5 Digital Entertainment Deals: eBooks, Free iPad Apps, Blu-ray Discs, more

Digital entertainment as we know it was in its infancy just a decade ago. In 2002, sure there were CDs and DVDs, but there were no Blu-ray players (officially released in 2006) nor eBooks. And think back to your favorite gaming console and computer: not exactly hi-tech or portable.

While we can look back on those days nostalgically, there's more fun to be had in the present day and age. And so we've rounded up five digital entertainment deals that all share the Editors' Choice distinction. From game apps to Blu-ray discs — and of course eBooks — we've got the entertainment you're looking for at a steal.

1. Dark Fury Pro Downloads for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
   Vendor: iTunes App Store
   Price: Free
   Lowest By: $6

   Is It Worth It?: Noumena Innovations strikes again, with the companion to Dark Fury that has earned raves from gamers. Designed for the modern iDevices, note that this game contains infrequent/mild cartoon or fantasy violence, and that some in-app purchases could set you back "200 evil gems" or $14.99.

2. Mela Downloads for iPad with Free Bollywood Movies
   Vendor: iTunes App Store
   Price: Free
   Expires: January 31

   Is It Worth It?: Mela brings to you unlimited viewing of its catalog of hundreds of Bollywood movies for free during its current promotion. Highlights include five-stat titles like: "Dhoom" ("Blast"), "Dil To Pagal Hai" ("The Heart Is Crazy"), and "Band Bajaa Baraat" ("Bands Horns and Revelry"). It's a great way to dive into the breathtaking, hyperbolic world of Bollywood cinema — just make sure you don't have any plans for the next three or so hours. Note that you may want to cancel your subscription before the promotion ends on January 31, or you will be charged $4.99 per month.

3. Star Trek Online for Windows
   Vendor: Cryptic Studios
   Price: Free
   Lowest By: $15

   Is It Worth It?: We think Spock will agree that it's more than logical to log on and play this MMPORG when the price is free. We do at least, and this Star Trek deal gives you a free account with two character slots, a 10 million energy credit cap, 42 inventory slots, 48 bank inventory slots, and more. As the website states, it's "Your Captain, Your Crew, Your Destiny," as you seek out new life and new civilizations and encounter hostile beings. For more information, click here. Real-life phasers and photon torpedoes sold separately.

4. Avatar 3-Disc Extended Collector's Edition on Blu-ray
   Vendor: Amazon
   Price: $19.99 with free shipping via Prime
   Lowest By: $2

   Is It Worth It?: James Cameron's film broke all sorts of barriers in its use of newfangled, computer-aided photography, so you can imagine how much extra material was collected as cinematographer Mauro Fiore mastered the new technology. This 3-disc set features more than eight hours of new material, including interactive scene deconstruction that allows you to explore the production of 17 different scenes through three viewing modes. Even better, this version is available at the best price we've ever seen.

5. $10 Kindle Textbook eBook Credit
   Vendor: Amazon
   Discount: Free via coupon code "ETXTBOOK" or "TEXTBOOK"
   Expires: January 23

   Is It Worth It?: OK, so textbooks aren't "fun" per se — but getting something for nothing is, and with this deal, Amazon gives you $10 to spend on the Kindle Textbook eBook of your liking. We bet you'll be able to find a text on photography, film, or some other hobby-like pursuit that thrills you. Note that some exclusions apply. For more details click here.

Front page photo credit: eBookee