‘Terminator,’ ‘Star Wars’ Sets Top Gift List
For those considering video gifts, there are some box sets out that would make attractive presents. They include:
“The Terminator Collection Limited Edition” (LIVE, $60). Includes the “Terminator” movies, which star Arnold Schwarzenegger, plus a documentary and a booklet about the movies. Perfect for an action-adventure fan.
“Star Wars Trilogy: Special Letterbox Collector’s Edition” (FoxVideo, $100). Features making-of documentary and a booklet in addition to the three movies. Excellent for sci-fi fans with a big-screen monitor (28-inch or over). Remember, though, some people aren’t crazy about letterbox prints because they’re distracted by the black bands at the top and bottom of the screen.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: Special Collector’s Edition” (Republic, $70). Worth it for the documentary and the book about the movie. Though this 1946 classic, starring James Stewart, is commonplace on TV around this time of year, this set also features an immaculate print--far superior to the worn-out, noise-filled TV versions.
Two box sets that aren’t a great idea:
“King Kong” (Turner, $60). The 60th anniversary of this 1933 monster movie offers an excellent print, a documentary and other extraneous extras, like a poster and a certificate of authenticity. But you can buy the same print for $17--an excellent gift--without the frills, which aren’t worth the extra money.
“High Noon” (Republic, $60). The first-rate print of this outstanding 1952 Western, starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly, plus a behind-the-scenes documentary, are fine. But the inadequate “The Complete Films of Gary Cooper” isn’t worth the extra money. You can get both the movie and the documentary for $20--$15 in some stores.
Other video gift suggestions:
Exercise videos, generally in the $15-$20 range, are big sellers at this time of year. If you’re not clear about which to choose, read the box to make sure the exercises are directed by or created by a fitness expert. You can’t go wrong with any by Callan Pinckney, on MCA/Universal, or the latest by Jane Fonda--A*Vision’s “Step Aerobic and Abdominal Workout.” According to the fitness magazines and experts, Cher’s new “Body Confidence,” on FoxVideo, is also top-notch.
For classical-music buffs, the popular “Three Tenors: Encore” (New Line, $20) is a good idea. This is the behind-the-scenes documentary about “Carreras Domingo Pavarotti: Three Tenors in Concert,” last year’s surprise video hit.
According to golfing experts, the “Complete History of Golf” (MPI, $120) is ideal for golf addicts. The six hours of information on four tapes are guaranteed to fascinate anyone who’s interested in the sport. A less expensive but quality choice is “Great Golf Courses of the World: Scotland” (Columbia TriStar, $20), narrated by Sean Connery.