ReelBob’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
By Bob Bloom
The pandemic getting you down? Are you staying home to keep healthy and safe?
In that case, here are some options for that movie buff in the family or in your circle of friends.
Before you know it, bargains galore will be descending like snowflakes. So, to help out, here are some gift-giving choices for this holiday season.
Prices vary, depending on where — and how — you shop. I suggest checking various online retailers and brick-and-mortar store websites to find the best deals and have them shipped to your or your gift recipient.
CLASSIC MOVIES
“The Alfred Hitchcock Classic Collection” (4K UHD + Blu-ray + digital) (1954-63, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, various ratings)
Fans of the Master of Suspense will be thrilled with this eight-disc set that features four Alfred Hitchcock movies from the 1950s and 1960s in 4K UHD and Blu-ray.
The titles, “Rear Window” (1954, PG), “Vertigo” (1958, PG), “Psycho” (1960, R) and “The Birds” (1963, PG-13) look and sound fabulous.
These movies are timeless, offering suspense and chills as only Hitchcock could conceive.
With star-studded casts that include James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor, the films will entice any film buff to spend a day in front of his flat screen.
Plus, the set features hours of extras, including the original, extended-cut theatrical release of “Psycho,” and behind-the-scenes looks, interviews and other extras that will heighten the enjoyment of all four movies.
“Sophia Loren: Award Collection” (Blu-ray, 1962-70, Kino Lorber Studio Classics, not rated)
In this country, Sophia Loren was appreciated more for her figure than her acting. In her native Italy, however, she was seen as a versatile performer adept at drama and comedy.
This five-disc set features four movies that display Loren’s range. The set features “Boccaccio ’70” (1962), an anthology that offers four comic moral tales about the hypocrisies surrounding sex in 1960s Italy. The film costars Anita Ekberg and Romy Schneider and the tales were directed by Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, Mario Monicelli and Luchino Visconti.
“Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” (1963) teams Loren and Marcello Mastroianni in three different stories set throughout Italy. The movie, directed by De Sica, won the Academy Award for best foreign language film.
“Marriage Italian Style” (1964), also directed by De Sica, reteams Loren and Mastroianni in a comedy about a fed-up mistress who resorts to a series of wild and hilarious ruses to win her lover’s hand in marriage.
Finally, there is “Sunflower” (1970), another De Sica feature. This is an emotional melodrama about a wife (Loren) searching for her husband (Mastroianni, again) on the World War II battlefields of Russia.
The fifth disc in the set is a DVD featuring the documentary, “Vittorio D” that examines the life and legacy of this legendary actor-director.
Fans of Italian cinema, Loren and/or De Sica cannot go wrong with this set.
CONTEMPORARY FEATURES
Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy (4K UHD + Blu-ray + digital) (1985-90, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, PG)
Back to the Future: The Ultimate Trilogy (Blu-ray + digital) (1985-90, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, PG)
Great Scott! Marty McFly, Doc Brown, the evil and buffoonish Biff and Einstein the dog all are back in these 35th anniversary sets featuring the three films in the series as well as loads of bonus options.
The 4K UHD release offers new and sharper picture qualities that jump off your screen.
And while this is not the first release of the movies in one set, it does provide a heightened viewer experience.
Here’s your chance to spend more time with Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover and the rest of the cast.
And be sure to check out some of the interesting bonus materials, including audition tapes from some young stars who did not make the cut.
“Focus Features 10-Movie Spotlight Collection” (Blu-ray + digital, 2003-19, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, various ratings)
Consider this a greatest hits cinema set of many memorable movies produced over the past 17 years by Focus Features.
The movies spotlighted in the set are: Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” (2003, R), with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson; “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004, R), directed by Michel Gondry, co-written by the director and Charlie Kaufman and starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet; “Pride & Prejudice” (2005, PG), directed by Joe Wright and featuring an all-star cast including Keira Knightley, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan and Matthew Macfadyen; Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” (2005, R), starring Jake Gylllenhaal and Heath Ledger; “Atonement” (2007, R), directed by Joe Wright and starring Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Saorise Ronan; the Coen brothers’ comedy, “Burn After Reading” (2008, R), with a top-notch ensemble including George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons and Richard Jenkins; Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012, PG-13), with Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward; “The Theory of Everything” (2014, PG-13) featuring an Oscar-winning performance by Eddie Redmayne and co-starring Felicity Jones; “On the Basis of Sex” (2018, PG-13), starring Felicity Jones as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Armie Hammer as her husband, Martin; and “Harriet” (2019, PG-13) starring Cynthia Ervio as Harriet Tubman.
It will be nearly impossible to find a title in this set that will not excite nor entertain that film buff in your family or circle of friends.
Plus, the sets do contain bonus offerings to add to the enjoyment.
“Resident Evil: Limited Edition Collection” (4K UHD + Blu-ray + digital, 2002-16, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, all movies, R)
This franchise, based on the popular video game, spawned six movies, all involving Alice (Milla Jovovich), a superhuman security expert who is battling the sinister Umbrella Corp. as the world’s population is being transformed into flesh-eating creatures.
The set contains “Resident Evil” (2002), “Resident Evil: Apocalypse” (2004), “Resident Evil: Extinction” (2007), “Resident Evil: Afterlife” (2010), “Resident Evil: Retribution” (2012) and “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” (2016).
All the films feature bonus materials. Fans of this series will appreciate having all the movies in one tidy set and also the option to watch them on your PS5.
FOR KIDS
Looking for something to keep the youngsters occupied while you are cooking a holiday meal or wrapping those holiday gifts?
Here are a couple of sets that will keep them busy for a few hours, while you do your chores.
“Bugs Bunny: 80th Anniversary Collection” (Blu-ray + digital, Warner Home Entertainment, not rated)
Honestly, as a Bugs Bunny fan, I found this set somewhat disappointing. It’s a three-disc set with 60 cartoons, the majority of which have been previously released on Blu-ray and/or DVD.
Now, if you are not too familiar with Bugs nor have any of the earlier sets, this is a good beginning. It features some great titles, such as “The Rabbit of Seville,” “What’s Up Doc” and “Baseball Bugs.”
It also includes a very bizarre looking Funko Pop Bugs Bunny figurine that looks nothing like the iconic animated character.
So, if you want to introduce the youngsters to Bugs Bunny, this would be an easy first step.
Oh, I have to inform you that Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of this Blu-ray set and that the opinions I share here are my own and not the studio’s.
“DreamWorks 10-Movie Collection” (Blu-ray + digital, 2001-19, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, G, PG)
Over the years, DreamWorks has provided many hours of animated fun. This set highlights some of those titles. They include “Shrek” (2001, PG); “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” (2002, G); “Madagascar” (2005, PG); “Kung Fu Panda” (2008, PG); “How to Train Your Dragon (2010, PG); “The Croods” (2013, PG); “Home” (2015, PG); “Trolls” (2016, PG); “The Boss Baby” (2017, PG); and “Abominable” (2019, PG).
Vocal talents include Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Matt Damon, Jack Black, Alec Baldwin, Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake and Steve Buscemi.
The set also features hours of fun bonus offerings.
Green Eggs and Ham: The Complete First Season (DVD, 2019-20, Warner Home Entertainment, not rated)
The world of the beloved Dr. Seuss comes to life in this 13-episode Netflix series based on the popular book by the imaginative author.
The series, with Ellen DeGeneres serving as executive producer, features an all-star cast of vocal talent including Academy Award-winners Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton, plus Adam Devine, Keegan-Michael Key, Jillian Bell, Eddie Izzard and Ilana Glazer.
The two-disc set follows Sam (Devine) and Guy (Douglas) who, after a chance meeting at a diner and a briefcase mix-up, getting them involved in a road trip to save an endangered animal — the elusive Chickeraffe.
There are various encounters and bad guys who keep all the action lively. A nice set that the young ones will enjoy.
“Illumination Presents 10 Movie Collection” (Blu-ray + digital, 2010-19, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, all PG)
Time to have some laughs and reacquaint your children — and possibly yourselves — to some not-so-evil masterminds and a few precocious pets.
This set features “Despicable Me” (2010), “Despicable Me 2” (2013), “Despicable Me 3” (2017), “Minions” (2015), “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016), “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019), “Sing” (2016), “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (2012), “Hop” (2011) and “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” (2018).
Among the vocal talent is Steve Carell, Kevin Hart, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Jenny Slate, Albert Brooks and Benedict Cumberbatch.
HOLIDAY
Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale: Special Edition (Blu-ray + digital, 2007, Warner Home Video, not rated)
Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse star in this animated adaptation of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” with music by Tchaikovsky.
Jerry, who adores the ballet, dreams of performing in it. His dream comes true and he is taken to an enchanted kingdom where anything — and everything — is possible, including toys, such as the music-box ballerina, come to life.
But a group of alley cats, led by Tom, crash Jerry’s party, kidnap the ballerina and create havoc in the kingdom.
It is up to Jerry, his sidekick Tuffy and his new-found friends, to set things right and send the cats back to where they belong.
Children will love this version of the perennial holiday offering. It also contains two “Tom and Jerry” Christmas-themed episodes.
HORROR
“Blumhouse of Horrors: 10 Movie Collection” (Blu-ray + digital, 2013-19, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, PG-13, R, not rated)
T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house, creatures were stirring — thanks to this movie set featuring things that go bump in the night, evil spirits and crazed killers.
The set comes with “The Purge” (2013, R), “Unfriended” (2014, R, “Ouija” (2014, PG-13), “The Boy Next Door” (2015, R), “The Visit” (2015, PG-13), “Split” (2016, PG-13), “Get Out” (2017, R), “Happy Death Day” (2017, PG-13), two versions of “Truth or Dare” (2018), the theatrical and unrated cuts; and “Ma” (2019, R).
Performers featured in these movies include Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer, Ethan Hawke, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lopez, Lena Headey, Jessica Rothe, Anya Taylor-Joy, Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams and Juliette Lewis.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, watching these movies could give you nightmares that turn your holiday red — blood red.
SPORTS
The Last Dance (Blu-ray, 2020, ESPN Films-Disney Media Networks, Not rated)
This ESPN, 10-part documentary series follows Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls on their quest for their sixth NBA championship in eight years.
A film crew followed Jordan and the team throughout the 1997-98 season, which was filled with conflict and tension.
The three-disc set features hours of interviews with hundreds of former and current NBA players, coaches, officials and sportswriters.
The set is filled with extras including bonus interviews, “SportsCenter” with Scott Van Pelt roundtables and an interview with director Jason Hehir.
Basketball fans will cherish this look back at one of the greatest players and greatest teams in the history of the NBA.
TELEVISION SERIES
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: The Complete Collection (Blu-ray, 1979-81, Kino Lorber-Universal Studios Home Entertainment, PG & not rated)
Buck Rogers has had a storied career. The science-fiction character first appeared in a 1928 edition of “Amazing Stories” pulp magazine entitled “Armageddon 2419.”
From there, his character shifted to comic strips, a 12-chapter Universal Pictures serial in 1939, an early TV series and, finally, this reincarnation.
This nine-disc set includes the theatrical feature, the pilot episode and 32 TV episodes.
The series followed the sci-fi revival fueled two years earlier by “Star Wars.”
The show starred Gil Gerard as Buck, Erin Gray as Wilma Deering and the voice of the legendary Mel Blanc for Twiki the little, R2-D2-inspired robot.The set contains bonus features, including interviews with cast members and commentaries on 10 selected episodes as well as the theatrical feature.
Plus, the series is loaded with guest stars, including a young Jamie Lee Curtis, Roddy McDowell, future Oscar-winner Jack Palance, Peter Graves, Julie Newmar, Ray Walston, Henry Silva and Dennis Haysbert.
Dolly: The Ultimate Collection (DVD, 1960s-2009, Time Life, not rated)This is a 22-disc set that fans of Dolly Parton will cherish. It features episodes of Dolly on “The Porter Wagoner Show,” episodes of Dolly’s own variety show, concert footage and Dolly’s guest appearances on other shows, including “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
Plus, there’s music — lots and lots of music, including her entire “Song by Song: Dolly Parton” series.
The set is loaded with music, laughs and, most of all, Dolly.
A wonderful and tuneful gift that features a booklet with photos of Dolly from throughout her career. You don’t have to be a country-music fan to appreciate the talent of this iconic performer.
“The Flintstones: The Complete Series” (Blu-ray, 1960-2015, Warner Home Entertainment, not rated)
“The Flintstones” was the first animated sitcom to air in prime time. The show, inspired by Jack Gleason’s “The Honeymooners,” centers on Fred Flintstone, his wife, Wilma, his pal, Barney Rubble and his wife, Betty.
The episodes are loaded with obvious, but still funny, Stone Age references to modern life, including using animals as appliances, dinosaurs for transportation and dishes such as Bronto Burger and drinks like Cactus Coola.
This set features all 166 episodes as Fred and Barney get in and out of trouble at work and at home. As the series progressed, both families added children — the Fred and Wilma’s Pebbles and Barney and Betty’s Bam-Bam.
The series ended its run in 1966 but spawned a few offshoots that aired in syndication.
This 10-disc set also offers two bonus movies, “The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown!” and “The Man Called Flintstone.”
So have yourself, a yabba-dabba-doo time and take a trip back to hysterical prehistoric times.
Oh, and according to Warner Bros., I am supposed to let you know that “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of this Blu-ray that I reviewed in this column and that the opinions I share are my own.”
Mission Impossible: The Original TV Series (Blu-ray, 1966-73, CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment, not rated)
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to check out this 46-disc set as a possible holiday gift for someone who loves old TV series, especially ones that involve clever gambits, disguises, action and suspense.
The set features all 171 episodes of the Impossible Mission Force as they thwart revolutions, overthrow dictators and despots, unravel criminal organizations and rescue political prisoners.
The cast originally was led by Daniel Briggs (Steven Hill), who left after the first season, to be replaced by Jim Phelps (Peter Graves).
The IMF operatives were first comprised of master of disguise Roland Hand (Martin Landau), charmer Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain), electronics whiz Barney Collier (Greg Morris) and strong man Willy Armitage (Peter Lupus).
Others who later replaced original cast members included Leonard Nimoy as Paris, Lesley Ann Warren, Sam Elliott and Lynda Day George.
Over the years, the focus of the series shifted from international to domestic assignments.
But wherever the IMF went, thrills followed.
With a long winter and possible time at home ahead, here is 143-plus hours of fun to pass away the time.
Saturday Night Live: The Early Years: The Best of Seasons 1-5 (DVD, Time Life, not rated).
It is difficult to fathom that “Saturday Night Live” has been on television for more than 45 years.
This 12-disc set spotlights many memorable moments from the show’s first five seasons, featuring sketches with such comedy legends as John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman, as well as such guest hosts as Lily Tomlin, George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Steve Martin.
Included are such classic sketches featuring Belushi’s Samurai, “The Killer Bees,” “Super Bass-o-Matic” and “Land Shark.”
Musical guests, including Paul Simon, Randy Newman, The Band, Carly Simon, Joe Crocker, Frank Zappa and Patti Smith also are spotlighted.
The set also includes cast member screen tests and interviews, a 28-page booklet that tells the story of the show, “SNL’s” 100th episode and the return of Chase with musical guest Billy Joel.
Fans of this long-running late-night series will enjoy looking back at its formative years.
Yellowstone: The First Three Seasons (DVD, Paramount Home Entertainment, not rated)
Academy Award-winner Kevin Costner stars as John Dutton in this Paramount Network series about a family that controls the largest ranch in the contiguous United States.
The series, created by Taylor Sheridan (“Hell and High Water,” “Sicario”), follows the family as it faces challenges from land developers, politicians, an Indian reservation and oil and lumber corporations.
Plus, the usual dysfunctional family dynamics also are in play.
This 12-disc set features all episodes from the first three seasons of the series, which has been renewed for a fourth season.
The set, which is scheduled for release on Dec. 8, also includes bonus features and a set of coasters, so you can sip your favorite beverage while watching.
YOUTH
Weathering With You: Collector’s Edition (4K UHD + Blu-ray + CD, 2019, Shout! Factory-GKids, PG-13, suggestive material, violence, language)
This anime drama is set in the rain-soaked streets and skies of contemporary Tokyo.
Hodaka, a high school freshman, runs away from his remote island home to Tokyo and quickly finds himself in financial straits.
Adding to his woes, is the gloomy, everyday rainy weather. Looking for work, Hodaka gets a job as a writer for a mysterious occult magazine.
One day, he meets Hina, a bright and cheery girl, who possesses the wonderful ability to stop the rain and clear the sky.
The movie is a story about personal connections and coping in an often-hostile world.
The set features Japanese and English language tracks, English subtitles and a host of extras.
I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.