The holidays approach. Here are some suggestions for your conspicuous consumption. Buy something for that special loved one, or put them on your own wish list.
Amazon links are included, so if you feel like it, use them. Hell, even if you’re buying something else from Amazon, use a link here, navigate to the preferred product, and I’ll still get a bit of credit. However, check dvdpricesearch or fetchbook.info to see if Amazon offers the best price. On the other hand, remember also that Amazon doesn’t charge tax (here in IL at least), and more importantly, offers free shipping on orders north of $25.
DVD Delirium 1, 2 & 3
Wow, these guides to weird films available on DVD are the most satisfying film books I’ve come across in a long while. First, each book has that thick, brick-like density you like in your reference material, and the small (although readable) text and slim gutters prove there’s no cheating on that score. Each film probably gets a page of write-up, and I’d guess a whopping 700-800 films are covered in each tome. You can spot the occasional mistake now and then, but in all the books do exactly what they are designed to do: make you want to seek out and watch the films covered, many of which I didn’t know were out on DVD, or even had been aware of in a more general sense.
Each entry contains critical remarks, background info, and a run-down / comparison on the various home video / laserdisc / dvd releases for each movie. Of course, such books go out of date quickly in terms of technical data, which is why the interesting comments on the films are so important. Great stuff that I can’t recommend enough as stocking-stuffers.
For some reason, the second book is harder to get (hence the lack of a link to that volume) via the usual merchants, but I got a copy easily enough from www.half.com.
I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets by Fletcher Hanks
People get compared to Ed Wood so often that you start tuning it out, but in this case I think it’s valid; Fletcher Hanks IS the Ed Wood comic books. His utterly insane stories, involving invulnerable supermen and women serving up bloody justice to supervillain only after allowing them to wreak havoc are like a direct look into a disturbed individual’s brain. I won’t say I was crying from laughing so hard, but I was about have a step away from that. Simply astounding stuff, and a great presentation. If you try to buy this book a year from now and it’s offmarket, you may regret it.
It’s a Man’s World
A beautiful art book that reprints insane covers to the screwy men’s adventure magazines of the ’50s and ’60s. The animal attack section is worth the price alone. This thing is astounding and wonderful!
Popeye The Sailor DVD
BEST…CARTOONS….EVER. 60 theatrical ‘toons on four discs, bountiful and extremely good extras (commentaries, documentaries, etc.), this thing is a bargain.
Paul Lynde Halloween Special
Until they release a volume of Battle of the Network Stars (and they never will), this is the most satisfying slice of ’70s TV schlock you could possibly hope for.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Nightmare Special Edition
A hilarious Jabootu classic gets a terrific special edition release. Amaze your friends!
Icons of Horror: Sam Katzman
Four terrific ’50s b-movies, but the real prize is the long awaited and gorgeous DVD release of The Giant Claw, the first film we ever reviewed. The other features are The Werewolf, The Zombie of Mora Tau and The Creature with the Atomic Brain. All for under $20.
The Singing Detective
Dennis Potter wrote this British mini about a man in a hospital who dreams he’s a ’40s, Marlowe-esque detective. Really one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Certainly worth a rental at least if you’ve never seen it.
I saved the big ticket items for last. These are expensive collections to be sure, but damn, you get your money’s worth. The book sets are BEAUTIFUL, huge, and weight a frickin’ ton. I own the Far Side and Calvin collections myself, and the production values of the tomes are gorgeous. Besides, buying all the Calvin paperbacks would cost you more than this stunning two volume sets will set you back, and again, the printing is phenominal.
Amazon is actually a really good place to buy these. Remember that if you find a slightly better price elsewhere, aside from tax, you’ll have to pay for shipping. Let me put it this way: The Don Martin collection weighs over 15 pounds! From Amazon you’ll get free shipping, saving upwards of $20.
The Completely Mad Don Martin
Everything the master did for Mad Magazine (although not not the paperback book material, so sorry, Captain Klutz). Take that, Fonebone!
The Complete Far Side
The Complete Calvin & Hobbes
The Prisoner Complete Series Megaset
Patrick McGoohan’s classic, existential spy series is still an amazing, thought-provoking delight. Now available in one set featuring all 17 shows. I’ll be seeing you!
Secret Agent The Complete Series Megaset
If not the revolutionary show The Prisoner was, this precursor (most fans believe the anonymous hero of The Prisoner was indeed John Drake, the character he plays here) series is a smart, nifty spy series indeed, featuring a protagonist who relies on brains rather than weapons. And in contrast to The Prisoner’s spare 17 episodes, this set features 18 discs (!) offering 3420 minutes of programming. That’s like 57 hours of show!
The Avengers The Complete Emma Peel Megaset
Do I even need to push this? BEST SPY SHOW EVER!!!!
Add your suggestions below, please!
