DVD Gifts: Something For Everyone
A quick trip to the video store can cover almost everyone on your gift list. And, with most costing between $15 and $30, they fit in almost anyone's budget. Of course, boxed sets cost a bit more.
In Friday's Home Theater, The Early Show entertainment contributor Laurie Hibberd takes a look at some of the hottest DVDs this holiday season, broken down into four categories: Recent Box Office Blockbusters, Family favorites, TV Series, and Gift/Boxed sets.
Current Blockbusters:
"The Bourne Supremacy"
Available in widescreen or full frame,
$29.98 SRP ($19.95 MAP).
"Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban"
List price is $29.95
Available on a 2-disc DVD, loaded with mesmerizing special features such as deleted scenes, 360° interactive tours, challenges and more.
"I, Robot"
Priced at $29.98 U.S./$43.98 Canada, the I, ROBOT DVD includes a commentary track by the film's director and writer, a "making of" featurette, an inside look at Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Robots & Elektra and a photo gallery.
"Collateral"
Priced at $19.95
The two-disc DVD includes never-before-seen footage of the individualized training regimens Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx underwent to add dimension to their characters, an engrossing look at the unique filmmaking method that captured the distinct color palette of Los Angeles at night, an in-depth scene breakdown revealing the subtle nuances of this pulse-pounding thriller, as well as a director's commentary.
Family/Kids
"Iron Giant"
$19.97 SRP
Loaded with all-new special features such as eight "never-before-seen" scenes including an alternate opening, all with director commentary, 13 mini-documentaries highlighting key sequences and a featurette, "The Voice Of The Giant," hosted by Vin Diesel.
"Looney Tunes"
Each disc in the collection features 15 animated classics and is dedicated to a different Looney Tunes star and his celebrated pals.
The Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume Two will be available for $64.92 DVD (SRP) and The Looney Tunes Spotlight Collection Volume Two will be available for $26.99 DVD (SRP). Both titles will include an enormous collection of dazzling, classic cartoon shorts as well as a wealth of fascinating special features.
"Where The Red Fern Grows"
Coming to DVD on Dec. 21
Based on the beloved, best-selling novel by Wilson Rawls, this poignant coming-of-age adventure has been enjoyed as a book by millions of young readers. Available to take home just in time for the holidays, this film has reaped success at such prestigious film festivals as the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City and the Heartland Film Festival.
"Aladdin"
Disney 2-Disc Special Edition: $29.99 SRP.
This magical 2-Disc set boasts a huge menu of bonus features accessible to all ages, for both families and the most devoted DVD connoisseur. It includes the deleted song "Proud Of Your Boy" by Oscar-winning songwriters Howard Ashman and Alan Menken; a new performance of the song by pop sensation Clay Aiken; and more.
TV Boxed Sets:
"Seinfeld"
Volume 1 includes all 18 episodes of seasons one and two on four discs and Seinfeld: Volume 2, also on four discs, includes all 22 episodes from season three. Each volume will be loaded with approximately 12 hours of exclusive special features from the creative talents behind the show, including a full- length documentary, extensive creator, cast and production commentaries, bloopers, deleted scenes, exclusive never-before-seen Jerry Seinfeld stand-up comedy footage and trivia pertinent to each season. Both releases feature the original NBC network versions, 1-2 minutes longer than the syndicated versions and not seen since their original broadcast runs. Additionally, Volume 1 features two versions of the original pilot episode.
"The Golden Girls"
Experience all 25 laugh-packed episodes of Season One in this 3-disc set, including the series pilot and an exclusive bonus feature that offers a whole new look at the show.
"The Andy Griffith Show"
The 4-disc DVD set of one of America's favorite down-home sitcoms features all 32 episodes from the first season. The DVD is priced at around $30.
"Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica"
Priced at around $20.
Follow the lives of pop-star newlyweds Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey as they allow their first year of marriage to be documented for all to see in this 3-disc box set, full of special features exclusive to the DVD set, including never-before-seen footage, interviews and commentary, Nick and Jessica "moments" and biographies.
"Spongebob Squarepants"
Priced around $40
The complete Second Season (40 episodes) of the animated Nickelodeon series in a 3-disc set.
Gift/Boxed Sets:
- "Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King Gift Set"
- "Gone With The Wind" - $39.92
- "Dazed & Confused/Fast Times at Ridgemont High DVD Party Pack -$27.98
- "Ultimate Matrix" - $79.92
- Two different The Marx Brothers Boxed sets:
"The Silver Screen Collection" - The DVD is priced at $59.98 SRP.
"The Marx Brothers Collection" - A deluxe five DVD gift set priced at $59.92.