Holiday Gift Guide: Family

Picking out the perfect gift can be a daunting task. To make things a little easier on you I’ve compiled a list of recommended films that have come out in the past couple months. This section of the guide is dedicated to Family films

 Family

A Cat in Paris (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

“A Cat in Paris” is French animated film (with an English language dub for those who don’t speak French) that is more adventurous than most children’s movies are these days. The story is about a kind-hearted burglar, a mischievous cat, a little girl, an unsolved murder and an art thief. There’s suspense and a hint of danger, but the film is less frightening than other animated films like “Sleeping Beauty” or “The Secret of Nimh” (which I loved as a child and still enjoy today).

Brave (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Pixar’s first princess story feels a little conservative for the typically atypical studio, but the animation is extraordinary, the celebration of Scottish heritage is long overdue and the story isn’t as predictable as you might expect from a coming-of-age princess tale.

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Steven Spielberg’s classic tale of a young boy’s friendship with a homesick alien comes to Blu-ray and it looks and sounds astounding. I’m completely biased, the film had an immeasurable impact on me, but there’s absolutely no excuse for not having this film in your collection.

Finding Nemo (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray Release Date: 12/4]

Pixar’s classic fish tale about a father’s tireless search to find his abducted son makes its way to Blu-ray. The film is fantastic and while I’ve only seen the 2D version it looks spectacular.

Ice Age: Continental Drift (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Release Date: December 11]

The fourth film in the “Ice Age” franchise isn’t quite up the standard of “Ice Age: The Dawn of the Dinosaurs” (which is my favorite in the series), but it does offer plenty of the sort of antics you’ve come to expect from Manny and friends with a few pirates thrown in for the sake of variety.

Looney Tunes Platinum Collection: Volume Two (DVD and Blu-ray)

The second volume in the “Looney Tunes Platinum Collection” features 50 classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons produced between 1936-1959 (the Blu-ray features an additional 30 or so). Included are classic short films with Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, the Road Runner, Tweety and more. Warner Bros. has included a healthy selection of bonus features that probably won’t interest children, but for those of us that grew up watching these films a little bit of history into the process of creation and those who were responsible for the animation is fascinating.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

While in Africa, Alex and his cohorts grow homesick for New York City and embark on a journey that requires them to sign up with a traveling circus to have any hope of getting home. I enjoyed the way the circus aspect of the plot gave the film a certain amount of energy that I wasn’t expecting. It does feel a little too much like “Dumbo” from time to time (only with less heart and more pop culture references), but I’ve yet to meet a kid who didn’t enjoy it.

ParaNorman (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Release Date: 11/27]

“ParaNorman” is an animated horror film for kids with a taste for zombies and ghosts and adults who’ll pick up on all the references to horror films that their children (presumably) haven’t seen.  Produced by Laika, the same company responsible for “Coraline” (which I prefer), using stop-motion and featuring the voices of Casey Affleck, Anna Kendrick and John Goodman “ParaNorman” is clearly a labor of love for the filmmakers (the same can’t be said for “Hotel Transylvania”) and a recommended purchase for fans of creepy-crawly family films.

Pixar Short Film Collection: Volume 2 (DVD and Blu-ray)

Part of the fun of going to a Pixar film is getting to see the short films that always accompany them. This release collects 12 shorts released between 2007-2012 including classics like “Presto” and “La Luna” as well as shorts featuring characters from “Toy Story,” “Wall•e” and “Ratatouille” (the Blu-ray adds a few student films from John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Pete Docter that show off the directors’ budding potential). Think of it as bite-size brilliance.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated: Danger in the Deep (DVD)

These 13 episodes from the second season of the latest Scooby-Doo! series are almost as entertaining as the original series. I was surprised by how many pop culture references there and was even more shocked by how obscure many of those references were. If you liked the classic originals you’re likely to enjoy these as well.

Secret of the Wings (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Disney continues its “Disney Fairies” series with another film dedicated to Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. Whereas some of the early Disney direct-to-video releases felt more like a cash-in, rather than an artistic necessity, the Tinker Bell films have been decent to above average (in fact this film had a fairly successful theatrical release in various parts of the world). If you have, or are, a Disney princess you’ll want to pick this title up for your collection.

Secret World of Arrietty (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

The most recent US release of the Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli film is a strikingly gorgeous movie based on Mary Norton’s “The Borrowers,” a children’s book about a world of tiny people who live beneath the floors and within the walls of any given house. “Secret World of Arrietty” is easily the most accessible film the studio has done and serves as a wonderful introduction to their diverse catalogue of critically aclaimed titles like “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke.”

Family Box Sets

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ultimate Edition (DVD and Blu-ray)

The last two films in the Harry Potter franchise get the Ultimate Edition treatment with extended bonus features and collectables. I expected Warner Bros. to release each film separately, but they’ve kindly included both in this one box set. If you really want to splurge you could always pick up the massive “Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection” that includes all of the Ultimate Editions of all eight films plus exclusive bonus content.

The Magic School Bus: The Complete Series (DVD)

All 52 episodes from the four seasons of the educational series “The Magic School Bus” are gathered together for the first time. Produced between 1994 and 1997 the series examines a variety of subjects, some more difficult than others, in a very approachable way that is entertaining for both adults and children. When I first sat down this box set I planned on watching two or three episodes to get a feel for the series and found myself spending a few afternoons and evenings working my way through the entire collection. If you’re going to spend time in front of the television you might as well learn something while doing it.

My First Collection: Volume 4 (DVD)

For those with very young children Scholastic has put together a series of short films that are aimed at children between the ages of 2 and 4. Their most recent release features three discs from the series including “Robot Zot!,” “Too Many Toys,” and “The Curious Garden.” The series’ purpose is two fold: to entertain and to inspire youngsters to want to read. Quite honestly I’ve never been disappointed in any of the collections Scholastic has released. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Drama

Picking out the perfect gift can be a daunting task. To make things a little easier on you I’ve compiled a list of recommended films that have come out in the past couple months. This section of the guide covers the Drama genre. 

Drama

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (DVD and Blu-ray)

Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith lead who’s who of older British talent in this amusing romp about retirees who come to India expecting a luxurious experience but find their new residence isn’t exactly what it was advertised to be. “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is a charming film that thrives off of the performances of its amazing cast.

Chico & Rita (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

The romance between a young jazz musician and a beautiful dancer in Cuba, 1948, provides the foundation of this beautiful and exotic animated film. “Chico & Rita” racked up a variety of European awards for Best Animated Film and was nominated for an Oscar at this year’s Academy Awards. Like “Waltz with Bashir,” “Chico & Rita” is an intelligent and complex animated film made for adults that will appeal to anyone who loves art house cinema.

Elena (DVD)

This Russian film about a woman who is forced to choose between her cold, but financially plush husband and the needs of her lazy and manipulative son. The script offers many surprises as it throws out the traditional formula by painting its characters as a complicated and realistically flawed.

The French Connection: Filmmakers Signature Collection (Blu-ray)

When William Friedkin’s celebrated drug-smuggling thriller made its Blu-ray debut it featured a radically different color scheme than its theatrical and previous home video releases. This re-release, as part of Fox’s Filmmaker Signature Collection, restores the film’s original look.

The Game (Blu-ray)

Director David Fincher’s psychological thriller about a man (Michael Douglas) caught on a dark and twisting adventure where truth and reality are blurred beyond recognition finally gets a proper DVD and Blu-ray release courtesy of the Criterion Collection. A restored transfer, lossless audio and bonus features that include an audio commentary with Fincher and his crew, an alternate ending and an hour’s worth behind the scenes footage make this release essential for fans of Fincher’s films.

In the Mood for Love (Blu-ray)

Wong Kar-wai’s brilliant masterpiece about two neighbors who discover that their spouses are having an affair with each other is a mesmerizing look at passion confined by fading moral codes. Set in Hong Kong, 1962, the movie is one of the most painfully beautiful films ever created. The cinematography, sound design and performances are all perfect. 

Lawless (Blu-ray) [Release Date: 11/27]

Musician/screenwriter Nick Cave and director John Hillcoat reunite for this dark and visceral story about a family of successful bootleggers during Prohibition in the United States and a corrupt lawman who wants his cut of their profits. “Lawless” features a great cast that includes Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Guy Pearce. If you’re looking for a slice of US history with a hefty amount of brutality “Lawless” is your film.

Rashomon (DVD and Blu-ray)

Akira Kurosawa’s film about the murder of a woman is told via four distinct and contradictory perspectives. Considered by many to be among the greatest films ever made “Rashomon” sees its Blu-ray debut via the Criterion Collection. The film recently went through a digital restoration and while the results aren’t flawless they are a dramatic improvement over previous home video releases (and probably about as good as the film will ever look).

Ruby Sparks (DVD and Blu-ray)

“Ruby Sparks” is a romantic comedy about an author (Paul Dano) who discovers Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan), his fictional perfect girlfriend, cooking in his kitchen. It’s a fun and smart indie drama that will placate mainstream moviegoers as well as more finicky audiences that want more than a string of clichés leading to a happy ending.

Sunset Boulevard (Blu-ray)

Gloria Swanson’s unhinged performance as a faded silent movie is a wonderful dark satire on the allure of fame, fortune and all things Hollywood. This new Blu-ray release features a gorgeous transfer and a hefty amount of bonus features included a deleted scene, retrospective featurettes and an audio commentary from “Sunset Boulevard” expert Ed Sikov.

Titanic (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

James Cameron’s blockbuster makes its Blu-ray debut. Fans of the film will have little to nothing to complain about. The audio is strong, picture looks great (in 3D or 2D) and there are ample bonus features. You should also consider Cameron’s 3D Titanic documentary “Ghosts of the Abyss,” the Criterion Collection’s release of the 1958 classic “A Night to Remember” as well as HISTORY’s “Titanic at 100: Mystery Solved.”

Drama Box Sets

Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Blu-ray)

This collection contains 15 of Hitchcock’s films, primarily from his most successful Hollywood years, including “Psycho,” “The Birds,” “Vertigo,” “Rear Window” and “North by Northwest.” The visual quality of the films varies, but all the films look better than their DVD counterparts. If you’re a fan of the thriller genre, or simply classic cinema, this collection is a must own. Alternatively, if you’re looking for just a quick taste of Hitchcock’s brillance, you could pick up Warner Bros. excellent Blu-ray release of Hitchcock’s “Strangers on a Train.”

Holiday Gift Guide: Action, Comedy and Documentry

Picking out the perfect gift can be a daunting task. To make things a little easier on you I’ve compiled a list of recommended films that have come out in the past couple months. This section of the guide covers the Action, Comedy and Documentary genres.

Action

The Amazing Spider-Man (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Was it too soon to reboot the Spider-Man franchise? Probably, but that didn’t keep director Warc Webb and stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone’s from making an highly enjoyable movie.

The Avengers (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

It’s hard to imagine any movie collection being complete without Joss Whedon’s intelligent celebration of Marvel’s “The Avengers.” It’s popcorn cinema at its best. 

Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Release Date: 12/4]

The final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy seems to get better every time I watch it. It’s perfectly dark, brooding and brilliant.

Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (DVD and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Jet Li reteams with director Tsui Hark for this beautiful wuxia film. The script isn’t quite on par with the action or the cinematography, but that doesn’t keep the film from being a sumptuous feast for fans of Asian cinema.

Jaws (Blu-ray)

Steven Spielberg’s timeless masterpiece “Jaws” is considered the first summer blockbuster and launched the young director into the stratosphere. The documentaries on the recently released Blu-ray also give insight to how the film nearly didn’t happen at all.

The Raid: Redemption (DVD and Blu-ray)

Gareth Evan’s Indonesian action film won over Sundance audiences earlier this year and was quickly earmarked for an English language remake. There’s no reason to wait for the remake; the original is cinematic chaos at its absolute best.

With Great Power… The Stan Lee Story (DVD)

Without Stan Lee there wouldn’t be the Avengers, Spider-Man, the X-Men or numerous other comic book characters. This wonderful documentary explores Lee’s early years and his rise as one of the comic world’s greatest storytellers.

Action Box Sets

The Tim Burton Blu-ray Collection

A collection of director Tim Burton’s first seven films for Warner Bros. The set includes “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,” “Beetlejuice”. “Batman,” “Batman Returns,” “Mars Attacks!,” “Corpse Bride,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and a lovely book. This set pairs perfectly with Touchstone’s Blu-ray release of Burton’s classic “Ed Wood.”

Bond 50 (DVD and Blu-ray)

For the first time all the James Bond films (minus the semi-unofficial “Never Say Never Again”) in one box set. This set pairs well with the recently released “James Bond Gadgets” from the kind folks at HISTORYand A&E. 

Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures (Blu-ray)

All four of the Indiana Jones films in stunning high definition.

Comedy 

The Five-Year Engagement (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Stars Jason Segel and Emily Blunt shine in this romantic/drama about a couple whose relationship begins to disintegrate while their plans to get married are constantly being delayed.

Moonrise Kingdom (DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Wes Anderson’s latest comedy is a about the impossibly idealistic romance between twelve-year-old Sam, a Khaki scout, and Suzy, the daughter of eccentric attorneys (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand). Together the pair runaway only to be chased by concerned parents, a scout master, a policeman, disinterested siblings and egger scouts.

My Sucky Teen Romance (DVD and Blu-ray)

Emily Hagins’ newest film focuses on the expectations associated with young people going to sci-fi/horror conventions and the pervasive popularity of sparkly vampires. 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (Blu-ray)

John Hughes’ classic comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy finally makes its way to Blu-ray. The transfer isn’t perfect, Paramount uses too much digital noise reduction giving some the film a slightly waxy appearance, but the bonus features and the film itself make up for the visual faux pas.

The Princess Bride: 25^th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)

Rob Reiner’s adaptation of William Goldman’s novel is a wonderful romp that balances parody with heart. The 25^th Anniversary Edition of the film includes a new retrospective with interviews from the cast as they look back at the lasting impact of the movie. 

The Royal Tenenbaums (Blu-ray)

Wes Anderson’s beloved comedy about a truly unique and completely dysfunctional family arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of the Criterion Collection. The extensive bonus features from the DVD have been carried over and the image quality is nearly flawless.

Documentaries 

Bill Cunningham New York (DVD and Blu-ray) [Blu-ray Release Date: 12/11]

Richard Press’ documentary about the famed photographer Bill Cunningham is a delightful look into the life of a man that no one seems know but everyone loves.

Katy Perry: Part of Me (DVD, Blu-ray/DVD Combo and 3D Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

“Part of Me” is a deeply felt documentary/concert video about an artist that never let the music industry change her and her exhausting struggle to balance her personal life with her dedication to her fans.

The Invisible War (DVD)

Director Kirby Dick’s documentary about rape within the US military and the systematic failure to investigate, let alone prosecute, the alleged perpetrators is a punch to the gut. Without acknowledgement of the problem there will never be a solution. Brilliant, shocking and necessary viewing.

My Trip to Al-Qaeda (DVD)

Based on Lawrence Wright’s extensive research and experiences interviewing family members, friends and associates of Osama Bin Laden, “My Trip to Al-Qaeda” offers frightening insight to the purpose behind the terrorist attacks of 9/11 as well as the lasting impact they have had on America.

Nina Conti: Here Master’s Voice (DVD)

Nina Conti is a British actress and ventriloquist. This film is a wonderful peak into the mind of an artist as she tries to navigate her way through professional insecurity and doubt while coming to terms with the loss of a dear friend.

Documentary Box Sets

Ancient Egypt Anthology (DVD)

This six-disc set dedicated to the rise and fall of ancient Egyptian society from HISTORY collects programs from the channel’s diverse programs like “Planet Egypt,” “Modern Marvels,” “Lost Worlds” as well as “Egypt: Beyond the Pyramids” and “Engineering an Empire.” There is a bit of overlap between the various programs, but if you are looking for a crash course on ancient Egypt this collection is a wonderful place to start.

History in 3D (3D Blu-ray)

HISTORY has paired together three of its 3D programs for this box set. I quite like “WWII in 3D” and the high paced “History of the World in Two Hours in 3D.” I’m not nearly as sold on “Titanic: 100 Years in 3D.” It’s one of the channel’s lesser Titanic documentaries and pales to James Cameron’s 3D epic “Ghosts of the Abyss.” Still, if you can find the set at a reasonable price its worth picking up.

The Paradise Lost Trilogy (DVD)

The landmark West Memphis Three documentary trilogy from directors Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky gets the box set treatment it deserves. This four-disc set includes all three films and their previously released bonus features along with more than two hours of exclusive interviews and deleted scenes.

The Universe in 3D (3D Blu-ray)

This three-disc set from HISTORY features three episodes from “The Universe” series in 3D. Two of the episodes, “Catastrophes that Changed the Planets” and “Nemesis: The Sun’s Evil Twin,” are appropriately dramatic, while “How the Solar System was Made” is more academic. If you like “The Universe” series and want to test out your 3D capabilities this set comes recommended.