel from P.D. James.