Making a list? Checking it twice? Here are some guidelines to keep befuddled spouses, parents of teenagers and others on the right track.
Video gifts this year run the gamut from award-winning films and sports videos to holiday-themed tapes and animated delights. They are also easy to wrap.
GENERAL INTEREST
“SENSE AND SENSIBILITY SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S GIFT SET,” Columbia TriStar ($37.95). This veddy civilized set is for all those hopeless romantics who are addicted to Jane Austen. It augments the 1995 film with Emma Thompson’s diaries and Golden Globe acceptance speech and a keepsake case adorned with a photo of her and Hugh Grant from the movie.
“THE HONEYMOONERS DELUXE GIFT SET,” CBS Video ($99.98). Fans of the classic Jackie Gleason comedy will go to the moon with this set featuring all 39 episodes of the 1955-56 CBS sitcom, which starred Gleason as blustery bus driver Ralph Kramden; Audrey Meadows as his wife, Alice; Art Carney as his gangly friend Ed Norton; and Joyce Randolph as Ed’s wife, Trixie.
“WALLACE & GROMIT COLLECTION,” BBC Video/CBS Fox ($29.95). British animator Nick Park’s adorable clay creations--eccentric inventor John Wallace and his wise dog, Gromit--headline three acclaimed comedy adventures: “A Grand Day Out,” the 1993 Oscar-winning “The Wrong Trousers” and the 1995 Oscar-winning “A Close Shave.”
“MICHAEL JORDAN: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION,” NBA Video ($29.98). A collection of the Chicago Bulls superstar’s bestsellers “Michael Jordan: Come Fly With Me,” “Michael Jordan: Air Time” and “Michael Jordan: Above & Beyond.”
“THE USUAL SUSPECTS DIRECTOR’S GIFT PACK,” PolyGram ($39.95). Even those who know the identity of Keyser Soze will enjoy this special edition of the 1995 thriller. It contains a letterbox version of the movie, plus another letterbox version featuring running commentary from director Bryan Singer and Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie, not to mention a “Usual Suspects” lighter and two tiepins.
“ED WOOD COLLECTOR’S BOX SET,” Rhino ($34.95). This set, fittingly encased in imitation pink Angora, collects three of the worst director’s greatest schlock classics: “Plan 9 From Outer Space,” “Glen or Glenda?” and “Bride of the Monster.”
HOLIDAY THEMES
“THE MERRY MISHAPS OF MR. BEAN,” PolyGram ($19.95). British comedian Rowan Atkinson’s mischievous creation finds himself quite literally putting on the yuletide turkey in the hysterically funny, award-winning installment “Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean.” The video also includes the equally slapstick “Mr. Bean in Room 436.”
“CHRISTMAS TRAINS,” Pentrex ($19.95). For train-spotters who love Christmas, this one-hour tape, set to traditional carols and holiday music, features the greatest variety of Christmas trains ever recorded on video, including the BNSF Santa Claus Express--a diesel-powered Christmas train decorated with more than 20,000 lights.
“HO HO NOOOOOOOOO!!! IT’S MR. BILL’S CHRISTMAS,” Anchor Bay ($9.99). The high-pitched little clay fellow, who came to fame 20 years ago on “Saturday Night Live,” headlines his first Christmas special, along with Mr. Hands, Miss Sally, Spot, Mr. Bill’s mom and, of course, Sluggo as Santa Claus. Father Guido Sarducci also stops in.
“THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS,” Good Times ($9.95). A journey across America--from Rockefeller Center to the lighting of the national Christmas tree to the Sierra Nevada--set to 29 traditional carols. Also included on the one-hour tape is a look at past Christmases.
