Welcome to the SLIS Holiday Gift Guide: Best 2013 Blu ray Movies, featuring the best Blu-ray and DVD releases this holiday season.
I have selections for the movie geek in your life from various genres, including superhero movies, horror flicks, sci-fi and animation classics. And I have TV binge watchers covered too.
**UPDATED: I’ve added upcoming Amazon Cyber Monday deals!
Click here for our 2012 Blu-ray/DVD Holiday Shopping Guide.
I’ve made a list with Amazon links for all items listed. Simply click on the image for full pricing and product info. I’ll make a note of any current great deals going on at Amazon. We make a percentage of all products sold, so thanks in advance if you buy through us!
I’ve split up Blu-ray releases by genre for clarity’s sake:
COMIC BOOK MOVIES
The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray]
Currently $74.99 (normally $99.97)
[amazon_image id=”B00DUCXFUC” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Batman fans will dig the extra features on Christopher Nolan’s Bat-trilogy Box-set. Exclusive features include a chat between Nolan and Superman the Movie director Richard Donner, collectible vehicles, and collectible book The Art and Making of The Dark Knight Trilogy
Man Of Steel-Blu-ray
[amazon_image id=”B00DYEN6XC” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Man of Steel Collectible Figurine Limited Edition Gift Set (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultra Violet Combo)[/amazon_image][amazon_image id=”B00ENXBUR2″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Man of Steel Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD +UltraViolet Combo Pack)[/amazon_image][amazon_image id=”B00DYEN5QU” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Man of Steel (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD +UltraViolet Combo Pack)[/amazon_image]
*figurine set is currently $44.99 (normally $60.01).
I still stand by my review of the recent Superman movie; it was good, not great. That being said, I’m sure Zack Snyder’s comic book adaptation will look awesome in HD.
It comes in three different editions, all of which I’ve linked to above. From what I can tell, all have the same special features, which includes behind-the-scenes featurettes and a fake-doc about life on Krypton.
Iron Man 3 (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy)
[amazon_image id=”B00CL0J99K” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Iron Man 3 (Two-Disc Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy)[/amazon_image]
Iron Man 3 was pretty lightweight in scope, but way better than the sloppy second installment, with some great humor and cool action sequences that make up for a disappointing plot twist. Special features include behind-the-scenes featurettes and a sneak peek of Thor: The Dark World
X-Men: The Adamantium Collection (Limited Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00E6D4HHO” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]X-Men: The Adamantium Collection (Limited Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Great deal on this! Currently $129.99 (normally $199.99)
This looks pretty sweet. You get all the X-Men movies (although the X-3 disc is better served as a coaster) plus a nifty statuette of Wolverine’s claws, and a bonus disc of behind the scenes features and interviews.
The Wolverine – Unleashed Extended Edition (Blu-ray 3D / Blu-Ray / DVD / DigitalHD + Digital Copy)
[amazon_image id=”B00E4W40C4″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Wolverine – Unleashed Extended Edition (Blu-ray 3D / Blu-Ray / DVD / DigitalHD + Digital Copy)[/amazon_image]
Currently 29.96 (normally 49.99)
If you’re shopping for an X-Men fan and on a budget, you can skip the box set and pick up Wolverine’s latest solo outing. The Unleashed edition has 12 extra minutes of footage, an alternate ending, and a look at upcoming X-Men opus Days Of Future Past. Snikt.
SCI-FI/FANTASY:
Star Trek: Stardate Collection [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00DB97LCM” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Star Trek: Stardate Collection [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Currently $84.99 (normally %139.98)
The Trekkie in your life will have an absolute nerdgasm with this box set of all 10 original Star Trek films, with an additional whopping 25 hours of bonus features! In the words of George Takei, Oh Myyyyyy.
Star Trek Into Darkness Blu-Ray
[amazon_image id=”B00AZMFK3K” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Star Trek Into Darkness (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)[/amazon_image]
Augment the old Star Trek with the new, with the Blu-ray release of Star Trek: Into Darkness.
Click here for a ton of Star Trek, Star Wars and Comic Book Holiday Geek Gifts!
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (Extended Edition)
Be forewarned that if you buy this for a family member, you’ll be spending your entire holiday watching The Hobbit. Peter Jackson has added even more footage, and a ton of extras, too many of which to mention here. Go to Amazon for the full scoop.
Akira: 25th Anniversary Edition
This beloved, iconic anime classic gets a restored HD treatment with retrospective featurettes.
Seconds Criterion Collection Blu-Ray
[amazon_image id=”B00CUKTGEE” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Seconds (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
This amazing, underrated film gets the deluxe reissue it deserves via Criterion.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition DVD Set
MST3K fans love this collection, featuring four never before seen episodes, AND a bonus disc featuring fan-favorite ep Mitchell.
Click here for my interview with MST3K’s Joel Hodgson!
Night of The Comet Blu-ray
This cheesy 80’s post-apocalyptic cult classic gets the special edition treatment from Shout! Factory, packed with interviews and commentaries with cast and crew.
Pacific Rim (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack)
[amazon_image id=”B008JFUR10″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Pacific Rim (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack)[/amazon_image]
Currently on sale for $24.99 on Amazon
This seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it film for many, as for me I thought it was a mixed bag. But it looks awesome on Blu-ray.
COMEDY:
The World’s End (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet)
[amazon_image id=”B00BPEJX12″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The World’s End (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD with UltraViolet)[/amazon_image]
My personal favorite from the Cornetto trilogy gets a Blu-ray edition packed with commentaries and featurettes.
The excellent 90’s era soundtrack makes a great gift in itself.
[amazon_image id=”B00DUG62N0″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The World’s End (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)[/amazon_image]
The World’s End / Hot Fuzz / Shaun of the Dead Trilogy (Blu-ray + Digital HD with UltraViolet) (2004)
[amazon_image id=”B00F98FOL8″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The World’s End / Hot Fuzz / Shaun of the Dead Trilogy (Blu-ray + Digital HD with UltraViolet)[/amazon_image]
Or just pick up the Cornetto trilogy in this box set. Not a bad film in the bunch.
This Is The End (Two Disc Combo: Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2013)
[amazon_image id=”B00BEJL69U” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]This Is The End[/amazon_image]
A steal of a deal! Only $14.99 (normally $40.99)
This year’s other apocalyptic comedy makes a perfect double feature with World’s End.
National Lampoon’s Vacation: 30th Anniversary [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00BCB1JJW” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]National Lampoon’s Vacation: 30th Anniversary [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
How many times can you watch the neutered version of Christmas Vacation on TV? Why not stick with the raunchy original film, which is the best of the bunch by far. Hey I saw it when I was a kid, and look how I turned out? Hmm.
TV BLU-RAY BOX SETS:
This year we said goodbye to two darkly compelling TV-shows. But they’ll live on in these awesome box-sets.
Breaking Bad: The Complete Series
Steal of a Deal at $100 off regular price! Currently $199.99 (normally $299.99)
Not only is the set housed in a cool money barrel, it also has over 55 HOURS of extras. Plus a two-hour documentary and collector’s booklet. Walter White addicts will be satiated.
Dexter: The Complete Series Collection
Steal of a Deal for Complete Series Collection (standard)! Currently $219.99 (normally $460.00)
Sure, Dexter went out with a whimper, but fans will enjoy reliving its 8-season run to soften the blow. Whether you want the blood-slide case or the eerie mannequin head set, both are filled with extras and collector’s booklet.
House of Cards: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray] (2013)
[amazon_image id=”B00BC5FN2C” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]House of Cards: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Steal of a deal! Only $14.99 (Normally $65.99)This excellent Netflix series about the dark side of D.C. politics collected in Blu-ray. It’s highly addictive stuff.
Doctor Who: Series 1-7 Limited Edition Blu-ray Giftset
Get the first seven seasons on Blu-ray with a whopping array of extras and memorabilia.
The Walking Dead Season 3 Limited Edition [Blu-ray] (2013)
[amazon_image id=”B00CATONCA” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Walking Dead Season 3 Limited Edition [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Steal of a Deal! Currently $94.96 (normally $149.99)
Season 3 collected in a replica of the Governor’s grotesque fish tank filled with walker heads.
Twin Peaks: The Complete Series (The Definitive Gold Box Edition) (1990)
CYBER MONDAY DEAL: Will be announced at 10:20am Monday.
David Lynch’s groundbreaking classic in its entirety on DVD.
HORROR/SUSPENSE:
Halloween may be over, but horror fans need scares 365 days a year! These releases will please the ghoul in your life.
We start off with a slew of John Carpenter special editions:
Halloween (35th Anniversary Edition)
Great deal! Currently selling for $19.96 on Amazon (normally $34.99)
The latest Halloween reissue features a dual commentary with Jamie Lee Curtis and director John Carpenter.
Also included is a documentary showing Curtis attending a horror convention and extras from previous editions.
Prince Of Darkness (Collector’s Edition)
Carpenter’s satanic horror flick gets a deluxe reissue from Shout! Factory, with a great HD transfer, Carpenter commentary, and assorted extras
Body Bags (Collector’s Edition)
Carpenter’s HBO Anthology Special is hit and miss, but a must for Carpenter completists.
Assault On Precinct 13 (Collector’s Edition) [Bluray/DVD Combo
Carpenter’s cult classic gets reissued with a new commentary and bonus features.
The Fog (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]
Another Carpenter classic, filed with new commentaries and interviews, and an HD transfer supervised by original D.P. Dean Cundey.
Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray] (2013)
Jason Voorhees fans would kill to get this collection, which contains a special feature bonus disc and collectors book.
Nosferatu: Kino Classics 2-Disc Deluxe Remastered Edition
The vampire classic gets a remastered musical score in this 2 disc blu-ray set, which also includes a documentary and other special features.
Eyes Without a Face (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] (1960)
Haunting underrated French horror film gets the Criterion treatment.
Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Filmmaker Collection [Region Free]
[amazon_image id=”B00F0IRN7U” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Filmmaker Collection [Region Free][/amazon_image]
So in last year’s gift guide I covered the 2012 Hitchcock Masterpiece collection, featuring Hitchcock’s classic films on Blu-ray all with deluxe features.
But many fans claimed (rightfully so) that there was a glaring omission; Vertigo.
So this will be the set for Hitchcock aficionados, as it contains Hitchcock’s troubled classic, as well as a host of special features including booklet, movie poster art and more. Equally cool is the collector’s case, with each film housed in a replica cylinder film tin.
This edition comes from the U.K. so price is a bit more for U.S. buyers. Be sure to check your Blu-ray player for compatibility.
ACTION:
Bruce Lee Legacy Collection (4 BluRay/ 7 DVD) [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00E9JLQEC” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Bruce Lee Legacy Collection (4 BluRay/ 7 DVD) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Remastered versions of Lee’s classic films, filled with extra features.
Enter the Dragon (40th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]
Steal of a deal! Only $24.49 (Normally $49.99)
Or if you’re on a budget, pick up his best flick, remastered in HD, featuring a commentary from the film’s producers as well as other mini-docs.
Knightriders Blu-ray
This bizarre cult classic from director George Romero gets the deluxe Shout! Factory treatment.
Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry / Race With The Devil [Blu-ray]
Two great car-chase cult classics for the price of one!
Repo Man (Criterion Collection) (1984)
Hard to classify this film, so let’s just say it’s multi-genre. But it’s a wonderful 80’s cult curiosity given the Criterion upgrade.
Argo: The Declassified Extended Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack)
[amazon_image id=”B00ENJZ2HA” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Argo: The Declassified Extended Edition (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet Combo Pack)[/amazon_image]
My favorite movie of 2012 gets a cool deluxe edition, with an extended director’s cut, exclusive special features, a production book, a movie poster, and much more.
ANIMATED/HOLIDAY/FAMILY:
A Christmas Story [Blu-ray] (2006)
[amazon_image id=”B001CW7ZZ8″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]A Christmas Story [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
CYBER MONDAY DEAL: Only $7.89 (normally $19.98).
Holiday classic at a great price.
Disney Pixar Complete Collection [Blu-ray] (2013)
The set has every Pixar film to date, packed with special features, commentaries, and a commemorative book.
It’s the perfect holiday gift; kids and adults love these films equally, so no squabbling about to watch over the holidays.
Pixar Short Films Collection 2
[amazon_image id=”B0091NWBC2″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Pixar Short Films Collection 2 [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
CYBER MONDAY DEAL: To be announced at 10:20 pm today.
A perfect companion piece to the box set.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians Blu-ray
One of the 7 best/worst holiday movies of all time gets an HD transfer? Why? Why not?
The Muppet Movie: The Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition
Can’t go wrong with this Muppets classic.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary
[amazon_image id=”B00DGWZKHM” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Mickey’s Christmas Carol 30th Anniversary – Special Edition (Blu-ray/DVD + Digital Copy)[/amazon_image]
Disney’s Christmas Classic gets the Blu-ray HD treatment.
