The Film Yap's Black Friday Guide for the Movie Lover, Part 1

It's that time of year again, when frantic soccer moms, sleepy dads, confused aunts and paranoid strangers all gather in the same places (every major retail outlet in America) way too early to hustle, scuffle, and jockey for position for the best deals of the year on the hottest items their kids, husbands, wives, and Secret Santa recipients can't live without.

But if your honey, honeychild, or some guy you hardly know happens to be a movie junkie, what in the world do you get for him? Fear not, for The Film Yap is chock full of experts in that area. And even if your him happens to be a her, fear not; we've got cinephiles of both genderical persuasions, each of them ready and waiting to tell you about the bestest of deals on the day retailers begin posting their yearly profits.

With that, here's The Film Yap's first annual Black Friday Guide for the Movie Lovers. Pens to the ready, ads to the forefront. Let's go shopping!

Chris

Buzz Lightyear Deluxe Action Wing Pack Big Lots, $39.99 Toy Story 3" toys are hot, hot, hot this Christmas. But rather than giving your kid another Buzz Lightyear action figure, why not try this cool wing pack that lets him or her actually become Buzz? The wings flip up just like Buzz, with flashing lights, flying sounds and signature Lightyear phrases. And at nearly 20 bucks off the normal price, it'll keep your holiday budget from growing to infinity and beyond.

StressFree Swivel Recliner with Storage Ottoman Big Lots, $199.99

This may not seem like a movie-related gift, but no home theater set-up is truly complete without a really awesome, comfy chair. The faux leather cover is cozy and stain-resistant, and you can even store your remotes in the ottoman. Choose your color, recline in discount luxury and watch home video in style!

Lauren

On Black Friday, the Macy's fun begins at 4 a.m. and I think of one of my favorite movies of this year, "Inception." Not only were the mind games just too fun, Christopher Nolan's latest master(puzzle)piece combined two of my favorite things: deep sleep, and nattily attired gentlemen. Below are three awesome deals for you and the loved ones in your life, to lead to cozy slumber and better fashion!

8-pc bed sets $39.99, Macy's

You'll have everything you need for a long winter's nap (hopefully with some mind-bending, life-changing and DiCaprio-starring dreams) with these great bed sets! Everything you need is here: comforter, bedskirt, 2 standard shams and a sheet set. You'll lie down with happiness and wake up calm, cool and collected as Ariadne once she learned how to build dream worlds.

Designer dress shirts: Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, Donald Trump Signature Collection 50% off, Macy's

Nolan knows what's up: every girl's crazy about a sharp-dressed man. If you or your loved one want to look a little less Seth Rogen and a little more Tom Hardy, snatch up designer dress shirts for half the price. Once the men in your life are kitted out, you can recreate all the really good scenes where Arthur and Eames snipe at each other! Weapons and witty banter not included.

Nick

“Away We Go” DVD $3.99, ShopKo

There are usually $2 DVDs lining checkout counters, near the gum and gossip mags. Films like “The Crippled Masters” with actual handicapped actors or Robert De Niro movies you’ve never heard of and he’s long forgotten.

Black Friday’s cheapest DVDs often are a step above those — a chance to ship out stacked-up inventory of titles easily forgotten or already owned by many. Bette Midler didn’t wake up at 4 a.m. to film “Beaches,” so there’s no reason you should brave snot-nosed children and slow-footed grandmothers to buy it then, either.

However, if you’re already at ShopKo between 5 and 11 a.m., swing by the $3.99 rack and pick up “Away We Go,” a wonderful, small-scale dramedy about imperfect friendship, love and parenthood.

There should be plenty of copies — next to no one saw it — but it’s one of 2009’s best films and proof that there’s more to “The Office’s” John Krasinski than the Jim Halpert face.

“Friday Night Lights” DVD Buy one, get one free, ShopKo

You might not care one whit about football. You might scoff at the limited dramatic scope of small-town storytelling. But after a few episodes of “Friday Night Lights,” the former will enthrall you and the latter will be a shattered illusion.

Though blurry, ShopKo’s ad scan looks like it’s offering the third season of “Friday Night Lights,” but it also says “select others.” If anything from the first season of “FNL” on is available, buy them all. For yourself. For friends. Clean them out.

Criminally overlooked by the Emmy awards and in the early stages of its final season, “Friday Night Lights” is the best network drama, and Kyle Chandler & Connie Britton perhaps the most convincing marital unit to ever warm a TV screen.

all used movies $3.99 or higher 40 % off, no limit, Hastings

Maybe you loved “Killers.” We’re not here to condemn, only to guide you to Black Friday gold.

For movies about which you said, “Eh, that’s a rental,” Hastings is the place to be — nearly halving the cost of nearly all its used movies for four hours.

Jessica

Lord of the Rings Trilogy $1.96 DVD, $10 Blu-ray (each film), Wal-Mart

There's never a bad time to introduce young minds not yet familiar with the importance of "the ring" to the iconic journey of The Lord of the Rings and no better time to give the gift of Peter Jackson's masterpiece. Getting the whole series on Blu-ray would also be a sure thing for the new boyfriend or the little brother or pretty much any of the male population of America.

The Wizard of Oz Blu-ray $10, Wal-Mart

The iconic classic is now on Blu-ray and whether or not you've got this film on DVD or VHS - it's time to take it to the next level. The 70th Anniversary edition includes a restoration featurette and an illustrated video storybook. It's a must have for any collector, anyone of any age.

Caine

Toshiba BDX1100 Blu-ray player $59.99, Best Buy

It’s an economic option for upgrading your home entertainment to the next generation of cinematic experience. It's easy to fall into the trap of throwing down a lot of money for a top of the line unit, but honestly the Toshiba BDX1100 will provide the kick your cinematic tastebuds desire.

Smallville Seasons 1 through 9 on DVD $9.99, Best Buy

Although it might play to a niche audience, the DVD deal that really caught my eye was seasons 1 through 9 of "Smallville." Normally priced over $30, each season at priced at $9.99. So instead of dropping over $400 on all the seasons on Amazon, zip past Best Buy (or begin camping out now) and pick them up for a great deal.

Be sure to check out Part 2 of our Black Friday Shopping Guide!