Check out our list of the best 2014 Blu-ray and DVD Box Sets that make ideal presents for the pop-culture fanatic in your life.
Welcome to the SLIS 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: Blu-ray and DVD Edition! It’s time to look at the impressive list of this year’s deluxe film and television releases and box sets that will make awesome gifts for the movie snobs and TV binge watchers on your shopping list. I cover it all: comic book movies, horror and sci-fi, comedy and more. I’ve also included some related books that tie in to select films listed.
I’ll have Amazon links under each entry. Simply click on the product image, and it’ll take to you to the Amazon site for preview and purchase details.
I’ve noted items that currently have great deals, and have updated with Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals where applicable as they pop up. I have items arranged by sub-genre for convenience sake.
Let’s begin:
COMIC BOOK MOVIES:
Guardians of the Galaxy (3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray + Digital Copy)
It was a truly great year for comic book movies, and Marvel hit it big with this left-of-center cosmic comedy. Currently only $19.99 on Amazon.
Click here to shop Guardians soundtrack and much more in my 2014 Music Box-Set Gift Guide.
X-Men: Days of Future Past Amazon Exclusive
[amazon_image id=”B00K7IPH5I” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]X-Men: Days of Future Past Amazon Exclusive [Blu-ray + Exclusive][/amazon_image]
X-Men: Days of Future Past and Wolverine Collection
[amazon_image id=”B00NVDYMBG” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]X-Men: Days of Future Past and Wolverine Collection [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
X-Men: Days of Future Past – Exclusive Sentinel Package (3D Blu-Ray + Blu-Ray + Digital HD)
[amazon_image id=”B00OHWDZAO” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]X-Men: Days of Future Past – Exclusive Sentinel Package (3D Blu-Ray + Blu-Ray + Digital HD)[/amazon_image]
The very entertaining (if slightly confusing) mashup of past and present X-casts is available in a variety of special editions. The Amazon exclusive is the priciest (currently at $166.99), while the X-men/Wolverine film collection is the best deal at only $59.99 (normally $100.00), which gives you all the X-films.
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! TBD 11/27/14 for standard Blu-ray edition: X-Men: Days of Future Past
Captain America: The Winter Soldier [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B0090SI3GQ” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Captain America: The Winter Soldier [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Another winner for Marvel: this is their most sophisticated and dynamic superhero film to date (currently only $16.99)
This year marks Batman’s 75th anniversary, and WB/DC are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Dark Knight’s Birthday. Here’s the most notable releases:
Batman: Season 1-3 (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00LT1JHLW” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Batman: Season 1-3 (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
One of the most anticipated and desired box-sets is surely this collection of the Adam West 60’s Batman series. Copyright lawsuits kept it wrapped up in red-tape for decades, but here it is in a glorious limited edition containing, HD-transfers, bonus features, collectibles cards, episode guides, a Hot Wheels batmobile and much more.
Click here for some awesome 60’s Batman Geek gifts
Batman 25th Anniversary [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00MWFS4X6″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Batman 25th Anniversary [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman turns 25, and this special edition comes in a handsome book packaging. (note: special features are the same as the 20th anniversary edition)
DCU: Son of Batman [Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00GZ0ML4C” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]DCU: Son of Batman [Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Batman: Assault on Arkham
[amazon_image id=”B00J8LXD60″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Batman: Assault on Arkham[/amazon_image]
WB animated created these two Batman films specifically to commemorate Batman’s 75th.
HORROR FILMS:
Halloween: The Complete Collection Limited Deluxe Edition[Blu-ray]
[amazon_image id=”B00KDU8HQQ” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Halloween: The Complete Collection Limited Deluxe Edition[Blu-ray][/amazon_image]
Anchor Bay Entertainment has milked the Halloween franchise for all its worth in various deluxe reissues, but this one will surely appeal to those who want the entire film series in one collection. Most notable: In addition to new commentaries and bonus features, this set includes the Producer’s Cut of Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers, as well as Network TV versions of Halloween and Halloween 2.
RELATED BOOK: On Set with John Carpenter
[amazon_image id=”178329468X” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]On Set with John Carpenter[/amazon_image]
This would make a perfect pairing with the box set: a book featuring on-set photos for the Halloween director’s entire body of work.
Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Black Maria Box Set[Blu-ray]
What could be better than seeing the pristine Blu-ray transfer full of bonus material for this slasher pioneer? How about having it housed in a replica of the truck from the film’s finale? And an extra disc, plus a blood spattered apron thrown in for good measure?
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray/DVD Combo]
Or here’s the cheaper version, sans truck and bonus disc.
Alien: 35th Anniversary [Blu-ray]
The sci-fi horror classic turns 35 this year, celebrated in this special edition. This has the theatrical release and director’s cut, commentaries and special features (if you have the 2010 box set from awhile back, no need to double dip, it contains the same features.)
RELATED BOOKS:
Alien the Archive: The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Movies
A perfect pairing to the Blu-ray with a book detailing the production and conceptual designs of the film, and the contributions of the late artist H.R. Giger.
The Exorcist: The Complete Anthology
The entire Exorcist franchise for only $32.78, also containing alternate cuts of the original and it’s prequel.
An American Werewolf in London – Limited Edition Steelbook [Blu-ray]
John Landis’s horror-comedy gets a deluxe steelbook reissue full of special features (including a feature-length making-of) and currently going for only $9.99.
Leprechaun [Blu-ray]
Sure they’re crappy films. Maddening yet hilarious. This contains the entire series, including the recent reboot Leprechaun: Origins.
Wicker Man The Final Cut [Blu-ray]
At long last, the fully restored version of this wonderful horror oddity, collected on Blu-ray. Avoid the Nicholas Cage remake at all costs.
The Innocents (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
This underrated gothic ghost story gets a deluxe Criterion reissue.
Nightbreed: The Director’s Cut
Clive Barker’s 1990 directorial début was an odd but intriguing mix of action and horror. This disc features a restored print and with 40 minutes of extra footage, along with a host of special features.
Universal Classic Monsters: Complete 30-Film Collection
Coming on the heels of 2012’s Blu-ray collection, this compiles Universal’s horror classics in a DVD box set.
SCI-FI:
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: Caesar’s Warrior Collection [Blu-ray]
This special edition of one of the most thrilling film sequels (and reboots) in recent memory includes Blu-ray/DVD and Ultraviolet formats of both Dawn, as well as its prequel Rise of the Planet of the Apes, (Dawn also gets a 3-D disc) plus a bust of Caesar, playing cards, booklet and other special features.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes [Blu-ray]
Here’s the cheaper alternative, sans Rise and Caesar bust. I can’t wait to see the eye-popping CGI in HD! I hope Andy Serkis gets his Oscar nom for this year. He truly deserves it.
RELATED BOOK: Planet of the Apes: The Evolution of the Legend
Explore the history of the iconic sci-fi franchise in this retrospective book.
Godzilla (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack)
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! Only $7.26
The remake of the beloved giant Japanese lizard classic gets a disc with special features and multiple formats.
Jodorowsky’s Dune
The greatest film that never happened…yet inspired countless other’s such as Alien. The documentary recounting its failed execution is fascinating.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Blu-ray+DVD+UltraViolet)
For those who want to watch a movie all-day long, or need something to help with insomnia, here’s an extended cut of Peter Jackson’s 2013 Hobbit installment.
TV BOX SETS:
Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery [Blu-ray]
David Lynch’s groundbreaking surreal television drama gets a deluxe edition including an extended cut of its accompanying theatrical release Fire Walk With Me, and a ton of special features. This should tide fans over until the series gets revived on Showtime in 2016.
The Walking Dead: Season 4 [Blu-ray + Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy]
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! Currently only $24.99 (normally $80)
The Walking Dead: Season 4 Limited Edition [Blu-ray]
Or for a bit more, pick up this cool deluxe set, where a walker moves it’s arms and heads whenever you grab a disc!
True Detective [Blu-ray]
The best TV show of 2014, yeah I said it! Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson turn in career best performances in this compelling crime drama mystery. If you don’t have HBO, buy this.
Breaking Bad: The Complete Series (2014 Barrel and Standard Editions)
For everyone fuming at my above comment, here’s YOUR favorite show of 2014 in standard and drug barrel editions.
DAILY DEAL SALE! Killer deal on Amazon for December 5th only: get the Barrel box set for only $119 (normally $300) and the bookshelf edition for only $85.99 (normally $230.99)!
Game of Thrones: Season 3/Game of Thrones: Season 4 (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)
Sure, Season 4 doesn’t come out until February 2015, but GOT diehards will still be excited for a pre-order.
House of Cards Seasons 1-2 [Blu-Ray]
Oh Frank Underwood, you are a bastard. Why is this show so much fun to watch? Binge watch the first two seasons…it’ll fly by.
Sherlock Limited Edition Gift Set (The Complete Seasons 1-3 Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
A box set worthy of the excellent BBC modern take on the world’s greatest detective, full of bonus features and nifty Sherlock and Watson busts.
The Sopranos: The Complete Series + Digital HD
The series that redefined television as we know it, all collected on Blu-ray and Digital HD.
Fargo Season One [Blu-ray]
The fantastic take on the Coen Brother’s film collected on Blu-ray.
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! Only $3.99!
Doctor Who: Season 8 [Blu-ray] (2014)
The latest season of the beloved long-running sci-fi series.
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Epic Series
I can still smell those trading cards that came in Wonder Bread loaf bags of this entertaining Star Wars knockoff that helped pass the time between A New Hope and Empire. Sure the new series was better, but nothing beats vintage Cylons.
Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]
Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Hiney Ho! The wish is granted, long live Pee-Wee’s Playhouse! The oddball kids classic fully collected in HD , containing 4 hours of bonus features.
Twilight Zone: The 5th Dimension (Complete Series Limited Edition Box Set)
For those who haven’t made the jump to Blu-ray and own the amazing HD-Twilight Zone set, here’s the DVD edition which features every episode of the both the original series, and the 1980’s series. But THIS set has a brand new documentary AND included the American Masters special about Rod Serling that was omitted from the Blu-ray edition of the best tv show of all time. This makes me angry because I’ve already bought the early DVD and Blu-ray editions! Dammit.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Turkey Day Collection (XXXI)
Celebrate Turkey Day all year-long with the latest so bad they’re great 4-film collection that gets skewered in this beloved cult classic series.
Click here for my interview with MST3K’s Joel Hodgson!
COMEDY:
Young Frankenstein: 40th Anniversary [Blu-ray]
Mel Brook’s horror-spoof classic celebrates it’s 40th anniversary currently only $8.99 on Amazon.
22 Jump Street (2 Discs)
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! TBD 11/27/14
The LEGO Movie (Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! Only $3.99
Did you know both the above comedies were directed by the same director duo of Chris Miller and Phil Lord? Apparently they can master meta in any genre/format. Both hilarious and clever as hell.
Ghostbusters / Ghostbusters II (4K-Mastered + Included Digibook) [Blu-ray]
Remastered edition of the beloved 80’s film series.
UHF (25th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]
There are two kinds of people in this world: those that know that UHF is one of the best film’s of the 80’s, and others that think it’s stupid. For those that have a clue, they’ll flip out for this special edition full of retrospective special features.
CLASSICS:
Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection Amazon Exclusive (Blu-ray)
This Amazon exclusive features HD transfers of Kubrick’s most notable works, along with three new documentaries about the reclusive perfectionist.
Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection (Jaws / E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial / Jurassic Park / The Lost World: Jurassic Park / Duel / The Sugarland Express / 1941 / Always) [Blu-ray]
A slightly lop-sided affair given the sum total of the director’s filmography, but it’s nice to see early works like Duel and Sugarland Express get some more attention. All films come with bonus material previously found on individual releases.
Eraserhead (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
David Lynch’s surreal directorial debut gets the Criterion treatment with a 4k digital restoration, featuring a new documentary, a collection of his early short films and cast and crew featurettes.
The Vanishing [Blu-ray]
The Dutch suspense classic gets its due on Criterion, features a new 2k restoration and new interviews.
Sorcerer [Blu-ray]
William Friedkin’s vastly underrated Wages of Fear remake has gained more acclaim since it’s box-0ffice failure, and it’s finally getting a worthy release with a new digital restoration, deluxe booklet featuring excerpts from Friedkin’s 2013 autobiography.
The Bruce Lee Premiere Collection
A 4-pack of the martial art legends best works.
HOLIDAY FARE:
The horror comedy cult classic set during Christmas makes a nice counterpoint over more wholesome material. The 30 year old (?!) film comes with 2 new featurettes and 2 motion comics.
Silent Night Deadly Night 30th Anniversary [Blu-ray]
Nothing gets the holiday spirit rolling like a slasher film about a murderer in a Santa outfit! This low-rent flick turns 30, with a suitably barebones release. Bah Humbug.
A Christmas Story: 30th Anniversary (BD/ DVD) [Blu-ray]
Another Christmas classic turns 30, and gets yet another reissue. Note: besides the HD transfer this shares same bonus features as previous releases.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: 50th Anniversary [Blu-ray]
Last but not least, celebrate 50 years of the stop-motion children’s Christmas classic, filled with a variety of special features and HD transfer.
