2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Updated

By Bob Bloom It’s that time of year, when film buffs begin to scan ads and websites looking for this holiday gift ideas for fellow collectors — whether they be family members or friends. So, here are some suggestions to help you along. The prices listed with each item is the suggested retail price. You may be able to find cheaper options online or in stores.

CLASSIC MOVIES

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (Blu-ray) (The Milestone Cinematheque) (SRP $39.95) If you are looking for the perfect gift for a family member or friend who is an animation buff, then “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” perfectly fits the bill. This groundbreaking movie, produced in 1926 by Lotte Reinger, who combined silhouette puppets, stop-motion animation and various other innovative techniques to create a fairy tale from “One Thousand and One Nights” into a cinematic masterpiece. The film follows the heroic Prince Achmed who, on his flying horse, rides into a serious of fabulous adventures in which he meets a glorious bird who is a princess in disguise, Aladdin, an evil sorcerer and a powerful witch. The two-disc set also features a series of other animated offerings that range from 1921 to 1974. This, indeed, is a set serious animation buffs can cherish.

“Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema” (Blu-ray) (The Criterion Collection) (SRP $299.95) OMG! A set that any true cineaste would dream of adding to his or her film library. This set contains 39 movies from one of the greatest filmmakers who ever lived — Ingmar Bergman. The movies cover his career from “Crisis” in 1946 to “Saraband” in 2003. Among the other movies are such classics as “Sawdust and Tinsel” (1953), “Smiles of a Summer Night” (1955), “The Seventh Seal” (1957), “Wild Strawberries” (1957), “The Virgin Spring” (1960), “Persona” (1966), “Cries and Whispers” (1972), the 1973 television and 1974 U.S. theatrical release of “Scenes from a Marriage” and the 1982 and 1983 theatrical versions of “Fanny and Alexander.” The films have been digitally restored and look and sound fantastic. Included are more than five hours of interviews with Bergman, plus hours more of interviews with his collaborators and actors such as Liv Ullmann, Erland Josephson, Harriet Andersson and Max von Sydow. Also included are documentaries about Bergman’s life and career and behind-the-scenes footage from various features. This is a cinematic gold, a set that can proudly be displayed by any true buff who embraces great works.

“Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection” (Blu-ray) (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) (SRP $149.98) This set features all the famous Universal monsters that appeared on the big screen from 1931 to 1956. They are all here: Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Wolfman and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The set also is loaded with fun extras, such as the Spanish version of “Dracula” and the 3D version of “Creature From the Black Lagoon,” as well as behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary tracks. The fun with this set is deciding how you are going to watch the movies. The set is organized by its protagonists, so you can watch all the creature features and see how they evolved over the years. I prefer to watch the films in chronological order to get an overall look at how Universal Pictures expanded their film techniques and use of music and special effects. Advantages can be championed either way. But either way, this is a masterpiece collection that should be cherished and can be viewed over and over.

CONTEMPORARY MOVIES

The Big Lebowski: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + digital) (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) (SRP $59.98) The Dude abides in this limited edition 20th anniversary reissue of this Coen brothers cult favorite. The set gives you three options to enjoy the film: 4K Ultra HD, for which you need an Ultra HD television and player, a Blu-ray and a digital copy. The set comes in a bowling-bag holder that features the disc stored in a bowling shirt and a booklet about the movie secured under a bowling ball. Extras include interviews with cast members Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Julianne Moore and John Turturro; an archival interview with the cast celebrating the movie’s 10th anniversary, a behind-the-scenes look at the annual Lebowski Fest, a Bridges photo book and other behind-the-scenes looks that will add to your enjoyment of the movie.

Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey: Limited Edition Steelbook (Blu-ray) (Shout! Factory) (SRP $29.97) In this sequel to “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” the time-traveling duo have become history. An evildoer from the future sends robot twins of our heroes to assassinate and replace Bill and Ted. They wind up meeting the Grim Reaper (a very funny William Sadler), and, with his help, make their way back to life, where they defeat their robotic doppelgangers and, most importantly, win the battle of the bands contest. This sturdy Steelbook edition is loaded with extras that will please fans of the movie, which, though it may feel like low-brow humor, is rather sweet.

“The Critters Collection” (Blu-ray) (Scream Factory) (SRP $69.93) This four-disc set puts the spotlight on those tiny menaces from beyond the stars. Between 1986 and 1992, “Critters,” “Critters 2: The Main Course,” “Critters 3” and “Critters 4” menaced the Brown family of Kansas as well as the people of Earth in general. What is rather interesting about this franchise are the actors who show up in the series: Leonardo DiCaprio leads the fight against the deadly aliens in “Critters 3,” while Brad Dourif and Angela Bassett battle them in “Critters 4.” The set features several hours of extras including making of featurettes and cast and filmmaker interviews. Horror film buffs will enjoy these movies, which may not be high art, but they are popcorn-munching fun.

Dances With Wolves: Collector’s Edition Steelbook (Blu-ray) (Shout Factory!) (SRP $29.97) Actor Kevin Costner won an Academy Award for his directorial debut in this Oscar-winning frontier tale about U.S. Cavalry Lt. John Dunbar (Costner) who befriends a tribe of Native Americans while stationed at a desolate outpost. This three-disc Blu-ray set offers the original 181-minute theatrical version of the movie as well as a 234-minute extended version of the movie. A third disc is loaded with bonus features that go behind-the-scenes at the making of the movie and look at the characters and actors involved in this acclaimed production as well as a commentary track featuring Costner and others.

Isle of Dogs (Blu-ray + digital) (Fox Home Entertainment) (SRP $16.96) This is another of Wes Anderson’s quirky stop-motion animated features. It is set in a futuristic Japan in which dogs have been banished from the nation. The movie’s vocal talent is one of its most impressive features. The talent includes Bryan Cranston, Liev Schreiber, Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Greta Gerwig, Ken Watanabe, Bob Balaban, Jeff Goldblum, Frances McDormand, Courtney B. Vance, Yoko Ono, F. Murray Abraham, Harvey Keitel and several fine Japanese performers. One of the film’s major subtext’s is examining the gullibility of people and how easily they can be swayed — even against their better instincts. The movie is one dog lovers can embrace. The Blu-ray would serve as a special gift for the dog aficionado in your family or for a friend.

“Maze Runner Trilogy” (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) (Fox Home Entertainment) (SRP $29.99) A set featuring the three movies based on the young adult series set in a dystopian future. The set features “The Maze Runner” (2014, PG-13), “Maze Runner: Scorch Trials” (2015, PG-13) and “Maze Runner: Death Cure” (2018, PG-13). The series follows a group of youths who find themselves in a maze, which — to escape — forces them to confront many deadly dangers. The other movies follow Thomas and the Gladers as they reach the outside world and try to determine why they were chosen and, lastly, to save their friends. The set features many extras as well as a stylish bandana.

The Sandlot: 25th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray + digital) (Fox Home Entertainment) (SRP $11.99) “There’s no crying in baseball,” Tom Hanks’ Jimmy Dugan famously said in “A League of Their Own.” However, laughs leave the park like home runs in this charming, family-friendly feature about growing up and summers playing baseball on the sandlot. The movie is one many adults can relate to, recalling hot days when you, perhaps, had to make right field foul territory because you did not have enough players to cover the entire diamond. The feature about Scotty Smalls, Benny “The Jet” Rodriquez and the rest of the roster never grows old. And, here’s some added incentive to consider it as a gift: 10 Topps baseball cards of the team, a poster and a booklet with behind-the-scenes photos. This is a Hall-of-Fame option for the true baseball fan.

Streets of Fire: 35th Anniversary Limited Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) (Shout! Factory) ($SRP $29.97) Walter Hill cowrote and directed this dark drama, set within a rock ‘n’ roll landscape, in which the Bombers motorcycle gang, led by the vicious Raven Shaddock (Willem Dafoe), kidnaps diva Ellen Aim (Diane Lane). Her rescue rests in the hands of soldier of fortune Tom Cody (Michael Pare) and his sidekick, Fish (Rick Moranis). The mood and settings of this movie feature a rain-splattered urban setting, hot cars, assassins and rock music. Original songs were written by Jim Steinman, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and Ry Cooder. Performers include The Blasters and The Fixx. This cult favorite includes behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the movie, music videos and vintage featurettes. A wonderful holiday gift for fans of 1980s movies.

HOLIDAY

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Blaze Saves Christmas (Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $10.99) A DVD that will help keep youngsters occupied after the gifts are opened and the adults are getting ready for a holiday meal or trip. The DVD contains four holiday- or winter-themed adventures of Blaze and his buddies: “Monster Machines Christmas,” “Breaking the Ice,” “Catch That Cake!” and “Ninja Blaze.” This inexpensive item also will make a great stocking stuffer.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: The Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) (Warner Home Video) (SRP $24.98) The legendary Boris Karloff narrates this holiday classic, directed by another legend — Chuck Jones. The well-known Dr. Seuss story follows the miserable Grinch, who wants to sabotage Christmas for all the Whos in Who-ville. The set also features “The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat” and “Halloween Is Grinch Night.” Another wonderful set that youngsters — and grownups who remember the special from their childhood days — will embrace.

“The Original Christmas Specials Collection: Deluxe Edition” (Blu-ray) (Universal Studios Home Entertainment) (SRP $17.99) Perfect for the holidays! A Blu-ray set featuring five timeless Christmas specials that will warm the heart and make you laugh. This set features “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Cricket on the Hearth.” The vocal talent is first-rate, including Fred Astaire, Burl Ives and Danny Thomas. Plus, the set features extras that take a look behind the magic. This is a wonderful set you can share with the kids not just during the holiday season, but year-round.

COMEDY

“The Best of the Three Stooges” (Time Life) (SRP $99.45) As a youngster, growing up in New York, I could not wait to get home from school, so I could watch Officer Joe Bolton introduce the comedy shorts of The Three Stooges. Most parents, especially mothers, were aghast, afraid that their — mostly sons — would start poking friends in the eyes, slapping them in the face, punching them in the stomach or knocking them on top of their heads to emulate the antics of Moe, Larry and Curly (and later, Shemp). Times have definitely changed, and the antics of the Stooges are considered slapstick classics. This 13-disc set from Time Life offers more than 45 hours of laughter, including 87 of their shorts from between 1934 and 1945, 14 Shemp Howard comedy shorts from the 1930s and ’40s, the 2000 “The Three Stooges” biopic, Three Stooges cartoons, three feature films, “Have Rocket, Will Travel”; “The Outlaws Is Coming”; and “Rockin’ in the Rockies,” plus the nine-part documentary series, “Hey Moe! Hey Dad,” which goes behind the scenes with family members of the Stooges as they share home movies and photos. Plus, the set offers shorts featuring Joe Besser and Joe DeRita during the solo careers in the 1940s. This set is certainly (or coitainly) worth a look-see for those contemplating gifts for Stooges fans. And, who knows, it may earn you a big, wet kiss on your kisser.

“Ernie Kovacs: The Centennial Edition” (Shout! Factory) (SRP $69.97) This nine-disc set celebrates the 100th birthday of television’s original comic genius, who expanded how the new medium could be used and viewed. The set features more than 22 hours of Kovacs’ offbeat humor, culled from his various shows and specials. Kovacs’ humor influenced such shows as “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and “Saturday Night Live.” Kovacs aficionados will be enthralled by the various looks at the comedian’s work and some of the memorable characters he created.

“Robin Williams: Comic Genius” (Time Life) (SRP $99.95) These two six-disc sets offer more than 30 hours of Robin Williams performing in concert, on late-night television and episodes of “Mork & Mindy.” One set includes all five of Williams’ HBO specials, footage of his USO tours, archival footage of his early stand-up gigs and interviews with fellow comic Lewis Black and Williams’ manager David Steinberg. The other set features the first six “Mork & Mindy” episodes, appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Saturday Night Live” as well as the 2018 HBO documentary “Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind.” Interviews with Leno and Pam Dawber also are included. The set comes with a booklet, “Robin Williams Uncensored,” that includes photos and notes. For those who want more of Williams — and who doesn’t — Time Life is offering a 22-disc set for $199.95. You have to go to TimeLife.com to get details about ordering either set.

Who Is America (Showtime Entertainment-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $24.99) Sasha Baron Cohen is an incendiary comic presence who uses many guises to interview, unmask and bring down the powerful, oftentimes causing them to show how ignorant, venal or unintelligent they really are. In this disc, featuring all seven episodes of his Showtime series, Cohen uses various personas to interview such people as former vice president Dick Cheney, O.J. Simpson, Bernie Sanders, Ted Koppel, former sheriff Joe Arpaio and Corrine Olympios. Be warned: Cohen’s comedy is not for everyone. Some people may be offended by his humor. But people with open minds and who understand and appreciate satire will get laughs from these interviews. The set also features extended interviews and deleted scenes.

MUSICAL The Sound of Music: 60th Anniversary of the Broadway Classic ((Blu-ray & DVD) Shout! Factory) (SRP $22.97 Blu-ray; $16.97 DVD) The hills are alive again with this British television production of the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. Kara Tointon stars as Maria with Julian Ovenden as Captain von Trapp. The show features all the classic tunes made famous by, at first, Mary Martin, then Julie Andrews in the Oscar-winning movie. Tointon vocals are fine and will not disappoint fans of the show. The DVD features a behind-the-scenes featurette and a commentary track with the stars.

TELEVISION SERIES & SHOWS

Batman: The Complete Animated Series: Deluxe Limited Edition (Blu-ray) (Warner Home Video (SRP $112.99) A 10-disc set features The Dark Knight in animated adventures that aired from 1992 to 1998. These stories leaned toward the dark, noir side of Batman, capturing the violent and gritty world of an unstable Gotham City. In these episodes, Batman faced villains who were fully defined and had agendas of their own. Like Batman, some of them also fought personal demons. The show was dark, lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce. The visuals are eye catching and the stories are adult-oriented. The set also features hours of bonus features that go behind-the-scenes of the series. This is a set that a true fan of Batman can appreciate.

The Good Fight: Season Two (CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $39.98) This four-disc set features all 13 episodes of this “The Good Wife” spinoff that airs on CBS’ streaming service. Christine Baranski stars in the series that centers on attorneys at the law firm of Reddick, Boseman and Lockhart, which, among other cases, deal with a crooked police conspiracy, a high-profile deportation and an audition in a potential impeachment case. The series also delves into the pressures on the personal lives of the firm members. The set comes with deleted scenes and a gag reel. For those who miss “The Good Wife,” this DVD is the next best thing.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic (BBC Home Entertainment) (SRP $14.98) This documentary celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book, which introduced the wizarding world to us mere muggles. The program visits the real-life magical history behind J.K. Rowling’s beloved books and characters and features footage from the British Library’s exhibition in London, which includes artifacts and other items that influenced the Potter stories. Also included are interviews with Rowling and she examines the items on display and talks about her contributions to the exhibit. The exhibit opened at the New York Historical Society this fall if you want to make the trip. The documentary is narrated by Imelda Staunton and features readings by Warwick Davis, Evanna Lynch, David Thewlis and Miriam Margoyles, among others. This is a DVD that a true Potter fan would cherish.

Hey Arnold! The Ultimate Collection (Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $50.99) This 18-disc set features all 100 episodes of the Nickelodeon series that aired from 1996 to 2004, as well as two discs featuring the original movies, “Hey Arnold! The Movie” and “Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie.” The animated series features all the zany antics of Arnold, as he meets Pigeon man, takes a trip to the opera, is involved in Helga’s makeover as well as his laughing-gas induced voicemail confession. The set also features extras, including a table read and lesson on drawing Arnold. These DVDs will offer hours of laughs for younger and older kids, alike.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Special Edition (Blu-ray) (BBC) (SRP $24.98). A three-disc set that features the original BBC series in which everyman Arthur Dent (Simon Jones) is whisked off the planet by his alien friend Ford Perfect (David Dixon) because the planet is about to be demolished to make way for an intergalactic highway. Thus begins Arthur’s many and zany adventures through time and space in which he seeks to discover the meaning of life and — more importantly — himself. The 1981 series offers a bit more context than the popular movie released in 2005 and starring Martin Freeman. This set features hours of bonus materials that delve into the making of the series and offers many behind-the-scenes insights.

MacGyver: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray) (CBS Home Entertainment-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $55.98) This five-disc set contains all 22 episodes of the original gadget guy series starring Richard Dean Anderson as Angus “Mac” MacGyver, who uses his extraordinary problem solving skills to get himself, his friends and the nation out of dire straits. He is the go-to secret agent who can use most any object to escape from a room or stop a bomb from detonating. Fans of the original series — as well as those hooked on the reboot — will enjoy MacGyver’s many adventures.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Season 11 (Blu-ray) (Shout! Factory) (SRP $79.99) What’s more fun than watching schlocky movies? Listening to them being skewered while you are watching, of course. And that is the job of the crew of the Satellite of Love in this set that offers 14 episodes from the show’s 11th season. The movies that are targets of the barbs from Jonah Heston (Jonah Ray), mad scientist Kinga Forrester (Felicia Day) and her fawning henchman, Max (Patton Oswald), as well as robots Tom Servo, Crow and Gypsy, include “The Loves of Hercules,” “The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t,” “At the Earth’s Core,” “Carnival Magic,” “Wizards of the Lost Kingdom,” “Wizards of the Lost Kingdom II” and “Yongary.” Also adding to the fun are such guest stars as Jerry Seinfeld, Mark Hamill, Neal Patrick Harris and Joel McHale. So, there you have it: eight discs, 21+ hours of satire and snark. Great viewing for when your snowed in.

Rocko’s Modern Life: The Complete Series (Nickelodeon-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $39.98) An eight-disc set featuring more than 20 hours of this animated series that aired from 1993 to 1996. The series featured Rocko, Heffer, Filburt, Spunky and the Bigheads as they explored life in the city of O-Town. The show featured adventure as well as life lessons to help kids navigate growing up.

Saved by the Bell: The Complete Collection (Shout! Factory) (SRP $59.99) This popular sitcom, which aired from 1988 to 1994, is offered in a16-disc collection featuring all 118 episodes from a trio of TV series — “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” “Saved by the Bell” and “Saved by the Bell: The College Years.” The bulk of the set — 86 episodes — is focused on “Saved by the Bell,” which aired from 1989 to 1993 and is set at the fictional Bayside High School in Palisades, Calif. Among the cast members are Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffany-Amber Thiessen, Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley and Dustin Diamond. The set, offers bonus materials, including two made-for-TV movies that followed the series, a featurette on the making of the series, a look at music used in the series and a 16-page episode guide. Fans of the series will enjoy receiving this set as a gift and reliving their good times at Bayside High.

Scorpion: The Complete Series (CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $79.99) An action-filled TV series that mostly proved that brains are superior to brawn. This 24-disc set features all 94 episodes of this CBS series that starred Katharine McPhee, Elyes Gabel, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Jadyn Wong, Riley B. Smith, Ari Stidham and Robert Patrick. Team Scorpion use their skills to thwart various nefarious plans and crimes that threaten the nation and the world. The delightful interplay between the characters also helps drive the series. The set features more than five hours of behind-the-scenes bonus materials that give you more up-close-and-personal views of the series and its cast members.

Star Trek: Discovery: Season One (CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment) (SRP $41.99) Since this series was available only on CBS’ streaming service, its release for home entertainment consumption is a reason to celebrate for fans of the “Star Trek” franchise. “Star Trek: Discovery” is a four-disc set that includes all 15 first-season episodes as well as bonus content. The series is set about 10 years before the events in the original “Star Trek” series. It is a tumultuous and dangerous time as a cold war is raging between the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets. The starship Discovery must navigate space during these perilous times to discover and learn more about other planets and life forms. The set features more than two hours of extras that takes you behind the scenes of the series, looks at the cast members and their characters as well as other intriguing facets of the show that Trekkers will find most interesting.

When Calls the Heart: Year Five (The Television Movie Collection) (Shout! Factory) (SRP $29.93) A six-disc set features six made-for-TV movies that capture all the romance and drama from the works of celebrated author Janette Oke. The series, set in the town of Hope Valley, follows schoolteacher Elizabeth (Erin Krakow), Mountie Jack (Daniel Lissing), café owner-turned mayor Abigail (Lori Loughlin) and the rest of the beloved characters as they face the challenges of frontier life with courage, determination and heart. Beside the movies, the set features a booklet, “When God Calls the Heart: Devotions From Hope Valley” by Brian Bird & Michelle Cox. Fans of this series will not be disappointed by this set, that would make a cherished holiday present.

The X-Files: The Complete Season 11 (Blu-ray) (Fox Home Entertainment) (SRP $19.99) FBI agents Mulder and Scully return for another season of tantalizing and — sometimes frustrating — search for the truth that is out there — somewhere. The 10-episode series finds Mulder and Scully searching for their long-lost son, William, and his connection to the usual unexplainable events that dominate the episodes. Some favorite characters also make appearances, such as the infamous Cigarette Man. The set does feature bonus content, but they won’t help you unravel any of the show’s secrets. However, fans of the series will appreciate this 3-disc set as it will give them several things to ponder during the holiday season.

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. My movie reviews also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.