DVD Gift Guide: DVDs to Make the Holiday's Merry

There are hundreds and hundreds of items from which to choose and more new ones are arriving at video outlets every week. Among the most popular are television series featuring all the episodes, uncut and commercial-free, of an entire season. There are multi-disc collector’s sets that showcase a star or a particular genre, each usually loaded with extras. Then there are movies, old and new, many of them coming in knockout special editions.

You could choose, of course, from the usual holiday fare such as It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and Miracle on 34th Street. But a DVD gift doesn’t necessarily have to have a yuletide theme.

Following is a list of recommended DVDs, all released in 2005, that should have a title or collection for just about anyone. Each is accompanied by the suggested retail price but most of them can be purchased for much less if you shop around.

TELEVISION SHOWS

Adventures of Superman: The Complete First Season (Warner, $39.98). This series, starring George Reeves as the Man of Steel, holds up remarkably well thanks, in part, to some solid writing that never allows things to get silly or corny. The flying sequences are well done and prove quite effective.

All 26 black-and-white episodes from 1953 are on this 5-disc set, which also includes the 1951 feature film Superman and the Mole Men starring Reeves. It served as sort of a pilot for the show and was later aired as a two-parter called "Unknown People," which also is part of the set.

The "faster than a speeding bullet" opening is still one the most stirring in TV history. Season Two is scheduled to be released Jan. 17.

Charmed: The Complete Third Season (Warner, $49.99). Those modern-day witches – Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and Phoebe (Alyssa Milano) – continue to experiment with their powers while facing supernatural forces in 22 episodes. This represents Doherty’s final season. First two seasons still available.

Everybody Loves Raymond: The Complete Fifth Season (HBO, $44.98). Ray Romano stars as Ray Barone, who tries to please his wife (Patricia Heaton) while also putting up with his overbearing parents (Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts) and his oversized brother (Brad Garrett). This was one of the big hit comedies of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The first four seasons are still available.

Friends: The Complete 10th Season (Warner, $44.98). This is the season that wrapped up NBC’s Thursday night comedy hit. All 18 episodes, including a extended version of the finale, are here. Extras include reflections by the cast and crew, a gag reel and producers’ commentary on three episodes. Also available is a collection that includes all 10 seasons with a list price of $299.98.

Seinfeld: Seasons 5 and 6 (Sony, $49.95 each). This hit sitcom was at its best during these two seasons, with Jerry Seinfeld and friends never funnier. Both sets include numerous bloopers, never-before-seen deleted scenes, Seinfeld doing his standup routine and the cast discussing some of their fondest memories.

24: Season Four>/i> (20th Century Fox, $69.98). Arguably the most inventive and tense TV drama to surface in the past 15 years. Keifer Sutherland again reprises his role of Jack Bauer, who has been dismissed from CTU as this particular season opens. But it isn’t long before Bauer finds himself caught up again in the war against terrorists. This is the show in which each episode represents one hour of a single day.

Leave It to Beaver: The Complete First Season (Universal, $49.95). It’s a vivid and fun look at growing up in the 1950s from the perspective of Beaver Cleaver (Jerry Mathers) and his older brother Wally (Tony Dow). Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley play mom and dad. The 3-disc set contains all 39 episodes.

Miami Vice: Season Two (Universal, $59.98). The cool cult show of the 1980s about vice cops Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) and Rico Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas), who battled drug lords and other nefarious criminals, still keeps your attention. Noted for its flashy style, gritty stories and pulsating soundtrack. The set contains 22 episodes on 3 discs. The first season is still available.

The White Shadow: The Complete First Season (20th Century Fox, $39.98). Ken Howard is outstanding as Ken Reeves, a former pro star, who becomes head basketball coach at a Los Angeles inner-city high school. Reeves finds the going tough at first as he tries to convince his new team to not only believe in themselves but also to trust him. The 4-disc set includes 15 episodes.

CLASSIC COLLECTIONS

Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Universal, $119.98). A fabulous 16-disc set containing many of the director’s finest films including Saboteur (1942), Shadow of a Doubt> (1942), Rope> (1948), Rear Window (1954), The Trouble with Harry (1955), The Man Who Knew Too Much (1955), Vertigo (1958), Psycho(1960), The Birds (1963), Marnie (1964), Torn Curtain (1966), Topaz> (1969),Frenzy (1972) and Family Plot (1976).

Astaire & Rogers Collection Volume One (Warner,$59.92). The great musical team of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers was a top box-office draw in the 1930s. The music is a delight and the two stars’ dance routines are legendary. The 5-disc set includes Swing Time (1936), Follow the Fleet (1936), Shall We Dance (1937), The Barkles of Broadway (1949) and what many critics consider to be their best, Top Hat (1935). Extras include vintage musical shorts and cartoon from the period.

Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997 (Warner, $79.92). This 8-disc set contains all four of Warner Brothers’ previous movies about the caped crusader including Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever and Batman and Robin. The first is still the best, with Michael Keaton in the title role and Jack Nicholson giving a memorable performance as the Joker. Director Tim Burton’s dark mood perfectly captures the sinister spirit of the early years of the Batman comic book. The set is packed with plenty of extras including the 6-part "Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight."

Greta Garbo: The Signature Collection (Warner, $99.92). The beautiful and mysterious Garbo in some of her most famous roles. Anna Christie (1930), Mata Hari (1932), Grand Hotel (1932), Queen Christina (1933), Anna Karenina (1935), Camille (1936) and Ninotchka(1939). Also includes Garbo silents The Temptress (1928), Flesh and the Devil (1927) and The Mysterious Lady> (1928) and a documentary narrated by Julie Christie.

Classic Holiday Collection (Warner, $29.98). Four features anchor this set including A Christmas Carol (1938) starring Reginald Owen, Boys Town (1938) starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, Men of Boys Town (1941) starring Tracy and Rooney, and Christmas in Connecticut (1945) starring Barbara Stanwyck. Also includes vintage yuletide shorts "Peace on Earth" and "Star in the Night" and Judy Garland singing "Silent Night."

Jerry Lewis: The Legendary Jerry Collection (Paramount, $54.99). If you’re a fan of Lewis, this is the one for you. Its 10 films include The Delicate Delinquent (1957), The Bellboy (1960), Cinderfella (1960), The Ladies Man (1961), The Errand Boy (1961), The Nutty Professor (1963), The Patsy (1964), The Disorderly Orderly (1964), The Family Jewels (1965) and The Stooge (1953). The latter co-stars Dean Martin.

Ken Burns American Lives (PBS, $139.99). Seven compelling films from Burns, who gave us the epic Civil War documentary. Included are Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, Frank Lloyd Wright, Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony, Mark Twain, Horatio’s Drive and Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.

King Kong Collection (Warner, $39.98). This all big-gorilla roundup showcases the stop-motion special effects of Willis O’Brien. It includes the 2-disc set of the monster that started it all, King Kong (1933); its sequel, Son of Kong (1933); and Mighty Joe Young (1949). The latter, often called King Kong for children, won O’Brien an Academy Award for special effects.

Val Lewton Horror Collection (Warner, $59.92). Working on low budgets, producer Val Lewton managed to turn out a series of creepy thrillers at RKO in the 1940s. Included in this 5-disc set are The Seventh Victim (1943), The Leopard Man (1943), Ghost Ship (1943), I Walked with a Zombie (1943), The Cat People (1943), Curse of the Cat People (1944), Isle of the Dead (1945), The Body Snatcher (1945), and Bedlam (1946). Also contains a new documentary on Lewton.

Walt Disney Treasures (Disney, $32.99 each). Thus far, this has been a great DVD series showcasing legendary Disney work in 15 spectacular sets. Four new sets have been issued just in time for Christmas. Each 2-disc set comes packed in a collectable tin case. Among the treasures are Disney Rarities: Celebrated Shorts, 1920s-1960s, which includes a 1943 version of "Chicken Little"; the 1953 "Ben and Me," about a mouse who influenced Benjamin Franklin; and the Alice shorts from the 1920s.

MOVIES

Batman Begins (Warner, $30.97). The 2-disc deluxe edition is loaded with extras including several "making of" and "behind the legend" featurettes. The set also is accompanied by a 72-page comic book that includes the first Batman story ever to appear in print in the May 1939 issue of Detective Comics. Much praised upon its theatrical release, Batman Begins tells how millionaire Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) became such a dedicated crime fighter. It is an often dark entry that treats the outlandish idea of man wearing a bat costume with the utmost seriousness and succeeds in convincing us it could happen.

Cinderella(Disney, $29.98). The delightful 1950 animated version of the classic they-lived-happily-ever-after fairy tale never looked better than in the remastered 2-disc version. A neat extra is a look at a dozen Cinderella sports stories – underdogs who overcame great odds to become champions, such as the 1980 U.S. Olympics hockey team, the 1985 Villanova basketball team and cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Cinderella Man (Universal, $44.98). Director Ron Howard scores with this emotional true story about heavyweight boxer James Braddock, who is seemingly a has-been in the 1930s. Then he gets the opportunity to make a comeback and eventually fight Max Baer for the world championship. Russell Crowe turns in a fine effort as Braddock. Renee Zellweger plays his wife. Extras include plenty of behind-the-scenes stuff, footage from the actual Braddock-Baer fight and a booklet about the film. Also available in a $29.98 edition.

Fantastic Four (20th Century Fox, $29.98). The Marvel comics superheroes come to life in this movie, which has all the feel of a comic book. Jessica Alba is the Invisible Girl, Michael Chiklis is the Thing and Chris Evans is the Human Torch. Ioan Gruffudd, who starred in A&E’s Horatio Hornblower series, also shines as Mr. Fantastic. It’s a fun film for all ages. Extras include deleted scenes, the usual "making of" fearturette and audio commentary by all four stars.

King Kong: Two-Disc Collector’s Edition (Warner, $39.98). Spotlighting the most famous monster movie of all time, this 1933 adventure from special-effects wizard Willis O’Brien continues to thrill new generations. Robert Armstrong plays enthusiastic showman Carl Denham, who leads an expedition to the uncharted Skull Island where they discover a giant ape. Kong is eventually brought back to civilization; he escapes in New York City and is finally cornered atop the Empire State Building. Fay Wray is the heroine who supplies the ear-piercing screams. This edition comes in an attractive tin case and includes a reproduction of the 1993 Graumann’s Chinese Theatre Program, five Kong post cards and numerous extras including a 7-part story about the film co-produced by Peter Jackson, responsible for the 2005 remake.

Polar Express (Warner, 45.95). Based on Chris Van Allsberg’s book, this wonderful piece of computer animation from director Robert Zemeckis has holiday classic written all over it. A young boy named Billy, who has trouble believing in Santa Claus, suddenly finds himself on a train headed to the North Pole, where an assortment of wonders await. Tom Hanks stars in a variety of animated roles. Packed with a variety of extras. Also available in a $29.98 edition.

Madagascar (DreamWorks, $29.99). A zebra, a lion, a hippo and a giraffe leave their safe haven of New York’s Central Park Zoo and end up shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar in this film that sure to please the kids. Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith and Cedric the Entertainer are among those who provide the voices.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Fox, $29.98). Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie play a husband and wife whose marriage gets an extra dose of spice when each discovers the other is a paid assassin. Eventually, they find themselves squaring off against each other. A slickly-made piece of entertainment. Director Doug Liman excellently manages to blend three genres – comedy, action and romance.

The Sound of Music: 40th Anniversary Edition (20th Century Fox, $26.98). Arguably the most popular movie musical ever made, the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic has been remastered and restored in this 2-disc collection. Julie Andrews plays the reluctant nun who becomes the nanny for seven Von Trapp children. Extras include Andrews talking about "a few of her favorite things," a look at the real Von Trapp family and cast members reunited to reminisce.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (20th Century Fox, $29.98). The much-anticipated film that finally completes George Lucas 6-chapter super space saga shows how Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) became Darth Vader. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Jedi Master Yoda steal the show. Special effects are dazzling but they don’t overshadow the human figures this time.

War of the Worlds (DreamWorks, $39.98). Steven Spielberg’s excellent adaptation of H.G. Well’s science-fiction classic is relentlessly frightening. Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning star as the father and daughter who are caught up in the terrifying events. The 2-disc set extras include a look at H.G. Wells, Spielberg’s thoughts about the story, "making of" featurette and the special "We Are Not Alone." Also available in a one-disc version at $29.98.

The Wizard of Oz (Warner Home Video, $49.92). A fantastic 3-disc edition featuring a beautifully restored version of the 1939 classic starring Judy Garland. Extras include plenty of documentaries, various 1939 promotional materials and 10 color photos from the film. Also on disc three are various silent films devoted to Frank Baum’s creation, including The Magic Cloak of Oz (1914), two versions of The Wizard of Oz (1910 and 1925) and a 1933 Oz cartoon.

WESTERNS

Hondo (Paramount, $14.99). John Wayne helps the Army fight Apaches and also lends a hand to a woman (Geraldine Page) and her son (Lee Aaker) living alone. A good, solid Western from 1953. The film has been restored and digitally remastered. Originally filmed in 3-D. Extras include commentary by film historian Leonard Maltin, a profile on co-star Ward Bond and a "making of" documentary.

A Lawless Street (Sony, $14.94). Randolph Scott plays the marshal of Medicine Bend, who discovers someone is eager to pay anyone who will kill the lawman. Angela Lansbury plays the love interest in this 1955 widescreen Western. This is one of several Scott Westerns recently released by Sony. The others include Man in the Saddle (1951), Santa Fe (1951), The Stranger Wore A Gun (1953) and Ten Wanted Men (1954).

McLintock (Paramount, $14.99). John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara star in what some critics call the Western version of "Taming of the Shrew." Although there is plenty of action, this one definitely has a tongue-in-cheek flavor. This is restored and remastered version authorized by the Wayne estate. There are other DVD versions out there, but this is the one you want to buy.

The Singing Cowboy (Image, $19.99). Gene Autry stars as a cowboy who becomes a singing star on television. It was a pretty far-sighted script, considering the film was released in 1936 when television was still in its experimental stage. This is one of 26 Autry films that have been beautifully restored and digitally remastered and now available on DVD. Each includes an episode of the Gene Autry radio show and clips of Autry and his old pal Pat Buttram reminiscing about the film. Two more Autrys are coming Dec. 27: Mule Train (1950) and Beyond the Purple Hills (1950). To order go to www.autry.com

(c)2005 Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.