Gifts for movie lovers that go beyond the box set
LOS ANGELES - When shopping for the movie lover on your list, why not think outside the box (set)? While DVD or Blu-Ray box sets can still make great gifts, here are other things to consider for your favorite cinephile this season.
Commemorative books: The next best thing to a motion picture might be a collection of still pictures inside one of these new image-filled film books: With an introduction by Martin Scorsese, "Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic" tells the history of film through DeMille's work. Peek behind the scenes with set shots, film stills and personal recollections by one of the authors, DeMille's granddaughter, Cecilia DeMille Presley (from Running Press, $60).
New Zealand-based Weta celebrates its 20th anniversary with a two-volume hardcover set. "Weta Digital: 20 Years of Imagination on Screen" explores the special-effects company's digital work in films such as "Avatar," "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." "Weta Workshop: Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity" showcases costumes, creatures and other creations by the company's conceptual design and manufacturing studio (from Harper Design, $100).
Projector gadget: Turn your cellphone into a mobile movie house with the simple-yet-genius Smartphone Projector. Made of cardboard and glass, this affordable gadget requires no outside power source to magnify and project a smartphone screen (www.uncommongoods.com/product/smartphone-projector , $27).
Fun stuff: Kids of all ages love toys. If fans of "Transformers," superheroes or "Star Wars" movies are on your list, consider wrapping up Optimus Prime, an Iron Man figurine or a miniature Millennium Falcon for their bookcase or toy box (www.hasbro.com). Superhero fans might also appreciate the happy nostalgia of adult-sized Underoos (www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Brands/Underoos).
Do Sundance: If you want to go big, go for a trip to the Sundance Film Festival in January. Held in picturesque Park City, Utah, the 10-day event is open to the public, with celebrity sightings, screenings and filmmaker meet-and-greets in a festive, snowy atmosphere. Festival passes and packages can be pricey, but last-minute, individual screening tickets can be had for $15 to $20 each. The Sundance Institute also sponsors various free activities during the independent film showcase (www.sundance.org/festivals/sundance-film-festival).
Goodie bag: It's easy to make a sweet gift for a film fan: Fill a popcorn tub with classic movie candy (or order one here: www.winecountrygiftbaskets.com, $34.95) and top it with tickets for the local cineplex.
Streams come true: Give hundreds of movies for $7.99 a month by springing for a Netflix membership. Easiest gift ever (www.netflix.com).
Inside the box: If it must be a box set, consider the 10-disc "Stanley Kubrick: The Masterpiece Collection." It includes a hardcover book of film archive photos, two new documentaries about Kubrick, and eight of his films: "Lolita," "Dr. Strangelove," "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange," "Barry Lyndon," "The Shining," "Full Metal Jacket" and "Eyes Wide Shut" (www.amazon.com, $179.99).