Need a last-minute gift idea? Here are the top 10 new DVD boxed sets at a time when we’ve been inundated with them. If you have trouble finding these gift sets in stores, try DVD Price Search, which shows the lowest prices among reputable online sellers. Although retail prices are noted here, the sets can be bought at substantial discounts online at sites such as Amazon–which is good, because you’ll have to spring for expedited shipping at this point.

Blade Runner: Ultimate Collector’s Edition (Warner, $80): Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic gets a whopping five discs containing five versions of his 1982 film. There are cheaper, abridged versions, but hard-core fans will want this one, which comes in a Deckard briefcase with cool memorabilia.

Treasures III: Social Issues in American Film, 1900-1934 (National Film Archives, $90): The National Film Archives’ oustanding series of short-film collections continues with this fine four-disc set covering how the movie industry looked at everything from abortion to juvenile delinquency. It’s a must for serious film fans who eschew the latest blockbusters.

United Artists 90 Years: The Prestige Collection (MGM, $870): Built to impress, this high-priced set contains 90 films released over the decades by United Artists. We’re talking Jame Bond, Rocky, and many, many more. Show ‘em you care–and that you’re rich.

Ford at Fox (Fox, $300): Legendary director John Ford’s impressive work at 20th Century Fox is showcased in this monumental collection. Besides the DVD debuts of films such as The Iron Horse, the 21-disc set also includes previously released, and more widely known, classics such as The Grapes of Wrath and How Green Was My Valley.

Ken Burns’ The War (PBS, $130): The documentary auteur’s latest public-television sensation is sure to please discriminating TV fans. World War II is the subject this time, as the war is viewed from the perspective of three U.S. towns, including little ol’ Luverne, Minn.

Seinfeld: The Complete Series (Sony, $284): And then there’s Jerry Seinfeld. I’ve never been a fan of this TV CLASSIC (!), but I’m clearly in the minority. If you’re gift recipient has none or only a few of the previous season sets, this 32-disc shebang, whit a new bonus disc, is the way to go.

America’s Game: Super Bowl I-XL (NFL Films, $200): Get pumped for the NFL’s annual showdown with this beefy, 40-disc overview of all the previous gridiron match-ups. It’s put together by NFL Films, which is the highest praise one can bestow. Even the blowouts are exciting.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: The Complete Collection (Time-Life, $250): The long-lost 1960s spy series is finally given its proper due in this 41-disc set, which comes in a replica briefcase that’s ideal for covert viewing. This one won’t be available in stores for a year, so ordering it directly online from Time-Life is the only way to go.

Twin Peaks: The Definitive Gold Box Edition (Paramount, $100): At last, David Lynch’s bizarre and influential 1980s TV series gets a mostly definitive release that includes both seasons, as well as the pilot. Some extras, such as commentary, from previous releases haven’t been brought back, but there are many new extras to make up for it, all overseen by Lynch.

Planet Earth/The Blue Planet: Collector’s Edition (BBC, $120): Can’t decide between these highly acclaimed BBC documentary series about our dynamic world? Why not get both at a discount? This 10-disc collection will please viewers of any age.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 at 3:40 pm and is filed under DVDs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.