The Best Blu-Ray Set Gifts Of 2014
Welcome to the fourth part of /Film's Ultimate 2014 Film Geek Holiday Gift Guide. We hope we can help you find gifts for your pop culture-loving loved ones and friends (or, maybe even yourself).
This guide includes a ton of cool gifts, including a wide range of books, graphic novels, toys, collectibles, music, movies, games, art and other fun gifts, the majority of which were released this year. I've also tried to include a wide range of prices, from small stocking stuffers to blu-ray box sets to huge expensive collectibles for most of us to drool over. Everything included in the guide is something I either recommend, have been recommended by trusted friends, colleagues and readers, or something that just looks damn cool.
Monday we published the first installment which focused on books, Tuesday we featured the best graphic novels and Wednesday we featured the best toys, collectibles and games. If you missed either installment you can still access them by clicking the links in the the previous sentence. We'll be posting the final installment on Black Friday. Today we bring you a look at some of the coolest Blu-ray sets and art screenprints released this year that your pop culture-loving loved ones and friends might enjoy as a gift this Holiday season.
Note: All prices mentioned are rounded to the nearest dollar and were accurate on the week this feature was published.
Blu-ray Gift Sets
When starting this Holiday Gift Guide, I decided mostly to include big box sets because if we started including stand-alone movie releases the post would just be too much.
The Wonder Years: The Complete Series DVD Set $249: Kids of the 80's grew up on this show, and for the longest time the only version of the series available on home video featured replacement songs for much of the television series' soundtrack. Time Life offers two different gift sets that restore the 300 songs.
The beloved, award-winning series is now available on DVD for the first time ever! Includes cast reunion and over 23 hours of bonus features. Premiering after the 1988 Super Bowl, The Wonder Years captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike with the trials and tribulations of young Kevin Arnold as he enters junior high. From his first kiss with Winnie Cooper to his friendship with Paul Pfeiffer and the ups and downs of the Arnold family, fans shared in laughter, love, loss, and above all, wonder. Never before released on DVD, you can now own the entire series housed in a collectible metal locker like those at Kennedy Junior High (Go Wildcats!). The locker includes two notebooks with detailed episode information, production photos, and all 115 episodes plus over 23 hours of bonus features on 26 DVDs. Plus, you'll get a replica yearbook with behind-the-scenes photos and signatures by the cast and crew. And custom Wonder Years magnets to decorate your locker! Exclusive bonus features include the first cast reunion in 16 years and interviews with all 7 main cast members, the creators, narrator, guest stars, and many more! Plus, ten newly-produced featurettes and never-before-seen outtakes of Kevin and Winnie's first kiss! The series includes more than 300 songs as they were featured in the original broadcast, including Joe Cocker's unforgettable rendition of the Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends."
The Sopranos: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] + Digital HD $170: Another no brainer.
For six seasons, millions of viewers loyally tuned in to HBO to watch the drama unfold as modern-day mob boss Tony Soprano juggled responsibilities between his family and his other "family." Hailed as "a remarkable achievement" by the Wall Street Journal and "the greatest show in TV history" by Vanity Fair, David Chase's drama stars three-time Emmy winners James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano and Edie Falco as Tony's wife Carmela, plus Lorraine Bracco as therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Emmy winner Michael Imperioli as Tony's nephew Christopher Moltisanti and Dominic Chianese as Uncle Junior. Other series regulars include Robert Iler as Anthony Soprano, Jr., Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Meadow Soprano, Tony Sirico as Paulie Walnuts, Steven Van Zandt as Silvio Dante, Aida Turturro as Tony's sister Janice, Steven R. Schirripa as Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri, John Ventimiglia as Artie Bucco, Vincent Curatola as Johnny Sack, Frank Vincent as Phil Leotardo and Ray Abruzzo as Little Carmine. When The Sopranos debuted in 1999, its story of a modern-day mob boss juggling responsibilities between his family and his other "family" was like nothing that TV critics and viewers had ever seen. The series went on to win more than 20 Emmy Awards throughout its run, including wins for its cast members, such as James Gandolfini and Edie Falco. The BD set includes an exclusive feature full of new interviews with cast and crew, along with famous filmmakers and academics who explore how the acclaimed series transformed the television landscape. "Defining a Television Landmark," which runs approximately 45 minutes, features all-new interviews with cast, crew, celebrities, filmmakers and academics — including series creator David Chase, star James Gandolfini, Academy Award winning director Steven Soderbergh, Emmy Award winner Jeff Daniels and Golden Globe winner Steve Buscemi — discussing the impact and influence of the groundbreaking series, with brand new archival footage. Additional bonus material includes lost scenes, two round table dinners with cast and crew, 25 audio commentaries and much more. The Sopranos: The Complete Series is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround. The 28-disc set also comes with a Digital HD copy of all 86 episodes.
Planet of the Apes: Caesar's Blu-ray Warrior Collection $117
Caesar's Warrior Collection Includes the following titles and extras: Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2 discs) – At the story's heart is Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who gains human-like intelligence and emotions from an experimental drug. Raised like a child by the drug's creator, Will Rodman (James Franco) and a primatologist Caroline Aranha (Freida Pinto), Caesar ultimately finds himself taken from the humans he loves and imprisoned in an ape sanctuary in San Bruno. Seeking justice for his fellow inmates, Caesar gives the fellow apes the same drug that he inherited. He then assembles a simian army and escapes the sanctuary – putting man and ape on a collision course that could change the planet forever. DVD version Blu-ray version Ultra-violet version Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2 discs) – A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species. Blu-ray version Digital High Definition version Blu-ray 3D version Exclusive Gifts Caesar Ape Head (outer box dimensions: 12" wide by 11.5" deep by 14.5" tall) A 32-page "Planet of the Apes: Building an Icon" booklet Four collectible battle-ready ape character cards.
Sons of Anarchy: Seasons 1-6 17-Disc Blu-ray Collectors Set $120
From creator Kurt Sutter comes "Sons of Anarchy", the iconic, adrenaline-charged initiation into the gritty underworld of motorcycle clubs. Hounded by law enforcement and targeted by ruthless rivals, the "Sons of Anarchy" face an uncertain and increasingly lawless future. Meanwhile, Jax Teller is torn between loyalty to his brother bikers and the idealistic vision of his father as he faces bloodshed, treachery, and betrayal at every turn. As Jax struggles to protect his family and escape the deadly legacy of the past, alliances are forged, secrets are revealed, and the bonds of brotherhood are put to the ultimate test.
Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection Blu-ray $180
This 10-disc Blu-ray collection includes eight Kubrick classics as well as two newly-produced documentaries: Kubrick Remembered and Stanley Kubrick in Focus, plus three additional documentaries: Once Upon a Time...'A Clockwork Orange', Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures, and O Lucky Malcolm! Also included will be a new 78-page hardcover photo book using film archive photographs. Films in the collection will be Lolita (1962), Dr. Strangelove (1964), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), A Clockwork Orange (1971), Barry Lyndon (1975), The Shining (1980), Full Metal Jacket (1987) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Kubrick Remembered offers a new look into the Kubrick archives, with special appearances by the director's wife, Christiane Kubrick, as well as never-seen footage of Stanley's works, his house and his film production facilities. Stanley Kubrickin Focus presents such directors as Steven Spielberg, Steven Soderbergh, Oliver Stone, William Friedkin and Martin Scorsese relating how Kubrick's directorial style influenced them.
X-Men: Days of Future Past Amazon Exclusive Gift Set $117:
Comes with exclusive 7" Magneto Helmet scaled prop replica.
Halloween: The Complete Collection Limited Deluxe Edition $105:
Halloween night – Haddonfield, IL. A young boy butchers his older sister with a kitchen knife. 15 years later, he escapes from a mental institution only to return home and terrorize the town, including babysitter Laurie Strode. Now pursued by Dr. Loomis, the doctor who tried to treat him until he realized that "what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... evil". His name is Michael Myers. And so began one of the most iconic horror franchises in history, spawned 10 feature films and lasted over 35 years. Now, for the first time ever, experience the terror of every Halloween film available together in 1 set! This collection includes all 10 "Halloween" films: "Halloween", "Halloween II", "Halloween III: Season of the Witch", "Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers", "Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers", "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers", "Halloween H20", "Halloween: Resurrection", "Rob Zombie's Halloween" and "Halloween II". The limited edition deluxe set includes 15 discs jammed with content "Halloween" fans will love.
Pee-wee's Playhouse: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] $84Drive (Future Shop Exclusive Mondo X SteelBook) Blu-ray/DVD Combo $25: This Drive Steelbook Blu-ray/DVD combo pack features Tyler Stout's incredible artwork.
This stunning SteelBook is number 000 in the Mondo X SteelBook series. Each and every detail has been designed by Mondo with painstaking care. Some of the features of this Blu-ray combo SteelBook: Mondo X SteelBook series #000 Super reflective Mondo art Multiple layers of coloring to create depth to the art Each piece has been personally designed by Mondo from the front cover to the discs Includes a translucent protective slip cover
Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series – Amazon Exclusive Edition (Blu-ray/DVD Combo) $90: Considered one of the best anime series ever released.
Explore the far reaches of the galaxy in this undeniably hip series that inspired a generation – and redefined anime as an indisputable art form. The Bebop crew is just trying to make a buck. This motely lot of intergalactic loners teams up to track down fugitives and turn them in for cold hard cash. Spike is a hero whose cool façade hides a dark and deadly past. The pilot Jet is a bruiser of a brute who can't wait to collect the next bounty. Faye Valentine is a femme fatale prone to breaking hearts and separating fools from their money. Along for the ride are the brilliant, but weird, hacker Ed and a super-genius Welsh Corgi named Ein. On their own, any one of them is likely to get lost in the sprawl of space, but together, they're they most entertaining gang of bounty hunters in the year 2071.
Herzog: The Collection Limited Edition Blu-ray Set $101
He has taken his camera to parts of the world no other director would dare go, and told stories in ways no one had ever considered. These sixteen masterpieces, which blur the line between fiction and documentary, illustrate why Werner Herzog is the most daring, visionary and dangerous filmmaker of our lifetime, the director that both Milos Forman and Francois Truffaut have called the greatest filmmaker alive today. This deluxe set includes, for the first time on Blu-Ray: EVEN DWARFS STARTED SMALL LAND OF SILENCE AND DARKNESS FATA MORGANA AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER HEART OF GLASS STROSZEK WOYZECK NOSFERATU THE VAMPYRE FITZCARRALDO BALLAD OF LITTLE SOLDIER WHERE THE GREEN ANTS DREAM COBRA VERDE LESSONS OF DARKNESS LITTLE DIETER NEEDS TO FLY MY BEST FIEND
Transformers: Age of Extinction Limited Edition Blu-Ray Gift Set $80:
Only at Amazon – Transformers: Age of Extinction Blu-Ray Combo Pack gift set includes a highly detailed collectible figure of Optimus Prime riding Grimlock. The Optimus and Grimlock figures have been crafted utilizing the very same digital models that brought the characters to life in the film. Every sculptural detail of Optimus and Grimlock has been perfectly captured and enhanced with hand-painting, from Optimus' flame-detailed chest and forearms to Grimlock's fiery, glowing eyes. Together, Optimus and Grimlock stand over 7.25 inches tall (display base height included), and Grimlock stretches approx. 9 inches from his toothy maw to tail tip. The Transfomers: Age of Extinction Optimus and Grimlock figure is a must-have for any Transformers fan, and is available only at Amazon.
Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection $91:
A collection of all 30 Universal Classic Monster films from 1931 – 1956 with a 48-Page collectible Book and hours of bonus features including Behind the Scenes Documentaries, the 1931 Spanish Version of Dracula, Featurettes of Boris Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr. and Jack Pierce, 13 Expert Feature Commentaries, Archival Footage, Production Photographs, Theatrical Trailers and much more! Dracula (1931) Frankenstein (1931) The Mummy (1932) The Invisible Man (1933) The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Werewolf of London (1935) Dracula's Daughter (1936) Son of Frankenstein (1939) The Invisible Man Returns (1940) The Invisible Woman (1940) The Mummy's Hand (1940) The Wolf Man (1941) The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942) The Mummy's Ghost (1942) The Mummy's Tomb (1942) Invisible Agent (1942) Phantom of the Opera (1943) Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943) Son of Dracula (1943) House of Frankenstein (1944) The Mummy's Curse (1944) The Invisible Man's Revenge (1944) House of Dracula (1945) She-Wolf of London (1946) Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951) Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) Revenge of the Creature (1955) The Creature Walks Among Us (1956)
Batman: Season 1-3 Limited Edition Blu-ray Set $175
ALL 120 Original Broadcast Episodes Fully Remastered In HD OVER 3 Hours Of ALL NEW Extras: *Hanging with Batman – A true slice of life in the words of Adam West *Holy Memorabilia Batman! – A journey into the most sought after collectables through the eyes of 3 extraordinary collectors *Batmania Born! – Building the World of Batman – Explore the art and design behind the fiction. *Bats of the Round Table – A candid conversation with Adam West and his celebrity friends, chatting all things Bat '66. *Inventing Batman in the words of Adam West (episode 1 &2) – A rare treat for the fans as Adam discusses his script notes on bringing Batman to life in the first and second episodes *Na Na Na Batman! – Hollywood favorites stars and producers recount their favorite Batman memories Highly Collectible Premiums: Hot Wheels® Replica Batmobile The Adam West Scrapbook 44 Vintage Trading Cards
Breaking Bad: The Complete Series 2014 Barrel Gift Set $210
Breaking Bad The Complete Series Includes: • Collectible replica money barrel • Over 55 hours of special features from all seasons • Two-hour documentary • Commemorative challenge coin designed by Vince Gilligan • Los Pollos Hermanos apron • "Better Call Saul" matchbook 4GB flash drive The incredible saga of high-school-chemistry-teacher-turned-meth-kingpin Walter White is here in its entirety: all 62 uncut, uncensored episodes! Emmy winner Bryan Cranston portrays Walter White, a family man who turns to crime after a lung cancer diagnosis unravels his simple life. Recruiting former student and small-time dealer Jesse Pinkman (Emmy winner Aaron Paul) to be his partner in crime, Walt rises to the top of the meth trade, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. But he can't keep his dogged DEA agent brother-in-law Hank Schrader (Dean Norris) off his trail forever. Will Walt get away with it all, or die trying? With riveting performances by Anna Gunn, Giancarlo Esposito, Jonathan Banks, Bob Odenkirk, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte and more, re-live every moment of this groundbreaking original series. Executive Produced by Vince Gilligan, Mark Johnson and Michelle MacLaren, the complete box set is loaded with special features, including an exclusive feature-length documentary on the making of the final season.
Fargo Season One Blu-ray Set $30: My favorite television series of the year, watch it/own it now on blu-ray.
The lives of several people in Minnesota, including a sardonic hit man, a put-upon insurance salesman, and an eager policewoman, intersect amidst a series of lies and murders.
Fox Searchlight Pictures: 20th Anniversary Collection $173
Celebrating two decades of cinematic innovation and excellence, this 20th Anniversary Fox Searchlight Collection features powerful performances and direction by Hollywood's most beloved actors and filmmakers. From sidesplitting comedies and riveting thrillers to unforgettable dramas, including Best Picture Academy Award Winners Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and 12 Years a Slave (2013), these critically acclaimed movies have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world. Features the following titles all on Blu-ray: 127 Hours [Blu-ray] 28 Days Later [Blu-ray] (500) Days of Summer [Blu-ray] Beasts of the Southern Wild [Blu-ray] The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel [Blu-ray] Black Swan [Blu-ray] Boys Don't Cry [Blu-ray] The Brothers McMullen (Filmmaker Signature Series) [Blu-ray] Crazy Heart [Blu-ray] The Descendants (Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy) Full Monty [Blu-ray] Garden State [Blu-ray] Juno (Special Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] The Last King of Scotland [Blu-ray] Little Miss Sunshine [Blu-ray] Napoleon Dynamite: 10th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray] Once (Amazon Exclusive) [Blu-ray] Sideways [Blu-ray] Slumdog Millionaire [Blu-ray] 12 Years a Slave [Blu-ray] and EXCLUSIVE BONUS DISC: WE HAVE YOUR STORY (98 minutes) From its inception, Fox Searchlight has been a haven for the stories of our lives. Stories of hope and struggle, of success and failure, of love and loss. Global, resonant, daring, funny, inspirational and heartbreaking, the Fox Searchlight library has been a window to our world, and its promise has been to offer the most visionary directors, actors and writers a setting to express themselves unlike any other. We Have Your Story is a celebration of that pledge, highlighting the special bond that exists between the filmmakers, the stars...and the story.
Sherlock Limited Edition Gift Set (The Complete Seasons 1-3 Blu-ray/DVD Combo) $137
This set includes every episode from all three seasons on both Blu-ray and DVD formats, along with the original bonus features released with each season. Additionally, the set features all new commentaries, never-before-seen outtakes and exclusive collectibles including limited edition art cards and busts of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. This is the ultimate gift set to keep fans guessing until the next game is afoot. Sherlock Holmes was always a modern man in an old world. Now he's back as he should be: edgy, difficult and dangerous, as award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch (The Hobbit films, Star Trek Into Darkness) shows him in a new, contemporary light. Sherlock can tell a software designer by his tie and an airline pilot by his thumb. He has a uniquely analytical brain unlike anyone else in the world – a man who staves off boredom by solving crimes. When a chance encounter brings soldier John Watson (Martin Freeman: The Hobbit films, Fargo) into Sherlock's life, it's apparent the two men couldn't be more different, but Sherlock's intellect coupled with John's pragmatism soon forge an unbreakable alliance. Across three thrilling, scary, action-packed and highly-entertaining seasons, Sherlock and John navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers to get at the truth. With sparkling scripts and unforgettable performances, this is a contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories for a new generation. The finale of season three, "His Last Vow," recently earned 12 Primetime Emmy ® Award nominations including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Benedict Cumberbatch, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Martin Freeman, and Outstanding Television Movie. Special Features: This set includes every episode from all three seasons on both Blu-ray and DVD formats, along with the original bonus features released with each season. Additionally, the set features all new commentaries, never-before-seen outtakes and exclusive collectibles including limited edition art cards and busts of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. This is the ultimate gift set to keep fans guessing until the next game is afoot. Sherlock Holmes was always a modern man in an old world. Now he's back as he should be: edgy, difficult and dangerous, as award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch (The Hobbit films, Star Trek Into Darkness) shows him in a new, contemporary light. Sherlock can tell a software designer by his tie and an airline pilot by his thumb. He has a uniquely analytical brain unlike anyone else in the world – a man who staves off boredom by solving crimes. When a chance encounter brings soldier John Watson (Martin Freeman: The Hobbit films, Fargo) into Sherlock's life, it's apparent the two men couldn't be more different, but Sherlock's intellect coupled with John's pragmatism soon forge an unbreakable alliance. Across three thrilling, scary, action-packed and highly-entertaining seasons, Sherlock and John navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers to get at the truth. With sparkling scripts and unforgettable performances, this is a contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories for a new generation. The finale of season three, "His Last Vow," recently earned 12 Primetime Emmy ® Award nominations including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Benedict Cumberbatch, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Martin Freeman, and Outstanding Television Movie.
True Blood: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Set $195
Vamp Camp Files: Get an inside look at the secret trove of documents detailing the effort to eradicate vampires via the institution known as "Vamp Camp" True Blood Lines: Uncover secrets from relationships past and present in this engaging, fully interactive guide and archive. Inside The Episodes: Get the backstories on each of the episodes with revealing interviews from the show writers. Audio Commentaries: Five Audio Commentaries with the Cast and Crew including Brian Buckner, Stephen Moyer, Carrie Preston, Amelia Rose Blaire, and many more. Vamp Camp Files: Get an inside look at the secret trove of documents detailing the effort to eradicate vampires via the institution known as "Vamp Camp" True Blood Lines: Uncover secrets from relationships past and present in this engaging, fully interactive guide and archive. Inside The Episodes: Get the backstories on each of the episodes with revealing interviews from the show writers. Audio Commentaries: Five Audio Commentaries with the Cast and Crew including Brian Buckner, Stephen Moyer, Carrie Preston, Amelia Rose Blaire, and many more. Vamp Camp Files: Get an inside look at the secret trove of documents detailing the effort to eradicate vampires via the institution known as "Vamp Camp" True Blood Lines: Uncover secrets from relationships past and present in this engaging, fully interactive guide and archive. Inside The Episodes: Get the backstories on each of the episodes with revealing interviews from the show writers. Audio Commentaries: Five Audio Commentaries with the Cast and Crew including Brian Buckner, Stephen Moyer, Carrie Preston, Amelia Rose Blaire, and many more.
Twilight Zone: The 5th Dimension (Complete Series Limited Edition Box Set) $195: The Twilight Zone is one of the best television series to have ever aired and each of the episodes still holds up.
Rod Serling's groundbreaking TWILIGHT ZONE Original Series and the classic 1980s Series are together for the first time in THE 5th DIMENSION. The 41-DVD set contains over 20 hours of bonus features including a brand-new documentary with never-before-seen interviews, the American Masters documentary Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval, numerous Rod Serling interviews, lectures and appearances as well as interviews with original cast and crew. There are also dozens of audio commentaries, a selection of isolated music scores from the Original Series and much more. This Numbered, Limited Edition boxset is a must-have for any fan of THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
Doctor Who: The Matt Smith Years Blu-ray Set $134: I haven't gotten into Doctor Who yet (I've tried but maybe found it too cheesy — I plan to try again next year), but a ton of people I know and trust absolutely love it. For them, there is this gift set.
All the Bonus Features in the Original Releases PLUS: The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Death of the Doctor 2013 Doctor Who Proms Concert Doctor Who: The Ultimate Guide 50th Anniversary Script to Screen Feature The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot
Thanks for reading Part 4 of our Holiday Gift Guide. I spent a lot of time curating this list and am very grateful you made it this far and found it useful! If you're feeling extra generous this Holiday season, you can send me a gift off of my Amazon Holiday Wishlist. Thanks again and Happy Holidays!
Check Out The Other Parts of /Film's Ultimate Film Geek Holiday Gift Guide 2014:
Come back tomorrow for our Holiday Gift Guide to Music, Wearables and Other!