So you’ve let it come down to the wire, and you still don’t know what to get that special (or not so special) person for Christmas. I can’t guarantee any miracles, but this list of five gifts should at least prevent you from being put in the dog house or receiving coal on an annual basis.
In no particular order:
Movies
- The Alfred Hitchcock Premiere Collection
This sensational box set from MGM is noteworthy in that it includes the extremely rare classic Rebecca, in addition to most of Hitchcock’s other early work. This includes Spellbound, Notorious, and Sabotage. A must have for any classic cinema fan, especially fans of Hitchcock.
- The Wire: The Complete Series
One of the most talked about shows from the HBO camp in history, The Wire lives on through this box set. Sure to find its way into plenty of homes this holiday season, The Wire is an inner-city drama with its reputation built on the show’s unrelenting realism.
- John Adams
When you’re nominated for 23 Emmys, you’re bound to get tons of public attention, not that John Adams really needed much help—particularly given a cast headed by Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. HBO hit another home run with this series, a show that will win over not only history film buffs but also more casual viewers as well.
- The Sopranos: The Complete Series
Not much more can be said about the Sopranos (I’m sure there are still some people out there that are getting over the finale). However, this box set is certainly worthwhile for the folks that resisted buying single season DVD copies. With over 3.5 hours never-before-seen footage, CD soundtracks, episode guides, and much more, it’s enough to give even the biggest Sopranos fan their needed fix.
- Wall-E/The Dark Knight
The two biggest movies of 2008 deserve the tie in the final spot. You can’t go wrong with either movie this year (especially on Blu Ray).
Music
- Bob Dylan The Bootleg Series, vol. 8: Tell Tale Signs
If compilations like this were counted on the Fuzzy Thoughts top albums list, it certainly would’ve been near the top. If you’re looking to spoil the most discerning of Dylan fans, splurge and buy the three CD box set. This version includes a bonus CD with 12 extra tracks, a book full of Dylan’s singles artwork and a 60 page booklet featuring photos, essays and more.
- Nina Simone To Be Free
This definitive box sets spans nearly forty years and includes 54 songs and 8 previously unreleased tracks in addition to a DVD showcasing her live performances.
- Roy Orbison The Soul of Rock & Roll
An exhaustingly comprehensive set, this 107-song, four disc collection is a must for all who want to own a piece of rock and roll history.
- Led Zeppelin Definitive Collection (Mini LP Replica)
In honor of their fortieth anniversary, Rhino released this novel box set that not only includes every Led Zeppelin album released, but are replicated in the form of remastered CDs replicated to look like the original LPs, artwork and all.
- The Doors Perception
Aside from the clever, door-shaped packaging, Perception not only covers all the albums, but also has a companion DVD for every release that features 5.1 surround sound mixing.
