The Best DVD and Blu-Ray Sets of 2012. Perfect Christmas Gifts for Movie and TV Lovers.
Are you looking for the best Christmas gifts for the Movie or TV lover in your life? Well you’re in luck. 2012 has brought us a ton of great film and television box sets on Blu-ray and DVD. Or perhaps you’re shopping for yourself. No shame in that!
To make things easy, I’ve made a list with Amazon links for all items listed. Simply click on the image and it’ll take you there for full pricing and product descriptions. This site does make a percentage of all products sold, so thanks in advance if you choose to buy through us!
Click here to see the 2013 Blu-ray and DVD gift guide!
(I will specify what are the current hot deals on Amazon, but keep in mind pricing may change so take advantage of any Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals that come along!)
1. Dark Knight Rises [Blu-Ray]
Christopher Nolan’s thrilling conclusion to his trilogy is a must for the Batman fanatic in your life, and it will look stunning in HD. (Here’s a full description of the extra features via dvdbeaver).
**UPDATE: I bought this for myself as an early X-mas gift and I can wholeheartedly recommend this purchase. I’m only halfway through the special features and they are awesome. The iPhone app is pretty nifty too, and unlike the one for the Avengers, it actually works!
2. The Dark Knight Trilogy (Batman Begins / The Dark Knight / The Dark Knight Rises) [Blu-ray] (2012)
Or get this box set of all three movies, extra discs with special features, and a 64 page book chronicling the making of the films.
Batman fans might also enjoy the Blu-ray Animated movie ‘Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1′, which is an adaptation of the classic Frank Miller comic book which influenced many aspects of Nolan’s Batman trilogy (read my review).
[amazon_image id=”B008RV5K5E” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
3. Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]
Fans of the master of suspense will have plenty of viewing joy here with all 14 of Hitchcock’s classic films from 1944-76, including classics like ‘Psycho‘, ‘Vertigo’, ‘Rear Window’, ‘North By Northwest’ and more, each disc packed with special features and behind the scenes goodies.
‘Strangers On A Train‘ is curiously absent from this set, but not to worry as it has been recently released on blu-ray in its own right:
[amazon_image id=”B008DMQDZS” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Strangers on a Train [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
**UPDATE: Check out my review of the new Hitchcock Biopic Here!
4. The Amazing Spider-Man (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2012)
The Spider-Man reboot is currently going for cheap, at $21.96 instead of its list price of $40.99.
5. Watchmen Collector’s Edition: Ultimate Cut + Graphic Novel [Blu-ray]
Currently selling for $49.99 inseatd of normal price of $74.98
[amazon_image id=”B0093ICOE0″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Watchmen Collector’s Edition: Ultimate Cut + Graphic Novel [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
I still think this is a good film, flaws and all. This set is super cool because it features both the ultimate cut (i.e. interweaving the Tales From The Black Pearl animation) along with a hardcover edition of the original comic series.
6. The Avengers [Blu-Ray]
[amazon_image id=”B001KVZ6HK” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Marvel’s The Avengers (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy + Digital Music Download)[/amazon_image]
A solid and entertaining comic book adaptation, it looks great on Blu-ray. A bit slim on special features though.
7. Prometheus [Blu-ray]
Currently $14.99 instead of $49.99
[amazon_image id=”B0085Z8F4A” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Prometheus (Blu-ray 3D/ Blu-ray/ DVD/ Digital Copy)[/amazon_image]
The Ridley Scott pseudo-Alien prequel polarized audiences, and while I still have mixed feelings (here’s my review) it looks great in HD. Lots of special features too.
8. Alien Anthology [Blu-ray] (2010)
[amazon_image id=”B001AQO3QA” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Alien Anthology [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Speaking of Alien, this box set of the original film and it’s three sequels is one of the best collections ever. The HD transfers are flawless, and the bonus material is just as compelling. Was released back in 2010, but currently at a much cheaper price.
9. Blade Runner-30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition-[Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B008M4MB8K” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Blade Runner (30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image][amazon_image id=”B00845MRKE” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (4-Disc Blu-ray / DVD +Book +UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack)[/amazon_image]
One more from Ridley Scott. This set features four different versions of the sci-fi masterpiece starring Harrison Ford, including Scott’s final cut from 2007. Also has some great special features including a 3 hour documentary. The thing that sets this apart from the release a few years back is a 72 page art production book.
10. Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures [Blu-ray] (2011)
[amazon_image id=”B000NQRE9Q” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Speaking of Ford…Steven Speilberg’s iconic 80’s action trilogy looks stellar in this HD-transfer. Currently selling for 50% off its cover price…
11. Jaws Blu-Ray
[amazon_image id=”B007STBUIW” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Jaws (Universal 100th Anniversary) [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet][/amazon_image]
One of the most impressive Blu-ray transfers to date. The disc also contains ‘The Shark Is Still Working’, the long in the making fan made documentary about the lasting legacy of Spielberg’s masterpiece. (Read my full Blu-Ray review.)
12. James Bond/Bond On Bond [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B006U1J5ZY” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
All 22 films transferred in HD (minus the excellent Skyfall , still in theaters) + 130 minutes of bonus features.
And Bond fans might also enjoy Roger Moore’s new book ‘Bond On Bond‘.
[amazon_image id=”0762782811″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Bond On Bond: Reflections on 50 years of James Bond Movies[/amazon_image]
13. Tarantino XX 8-Film Collection [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B009B0OG1O” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Tarantino XX 8-Film Collection [Blu-ray] (Pulp Fiction/Inglourious Basterds/Reservoir Dogs/Kill Bill Vol. 1/Kill Bill Vol. 2/Jackie Brown/Death Proof/True Romance)[/amazon_image]
To build anticipation for the director’s upcoming ‘Django Unchained‘ , here are all 8 of his feature films in HD. Also has 2 discs of bonus features and retrospectives.
14. Mad Monster Party/The Original Christmas Classics Gift Set
[amazon_image id=”B008D9NIHW” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Mad Monster Party Combo Pack BD + DVD [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
This 1960’s cult classic is from Rankin/Bass, the production company that brought you ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer‘. It has that same, quirky stop-motion charm , but this is a musical featuring puppet versions of classic movie monsters.
Speaking of which, why not stock up on the classic for your holiday viewing along with other Rankin/Bass productions?
15. The Walking Dead: The Complete Second Season (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012
What’s better than owning Season 2 of the AMC zombie apocalypse show? How about one with a collector’s case of a zombie with a screwdriver lodged in its eye socket!
(Check out my recap of the Season-3 Mid-season finale)
16. Halloween II & Halloween III: Season Of The Witch Collector’s Editions
Halloween was last month, but why not keep it going all year-long? Whether it’s the satisfying sequel to John Carpenter’s original (the best horror movie ever), or the underrated part III, these Shout! Factory special editions have great HD transfers and bonus material.
17. They Live (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]
Speaking of Carpenter, Shout! Factory has also just released a special edition for this underrated cult classic. An awesome HD transfer plus director’s commentary and interviews.
18. Homeland Season 1-Blu-ray
The first season of this amazing Emmy-award winning Showtime thriller is currently selling for 67% off its cover price.
19. Dexter-Seasons 1-5-Blu-ray
You can also get a great deal for the Blu-Ray collection for Seasons 1-5 of Showtime’s popular show about America’s favorite serial killer.
20. Twilight Zone: The Complete Series-Blu-ray
[amazon_image id=”B007I8KXQ8″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
All 5 seasons of Rod Serling’s groundbreaking sci-fi television show, complete with tons of commentaries and special features. And I was blown away at how good an old show can look in HD.
21. Planet of the Apes: 5 Film Collection [Blu-ray]
Great deal! $19.99 gives you all 5 of the original classic films. (FYI, this doesn’t include the awesome prequel from 2011).
22. The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy [Blu-ray]
Get amped up for Peter Jackson’s upcoming ‘The Hobbit‘, by watching his excellent ‘LOTR’ trilogy on Blu-ray.
23. Brazil: Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]
Terry Gilliam’s dystopian masterpiece gets the Criterion Collection treatment, with several different cuts of the film, along with plenty of special features regarding the troubled production of this unique film.
24. Rosemary’s Baby: Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B008MPQ0G8″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Rosemary’s Baby (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Another classic given the deluxe treatment that only Criterion can deliver, with a great HD transfer, behind the scenes docs and more.
25. The Game: Criterion Collection [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B008CJ0JTI” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Game (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Like ‘Zodiac‘, this is another underrated film by director David Fincher, ‘The Game‘ is now getting some much deserved love with this deluxe edition.
26. Max Fleischers Superman: Collector’s Edition
[amazon_image id=”B008IG0EHM” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Max Fleischers Superman: Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
These rotoscoped cartoons blew people’s minds when they debuted in he 1930’s, and they hold up quite well with these lustrous Blu-ray transfers.
27. Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series (Deluxe Edition)
[amazon_image id=”B007PZ6SYK” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series (Deluxe Edition)[/amazon_image]
Fans of the 70’s vampire soap will get bloodthirsty for this collection. 131 discs (!) cover evey episode along with various extra features. The real selling point is the coffin set, which shows the corpse of Barnabas Collins (if you keep all the discs in their proper order!).
28. Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B008FL8OTK” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Stellar, crystal clear transfers of all the old monster greats.
So that wraps up Christmas Gifts: Best DVD and Blu-Ray Sets of 2012! Be sure to also check out my list of Best Music Box Sets , the 27 Best Geek Gifts with Best Geek Collectibles! You might also like to check out my Squidoo page of Best Sci-Fi and Horror Blu-rays.