We're betting that many of you found an unexpected new electronic device sitting under your Christmas tree this past December 25: a DVD player. Judging by the sales statistics available for the holiday season, DVD player sales went through the roof, meaning that many new homes were introduced to the format and its enormous potential for presenting great films in an eye-popping new way.

If you just got your DVD player, or if you've had one for a while now but can't seem to find the info you're looking for, we've dedicated this edition of the Grab Bag to some DVD sites you might want to check out. It's a brief look at the spots we visit every day in our quest for the latest release announcements, reviews and in-depth reports with the movers and shakers in the DVD-verse. You could do far worse than to kill your work hours by surfing these sites early and often.

The DVD Journal

This site isn't as comprehesive as some of the other sites, and they don't cover as much breaking news, mainly because they only update once a day on most days. But the Journal does offer perhaps the best DVD writing on the web, especially in their universally excellent reviews, which don't come out as often as on other sites but are usually far more literate and elegantly composed. The Journal also offers an excellent list of their top 25 DVDs ever made, which is the perfect guide for deciding which discs you want to purchase to start your collection.

The Digital Bits

You'll find lots of great news and interviews at the Digital Bits, along with a nice dual focus on both the tech and software ends of the format. A recent slew of enlightening interviews has made the content here shine of late, and they're also giving George Lucas a very hard time for not releasing the Star Wars films on DVD yet, which we're very much in favor of. A homey and comfortable writing style always makes the Bits a relaxing read.

DVD File

You can usually set your watch by the File's updates--once a day, and it's always there when you arrive in the morning each day. This site has many strengths, but perhaps its greatest is the comprehensive and comprehensible tech coverage, which is always a surprisingly entertaining read for such a dry topic (dry to some, at least). There are also always great advance disc reviews and their interviews have included such diverse artists as actor John C. Reilly and Blair Witch Project co-director Eduardo Sanchez. A mixed bag, but in the best possible way.

DeCSS Archives

You might want to stay on top of this key DVD issue. When the encryption code that kept DVDs copy-protected was cracked and distributed on the internet, it kicked up a shitstorm of controversey in the industry. And that could trickle down to the format's fans, if the studios' fears about the cracked code prevent them from continuing their fairly consistent output of quality movies at an affordable price. Check out this comprehensive guide to the ongoing issue to keep abreast of the latest.

DVD FAQ

Maintained by the brilliant Jim Taylor, it's must-read material. Even if you're experienced in the ways of DVD. It's always changing, and there's always new info to digest. Just read it. You know you want to.