Looking for a quick but impressive gift for that movie buff in your life? Try a boxed set of videos with themes that range from sublime to silly. Some to consider are:
“Lord of the Dance,” PolyGram, available Tuesday, $69.95. A video version of Michael Flatley’s smash concert show, a 45-minute “making of” presentation, the show’s CD soundtrack and an autographed tour poster print are bundled for lively entertainment. High stepping.
“Fargo Collector Set,” PolyGram, available now, $34.95. Besides a copy of the Academy Award-winning film, you get the second edition of the “Fargo” snow globe. This one portrays the wood chipper scene, complete with flying, bloody snowflakes. Can collector plates be far behind?
“Creature Comforts,” Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, available now, $14.95. These claymation shorts on a single video include the Oscar-winning “Creature Comforts” from director/animator Nick Park. “Creatures” depicts zoo animals waxing anthropomorphic. Three of Park’s “Wallace and Gromit” shorts also are available as a collection from BBC Video for $24.95. Unique.
“Mr. Bean: A Box of Beans,” PolyGram, available now, $69.95/set. Two sets of four videos each with British comic actor Rowan Atkinson as Bean. A barrel of laughs.
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“The Simpsons,” Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, available now, $24.98. Six uncut episodes featuring America’s favorite dysfunctional family are collected on three cassettes with rarely seen classic “Simpsons” shorts thrown in as a bonus. D’oh!
“The Robert De Niro Collection,” Warner Home Entertainment, available now, $59.95. The actor’s films with director Martin Scorsese (“Raging Bull,” “GoodFellas ” and “Mean Streets”) showcase the rough-and-tumble De Niro. Gritty but great.
“Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition,” available through Nov. 30, Twentieth Century Home Entertainment, $49.98. New footage, enhanced visual effects and the digital soundtrack of the theatrical re-release wake up the George Lucas blockbusters. The force is with them.
“Duh-Lux Collection,” New Line Home Video, available now, $24.98. You get a double dose of Jim Carrey with “Dumb and Dumber” and “The Mask.” S-s-s-smokin’!
“The Elvis Gift Set,” Paramount Home Video, available now, $59.80. Four of Elvis’ film classics (“Roustabout,” “Fun in Acapulco,” “G.I. Blues,” “Paradise, Hawaiian Style,” “Blue Hawaii”) are packaged with a bonus film, “King Creole.” Fit for a king.