By Geno McGahee
It’s that time of the year. It’s a time for cheer and gatherings with family and friends. It is also the time where buying gifts can be frustrating and difficult. You’re not sure what to get and a lot of people do not want one of those gift baskets with cheese and various salty meats. So, what to do?
As we do every year here at Scared Stiff, we try to supply some suggestions that may help. From gifts to stocking stuffers, here are some things that might bring a smile from someone you know as they unwrap it. Everything listed you can find for purchase at the typical vendors you are most likely using this season.
FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE SERIES – 4K ULTRA HD
This is a good idea for a gift for generation X family and friends. It was a super popular show and now it has been released in the best possible way. 4K Ultra HD presentation with tons of bonuses, this is a great gift. So many grew up with this and when it went to streaming, it attracted a new generation, including my daughter who is 14. So, you can’t go wrong with this one.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS – 4K ULTRA HD
There is only one way to showcase the Grinch and that is in cartoon form. I remember watching this as a child and looking forward to it every holiday season. Narrated by the great Boris Karloff and animated by Chuck Jones, this is a must watch every holiday season and I tend to watch it more than once. It’s for children and adults. I think anyone would be very pleased with this under the tree.
RICK AND MORTY: THE COMPLETE SEASONS 1-7 on DVD
Both of my teen children enjoy this show and I opted to give it a chance a few years ago and it is truly amusing. It’s not intended for very young children, but if you have a teenager from 13-18, you will win with this one, and you can go older as well. This show is geared for an audience of 13-30, but you could push it even older. I liked it and I’m 50, but I think my maturity is around 15. So, I guess this is a case by case when you’re buying it for an older person.
LOONEY TUNES: COLLECTOR’S CHOICE SEASONS 1-4 on Blu-Ray
This doesn’t really need any introduction to anyone, but I can alert you that this is on the market and a must own for anyone. I want this under the tree. 97 re-mastered cartoons from the Looney Tunes collection with the iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester the Road Runner and more. As streaming has closed in and we are seeing lost media, this is a great opportunity to pick this up for somebody or yourself for this Christmas season.
BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUICE – on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and DVD
The long-awaited sequel has come to physical media and proved to be worth the wait with a huge box office score and great reviews. Tim Burton brings back Michael Keaton as the title character. Returning to the story is Oscar nominee Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega joins the cast as well. This is a stocking stuffer for any young adult especially if they are talking about shows like WEDNESDAY or wear black often. There are tons of bonus material and it’s presented in great form. Pick this one up.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (40TH ANNIVERSARY) – on 4K Ultra HD
There have been many releases of the hit film A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, but they finally got it right with this one. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET has led to many sequels, a TV show and a remake. Freddy Krueger is one of the most popular horror icons and now the fans get what they want. There is a definitive release in 4K Ultra HD with plenty of bonus material and it just looks tremendous.
THE WIZARD OF OZ (85TH ANNIVERSARY) on 4K Ultra HD
The 85th Anniversary Theater Edition includes a 4K UHD disc of the film, a Blu-ray disc of the film and a digital code, along with commemorative steelbook packaging, a reproduction of the original program, a reproduction of the film’s premiere invitation, reproductions of 8 original lobby cards, reproductions of 2 original poster cards, and a reproduction of the film’s original movie ticket.
I hope this helps your holiday shopping season and brings some smiles to your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to buy one of these for yourself too. Not everyone will have any guidance on their gift giving and you may get stuck with a meat and cheese thing.
