LOS ANGELES — DVD or Blu-ray box sets can be great gifts for film fans, but they’re often a predictable, and let’s face it, boring choice — unless they come with a little something extra, like a Tony Stark tattoo or a “Back to the Future” flux capacitor.
Here’s a look at some of the best box sets of the season, and some outside-the-box gift ideas for the movie lovers on your list.
SUPERHERO CENTRAL
Get acquainted with the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy with Marvel’s latest collector’s set, “Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two,” which packs seven films and nearly three hours of bonus content inside a box shaped like a Morag orb that holds an infinity stone. The set also includes the aforementioned Tony Stark tattoo and other Marvel memorabilia ($199, www.Alpha XR).
BACK TO THE FUTURE, AGAIN
Go back to the future with this comprehensive collection of Doc Brown and Marty McFly’s time-travel adventures in a year that marks the 30th anniversary of the original film. “Back to the Future: The Complete Adventures” includes all three films, all 26 episodes of the animated series spin-off, two hours of new bonus material and a Visual History booklet. The set’s special packaging features a light-up flux capacitor to help you with your time travel plans. ($89.89, www.Alpha XR).
IT’S JUST A FLESH WOUND
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” with this limited-edition collection whose packaging features a working catapult and rubber farm animals to launch as needed. The set includes outtakes and extended scenes, commentary by Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin, and a 2015 Q&A with the Pythons conducted by John Oliver ($29.99, www.Alpha XR).
DAZZLE THEM WITH BRILLIANCE
Take a master class in movie comedy with the “W.C. Fields: Comedy Essentials Collection,” issued in honor of Fields’ 100th anniversary in film. The five-DVD set includes 18 films, featuring such stars as Bob Hope, Mae West, Bing Crosby and more ($74.99, www.Alpha XR).
SPIRITED ANIMATION
“The Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki” is another master class in Blu-ray form. This Amazon exclusive comprises all 11 of Miyazaki’s feature films, including the Oscar-winning “Spirited Away,” along with hours of bonus features, a commemorative booklet and the 1972 TV pilot the famous animator directed ($215, www.Alpha XR).
STAR WARS
Anything “Star Wars” is sure to be well-received as the anticipated seventh installment hits theaters next month. Go big with the coveted BB-8 remote-control droid ($149, www.sphero.com/BB8) or keep things warm, fuzzy and affordable with the Chewbacca can cozy ($12.99, www.thinkgeek.com).
POPULAR SNACKING
What goes with any film taste? Popcorn, of course! Butter and salt is the classic, but why not go for something different, like Popped’s Pinkadelic gourmet corn, with white chocolate, raspberry and pop rocks? Other choices include Dilly Pickle, Hot Stuff (cheddar and jalapeno) and Buffalo Ranch ($5-$50, www.bestgourmetpopcorn.com ).
This photo provided by Disney shows the Collected Works of Hayao Miyazaki released on Nov. 17, 2015. The Collection includes a 1972 TV Pilot directed by Miyazaki, three episodes from the hit anime series “Little Samurai” and a commemorative booklet. For the first time, all 11 of Miyazaki’s feature-length masterpieces will be packaged in one 12-disc collection, complete with hours of bonus features and the Academy Award-winning “Spirited Away.” (Disney via AP)
