January 2012: Best Release

Everything to fall back on, but it can only be The Fall itself!
In the space of barely two weeks, January became a month that while initially on no one's radar in terms of entertainment releases, now one of the most important and influential periods in the year. The reason? Sherlock. This masterfully crafted second season of cases penned by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and Steve Thompson was packed with thrilling and memorable and completely outstanding moments that will likely be recalled as some of the best of 2012, and it all hit its brilliant climax with by far the best episode of the run, The Reichenbach Fall. From the hilarious yet utterly creepy moments where Moriarty's omniscience reigned upon every situation he manipulated, the break-ins and the taxi journey particular highlights of mine, to the intensely realistic 'burning' of Sherlock's reputation as more and more of his friends turned against him, to the heart-breaking 'note' and graveyard scenes, this was through-and-through a skilfully crafted television masterpiece that left no room for error, and every bit of room for speculation. Because honestly, who won't be wondering just how Mr Holmes survived his deadly descent when the series returns next year? Let the guessing continue!
Below is the start of my ongoing list of all of the year's best releases, but this time around, there's a twist- the Runner-Up(s) for each month will also be included below, and come December I'll name 2012's Best Entertainment Release and the Runner-Up for the award...
JANUARY 2012- SHERLOCK: THE REICHENBACH FALL (RUNNERS-UP: WAR HORSE; SHERLOCK: A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA)