DVDCORNER’S 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, it’s time for people to start shopping for friends and family for the holiday season. For some people, shopping for presents can be a stressful experience, but I’m here to help you out with some home video entertainment suggestions. Below, I have posted my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide that also doubles as a Best Blu-rays and DVDs of 2012 list. To make things easier for the readers, I have divided up my suggestions in categories that include Blu-rays, DVDs, Sci-Fi, TV Series, Anime, Sports and Kids. I have even mentioned a single accessory that will appeal to fans of a certain sci-fi TV series. So, without further adieu, here’s the list:
Blu-rays:
Indiana Jones- The Complete Adventures (Blu-ray)- A no-brainer. Worth buying just to see “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” in 1080p.
The Rocketeer (Blu-ray)- Even though this is a 2011 title, I was unable to include it in my Gift Guide as it had not yet been released at the time of the publication date of my 2011 Gift Guide. At any rate, “The Rocketeer” is (in my humble opinion) the best comic book film of all time and it looks and sounds better than it ever has on Blu-ray.
James Bond Films (Blu-ray)- Of all of the Blu-rays I have viewed over the years, few rate as highly as the Bond films. From a Connery classic like “Goldfinger” to Daniel Craig’s finest outing in “Casino Royale,” all of the Bond films look and sound stunning in hi-def. All 22 Bond films are now available individually and in the newly released Bond 50 Blu-ray set.
The Gold Rush Criterion (Blu-ray)- Charlie Chaplin’s hilarious silent film comedy was arguably the best Criterion release this year.
The Navigator (Blu-ray)- Kino has consistently put out great discs of silent and classic films and this underrated Buster Keaton flick was a highlight.
Red Tails (Blu-ray and DVD)- An underappreciated, exciting, important, and emotional Lucasfilm production about the Tuskegee Airmen.
Manhattan (Blu-ray)- Film buffs and Woody Allen fans will fall head over heels in love with this gorgeous looking Blu-ray transfer of Allen’s classic film.
Excision (Blu-ray and DVD)- 2012 hasn’t been a great year for horror, but this little seem gem is a title worth picking up for the horror fan on your list.
The Avengers (Blu-ray and DVD)- Need I say more?
DVDs:
RiffTrax: The Crater Lake Monster and The Galaxy Invader- These two affordably priced discs are guaranteed to make anyone laugh. In fact, any RiffTrax DVD or download makes a great gift for the comedy fan on your list.
The Tommy Wi-Show: Season 1 (DVD)- This web series is the most obscure item on my list, but it’s a must own for fans of Tommy Wiseau (the mastermind who wrote, produced, directed and starred in the cult classic “The Room”). Buy it here: http://www.studio8.net/store/wishow/
TV Series:
Game Of Thrones Season 1 (Blu-ray or DVD)- The best show on TV is required viewing for any TV aficionados.
The Inbetweeners (U.K. Version): The Complete Series (DVD)- For the raunchy British TV comedy fan on your list.
Friends: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)- At long last, the beloved sitcom hits Blu-ray with a massive box set containing brand spanking new extras and remastered video and audio for all 236 episodes. It’s like experiencing the adventures of Joey, Phoebe, Ross, Rachel, Monica and Chandler anew!
Sherlock Season 2 (Blu-ray or DVD)- Forget about picking up the Robert Downey Jr. movies and get one of THE best adaptations of Sherlock Holmes to date with the Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss BBC TV series.
Check It Out! With Dr. Steve Brule: Seasons 1 and 2 (DVD)- For fans of Tim & Eric, John C. Reilly, Adult Swim programming, and cable access TV shows.
Sci-Fi:
Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote- We don’t normally cover accessories, but this is too cool not to mention. If you want to find a special gift for a “Doctor Who” fan (or if you want to treat yourself to a cool Whovian gift), the Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remote is the item to get. Not only does it have 13 neat sound f/x, but it can control everything from Blu-ray players to TVs. It definitely beats having a mere plastic Sonic Screwdriver toy!
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 Blu-ray- My personal pick for the best Blu-ray of the year. With incredible hi-def restorations of each episode and extras that are actually worth watching, every “Star Trek” fan should own this set.
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (Blu-ray or DVD)- Get the “Doctor Who” fan on your list in the Christmas spirit with what is arguably the best X-Mas special to date. This episode is also available on the “Doctor Who- Series 6” Blu-ray and DVD sets.
Transformers Prime: Season 1 (Blu-ray and DVD)- With no new live-action film until 2014, this new animated incarnation of the popular Hasbro franchise should tide Autobot and Decepticon fans over until then. Season 2 will be available on Blu-ray and DVD November 27th.
Doctor Who: Carnival Of Monsters: Special Edition (DVD)- For fans of classic “Doctor Who,” this is one of the best episodes of that era. This special edition disc is also jam packed with extras to boot.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4 (Blu-ray and DVD)- Outside of the complete saga Blu-ray release, it doesn’t get much better for “Star Wars” fans than this fourth season set of the animated series “The Clone Wars” which sees the return of Darth Maul.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Blu-ray)- Olive Films is fast becoming a favorite home video label and it’s not hard to see why with the best home video release of the 1956 version of the sci-fi classic.
Anime:
Dragon Ball Z Kai (Blu-ray and DVD)- The re-edited and remastered versions of the classic action anime series are now available to own in 8 parts or in three season sets (the fourth season set is not yet available).
Steins;Gate Part 1 (Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack)- A fun time travel anime series that is undoubtedly one of the best 2012 Funimation releases.
Shangri-La Parts 1 and 2 (DVD)- A supremely well written and engaging series that should please most anime fans.
The Secret World Of Arrietty (Blu-ray and DVD)- Another must own Studio Ghibli release.
Sports:
Moneyball (Blu-ray or DVD)- The perfect gift for a baseball or Oakland A’s fan.
The Essential Games Of… (DVD)- Know any Brewers, Phillies, Cubs, Astros, Rangers, Red Sox, Tigers or Mariners fans? Then pick up one of the “Essential Games Of” sets that collects 4 of the best games in each club’s history.
Kids:
Hugo (Blu-ray and DVD)- A wonderful family film by Martin Scorsese.
The Muppets (Blu-ray and DVD)- Fall in love with the Muppets all over again with this superbly produced home video release of the highly entertaining 2011 feature film.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers- Season 1 Volume 1 (DVD). It took many years, but the original Power Rangers have finally hit DVD! A Complete Series DVD set is also available to own.
Brave (Blu-ray and DVD)- Pixar’s latest film will make a great addition to any home video library.
That’s a wrap for 2012! See you next year!
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