“An Education” — A 16-year-old girl (Carey Mulligan) is the target of a sophisticated seduction by a 35-year-old man (Peter Sarsgaard). Could have been shabby or painful, but the luminous Mulligan makes it romantic and wonderfully entertaining. The romance isn’t so much with him as with the possibilities within her, the future before her, and the joy of being alive. Sarsgaard plays a smoothie who bewitches her protective parents. He’s a dirty rotten scoundrel, but a real charmer. With Mulligan, a star is born. DVD and Blu-ray Extras: Featurettes, commentary and deleted scenes. Rating: Four stars. (PG-13)

“Sherlock Holmes” — Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.), who has survived so much, here survives an onslaught of special effects orchestrated by Guy Ritchie, in a CGI London never more dark and gloomy. He and Watson (Jude Law) are on the trail of the Satanist Lord Blackwood, seemingly hanged and buried, but now returned from the grave. Will discomfort traditionalists, but Downey and Law perfect an Odd Couple relationship and are surrounded by the atmospheric and fantastical. With Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, reportedly the only woman to ever touch Holmes’ heart. DVD Extras: “Sherlock Holmes Reinvented” featurette; Additional Blu-ray Extras: WB Maximum Movie Mode and more featurettes. Rating: Three stars. (PG-13)

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK: “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” “The Baader Meinhof Complex” and “Yes Men Fix the World.”

COMING UP: Movies scheduled for national release April 6 include “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans,” “The Collector” and “Beeswax.” Check with local video stores for availability.

— Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times (“DVD and Blu-ray Extras” from wire and online sources)