DVD/Blu-ray Watch: Start Saving Your Pennies For September

A few times a year, a new DVD or Blu-ray hits that is an absolute must-own, the kind of item that belongs in the possession of every self-respecting movie fan. Sometimes, it's a new release of an instant classic. Sometimes, it's a special edition of a great film that's been crying for the proper treatment. Sometimes, it's box set or collection that not only compiles tons of your favorite movies, but does so in a way that will look just plain awesome on your shelf.

This September, prepare for all of these to collide together at the same time. You better start saving now...September 18th through October 2nd will destroy your bank account.

We're looking at a wave of new releases that are uncommonly amazing, almost like some kind of cosmic force pulled the year's best discs toward one central point. A simple look at what's coming out will make your brain explode and your wallet weep. It's an embarrassment of riches.

Let's go in chronological order, shall we?

On September 18th, Indiana Jones finally arrives in high definition. The chance to watch 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' on Blu-ray makes Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures worth the price tag, but 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' are incredibly worthy special features (and yes, you'll also have to live with the fact that you own 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,' but it'll be worth it, right?).

After years of rumors and false starts, David Fincher's little gem 'The Game' is getting the Criterion Collection treatment and will also arrive on the 18th. Since it's Criterion, we can expect an incredible transfer, excellent special features and cover art to die for.

The week is rounded out with 'Ed Wood' (still Tim Burton's best film and a Johnny Depp's best performance) arriving on Blu-ray for the first time and Drew Goddard's incredible 'The Cabin in the Woods' hitting shelves. It's hard to imagine not having those in any worthy film library.

One week later, on September 25th, 'The Avengers' arrives, both on its own and as part of the "Phase One" box set, which also includes 'Iron Man,' 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' 'Captain America: The First Avenger' and 'The Incredible Hulk.' However, the biggest film of 2012 isn't the most exciting release that week. Oh, no. There are two other box sets hitting shelves that day which are even bigger priorities.

Bond 50 contains all 22 James Bond films in high definition, encapsulating five decades of 007 into one handy dandy box. For those who haven't picked up any of the individual films on Blu-ray yet, this is a must-own. Those who have will surely be tempted by that gorgeous packaging. Running right alongside James Bond in the high priorities column is the Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection, which takes fifteen movies from one of the best filmmakers of all time and puts them in one package for your viewing pleasure. With 'Psycho,' 'The Birds,' 'Rear Window' and 'Vertigo' (among others) in this set, this collection is a complete film education in a single box.

And finally, October 2nd rolls around and with it comes the Universal Classic Monsters: Essential Collection, which finally brings Universal's horror legacy to high definition. The set will contain 'Dracula,' 'Frankenstein,' 'Bride of Frankenstein,' 'The Invisible Man,' 'The Mummy,' 'The Wolf Man,' 'Creature From the Black Lagoon' and 'The Phantom of the Opera.' In other words, it contains eight of the best and most influential horror films ever made, just in time for Halloween.

Your wallet will scream and your DVD shelves will tremble...is this the single best month for new releases of all time?