An Oscar-winning performance by Kate Winslet, a comic adaptation misfire and a British teen drama are among this past week's top DVD releases.

'THE READER,' GENIUS PRODUCTS

The lowdown: Winslet was given the Academy Award for best actress for her portrayal of a working-class woman with a dark past and a shameful secret who has a brief but intense affair with a young boy that ultimately changes both their lives. Winslet is superb in the role.

At the box office: The movie was released on Dec. 10.

It cost $32 million to make and brought in $33.8 million in the United States and an additional $41.9 million overseas.

This is a gripping, yet disturbing drama about guilt, responsibility and love. The movie features a very fine digital transfer.

Don't miss: Bonus offerings include deleted scenes, a documentary on the making of the movie, a conversation with co-star David Kross and director Stephen Daldry; a look at Winslet's aging makeup, another focusing on the musical score and a featurette on the production design.

'THE SPIRIT: 2-DISC SPECIAL EDITION,' LIONSGATE

Rated: R, sexual situations, nudity, language

The lowdown: Frank Miller's adaptation of Will Eisner's creation is very broad and over the top.

The movie tries to capture the feel of Miller's "Sin City" but fails to rise to that level.

At the box office: The movie was released on Dec. 25 and earned $19.8 million domestically and $18.5 million overseas.

Don't miss: Supplemental offerings examine the making of the film and the use of green screens, an alternate storyboard ending, a commentary track and a profile of Miller as well as a downloadable digital copy of "The Spirit."

Rated: PG-13, action violence, sexual situations, brief nudity.

'SKINS: VOLUME 2,' BBC VIDEO

The lowdown: The second season of this show, which airs on BBC America, is a three-disc set featuring all 10 episodes of the British teen drama.

The series has received renewed focus since one of its cast, Dev Patel, went on to star in the Oscar-winning movie, "Slumdog Millionaire."

The digital transfer on the episodes looks fine; no flaws or glitches were evident.

Don't miss: Extras include audition tapes, a Christmas special and five bonus stories.

Rated: Not rated