MCBASTARD'S 2023 XMAS GIFT GUIDE
Well, it's that time of the year again, 'twas about a month before Christmas and all the stockings were hung by the decorative fake LED fireplace with care, in hopes that on Christmas morning physical media film lovers will find 4K UHD flicks with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision there... or something like that.
As is out semi-annual tradition we've put together some movie lovers Christmas gift ideas right here for you, chock full of Amazon affiliate links (and some cool indie distros) to generate some of out own Christmas cheer this year. So have a look-see and hopefully you get some ideas of what to get your cinema loving friends and family, but don't forget to treat yourself, too! This is a list that caters to my own personal preferences of cult-classics, paranoid sci-fi, vintage horror, and a couple of Christmas themed picks because, well Christmas is on it's way. Note that these prices are current as of November 21st, 2023 when I posted this.
If move deals are your things be sure to check out our 4K -UHD, Blu-ray & Movie Deals FB group and Twitter feed (HERE) where I curate loads of movie deals all year long!
Shaw Brothers Classics, Vol. 1 (1966-1967)
11-Disc Blu-ray Set (Shout! Studios)
also available from DiabolikDVD.com
The sheer amount of Shaw Brothers stuff coming to Blu-ray from the likes of Arrow Video, 88 Films and Shout! Factory the past few years is truly staggering. This is vol. of a on-going series from Shout! collecting 11 classic martial arts films from the famous Shaw Brothers' library, featuring some of their greatest stars; Jimmy Wang Yu (One-Armed Swordsman), Cheng Pei-pei (Come Drink With Me), Lo Lieh (King Boxer), Ku Feng (The Five Venoms), and David Chiang (The Boxer From Shantung), some making their Blu-ray debuts. This is a perfect gift for the Shaw Brothers fans in your life plus it's loaded with new extras, and if they dig it there are three others sets in the series as of right now, and probably more on the way. .
The Sonny Chiba Collection: Volume 2 (1972-1989)
4-Disc Blu-ray Set (Shout! Select)
https://amzn.to/47GucGQ - currently $49.99 (50% Off!)
The Tiger Cage Collection (1989-1991)
3-Disc Blu-ray Set (Scream Factory)
https://amzn.to/40Del9K - currently $27.99!
Enter the Video Store: Empire of Screams (1985-1990)
5-Disc Blu-ray Box Set (Arrow Video)
https://amzn.to/3sybxhu - currently $60.51
This love-letter to Empire Pictures is a must-have for anyone who love the horror and sci-fi cinema of the VHS era, loaded with a treasure trove of extras and each film looking top-notch, including the HD debut of the sci-fi actioner gem Arena!
In The Line Of Duty: I - IV (1986-1989)
4-Disc Deluxe Collector's Blu-ray Set (88 Films)
https://amzn.to/3QWmFhy - currently $54.99 (-45%)
In the Line of Duty is a series of four very loosely connected 'girls with guns' action films produced by Hong Kong movie studio D & B Films; the first two star Michelle Yeoh with the sequels starring the equally ass-kicking Cynthia Khan as Hong Kong Police Force Officers kicking crime's ass. This set from 88 Films has a terrific extras and alternate viewing and listening options options, in addition to some killer packaging that catches the eye.
The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection Vol. 3
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (Universal)
https://amzn.to/3FTLqo6 - currently $54.00
Irwin Allen: Master of Disaster Collection (1976-1983)
7-Disc Blu-ray Set (Shout Studios)
https://amzn.to/3so5f3Z - currently $71.99 with coupon at checkout!
I grew up watching the '70s disaster flicks of Irwin Allen yet somehow I have not seen any of these before, which is so dang exciting to me! When I sent out my personal Christmas wish list to the family this year this was at the top of the list!
Universal Classic Monsters:
Complete 30-Film Collection Blu-ray Set (Universal)
https://amzn.to/46h7TWR - currently $84.99
I know that some of the flagship titles on this set have been getting 4K UHD releases (which look phenomenal), but I truly don't think we are going to get the vast majority of the sequels are ever going to get the 4K upgrades. Which makes this set, which is currently only $85 ($2.75 a flick!) still a much needed addition to any vintage horror lovers collection, not to mention we get all the Abbott & Costello meet the monsters flicks!
Bollywood Horror Collection (1984 -2006)
6-Disc Set (Mondo Macabro)
https://amzn.to/477elRF - currently $99.99
For the film-fan who loves obscure foreign horror this set of wild Bollywood horror flicks is sure to bring a smile to their face!
The Toxic Avenger Collection (1988-2000)
8-Disc 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Boxset (Troma)
https://amzn.to/3suraX2 - currently $99.99
Also available cheaper for $92.99 from DiabolikDVD: https://diabolikdvd.com/product/the-toxic-avenger-collection-8-disc-tox-set-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-preorder/
All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror
14-Disc Collector's Blu-ray Set (Severin Films)
https://amzn.to/3SBHu2U - currently $150,.93 (-465)
Also available from DiabolikDVD: https://diabolikdvd.com/product/all-the-haunts-be-ours-a-compendium-of-folk-horror-severin-blu-ray/
One of my favorite box sets of all-time is Severin's massive
All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror, collecting 19 of the best-known, least-known, rarely-seen and thought-lost classics of folk horror from around the world lovingly restored and loaded with extras, a doc, CD soundtrack and a massive book. You need this in your collection!
Ghoulies (1985)
2-Disc Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (MVD)
https://amzn.to/467t3ql - currently $30.48
You will believe your eyes when you see how great this pint-sized terror flick from the '80s looks in 4K UHD!
Bride of Chucky (1998)
Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Scream Factory)
Seed of Chucky (2004)
Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Scream Factory)
Curse of Chucky (2013)
Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Scream Factory)
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Cult of Chucky (2017)
Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Scream Factory)
Night of the Demons 2 (1997)
Collector's Edition Blu-ray (Scream Factory)
https://amzn.to/47jy68w - currently $26.09
I absolutely love that Scream Factory gave this direct-to-video sequel a Collector's Edition Blu-ray. It's a huge upgrade from the previous DVD and it's dripping with extras including a pair of new commentaries, plemnty of new interviews, and both the workprint and TV cut of the flick!
The Exorcist (1973)
50th Anniversary Ultimate Edition (Warner Bros.)
Theatrical & Extended Director's Cut
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital
https://amzn.to/3SEZABe - currently $99.99
Also available in a more affordable but extras poor standard 4K UHD Edition:
https://amzn.to/49BWvYL currently $14.099
Demons (1985) + Demons 2 (1986)
2-Disc Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD (Synapse Films)
https://amzn.to/3FWOhwB - currently - $74.99
Also available from DiabolikDVD.com for $52.99
Cloak & Dagger (1984)
4k Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)
https://amzn.to/49zQuvt - currently $26.02
Vinegar Syndrome's 4K of this nostalgic kid-friendly cult-classic spy-thriller is nothing short of wonderful, re-watching this is 4K and loaded with extras made me feel like a kid again.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1988)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (WBHE)
https://amzn.to/40D4Sz4 - currently $20.25
Hands down my all-time favorite Christmas flick... sorry A Christmas Story, I love you but you've been de-throned! The new 4K restoration looks fantastic, and for those of you who prefer A Christmas Story you should know it's only $9.99 right now, but it, too: https://amzn.to/47CZCOf
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (Paramount)
https://amzn.to/3QxRHed - currently $21.48
My personal favorite flick from Tim Burton is Sleepy Hollow, and it's long been in need of a 4K upgrade and we finally got it - and it was worth the waits, it looks stunning! Those creepy Sleepy Hollow woodlands have never looked better.
Dragonslayer (1981)
4K Ultra HD + Digital (Paramount)
https://amzn.to/3GgBBB3 - currently $19.94
Suspiria (1977)
4K Ultra HD (Synapse Films)
https://amzn.to/3svv3Lk - currently $35.80
Dario Argento's crowning achievement in supernatural terror gets a superlative 4K edition from Synapse Films that boggles the mind with how stunning it looks and sounds.
The Mist (2007)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital
https://amzn.to/46be1jq - currently $38.99
Also available from DiabolikDVD.com for $25.99
Violent Night (2022)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (UPHE)
https://amzn.to/49zFz4R - currently $19.99
The film that asks the question "what if we mash-up Home alone and Die Hard, but this time John McLain is played by David Harbour, and he Santa Clause?". The only acceptable answer is "Yes please!"
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (2022)
Shout! Studios Collector's Edition
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray
This "Weird" Al Yankovic bio pic is told starring Daniel Radcliff as the titular Weird Al is told the same way as one of his parody songs - it's a parody of biopic films, and had me in stitches from start to finish. I love Rain Wilson as Dr. Demento and all the stuff with Madonna played by Evan Rachel Wood is perfection! The new 4K UHD features HDR10 Dolby Vision color-grading and loads of excellent extras, my favorite being Weird AL and Radcliff being interviewed together on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
4K Ultra HD (Kino)
https://amzn.to/3MFXYDi - currently $24.62
Messiah Of Evil (1974)
(Limited Special Edition) Blu-ray (Radiance)
https://amzn.to/46bLeeM - currently $26.98
One of the most atmospheric and nightmarish of the '70s drive-in flicks finally gets a worthy special edition Blu-ray with some fantastic extras and a new 4K scan.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
Limited Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu ray
https://amzn.to/3FUVFsr - currently $31.49
It Came from Outer Space (1953)
Universal Essentials Collection (Paramount)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital
https://amzn.to/3soJTDB - currently $34.99
Also available in a standard 4K UHD edition with the same disc extras: https://amzn.to/40xETZX - currently $19.99
Based on Ray Bradbury's short story, this black and white sci-fi classic has never looked better. Available in both deluxe and standard versions, I'll leave it up to you to decide which version the person you're buying it for deserves - but I can pretty much guarantee they would rather get the Universal Essentials Collection version!
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (Paramount)
https://amzn.to/3SCncpW - currently $19.99
Some folks have been announcing the death of physical media for the last decade and yet not only are we still getting fantastic catalog titles from boutique labels but the major studios have been bringing out their classics in 4K at a clip my wallet can't keep up with. We are in a golden age of physical media folks, and Paramount's 4K UHD of Rosemary's Baby is yet more proof that home video ain't going away, but it is going up on my movie shelf!
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
4K Ultra HD (Dark Sky)
https://amzn.to/3QOgZ7O - currently $21.98
Tobe Hooper's ultimate tale of terror in 4K from Dark Sky Films, 'nuff said.
Batman Doom That Came To Gotham (2023)
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (WBHE)
https://amzn.to/49BScwC - currently $11.99
An animated story that combines a period set Batman tale with out-of-this-world Lovecraftian terror tale with a fantastic animation style - sold! Easily a top 5 animated Batman film for me, and it looks stupendous on 4K UHD!
City of the Living Dead (1980)
3-Disc 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray (Cauldron Films)
https://amzn.to/478KbNH - currently $42.99
Also available from DiabolikDVD.com for $39.99: https://diabolikdvd.com/product/city-of-the-living-dead-retail-edition-3-disc-set-4k-uhd-blu-ray-preorder/
One of my favorite Lucio Fulci flicks got a tremendous restoration with a phenomenal set of extras from Cauldron Films who knocked it out of the park with this release. Easily one of my favorite releases of 2023 and an easy recommend for lovers of gory Italian frights.
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Invaders from Mars (1953)
4K Ultra HD (Ignite Films)
https://amzn.to/3SFZVUk - currently $26.78 with coupon at checkout!
A paranoid sci-fi classic that absolutory rattled my brain as a kid, I was convinced my parents were being controlled by aliens, and it continues to awe in 4K - this new restoration is a revelation and the extras are top-notch!
American Graffiti (1973)
50th Anniversary Edition
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital (Universal)
https://amzn.to/3QEHyMP - currently $19.99
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
DVD (WBHE)
https://amzn.to/49U9mpp - currently $14.96
Truly, I am not a fan of this only getting a standard-def barebones DVD release but I am hoping that this sells well enough, alongside 8-Bit Christmas, that we end up getting a Blu-ray or 4K at some point. I actually quite enjoyed this one, the continuing story of Ralphie from A Christmas Story now all grown up trying to save Christmas for his family! Lots of nostalgia wrapped-up in this one which gave me a holiday glow watching it.
The Office: Complete Christmas Collection
2-Disc DVD Set (Universal)
https://amzn.to/49Kp99Q - currently $19.99
Titans: The Complete Series (2018-2023)
10-Disc Blu-ray Set (WBHE)
https://amzn.to/3QJM6kY - currently $76.41
The at times surprisingly dark DC live-action series Titans: The Complete Series collects all four seasons of the superhero show. We get Nightwing, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, Wonder Girls, Superboy, Hawk, and Dove and battling DC baddies Trigon, Red Hood, Deathstroke, and Lex Luthor and more. Had a fun time seeing the classic storylines straight out of the comics brought to live, including fan-favorites "The Judas Contract", "A Death in the Family", "No Man's Land", "Under the Hood".
Blu-ray Stocking Stuffers!
These Blu-ray releases are currently $10 or under.
The Black Phone (2021)
Collector's Edition Blu-ray + DVD + Digital
https://amzn.to/3QSUG14 - currently $6.99
Renfield (2023)
Dracula Sucks Edition Blu-ray + DVD + Digital
https://amzn.to/3uqNule - currently $9.99
Blu-ray + DVD + Digital
https://amzn.to/3G6q9HS - currently $7.99
Violent Night (2022)
Blu-ray + DVD + Digital
https://amzn.to/3Bwnk0S - currently $7.99
Panasonic Streaming 4K Blu Ray Player with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Ultra HD Premium Video Playback, Hi-Res Audio, Voice Assist - DP-UB820-K (Black)
https://amzn.to/3MHcYRD - currently $349.98
...because this is widely considered one of the best 4K players out there with Dolby Vision and HDR10!
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel 1000W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual 10" Subwoofers (Wireless) & 4 Rear Surround Speakers. Enjoy Plug and Play Explosive Bass & High End Cinema
https://amzn.to/40zj9fY - currently $1049.99
...because you know you want to experience those 4K UHD flicks with true Dolby Atmos surround sound!
https://amzn.to/3QBuiZd - currently $74.58 with coupon at checkout!
...because you need somewhere to display those movie your buying!
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Beyond Halloween Town: The Story, the Characters, and the Legacy (Hardcover Book) by Emily Zemler (Author), Tim Burton (Foreword)
https://amzn.to/478LY5n - currently $18.39
This book was a sample sent to us for review and we liked it so much, as did our kids who love the flick we included it in the gift guide. A wonderful hardcover coffee table book that celebrates the film and the culture that has grown around it with exclusive and original interviews that deep-dive into the beloved cult-classic.
Central Perk Coffee Co. has sent us samples of their coffee previously and they sent over this mug as well. Head on over to www.https://centralperk.com/ to order this Limited Edition Boston Mug and their medium, medium-dark, and dark roast coffee in both single-serve pods, ground, and whole bean, because who doesn't want coffee and a new mug for xmas?
If you're shopping on Amazon here are a few deals that might interest you:
Amazon Buy 2 Get 1 Free Sale! https://amzn.to/3sD1sQl
Amazon $10 4K UHD Deals! https://amzn.to/49Mhrwf
Amazon Early Black Friday Deals! https://amzn.to/3R69bQg
