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.