2021 saw the entertainment industry bounce back in small but meaningful ways, and with this has come a resurgence in production for countless releases on 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD which brighten our days a bit. We know it can be overwhelming trying to find that perfect gift for a loved one, so this year we decided to take the stress out of shopping by providing a helpful list of some of our favorite movies, television shows and even a couple of movie-themed books that dropped in 2021. We approached this list assuming that everyone has some of the bigger new releases, so no The Suicide Squad or Free Guy here, but instead we focused on highlighting the hidden gems of the year that might have slipped by your radar. Without further ado, we present the 2021 GVN Holiday Gift Guide…

Out Of This World

Star Trek: The Original 4-Movies 4K UHD Collection

For the Star Trek fan who wants to show off their new TV…

You may find yourself asking, do I really need to upgrade my perfectly fine Blu-Rays of these first four movies? Trust us, once you see these new presentations, you will never want to go back. All four films (including both the Theatrical and Director’s Cut of The Wrath Of Khan) have been newly remastered from their original elements for optimal picture quality and are presented with Dolby Vision and HDR-10. Not yet 4K capable but want to future proof? All four included Blu-Rays have also been remastered and include so many hours of special features. Recommended if you want to see the Star Trek fan in your life shed a happy tear on Christmas morning.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Spaceballs (4K UHD or Blu-Ray)

For those who are one with the Schwartz…

This hilarious spoof favorite from celebrated director Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein, The Producers) was given a gorgeous new 4K UHD Blu-Ray release from Kino Lorber earlier this year featuring Dolby Vision and a vast assortment of special features including an audio commentary from Brooks himself. This may be best remembered as a Star Wars spoof, but be sure to revisit it to catch all the nods to other popular science fiction properties throughout. With endlessly repeatable dialogue and a cast including Bill Pullman, John Candy, Daphne Zuniga and Rick Moranis, Spaceballs is the perfect gift for comedy-loving sci-fi fans.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Street Fighter (SteelBook Blu-Ray)

For video game fans who accept that most adaptations are going to be bad…

Yes, this 1994 adaptation is not genuinely a great film, but you should at least be able to admit that there is a lot of fun to be had in its campy, over-the-top nature. Jean-Claude Van Damme forces his action-movie sensibilities onto this classic fighting franchise and the results are wild to say the least. Even if you don’t appreciate what Van Damme is bringing to this feature (but how could you not?), you must praise the legendary Raul Julia for delivering nothing less than his best as General M. Bison in his final onscreen performance. If you are going to own this film, you want to pick up the new Mill Creek Entertainment SteelBook which features some gorgeous packaging, new interviews with the cast and creative team, and even a replica Bison Dollar included in the package. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you enjoy this one.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Gamera (The Showa Era & The Heisei Era)

For those who wish Godzilla was a turtle…

As giant monsters rampaged the Japanese cinematic landscape during the “kaiju boom” of the mid-1960s, Daiei Studios introduced a new character to the screen that would be embraced for generations: Gamera, the giant, flying, fire-breathing turtle, and friend of all children! The Showa Era was the lighter, admittedly more cheesy version of the character as a man in a rubber suit leapt to the world’s defense against a motley assortment of evil creatures. The Heisei Era arose after laying dormant for fifteen years, as Gamera was rebooted for the big screen in a smash hit trilogy that traded the campy kid-friendly surrealism of the earlier films for a darker, more realistic tone and jaw-dropping innovative special effects. Each release offers a different type of fun packed to the gills with special features that kaiju fans will eagerly devour.

Check out our reviews of Gamera: The Showa Era and Gamera: The Heisei Era.

Gattaca (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For the sci-fi fan who reaches for the stars in both life and love…

Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Alan Arkin and Jude Law star in this engrossing sci-fi thriller about an all-too-human man who dares to defy a system obsessed with genetic perfection. Gattaca is the perfect blend of thoughtful scientific extrapolation with major studio crowd-pleasing intrigue that makes this one a cinematic classic. Every element from the direction to the production design to the script itself is given such thoughtful consideration that you cannot help but get lost in this world. Sony has given this favorite of science classrooms everywhere a stunning new remaster from the Original Camera Negative and a nice array of special features. While the original SteelBook release is fetching top dollar these days, the standard release is very affordable and worth every penny.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Defending Your Life

For those worried about what comes next…

Is there love after death? Acerbic everyman Albert Brooks finds a perfect balance between satirical bite and romantic-comedy charm as the writer, director, and star of this wonderfully warm and imaginative existential fantasy. Buoyed by a pitch-perfect supporting cast that includes Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Lee Grant, and Buck Henry, Defending Your Life is a rare feat of personal, philosophical filmmaking that happens to also be divinely entertaining.

This year the Criterion Collection gave this beloved film a much-desired upgrade in the form of a 4K digital restoration along with numerous fascinating special features that should tickle the brain of the more philosophical audience members.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Final Fantasy On 4K UHD Blu-Ray

For the video game fans who don’t want the story to end with the gameplay…

The world of Final Fantasy is one that has drawn in millions upon millions of people into its fascinating and complex world that is constantly evolving and growing with each new entry into the long-running video game series. Over the past couple of decades, Square Enix and Sony have released three feature-length films to expand upon these immersive stories. This year, Sony released these films, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, on 4K UHD Blu-Ray. The results have been stunning as these discs take the source material to their limits visually along with some bombastic audio tracks.

Check out our reviews of Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Fact > Fiction

The Ultimate Richard Pryor Collection: Uncensored (DVD)

For those who want a masterclass on comedy…

There will never be another comedic force like Richard Pryor. There are many funny comedians, but Pryor hit upon a level that most can only dream of achieving. This new set from Time Life will be a dream come true for hardcore comedy fans. This 13-disc collector’s set contains more than 26 incredible hours of comedy. The groundbreaking stand-up, the mesmerizing TV appearances, the NBC show that was too hot for TV, and so much more. This set is packed with memorable content that you will be revisiting for years to come.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

For those who love disco dancing and sad bangers…

The Bee Gees, who found early fame in the 1960s, went on to write over 1,000 songs, including twenty #1 hits throughout their storied career. The film follows the iconic trio’s meteoric rise as they rode the highs of fame and fortune, negotiated the vagaries of the ever-shifting music business and navigated the complexities of working so intimately alongside family. What makes this documentary so compelling is the sheer breadth of information that was made public for the first time that shines a new light on this iconic band. The film features captivating interviews with oldest brother Barry and archival interviews with the late twin brothers Robin and Maurice. That’s not to mention archival footage of recording sessions, concert performances, television appearances and home videos, and new interviews with musicians such as Eric Clapton, Noel Gallagher, and Justin Timberlake.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Original Cast Album: “Company”

For those who want to celebrate the life of Stephen Sondheim…

The recent passing of the great composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim left the world a little colder, but you can gain some semblance of comfort by checking out this gonzo documentary from D. A. Pennebaker which chronicles the recording of the original cast album of Sondheim’s record-breaking Company. Whether you are a theater fan or just someone who appreciates the drama of trying to achieve excellence under extreme pressure, this documentary offers drama and humor for days.

This year the Criterion Collection gave this documentary an upgrade in the form of a 4K digital restoration along with a host of great special features including the Documentary Now! episode in which John Mulaney, Rénee Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and more flawlessly spoof the film.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

The Monster Collection

For those who want to know how the sausage is made…

For every iconic monster that has captivated us on screen, there is a team of “mad men” who audiences owe a great debt of gratitude. The Monster Collection is a three-disc set featuring two acclaimed documentary films both directed by filmmakers Gilles Penso and Alexandre Poncet, Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams and Monsters and The Frankenstein Complex, plus over 12 hours of bonus features, including never-before-seen making-of footage and more.

This is a truly incredible release featuring two fascinating documentaries that dive deep into the work of special effects in film and the individuals responsible for bringing them to life. There are big names that offer some intriguing insights, but it is often the more behind-the-scenes figures that have the best stories about some of your favorite properties. Any fan of the movie-making process will have a lot of fun with this collection, especially when it comes to digging into the hours and hours of special features.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

This Is A Time For Action

Speed (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For those hot shots dying to take a pop quiz…

Before Keanu Reeves was Neo or John Wick, he was just a cop trying to keep a bus from exploding. There are a handful of films that you can point to and label them as undisputed classics in the action genre, and Speed is one of those landmark film. The premise is simple to follow and slightly outlandish, but it is executed with a technical eye and a sense of unyielding fun that you cannot help but fall under its spell. The amount of practical filmmaking that went into creating this non-stop thrill ride is simply staggering, and the cast that was assembled of Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Daniels and Dennis Hopper only serves to elevate the film that much higher. The long-awaited 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers up a powerhouse A/V presentation and a host of interesting supplemental features. Fans of the film will view the film in an entirely new light after checking out this presentation.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Mad Max Anthology (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For those who think its a lovely day for a drive…

The Mad Max Anthology contains some of the most thrilling action films that have ever been put to screen. Director George Miller is something of a lovable mad man as he leans on practical filmmaking to bring sequences to life so intense that it makes audiences remember why special effects are not always the path to a better film. From Mel Gibson to Tom Hardy, the character of Max is the stoic, reluctant hero you love to see fighting back. While certain audiences may disagree, there are no real low points when it comes to this franchise. The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray set contains Mad Max, The Road Warrior, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Mad Max: Fury Road all with a fantastic A/V presentations and an engaging new documentary on The Road Warrior. These films were tailor-made to be viewed on this format.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Last Action Hero (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For those who miss when Schwarzenegger used to have fun…

Last Action Hero is a film that has been unfairly maligned for some strange reason. The film may be a bit too long in the end, but for the majority of the film you have an extremely clever satire of action film culture that delivers more than enough thrills to satisfy fans that genuinely love the genre. Audiences loved Free Guy when it tackled its own self aware world earlier this year, so try your hand at a similar concept nearly 30 years ago. This is top-tier Arnold Schwarzenegger as he effortlessly tackles comedy and action with excellent results.

The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray represents a stunning upgrade in the A/V department as it has been remastered in 4K from the Original Camera Negative. It even adds some all-new extras to the package to make the presentation a little sweeter. The original SteelBook release is not widely available these days, but the standard release is affordable and worth every penny.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Vera Cruz and Shenandoah

For dads who love a great, dusty conflict…

Legendary screen icons Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster team up for the magnificent, action-packed western Vera Cruz from director Robert Aldrich (The Dirty Dozen). With sweeping vistas and larger-than-life heroics, it’s a tale as bold and rugged as the characters it so brilliantly depicts. Cooper and Lancaster portray Benjamin Trane and Joe Erin, two daredevil mercenaries who journey to Mexico in search of adventure—and cold hard cash—during the 1866 revolution. But they get more than they bargained for when the wealthy and beautiful Countess Duvarre (Denise Darcel) hires them to escort her (and a fortune in gold!) to Emperor Maximilian’s fighting forces in Vera Cruz. The trail is fraught with danger, betrayal and murder… and when Ben is swept up in the revolutionaries’ fervor, he and Joe find themselves at odds with the Mexican Army—and each other!

Shenandoah comes from Andrew V. McLaglen, the acclaimed director of McLintock! This classic Civil War drama stars the great James Stewart as Charlie Anderson, a wealthy Virginia farmer who refuses to support the Confederacy because he is opposed to slavery, yet refuses to support the Union because he is deeply opposed to war. When his son is taken prisoner and he goes to search for the boy, Charlie sees firsthand the horrors of war and is at last forced to take his stand. This morally complex western finds Stewart in an environment in which he excels making every moment a joy to watch.

Get more information about Vera Cruz and Shenandoah from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Years Of Lead: Five Classic Italian Crime Thrillers

For those who enjoy gritty, violent, and occasionally tawdry crime films…

The 1970s were a time of intense uncertainty and instability in Italy. Political corruption and widespread acts of left and right-wing terrorism, alongside a breakdown in social cohesion and a loss of trust in public institutions such as the government and police, created a febrile atmosphere of cynicism, paranoia and unexploded rage. Throughout this period, these sentiments found expression in a series of brutal, often morally ambiguous crime thrillers which tapped into the atmosphere of violence and instability that defined the so-called Years of Lead. This box set gathers five films from the heyday of the “poliziotteschi” – the umbrella term used to describe this diverse body of films.

The level of talent both in front of and behind the camera is something mightily impressive that shows off some of the best the genre has to offer for newcomers. Arrow Video has released another stunning box set featuring a nearly 5-star A/V presentation, engrossing special features, and top-notch packaging. Those who have the stomach for it will love every minute they spend with this set.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Indiana Jones 4-Movie 4K UHD Blu-Ray Collection

For movie lovers of all ages who want to go on an adventure…

The Indiana Jones franchise is one of the most consistently entertaining series of films that audiences have ever had the pleasure of consuming. There are some definite missteps, but there is something special about this iconic character that makes the adventures he gets into the type of fun that will have you grinning from ear to ear. With this new set, all four films have been gathered together in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality and Dolby Atmos audio. Each film has been meticulously remastered from 4K scans of the original negatives with extensive visual effects work done to ensure the most pristine and highest quality image.

If you are a fan of these movies, you owe it to yourself to own these movies in a format that gives a whole new life to them. This set ranks among the strongest for classic films on 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Hard Target (4K UHD or Blu-Ray)

For those who get a bit giddy when they hear “John Woo action film”…

The legendary “Muscles from Brussels” Jean-Claude Van Damme teams up with world-famous action director John Woo (Hard Boiled, Face/Off) and executive producer Sam Raimi for this electrifying thriller. Chance Boudreaux (Van Damme) is the target of an evil mercenary (Lance Henriksen) who recruits combat veterans for the “amusement” of his clients—bored tycoons who will pay a half a million dollars to stalk and kill the most challenging prey of them all: Man. So when beautiful Natasha Binder (Yancy Butler) hires Chance in search of her missing father, she gets more than she bargained for. Screenwriter Chuck Pfarrer (Darkman) takes “The Most Dangerous Game” and laces it with dark humor and slam-bang action. There are obvious missteps in the story, but the action scenes on display in this one are some of the most exciting you will see from the early 90s.

The new release from Kino Lorber comes from a brand new 4K Restoration of the Unrated International Cut from a 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative plus an all-new interview with John Woo. Action fans are going to wear this disc out.

Get information about the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of Hard Target here.

Busting

For your uncle who brings up police protests too often…

A quintessential entry in the “you have to break a few rules to get justice” genre. Elliott Gould and Robert Blake play a pair of Los Angeles cops who find themselves in a bitter conflict with their corrupt superiors as they wage a two-men war against crime czar Carl Rizzo (Allen Garfield). And even when they’re demoted after a hair-raising shootout, the two dedicated cops are ready to break every rule in the book to bring their quarry to justice. Stand by for plenty of action in this fast-paced thriller that marked the impressive debut of writer and director Peter Hyams who later went on to make Capricorn One, Outland and Running Scared. The politics of this one are extremely dated and problematic, but this will likely not come up as an issue amongst the running-and-gunning that genre fans will relish. The new Blu-Ray disc features a solid A/V presentation and two audio commentary tracks with director Peter Hyams and star Elliott Gould.

Get more information about the Blu-Ray release of Busting here.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Beavis & Butt-Head Do America

For those who worship at the altar of The Great Cornholio…

25 years ago, creator Mike Judge unleashed Beavis and Butt-Head on the big screen and the world has not been the same since. Widely praised as the end of civilization as we know it, the film follows the brainless pair as they set off on a nacho-fueled road trip to find their stolen TV and score with some hot chicks. Along the way, the metal-head morons become entangled with one nefarious character after another, eventually ending up stranded in the desert and hallucinating in a mind-altering sequence designed by none other than Rob Zombie. The movie is supremely stupid, but it is one that never fails to leave us crying from laughter. You look at these two and shake your head at their stupidity, but they have a relatable drive to get the most out of life that you have to respect on some level. Do not try to pretend you are above uproariously laughing at every dumb frame of this film.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Thin Man Franchise

For those who want to spend time with the best on-screen couple of all time…

Check out reviews for After The Thin Man, Another Thin Man, Shadow Of The Thin Man and The Thin Man Goes Home. 

The Addams Family (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For your oddball cousin who is going to wear a black veil to Christmas dinner…

30 years ago the defining live-action version of America’s favorite creepy and kooky family hit the screen, and it has not lost even a bit of its charm in the intervening years. Barry Sonnenfeld’s beloved comedy classic finds Gomez (Raul Julia) and Morticia (Anjelica Huston) Addams planning a celebration upon the return of their long-lost Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd) after 25 years in the Bermuda Triangle. While the adults are note-perfect as their characters, it is young Christina Ricci as Wednesday that steals the entire show. It is not always that a feature film captures what made the source material such a joy, but every single aspect of this feature is executed in a way that makes this one of our favorites of the early 90s.

The new 4K UHD Blu-Ray has been newly remastered and restored under the supervision of director Barry Sonnenfeld. The film is presented in both the original theatrical version and a never-before-seen “More Mamushka!” version, which expands the memorable dance number. The A/V presentation is as close to perfection as you could expect, and the disc even provides a few new supplemental features that makes the release more appealing. Fans of the film should consider this version of the movie a must-own.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Rick & Morty

For your sibling with a “Pickle Rick” Christmas sweater…

Rick & Morty has experienced a cultural ascendence that most show can only dream of achieving, but with this popularity also comes the inevitable backlash from certain contingents of former fans. My feelings? The first four seasons of Rick & Morty have provided me with some of the biggest laughs I have had on television in the past several years. The exploits of our titular duo never fails to take a surprising turn, and the way in which the show continues to build upon its mythology elevates it even more. This is a show that you really benefit from owning due to the ability to rewatch multiple times and catch little nuggets and subtle allusions that are placed throughout each episode.

The fifth season finds the show delivering more world building and building backstory which the writers seem to be skilled at doing but happy to poke fun at how they rather be crafting something episodic. There are episodes in this latest season that sacrifice rapid-fire joke for laying groundwork for future plot threads. There are less laughs than previous seasons, but it is growing the show in a way that keeps you glued to the screen. Taken as a part of the larger story thus far, it seems likely that the fifth season is an important step for the show.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment released a box set containing Seasons 1-4 on Blu-Ray earlier this year which sported top-notch audio and video and slew of extras to keep fans busy. Season 5, the most recent season, was just released on Blu-Ray in both a standard Blu-Ray package as well as a SteelBook package. If you really care about the Rick & Morty fan in your life, you can scoop up all of the existing episodes!

A review of the Seasons 1-4 Blu-Ray release can be found here. Information on Season 5 can be found here.

The Little Rascals: The ClassixFlix Restorations

For those who long for the early days of talkies…

Hal Roach’s Our Gang series is one of the longest running and most prolific in the field of short subjects with 220 one- and two-reel comedies released between 1922 and 1944. The secret to the longevity of the series, as well as its appeal to generations long after its conclusion, is mainly due to Roach’s choice to cast kids who came across as “natural” on the screen—scruffy underdogs that moviegoers could identify with or wish they could be—not glossy “showbiz professionals”.

After producing 88 silent Our Gang shorts, Roach transitioned to sound releasing 80 “talkies” in the series starting with Small Talk in 1929. This is where the ClassicFlix releases start with the first three volumes containing 11 shorts in sequential order with each short newly scanned and restored from original Hal Roach 35mm film elements. Not only do these shorts look and sound great, but they still deliver so many laughs that remind you why they have endured for over 90 years.

You can find reviews of the Blu-Ray releases for Volume One, Volume Two and Volume Three. Volume Four is due out early next year.

One Crazy Summer

For those people tired of the same bland 80s teen comedy…

While John Cusack is probably best known for iconic turns in Say Anything or The Sure Thing, there is one comedy that has seemingly slipped by the mainstream but is in desperate need of a rediscovery. In 1986 Cusack teamed up with his Better Off Dead director Savage Steve Holland for the romantic comedy One Crazy Summer. While this one has the veneer of a typical teen comedy, those who give this one chance will be treated with a zany, satirical look at the genre as executed by those who know it best. The motions are familiar, but the laughs are genuinely fresh and hilarious in a way that makes this one a wonderful surprise.

Not only is John Cusack in prime form, but the remainder of the ensemble including Demi Moore, Bobcat Goldthwait, Curtis Armstrong and Joel Murray are turning in wonderfully chaotic performances that suit the outlandish tone established by Savage Steve Holland. Warner Archive released a Blu-Ray that has an excellent A/V presentation and an essential commentary track. If you want a clever, irreverent take on the 80s teen comedy genre, make this one a priority.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For those looking for a wacky gateway to film noir…

It’s the hilarious cult classic combining rousing live-action and spectacular animation. 1947 Hollywood: Detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) is hired to prove that mogul Marvin Acme is fooling around with femme fatale Jessica Rabbit, wife of cartoon superstar, Roger Rabbit. But when Acme is murdered … Roger is the prime suspect.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? is one of the most inventive films to come out of the 1980s. The mixture of classic animation with gritty film noir provides an engaging narrative that makes you howl with laughter and grip your seat in equal measure. The decision to put Bob Hoskins in this role was inspired, and he plays off the vocal performance from Charles Fleischer in an expert manner. There is so much about this film that should have been impossible, and the fact that it exists is truly a miracle for its legion of fans around the world. Walt Disney Home Entertainment has released a new 4K UHD Blu-Ray of the film featuring a terrific A/V presentation and a host of legacy special features. If you are a fan of the film, it is not to be missed.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Give Your Eyes A Break

Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir, Revised and Expanded Edition

For those who want a crash course on dames and murder…

This revised and expanded edition of Eddie Muller’s Dark City is a film noir lover’s bible, taking readers on a tour of the urban landscape of the grim and gritty genre in a definitive, highly illustrated volume.

Dark City expands with new chapters and a fresh collection of restored photos that illustrate the mythic landscape of the imagination. It’s a place where the men and women who created film noir often find themselves dangling from the same sinister heights as the silver-screen avatars to whom they gave life. Eddie Muller, host of Turner Classic Movies’ Noir Alley, takes readers on a spellbinding trip through treacherous terrain: Hollywood in the post-World War II years, where art, politics, scandal, style — and brilliant craftsmanship — produced a new approach to moviemaking, and a new type of cultural mythology.

While checking out this book from Turner Classic Movies, be sure to treat yourself to a mug of your favorite beverage out of a fancy TCM mug.

For more information about this book, please check out the details here.

West Side Story: The Jets, the Sharks, and the Making of a Classic

For those who want to revisit the source after the Spielberg version…

A captivating, richly illustrated full account of the making of the ground-breaking movie classic West Side Story (1961).

A major hit on Broadway, on film West Side Story became immortal — a movie different from anything that had come before, but this cinematic victory came at a price. In this engrossing text, film historian Richard Barrios recounts how the drama and rivalries seen onscreen played out to equal intensity behind-the-scenes, while still achieving extraordinary cinematic feats.

The making and impact of West Side Story has so far been recounted only in vestiges. In the pages of this book, the backstage tale comes to life along with detail on what has made the film a favorite across six decades: its brilliant use of dance as staged by erstwhile co-director Jerome Robbins; a meaningful story, as set to Leonard Bernstein’s and Stephen Sondheim’s soundtrack; the performances of a youthful ensemble cast featuring Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, and more.

If you want to unwind while reading this in a thematically appropriate manner, consider joining the TCM Wine Club for exclusive movie-themed wines.

For more information about this book, please check out the details here.

So Dramatic

Almost Famous (4K UHD or Blu-Ray)

For those who do not give up on their dreams…

Cameron Crowe’s deeply personal and universally entertaining coming-of-age film is the semi-autobiographical odyssey of 15-year-old William Miller (Patrick Fugit), whose writing talent and earnest passion for rock music earns him an assignment for Rolling Stone, interviewing and touring with Stillwater (Billy Crudup, Jason Lee). Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) is the young groupie who guides him through the wild world of rock heroes, all-night parties, and the most dangerous experience of all—love.

The new release has been remastered from a new 4K film transfer under the supervision of Crowe and is presented in stunning 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision and HDR-10 for a truly awe-inspiring presentation. The limited-edition 4K Ultra HD Steelbook includes both the original theatrical cut (plus access to a digital copy) and the beloved Bootleg cut (aka “Untitled”), along with new bonus content that provides excellent new insight into the production. This is one of the best overall releases of the year.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Lilies Of The Field

For the Oscar-obsessive in your life…

Nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture and winner of the Best Actor Oscar for Sidney Poitier (In the Heat of the Night). Homer Smith (Poitier), an itinerant handyman, is driving through the Arizona desert when he meets five impoverished nuns. Stopping to fix their leaky farmhouse roof, Homer discovers that not only will the Mother Superior not pay him for the job, but she also wants him to build their chapel—for free! Hesitant at first, Homer soon finds himself single-handedly raising the chapel and the financing. But although he will not receive a monetary reward, Homer knows that when his work is done, he’ll leave that dusty desert town a much better place than when he found it.

Ralph Nelson (Duel at Diablo, Charly) wonderfully directed this gem of a motion picture featuring stunning black-and-white cinematography by the great Ernest Haller (Gone with the Wind, Mildred Pierce). This new Blu-Ray from Kino Classics features a strong A/V presentation and an Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle that is sure to please classic film lovers.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Human Condition

For those who want to embark on a life-changing cinematic experience…

This mammoth humanist drama by Masaki Kobayashi is one of the most staggering achievements of Japanese cinema. Originally filmed and released in three installments of two parts each, the nine-and-a-half-hour The Human Condition, adapted from Junpei Gomikawa’s six-volume novel, tells of the journey of the well-intentioned yet naive Kaji—played by the Japanese superstar Tatsuya Nakadai—from labor camp supervisor to Imperial Army soldier to Soviet prisoner of war. Constantly trying to rise above a corrupt system, Kaji time and again finds his morals to be an impediment rather than an advantage. A raw indictment of Japan’s wartime mentality as well as a personal existential tragedy, Kobayashi’s riveting, gorgeously filmed epic is novelistic cinema at its best.

The Human Condition is a life-changing piece of cinema that ranks among the most affecting narratives put to screen. The film is not just notable for its epic running time, but what it accomplishes within that running time that taps into something so elementally visceral. The lead performance from Tatsuya Nakadai is a true wonder as he taps into something so special over these six parts. The Criterion Collection has released a three-disc Blu-Ray set that features a fantastic A/V presentation and a pleasing assortment of supplemental features. This is the type of undertaking that deserves a place on the shelf of any serious cinephile.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Breakdown

For those who suffer from road rage…

Kurt Russell is Jeff Taylor, headed toward a new life in California with his wife Amy (Kathleen Quinlan). When their car dies on a remote highway, a seemingly helpful trucker (J.T. Walsh) offers Amy a ride to the local diner while Jeff waits with the car. Then Jeff discovers his vehicle was deliberately tampered with, and by the time he gets to the next town, his worst fears are about to come true. Director Jonathan Mostow brilliantly stitches together an intricate, intelligent thriller that will send your pulse racing at every little development. The film uses its spry runtime expertly as it cuts through the plot only leaving the good stuff while throwing out any potential narrative fat. With the fierce performance from Russell and the menacing J.T. Walsh, you get to see two momentous forces clashing in a way that cannot stop watching.

The new Blu-Ray from the Paramount Presents line features a beautiful director-approved remaster from a new 4K film scan along with a wealth of new bonus content, including a look at the never-before-seen alternate opening, a new Filmmaker Focus with director Jonathan Mostow, commentary by Mostow and star Kurt Russell, a featurette with actress Kathleen Quinlan, an isolated track of Basil Poledouris’s score, access to a Digital copy of the film, and more.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Wonder (Blu-Ray SteelBook)

For those who want to cry buckets of tears…

Starring Oscar nominees Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, comes the life-affirming family drama based on the beloved best-selling novel. Wonder follows the inspiring story of the Pullman family, whose youngest child, Auggie, is a boy born with facial differences. When Auggie enters mainstream elementary school for the first time, his extraordinary journey unites his family, his school, and his community, and proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. This movie is very sentimental, but it is executed in a way that never makes it feel like a cheesy Hallmark movie. This story is handled with respect by both the director and the performers which makes the emotional impact that much more substantial.

There is a new special edition Blu-Ray SteelBook featuring all-new artwork from artist Flore Maquin that was just released exclusively at Target. The disc portion of this release is identical to the previous Blu-Ray release, but this new packaging is very fetching in person and should be considered by those who have not yet purchased the film. The film is worth it and the packaging is the cherry on the sundae.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Two By Cecil B. DeMille: Union Pacific & Four Frightened People

For those who want to dig deeper into the work of a Golden Age legend…

In Union Pacific, filmmaking legend Cecil B. DeMille (The Ten Commandments) directs the classic screen duo of Barbara Stanwyck (The Lady Eve) and Joel McCrea in this explosive western about the struggle to build America’s first transcontinental railroad. Jeff Butler (McCrea), overseer of the Union Pacific’s construction, finds a network of schemers bent on sabotage. Most prominent are gamblers Sid Campeau (Brian Donlevy), Jack Cordray (Anthony Quinn) and Dick Allen (Robert Preston). Dick is a former pal of Jeff’s, but their relationship changes as they fight over the railroad and over Mollie Monahan (Stanwyck), the railroad’s spirited postmistress. Featuring Akim Tamiroff (The General Died at Dawn) and Lynne Overman (Spawn of the North), this action-packed spectacle, filled with political intrigue, stampeding buffalo and train wrecks, delivers everything you would expect from a Cecil B. DeMille epic.

In Four Frightened People, Cecil B. DeMille directs the adventure-filled tale starring the fabulous Claudette Colbert (Cleopatra). When a deadly bubonic plague breaks out on a coastal steamer ship, four passengers steal a lifeboat and set sail on a mission of survival. They land on a remote Malayan island and soon shed all trappings of their former selves. After their native guide is suddenly murdered, they find themselves at the mercy of hostile islanders and must use their newfound survival skills if they are going to escape a terrible fate. Co-starring Herbert Marshall, Mary Boland, William Gargan and Leo Carrillo, this largely overlooked treasure highlights the versatility of one of Hollywood’s most renowned filmmakers.

Get more information about Union Pacific and Four Frightened People from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

Ragtime

For those who want a sprawling epic from a filmmaking master…

Based on E.L. Doctorow’s best-selling novel, Ragtime tells an unforgettable story of disparate characters in New York City in the early 1900s. From the emerging New York suburb of New Rochelle to the flashy spectacle of Atlantic City, a family faces racial tensions, scandals, and violence that will test everything they believe in. With music by Randy Newman, the film features a spectacular cast including James Cagney, Brad Dourif, Moses Gunn, Elizabeth McGovern and a host of other notable names too plentiful to name. Despite the sprawling cast, director Milos Forman keeps a steady hand over the proceedings so that every single character presents with some basic motivations that make them essential to the overall narrative. The film is a visual and performance powerhouse that is not to be missed.

The film has been remastered from a 4K film transfer and is presented in collectible packaging featuring a foldout image of the film’s theatrical poster and an interior spread with key movie moments. The two-disc Blu-ray includes a newly discovered director’s cut workprint version of the film (along with the theatrical version), deleted and extended scenes, a look back with Larry Karaszewski and screenwriter Michael Weller, access to a Digital copy of the theatrical version, and the additional legacy bonus content

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

For Romantics: Moment By Moment & What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?

For those who want their TV stars to find love…

In Moment By Moment, the only thing they have in common… is each other. Hot on the heels of Saturday Night Fever and Grease, screen icon John Travolta teamed up with the sensational Lily Tomlin (Nashville, 9 to 5) for this May/December love story. Trisha Rawlings (Tomlin), a lonely, middle-aged Beverly Hills socialite, meets Vick “Strip” Harrison (Travolta), a suave young drifter. Their initial flirtation turns into a passionate relationship despite their age and class differences. Tomlin’s longtime partner Jane Wagner (The Incredible Shrinking Woman) wrote and directed this superb romantic melodrama shot by ace cinematographer Philip H. Lathrop (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?) and co-starring Bert Kramer and Debra Feuer.

In What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?, George Peppard (Newman’s Law) and Mary Tyler Moore (Thoroughly Modern Millie) star in this infectious comedy from director George Seaton (Miracle on 34th Street). Pete (Peppard) and Liz (Moore) live a cynical existence as part of a beatnik commune in a New York City loft. One day, the loft receives an unexpected visitor—a wayward toucan carrying a highly contagious virus that causes intense feelings of happiness and kindness in anyone affected by it! Pete catches the virus and soon an outbreak of euphoria spreads throughout the city like wildfire. But happiness threatens a society that thrives on misery, so the government sends professional problem-solver J. Gardner Monroe (Dom DeLuise), who arrives wearing a space helmet, to save the good people of New York. Co-starring John McMartin, Nathaniel Frey, Charles Lane, Susan Saint James, Don Stroud and Thelma Ritter, this sweet-natured, side-splitting satire poses the question: What’s So Bad About Feeling Good?

Get more information about Moment By Moment and What’s So Bad About Feeling Good? from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

The Early Films Of Lee Isaac Chung (DVD)

For the cinephile you want to impress…

Earlier this year, director Lee Isaac Chung broke through the mainstream with his nomination for Best Director at the Academy Awards for Minari. Released for the first time ever in North America as a box set, The Early Films of Lee Isaac Chung includes the Oscar-nominated filmmaker’s first three award-winning films, before he went on to direct his latest. 

MUNYURANGABO
After stealing a machete from a market in Kigali, Munyurangabo and his friend, Sangwa, leave the city on a journey tied to their pasts. Their friendship, however, is tested when Sangwa’s parents disapprove of Munyurangabo, warning that “Hutus and Tutsis are supposed to be enemies.”

LUCKY LIFE
A group of friends travels to the beach in hopes of encouraging Jason (Kenyon Adams), who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Some time later, as Mark (Daniel O’Keefe) and Karen (Megan McKenna) plan to have a child, the beach trip lingers as a haunting memory.

ABIGAIL HARM
Abigail Harm (Amanda Plummer) lives alone on the outskirts of the city. One day, she recalls an old story about a woodcutter who saves the life of a mystical deer and is granted his wish for a companion. Before long, this tale seems to come alive in Abigail’s own lonely world.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Two From Warren Beatty: Reds & Heaven Can Wait

For those who need a refresher on one of Hollywood’s great talents…

Directed, co-written, produced by and starring Warren Beatty, the masterful political and historical epic REDS celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year.  The story of a radical American journalist embroiled in the Bolshevik revolution mesmerized critics and audiences alike and remains as relevant today as when it was originally released on December 25, 1981.

Punctuated by interviews with real-life activists and witnesses to the revolution, REDS became an instant classic, transcending time with its eternal tale of human passion, conviction, and frailty.  In addition to Beatty, the film boasts an outstanding cast including Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Edward Herrmann, Gene Hackman, Paul Sorvino, and Maureen Stapleton, whose performance won her an Academy Award^® for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Paramount Home Entertainment debuted a new two-disc Blu-ray set of the film newly restored under Beatty’s supervision.  The film was restored and remastered from the original negative in 4K with High Dynamic Range. This is an epic unlike most things that we get these days, and the effect of seeing this on screen is astounding. Beatty really earned his Best Director Oscar just in the way he captures and conveys all of the strands so delicately. It is a grand achievement in cinema.

Directed by Beatty and Buck Henry, with a screenplay by Elaine May and Beatty, HEAVEN CAN WAIT features a sensational cast filled with comedic talent, including Julie Christie, James Mason, Charles Grodin, Dyan Cannon, Buck Henry, Vincent Gardenia, and Jack Warden.  The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. While very different from Reds, this film achieves something equally as heartfelt that will have floating on air long after the credits have finished rolling. The new Blu-Ray been fully restored and remastered from the original negative under Beatty’s supervision for a presentation that knocks it out of the park.

Get more information about Reds and Heaven Can Wait.

Nine Films From Mae West

For the classic film lover who wants a crash course on one of the great starlets…

Mae West was a stage and film actress, playwright, screenwriter, singer, and sex symbol whose entertainment career spanned over seven decades. Despite her prolific career, her representation on Blu-Ray has been sadly lacking until this year when Kino Lorber Studio Classics came to the rescue. The beloved label released nine of films on Blu-Ray including Night After Night, She Done Him Wrong, I’m No Angel, Belle Of The Nineties, Goin’ To Town, Klondike Annie, Go West Young Man, Every Day’s A Holiday and My Little Chickadee. West was an actress who pushed the boundaries on decency, and you can see in some of these films what a special talent she was opposite stars such as Cary Grant, W.C. Fields and Randolph Scott.

Each of these releases present with a pleasing A/V presentation and include a new audio commentary that gives great historical insight into what made West such a force of nature.

For more information about these release, please check out the details here.

Audrey Hepburn 7-Movie Collection

For the trendsetter in your life…

Timed to coincide with the 60^th anniversary of the beloved classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which was originally released on October 5, 1961, this must-own collection sparkles with luminous performances from Hepburn in My Fair Lady, Funny Face, Sabrina, Roman Holiday, Paris When It Sizzles, War and Peace, and, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The Collection also includes access to Digital copies of each film and the legacy bonus content of previous releases.

These seven films provide a great overview of everything the inimitable Hepburn could accomplish when given the chance to shine on screen. These releases sport a really sturdy A/V presentation and a substantial amount of features that shine a light both on the individual features and Audrey herself. For so many great films in one value-priced package, this set cannot be beat.

For more information about these release, please check out the details here.

The Golden Age of Television

Gangs Of London: Season One

For those who need more broken bones in their crime dramas…

Gangs of London could very likely be your next new addiction. If you have ever had the pleasure of checking out the films in The Raid franchise, you already know that series creator Gareth Evans knows how to stage an action sequence to perfection. The series offers up some breathlessly compelling storylines as these various crime factions figure out how to exist after a power vacuum is created. The performances are strong all around, but it is the numerous fight sequences that really elevate this show to must-watch television. While not well promoted in the United States upon its initial launch, the show is one that is destined to become a fan favorite.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker – The Complete Series

For when you finishing binging The X-Files for the 100th time…

Kino Classics has done a real service to genre fans with this new Blu-Ray collection which brings together every episode of the series in glorious high definition. To make the package even sweeter, there is a really knockout assortment of special features that are a lot of fun to sort through.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Supernatural: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray)

For when you finishing binging Kolchak: The Night Stalker for the first time…

After fifteen incredible seasons, Warner Bros. marked the end of an era with the release of Supernatural: The Complete Series. The release contains all 327 thrilling episodes from the phenomenal series, as well as countless hours of bonus features from all 15 epic, not-to-be-missed seasons. Fans who purchase the Complete Series also receive a 68-page Collectible Book filled with new images from the beloved series, set designs and letters to the Supernatural Family from both Eric Kripke and Robert Singer. The series has been the part of our lives for so many years that it is nice to finally have the entire story to revisit in one package.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Andy Griffith Show: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray)

For those who count TV Land as their favorite channel…

Travel back to a simpler time, when the biggest problems for Mayberry sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) came from the hijinks of his excitable-but-goodhearted deputy, Barney Fife (the inimitable Don Knotts), and the trials of raising his young son, Opie (Ron Howard). The Andy Griffith Show was stepped in nostalgia even in its own time, set in a world where there was little that couldn’t be solved with home cooking by Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier). Forget your troubles and join Gomer, Goober, Floyd and many more beloved characters for all eight seasons and 249 episodes of hilarious small-town adventures. Welcome home to Mayberry!

You may think this show you have seen in reruns countless times might not benefit from the high definition treatment, but that could not be further from the truth. Fans will appreciate how swell this series looks after all of these years.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Sex & The City: The Complete Collection (Blu-Ray)

For those who never miss a lunch with your besties…

Sex and the City was a cultural phenomenon for the six seasons and it continues to be one of the flagship shows for the HBO brand. It would be reductive to say this is a show for women; this is a show about women that audiences of all genders, orientations, races and other identifying features took time to invest in. It celebrates the bond of female friendship. It’s a salute to New York City, and a celebration of fashion and style.  It’s a revolutionary series that broke boundaries, changed television and liberated women. The show set cultural and fashion trends, taught women to have honest conversations about relationships, and showed viewers how to express their individuality through fashion and style.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a new Blu-Ray set featuring the entire six-season run and the two theatrical movies with a fantastic A/V presentation and a pleasing assortment of special features. If you are a fan of the show, you will want to upgrade your ancient, ugly DVDs to this stunning new presentation.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Star Trek: The Complete Original Series (Blu-Ray SteelBook)

For those Star Trek fans who want equally stunning packaging…

We don’t have to sell you on the series, do we? Star Trek: The Original Series is discussed with reverence for launching one of the most iconic entertainment franchises ever, but it should be remembered just as well for being an amazingly entertaining series with powerful themes. The chemistry between the crew members of the Enterprise is a feat of magic that the world was lucky enough to experience.

CBS Home Entertainment has released a new Blu-Ray set in a stunning SteelBook packaging which features a stellar A/V presentation and a wonderful amount of special features. If you do not own these sets yet or just want this series to look as spiffy as possible when displaying them on your shelf, this is one of the best options for fans.

A review of the Blu-Ray SteelBook release can be found here.

Star Trek: Discovery – Seasons 1-3 Collection (Blu-Ray or DVD)

For Star Trek fans who need to catch up on the new stuff quickly…

Star Trek: Discovery is a show that fans were hesitant to embrace from the onset, but with each subsequent season the show has found a firmer grasp on its identity and become a must-watch. With the fourth season just recently beginning, now is the perfect time to get caught up and see what you have been missing.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Macgyver: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray)

For your dad who believes he can fix anything with a toothpick and string…

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Smallville: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray)

For those who say Superman does not need a cape…

Smallville was a landmark show for many reasons, but most of all it gave just as much attention to the “everyman” Clark Kent character as it did the heroic Kryptonian aspect. The deeply complex friendship between Clark and Lex Luthor is one of the most nuanced that has been portrayed in any medium. Every single cast member brought something special to the characters who became a part of our lives over ten years. It’s been 20 years since Clark Kent first arrived in Kansas, and in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the remarkable series Warner Bros. released the complete run on Blu-ray for the first time ever

This set features all 218 episodes along with over 28 hours of bonus features from all 10 incredible seasons over 42 discs. To get this show in high definition is a dream come true, and these disc allow the series to show off its intricate details while boasting spectacular new lossless DTS audio tracks. Fans could barely ask for better!

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Night Gallery: Season One (Blu-Ray)

For the person in your life who has run through The Twilight Zone countless times…

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Life, Animated

Final Space: Seasons One & Two (Blu-Ray)

For those who want a new kind of interstellar adventure…

In this serialized intergalactic space saga from independent filmmaker, actor, comedian and entrepreneur Olan Rogers, an astronaut named Gary and his adorable, planet-destroying friend, Mooncake embark on a quest to unlock the mystery of “Final Space,” the place where the entire universe ends. In Season two of Final Space things get even more wild as Gary restarts with a new ship and a new AI (voiced by Jane Lynch, Glee) as they recover what’s left of his crew. Conan O’Brien reprises his role as Clarence, now a series regular, alongside Ron Funches (Undatable) and Ashly Burch (Attack on Titan) as they embark on an epic mission to free the Titan Bolo (voiced by Keith David). Along the way, Gary battles new villains led by Alan Tudyk (Firefly), Christopher Judge (Stargate SG-1) and Gary’s Mom, (voiced by Claudia Black,Farscape).

There are many excellent shows that fly under the radar more than we would prefer, but this one is one of our favorites. This show is not just criminally funny (it is), but it also provides an enthralling story that keeps you returning episode after episode. The first two seasons presented in this set are top notch in quality, and this Blu-Ray set matches that in terms of A/V presentation.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Ultimate Aang & Korra Blu-Ray Collection

For those who still try to bend water in the shower…

Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend Of Korra are two of the greatest show to hit television in the last couple of decades, animated or otherwise. The depth of care put into crafting an intricate narrative filled with fascinating characters that you would follow to the ends of the earth is not something you get every day. If we are being honest, we go back and forth over which of these series is our favorite on any given day, but both are shows that we would drop any plans in order to just binge watch an unhealthy amount. As a matter of fact, why are we still writing this list…

The Ultimate Aang and Korra Blu-ray Collection is a brand-new special collector’s edition set featuring the 2-series in a new outer packaging designed with custom art of Aang and Korra in the Japanese Sumi art style, plus a brand-new bonus disc and eight collectible art cards. Included on the bonus disc are over 80 minutes of exclusive content: a brand-new feature exploring the Auditory Avatarverse with creators Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and a special recording with newly launched Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast hosts Janet Varney (voice of “Korra”) and Dante Basco (voice of “Zuko,” “General Iroh”). This is a release sure to put a smile on any fan’s face on Christmas morning.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Josie & The Pussycats In Outer Space: The Complete Series

For animation fans who need something out of this world and groovy in their lives…

Rock stars Josie and the Pussycats are out of this world…literally! When the bumbling Alexandra accidentally launches Josie and the gang into outer space, they travel through the galaxy searching for a path back to Earth. Along the way, they meet cat people, robot monsters, evil dictators, space pirates and plenty of strange creatures, including their new companion Bleep, voiced by Hanna-Barbera legend Don Messick. Fortunately, everyone’s a fan of Josie and the Pussycats, including aliens!

Those who enjoyed getting to know Josie and The Pussycats in their original series are in for a real treat with this new sequel series set from Warner Archive. This complete 16-episode run has been completely remastered and is sure to provide copious amounts of fun that will have you laughing and tapping your foot constantly.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Harley Quinn: The Complete First & Second Seasons

For the DC fan who needs more f*%kin’ cursing in their animation…

Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) has finally broken things off once and for all with the Joker (Alan Tudyk) and attempts to make it on her own as the criminal Queenpin of Gotham City in this half-hour adult animated action-comedy series. With the help of Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) and a ragtag crew of DC castoffs, Harley tries to earn a seat at the biggest table in villainy: the Legion of Doom. Don’t worry – she’s got this. Or does she?

Harley Quinn is an absolutely bonkers thrill ride that brings some much-needed levity to the DC universe. The show does an amazing job of serving up unexpected plot developments along with big belly laughs throughout. While it is easy enough to stream, this is a show you want to own and in the best quality possible. The new Blu-Ray set of the first two seasons from Warner Archive packs a punch and gives fans what they want in the A/V department. If you are a fan of adult humor and comic book characters, it is hard to imagine this show being anything but a pure delight.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Thundarr The Barbarian: The Complete Series

For those who want to feel like a kid on Saturday morning again…

Civilization is cast into ruin when a runaway planet speeds between the Earth and the Moon, unleashing cosmic destruction. Two thousand years later, Earth is reborn from the ashes with a savage landscape, strange creatures and a primitive sense of justice. But, one man fights to spread peace throughout the land: He is Thundarr the Barbarian, and you can own all 21 exciting adventures starring Thundarr and his companions Ookla the Mok and sorceress Princess Ariel. Using their strength, courage and wits, plus Thundarr’s magical Sunsword, they journey from village to village, liberating slaves and battling all kinds of beasts, mutants, wizards, thieves and robots. The future of Earth may be shrouded in darkness, but Thundarr the Barbarian bursts into action as a shining symbol of hope for humanity.

This complete run has been completely remastered to look drop dead gorgeous and sound clear as a bell. If top-quality audio/video is not enough for you, this release even includes a vintage featurette that rounds out the package quite nicely.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Tex Avery Screwball Classics: Volume Three

For those who want their classic animation with a little attitude…

After altering the face of cartoon comedy at Warner Bros. with his development of characters such as Porky Pig, Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, Avery headed to M-G-M to further his reign of mayhem with the likes of Screwball Squirrel, Red Hot Riding Hood and Droopy. All of Avery’s star characters are featured here: Droopy, as a Mountie, a bullfighter and a Western deputy; Spike, as a hibernating bear’s weary watchdog; Red, as both Cinderella and a frontier cowgirl; and Screwball Squirrel, as – what else? – an escapee of a lunatic asylum. But it’s the stories, premises and gags that are front and center in Avery’s films – and this collection features his absolute best. Where to begin? With a cat, a mouse, a dog and a canary drinking “Jumbo Gro”; a lovelorn skunk stuck on imitating Frank Sinatra; or a baby billy goat who eats absolutely everything…including the cartoon’s background paintings? Avery’s screwball classics, his one-shot wonders, are what really made his reputation.

This year Warner Archive made classic animation very happy when they released Volume Three of the Tex Avery Screwball Classics which boasted these classic shorts beautifully restored to their fully Technicolor glory. The set should be considered essential to any self-respecting animation fan.

A review of the Volume Three Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Transformers: The Movie (4K UHD Collector’s Edition)

For those who are still traumatized by plot turns in this film…

Transformer: The Movie has captured a special place in the hearts of millions and has been a staple in the pop culture zeitgeist since it premiered in theaters 35 years ago. Featuring memorable characters – the heroic Autobots, villainous Decepticons and Unicron, thrilling action and a heartfelt storyline, the film is a cultural touchstone that spans generations. In celebration of the film’s anniversary, it has been meticulously re-restored from a cleaner-than-ever, brand-new 4K transfer of the original 35mm film elements.

The action in the film is top notch along with the beautiful animation that works so well with this material. The voice performances are stellar from the big names in the ensemble to the talent only known within the voiceover world. Shout! Factory has released a brand new 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that features the film with a stunning A/V presentation and a nice array of special features. This package is impressive enough that I would easily recommend it to any fan.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray Collector’s Edition release can be found here.

Superman: The Complete Animated Series

For those who get misty-eyed thinking about 90s DC animation….

The Emmy Award-winning Superman: The Animated Series was the perfect follow-up to the landmark Batman: the Animated Series. Producers Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and Alan Burnett elevated The Man of Steel’s animated presence with an imaginative, heartfelt look at Superman’s adventures in Metropolis alongside Lois Lane and opposite the villainous likes of Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Darkseid and more. To celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the show, WB & DC released a fully remastered Blu-ray box set which includes several hours of bonus features headlined by an all-new documentary detailing the creation of one of the most beloved animated Super Hero cartoons in history. All 54 episodes have been remastered from the original 35mm Interpositive sources, giving special attention to extensive color correction, dirt and scratch clean up, and adding a grain reduction pass to create a pristine picture, all while making sure not to affect the original lines in the artwork of the animation.

Superman: The Complete Animated Series is often overlooked in favor of the beloved Batman: The Animated Series, but the series focusing on the Man of Steel is just as worthy of praise for what it accomplishes. While not quite as dynamic as his dark friend, Superman is still a fascinating character with plenty of thrilling adversaries and important figures in his life that balance the Clark Kent material with the Superman storylines really well.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Sleep With A Light On

The Dead Zone (Collector’s Edition)

For those who want to know what’s coming next…

The Dead Zone is one of the strongest Stephen King adaptations to ever make it to screen. The marriage of source material with the directorial vision of David Cronenberg results in some thrilling and haunting moments that stick with you long after the credits have stopped rolling. The performance from Christopher Walken is also among the best he has ever delivered.

Featuring a brand-new 4K scan of the original camera negative, the release comes loaded with bonus features including new interviews with actress Brooke Adams, production manager John M. Eckert and associate producer Jeffrey Chernov, alongside four new audio commentaries with director of photography Mark Irwin and film historians Michael Gingold, Dr. Steve Haberman, Constantine Nasr, and Daniel Schweiger. In a year of so many excellent releases from Scream Factory, this one ranks among the best.

A review of the Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Labyrinth 35th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-Ray

For those who love a freaky Bowie…

Labyrinth is a really special film that was misunderstood upon its release, but has since found the dedicated audience it was always meant to have. Jennifer Connelly is captivating and sweet in this early performance, but it is the amazing David Bowie who truly embraces the high fantasy of the situation. Jim Henson really pulled out all of his creative tricks for this iconic film.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the film’s 35th anniversary with a new limited edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray set presented as a 28-page Digibook—featuring rare artwork, photography and early script pages, all from deep within the Henson Archives—styled to resemble Sarah’s book of The Labyrinth from the film. The set features a miraculous A/V presentation, including newly-implemented Dolby Vision and the original theatrical audio, as well as a plethora of special features both new and old. Even if you have the previous 4K UHD Blu-Ray, there are many compelling reasons to pick up this new set. If you only own this one on Blu-Ray or not at all, this package is a no-brainer for anyone looking to add the best version to their collection.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Misery (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For the mother who knows best…

From the mind of Stephen King comes the terrifying psychological thriller for which Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for her iconic, bone-shattering performance. After his car crashes in the mountains during a blinding snowstorm, famous novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is “rescued” from a car crash by Annie Wilkes (Bates), a fan obsessed with the main character in his series of novels. But when Wilkes reads his latest book—and learns he has killed her favorite character—she teaches Sheldon the real meaning of Misery.

The film remains a classic after all of these years thanks to the assured direction from Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride, A Few Good Men) and the screenplay from William Goldman (Marathon Man, All the President’s Men). The film never stops delivering a white-knuckle suspense tale that looks better than ever in its new 4K UHD Blu-Ray presentation. Add in a treasure trove of special features and you have one of the great releases of the year.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

House Of Wax (Collector’s Edition)

For those who are finally in a place to admit Paris Hilton was not THAT BAD…

Like a lot of movies of this ilk, House of Wax suffers from some inconsistent acting and occasionally cringe worthy dialogue, but overall it proves to be an incredibly fun, well executed horror film that takes its classic movie roots and updates it without dishonoring what came before. The level of detail that went into the production design, makeup and visual effects is pretty mind blowing at times. First-time director Jaume Collet-Serra (soon to direct Black Adam) makes the great decision to go as practical as possible with the visual effects. The wax figures that populate this town are inherently creepy, and things really start paying off by the time we get to an incendiary finale that literally has the House of Wax melting as our few remaining survivors attempt to make it to freedom. You have to see it to understand how cool this is.

Scream Factory released a new Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray that sports a superior A/V presentation from a new 2K scan of the interpositive and a fun array of new and legacy supplemental features including new interviews with actors Paris Hilton and Robert Ri’Chard. If you are a slasher fan, this one makes itself quite memorable.

A review of the Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Two Evil Eyes 4K UHD Collector’s Edition

For your friend who prefers his movies in anthology form…

The Masters of Modern Horror – George Romero and Dario Argento – bring you an unprecedented pair of shockers inspired by the tales of Edgar Allan Poe. In Romero’s The Facts In The Case Of Mr. Valdemar, a conniving wife (Adrienne Barbeau of THE FOG) and her lover use a hypnotic trance to embezzle a fortune from her dying husband, only to receive some chilling surprises from beyond the grave. Then in Argento’s The Black Cat, a deranged crime scene photographer (Harvey Keitel of FROM DUSK TILL DAWN) is driven to brutal acts of madness and murder by his girlfriend’s new pet. But will this cunning feline deliver a final sickening twist of its own?

Two Evil Eyes is a truly incredible piece of horror filmmaking that elevates the genre with two tonally different but thematically linked tales. The performances from all involved are very effective, but it is the efforts from the auteurs that bring the spice to this project. Argento tells his story with a deep understanding of the importance of spiritual harmony while Romero finds the immense fun in his slightly superficial tale. Blue Underground has released a sensational limited edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray package featuring an A+ audio/visual presentation with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio plus more special features than you know what to do with. This is the type of release every fan dreams of their favorite movie getting

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Bigger The Better

The Karate Kid 3-Movie Collection (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For the person in your life who took two karate lessons and gave up…

Before there was Cobra Kai, we just had the the story of young Daniel (Ralph Macchio) learning how to channel his pain, frustration and youthful exuberance into something constructive thanks to the guidance of Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita). While the first film is rightly considered to be a coming-of-age classic, the entire trilogy following Daniel’s journey offers different essential facets that enrich his character and laid the ground for what would be revived with the tv series. From the travels abroad to Okinawa in Part II to the dramatic, frustrating obstacles at home in Part III, the series keeps you thoroughly invested throughout. Plus, those who revisit these films will gain greater appreciation for the nods throughout Cobra Kai.

This limited edition gift set marks the first time that fans are able to experience the trilogy of films on 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio. All three films have been remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative, and the results could not look more stunning. If you are a fan of these films, you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

The Middle-Earth Collection (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For your friend who did not get to travel this year…

The Middle-Earth: Ultimate Collector’s Edition brings together the six films that make up one of the greatest fantasy adventures to be featured on screen. There is nothing like taking a trip to The Shire and beyond with the characters that feel like old friends. Timed to the 20^th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the 31-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition of Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth saga contains new special features along with the theatrical and extended versions of all six films in 4K Ultra HD and on Blu-ray discs remastered from the 4K master.

With such affection for the series, fans want the best presentation possible, and this set features all six films with a stunning A/V presentation in a masterful box set design. The new special features that are included are a lot of fun including the original Cannes Film Festival presentation reel, and footage from the recent Alamo Drafthouse cast reunion featuring director Peter Jackson along with cast members Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Ian McKellan, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortenson, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, and Elijah Wood.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

The Eurocrypt Of Christopher Lee Collection

For the person in your life who loved Christopher Lee before he became nerd-famous…

He remains one of the most beloved horror/fantasy icons in US/UK pop culture history, but Christopher Lee delivered several of the most compelling, acclaimed and bizarre performances of his entire career in 1960s Europe. THE EUROCRYPT OF CHRISTOPHER LEE brings together five of these Lee classics – the 1964 gothic shocker CRYPT OF THE VAMPIRE; the 1964 cult hit CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD co-starring an unknown Donald Sutherland; 1962’s celebrated SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DEADLY NECKLACE; 1967’s lurid favorite THE TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR. SADISM and the rarely-seen 1963 oddity CHALLENGE THE DEVIL – with the 24 surviving episodes of the 1971 Film Polski anthology series THEATRE MACABRE hosted by Lee, all remastered from original negative materials with over 10 hours of trailers, rare promos, audio commentaries & vintage interviews, plus the CASTLE OF THE LIVING DEAD soundtrack and an all-new 88-page book by Lee biographer Jonathan Rigby. This is the perfect set for the horror fan in your life who seemingly has everything.

For more information about this set, please check out the details here.

Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 2 (4K UHD)

For those who only want the best of the best…

This set includes cherished star-studded favorites from six iconic and distinctive filmmakers: ANATOMY OF A MURDER, OLIVER!, TAXI DRIVER, STRIPES, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and THE SOCIAL NETWORK. Each film is presented in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Rang and are only available on 4K Ultra HD disc within this special limited edition collector’s set.

The Columbia Classics 4K Ultra HD Collection: Volume 2 is in a word perfection. It is not false advertising to call these films classics as each one has earned the title honestly. From the early courtroom drama of Anatomy Of A Murder to the timeless tale of power and isolation in The Social Network, and everything in between, each film is an absolute treasure. Not only are the films some of the best cinema has to offer, but the new 4K UHD Blu-Rays prove once again that Sony does not miss. The A/V presentations are as close to perfection as one could realistically expect from one of the best companies supporting the 4K UHD format. These releases also carry over all of the legacy special features along with adding a few key new pieces to enrich the experience. Not only this, but all of these films come in a stunning package which includes a coffee table book plus an entire disc of live action and animated short films that are unbelievable. This is what every collector dreams of when they think about how they want their favorite films to be treated. If you even passingly enjoy these films, you owe it to yourself to pick up this collection before it goes out of print.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Underworld 5-Movie Collection (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

For those who thought Twilight needed more violence…

The Underworld Limited Edition 5-Movie Collection marks the first time that fans are able to experience all five films on 4K Ultra HD disc with High Dynamic Range and Dolby Atmos audio.

The Underworld franchise is a bit inconsistent when it comes to quality, but all of the films provide some level of enjoyment to different degrees on the “guilty pleasure” scale. The real joy is seeing Kate Beckinsale kick major butt and unleash some carnage, which she pulls off with ease. The mythology is often interesting if not a bit convoluted for its own good by the end. Those who are not in the market for a bloody supernatural action-fest should keep on moving, but fans of the genre will likely have a blast with most of these. Sony has released the Underworld: Limited Edition 5-Movie Collection on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, and the A/V presentation could not be more impressive. Not only this, but there are a host of special features that will keep you very busy.

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films

For your cousin who has a Criterion “C” tattoo on his ankle…

Director, writer, composer, actor, and one-man creative revolutionary Melvin Van Peebles jolted American independent cinema to new life with his explosive stylistic energy and unfiltered expression of Black consciousness. Though he undeniably altered the course of film history with the anarchic Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, that pop-culture bombshell is just one piece of a remarkably varied career that has also encompassed forays into European art cinema (The Story of a Three Day Pass), mainstream Hollywood comedy (Watermelon Man), and Broadway musicals (Don’t Play Us Cheap).

The Criterion Collection release of Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films represents one of the finest releases we will see all year. For those who do not know Melvin Van Peebles, this is an opportunity to get to know one of the most powerful voices Black cinema has ever known. For those who are already fans, this collection will allow you to delve into this material as you have never been able to before. The Criterion Collection has provided these films with an incredible A/V presentation and more special features that you will know what to do with. If any filmmaker deserves this type of honor, it is Melvin Van Peebles.

A review of the Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Universal Classic Monsters: Icons Of Horror 4K UHD Collection

For those who want to do the Monster Mash year-round…

A review of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray release can be found here.

Disclaimer: Some studios have supplied copies of these releases free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this post are the honest reactions of the author.

Dillon Gonzales

Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.