This holiday season, thousands of Blu-rays will vie for a spot on your shopping list, but few can stack up to these recently released box sets.
Each encapsulates an entire series or the works of a director, and each is worth your hard-earned cash. They will result in hours of happy watching and some very pleased recipients in the process.
Check out our list below!
"Tarantino XX"
With "Django Unchained" just a few short weeks away, there is no better time to take a look back at the 20-year-long career of director Quentin Tarantino. The release date also happens to conveniently fall on Christmas Day, so the newly released "Tarantino XX" set is begging for a spot on your holiday shopping list. The 10-disc set comes with not only the movies the writer-director has helmed, but nearly every movie he's been associated with. On top of that, you'll get 15 hours of bonus features, five of which are brand new. (Amazon, $79.96)
"Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection"
After two films debuted this fall exploring the man behind the camera, perhaps it's time to remember what made Hitchcock the master in the first place instead of his obsession with Tippi Hedren or Janet Leigh. "The Masterpiece Collection" makes for fantastic way to revisit 15(!) of Hitchcock's best works. The transfers to high-definition have been handled lovingly by Universal and do these classic films justice. (Amazon, $206.99)
"Bond 50"
We've gushed about this set before on Movies Blog, but it bears repeating since "Skyfall" probably added a few thousand new James Bond fans to the masses. This set collects 22 Bond films (there's an extra slot for "Skyfall") for the first time on Blu-ray in one complete package. Each film looks crisp and clean, and comes with a bevy of special features. It's the best way to rewatch the half-century history of the world's greatest spy. (Best Buy, $149.99)
"The Dark Knight Trilogy"
Now that the trilogy has come to a close, it's time to own the entire Christopher Nolan Batman saga in one neat set. (You waited to buy them on Blu-ray, right?) "The Dark Knight Trilogy" has always been best viewed on Blu-ray, especially with the aspect ratio changes in "The Dark Knight" and "The Dark Knight Rises." This limited edition gift set also comes with a beautiful booklet to compliment the three movies. (Amazon, $37.99)
"Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection"
The "Classic Monsters" set from Universal can be enjoyed not only as brilliantly entertaining, old-school horror movies, but also as fascinating looks into the past. Each film is presented in stunning high-definition, brilliantly restored. The set includes "Dracula," "Frankenstein," "The Mummy," "The Invisible Man," "The Bride of Frankenstein," "The Wolf Man," "Phantom of the Opera," and "Creature From the Black Lagoon." (Amazon, $129.00)
