I voted Thursday in the Digital Entertainment Group’s annual Creative Excellence DVD Awards, which I’ve been doing for several years. Here’s what I ended up selecting (from a list of studio-submitted nominees), what I considered, and what I guess might win when the awards are announced Jan. 8 as one of the side attractions of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

THEATRICAL DVD
My pick: WALL-E
The various disc versions of Disney’s flagship 2008 title have so many extras that the studio’s press release for it included a chart to track them all. Throw in state-of-the-art audio-video quality, and you have a seeming shoo-in. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that Pixar’s robotic charmer is the best-reviewed Hollywood movie of the year.
Also considered: The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Get Smart, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
The lack of commentary tracks for the two superhero blockbusters was a disappointment — and a clear indication that we will probably get special-edition makeovers next year. The Get Smart DVD had a great gimmick, which allowed viewers to see alternate one-liners during the film, but it was overshadowed by bigger, better movies. Narnia II wasn’t popular enough.
Probable winner: This is going to be a real close race between WALL-E and The Dark Knight, another outstanding film and a fantastic DVD. Unfortunately, the Batman disc is hurt by the lack of director’s commentary and anything about Heath Ledger — or any of the actors, really. (Expect the Heath Ledger Tribute Edition after he wins an Oscar posthumously.) I wouldn’t be surprised if the fan boys among DVD writers like me make The Dark Knight the top choice, but many of them also raved about WALL-E.

CATALOG DVD
My pick: Murnau, Borzage and Fox
This stunning 12-disc set from Fox celebrates two of Hollywood’s great early filmmakers: F.W. Murnau, who made the captivating Nosferatu in Germany before heading west to make Sunrise, the first Oscar winner for best picture (for “Artistic Quality of Production”); and Frank Borzage, the first person to win the Oscar for best director. Besides the 12 movies, which include restorations of Sunrise and Borzage’s 7th Heaven, there’s scholarly commentary, a feature-length documentary, featurettes, new scores and loads more. It also comes in a lavish box that includes two hardcover books filled with photos and essays.  Unfortunately, the set faces serious obstacles in getting votes from anyone but me: It retails for $240, much of the content concerns silent films and, most importantly, Fox sent only partial screeners to most reviewers.
Also considered: Special-edition revamps of The Godfather Collection, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Touch of Evil, Sleeping Beauty and The Nightmare Before Chistmas
All of these were fine discs, but they also were re-releases — nothing close to the monumental achievement of my pick.
Probable winner: The big name always seems to win in these awards, which means The Godfather looks like a lock.

TV DVD
My pick: Mad Men
AMC’s show about the 1960s ad scene has been getting all of the accolades, deservedly so, and Lions Gate did a fabulous job with the home-video version of the Emmy-winning first season,  especially the Blu-ray release. And I always give special consideration to a show’s first outing on DVD. 
Also considered: Nothing else.
Probable winner: I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the nod goes to the new complete-series collection of The Sopranos. I view that as just a fancy re-release — and I don’t think it’s fair that complete-series releases are allowed to compete with single-season sets — but the big name tends to be the predictable winner.

DIRECT TO DVD
My pick: Futurama: Bender’s Game
Great reviews, fan-boy appeal and Matt Groenig’s typically comprehensive collection of extras make this an easy choice.
Also considered: Tinker Bell
Disney has the direct-to-DVD category locked up, and this Peter Pan tale was a major release.
Probable winner: The fan-boy angle should give Bender a boost over the wee fairy.

MUSIC DVD
My pick: Shine a Light
This category is always a wash for me. Nothing I like ever gets nominated. So I went with Martin Scorsese’s highly publicized look at the Rolling Stones, because it will win.
Also considered: Nothing else that was nominated.
Probable winner: Shine a Light

BLU-RAY
My pick: WALL-E
Also considered: The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Planet of the Apes, Bond films
Probable winner: See Theatrical.

I’ll let you know which titles won when the awards are announced in a month.

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