Edward Speleers

Eighteen-year-old British actor Edward Speleers says he was just minding his own business, appearing as "Hamlet" in a school play, when he decided to go on an audition for the title role of "Eragon." The special-effects laden adaptation of Christopher Paolini's 2003 bestselling fantasy adventure opens Friday. "I had always done school productions," he says. "But I had never been in front of the camera."

Eighteen-year-old British actor Edward Speleers says he was just minding his own business, appearing as "Hamlet" in a school play, when he decided to go on an audition for the title role of "Eragon." The special-effects laden adaptation of Christopher Paolini's 2003 bestselling fantasy adventure opens Friday. "I had always done school productions," he says. "But I had never been in front of the camera."

"Downton Abbey," a period British TV series that has become an American obsession, is back Sunday night for its third season, in the framework of "Masterpiece: Classic. " For the several millions who have waited months for its return, it is a day that has not come too soon; I am not unhappy to see it myself. With its castle and costumes and superior production values - the show is never less than lovely to look at, and most every second of it is deliciously acted, in a way you are meant to notice - it is comfort food packaged as a gourmet meal, old soap in a Tiffany container.

There is a surprisingly moving documentary on the two-disc special edition of "Blood Diamond" (Warner, $35), Edward Zwick's drama set during the civil war and chaos that ensued in Sierra Leone in the 1990s over the conflict diamond trade. In "Blood on the Stone," the film's advisor -- journalist and filmmaker Sorious Samura -- returns to his native Sierra Leone. At one point, he interviews two young men who were child soldiers about eight years ago.

About the list: This Sneaks list is a snapshot of films expected to open through the end of the year. Dates and other details are subject to change. Holiday Sneaks: Capsules compiled by Patrick Day and Kinsey Lowe.