Modified Mon, Nov 30, 2009 11:00 AM
Rev up the remote!
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close xAs you may be aware, today is Black Friday - the busiest shopping day of the year. For several years now, my crazy Scottish aunts have made a tradition of braving the malls on this terrible holiday. They get up at 4 a.m., don their battle armor of layered outerwear and sensible shoes, and gather to do battle with all the other frenzied shoppers. "Retail Armageddon" they call it. I wish I could say I was making this up.
I myself switched to online shopping years ago. I rather enjoy getting all my shopping done in an afternoon, without getting dressed or even standing up. I guess I lack that Gaelic retail bloodlust.
In any case, whether shopping online or off, here are some of the best buys of the season on DVD, helpfully categorized for efficient gift-giving. Suggested retail price (SRP) is listed with each item, but you can find all of these a lot cheaper as various retailers cut their various deals. You'll just have to box out my aunts at the mall. Don't be afraid to throw some elbows.
For Your Exasperating Friend Who is Always Quoting Monty Python
Anglophiles, comedy scholars and habitués of late-night BBC America broadcasts will appreciate two new sets from the world of British sitcoms. "Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered" gathers all 12 episodes of the John Cleese series voted the best TV show of all time by the British Film Institute. New commentaries by Cleese and cast interviews are packaged with older features from previous collections. (3 DVDs; SRP: $50) Perhaps a more acquired taste, "Black Adder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition" collects every episode from Rowan Atkinson's extended historic farce, along with commentaries, outtakes, documentaries and interviews with collaborators like Stephen Fry and Hugh "House" Laurie. (6 DVDs; SRP: $80)
For Uncle Otto, the Aging Rock and Roll Hipster
Celebrating 25 years of curated rock awesomeness, "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live" DVD set features - deep breath, now - nine DVDs, 125 performances, 52 induction speeches and almost 10 hours of bonus materials including backstage and rehearsal footage. Here's a collection you can dip into for years - but may I suggest starting with the 1988 performance of "I Saw Her Standing There" with George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Fogerty, Mick Jagger and Billy Joel.(9 DVDs; SRP: $120)
For Dad, the Baseball Nut
For baseball fanatics of a certain intensity, "The Official World Series Film Collection" is a truly beautiful pop culture artifact. Clearly compiled with great care and affection, this collection spans seven decades of official World Series Films, as collected by the archivists at Major League Baseball Productions. Each of the 20 discs is organized into chapters, making it easy to drill down quickly to your favorite series. For instance, the glorious Detroit Tigers world championship of 1984. (20 DVDs; SRP $230)
For Cousin Jeffrey, the Rabid Sci-Fi and Animation Fan
Now this is controversial, but I'll go ahead and say it: In terms of pound-for-pound comedy efficiency, "Futurama" is every bit as good as, and often better than, "The Simpsons." Creator Matt Groening's other animated triumph has long lived in the shadow of the flagship product, but discerning fans know the truth. "Futurama: The Complete Collection" is an embarrassment of riches - every single episode plus four feature-length movies, all stored in a giant plastic replica of Bender the robot's head. If you want to totally blow the circuits of that fanboy geek in your life, look no further. (18 DVDs; SRP $200)
For Aunt Gladys, Who Simply Adores That Lovely Man, Charles Kuralt
For more than 20 years, beginning in 1967, CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt explored America's back roads in search of stories that were quite literally off the beaten path. He wore out a half-dozen motor homes over the years, and earned a shelf full of Emmy and Peabody awards. "On the Road with Charles Kuralt, Set 1" marks the program's DVD debut and includes 18 episodes with a total of 77 dispatches. Consider these intriguing titles: Golden Gate Bridge Workers, Life on the Bayou, Greek Sponge-Fisherman, Man Who Waves at Traffic, Cowboys of Deadwood. (3 DVDs; SRP: $40)
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Paul Newman: The Tribute Collection
This set collects 13 of Newman's best films, from "The Long Hot Summer" to "The Verdict," plus a handsome coffee table book with archival photos. (17 DVDs; SRP $90)
Adult Swim in a Box
The Cartoon Network's late-night lineup boasts some of the most creative comedy in circulation - fan favorites "Space Ghost," "Robot Chicken" and "Aqua Teen Hunger Force" are included here. (7 DVDs; SRP $70)
Pigs, Pimps, & Prostitutes: 3 Films by Shohei Imamura
Reserved exclusively for very serious film nerds, this set collects three films from the acclaimed Japanese auteur - "Pigs and Battleships," "The Insect Woman," and "Intentions of Murder" - with additional critical essays and introductions. (3 DVDs; SRP $80)
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There's something undeniably appealing about the goofy pop scholarship of these History Channel documentaries. Hauntings! Witches! Zombies! Poltergeists! Vampires! (20 DVDs; SRP $80)
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