The best movies and box sets to gift this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, the quest for the perfect gift often steers us toward the enduring allure of cinema. This year, why not choose a present that stands out? Our carefully curated selection of Blu-ray and 4K releases offers more than just movies; it’s an invitation to engage deeply with the works of cinematic auteurs. During the holidays, viewers have the time to appreciate these films as they were meant to be seen – unhurried and free from the incessant urge to binge-watch the next episode.

These special editions combine thrilling classics and more contemporary masterpieces, each packed with stunning visuals and comprehensive special features. They are perfect for movie buffs and casual viewers alike, providing a rich, immersive viewing experience that goes beyond typical streaming fare. Whether it’s exploring Hitchcock’s formative works or reliving Tarantino’s bold storytelling in unparalleled clarity, these gifts promise to enrich your loved one’s film library and their viewing pleasure.

Hitchcock: The Beginning Special Edition box set

This holiday season marks the 125^th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock’s birth, a milestone celebrated with the release of Hitchcock: The Beginning, an 11-disc Blu-ray box set that encapsulates the early brilliance of one of cinema’s titans. This meticulously curated collection showcases Hitchcock’s formative years, presenting ten of his early films – from his silent film debut to his pioneering first talkies.

Included in this special edition is Blackmail, Hitchcock’s first sound film, which is notable not just for its historical significance but also for its innovative use of dialogue and sound effects that would become a hallmark of Hitchcock’s style. The set features new restorations and scores, enhancing the viewing experience and bringing these classic films into the modern age with stunning clarity.

The box set also includes Becoming Hitchcock, a newly commissioned documentary that looks into the creation of Blackmail and explores how Hitchcock’s early experiments with sound transformed cinema. This compelling addition provides a deeper understanding his craft and evolution into the master of suspense.

Beyond the films themselves, the collection is accompanied by a 64-page booklet filled with essays and rare photographs, offering insights into Hitchcock’s creative process and early cinema. A collectible poster is also included, making this set a treasure trove for both Hitchcock enthusiasts and those new to his work.

This box set is not just a gift but an invitation to explore the roots of cinematic suspense. It’s a fitting tribute to Hitchcock’s legacy and a must-have for anyone passionate about the history and artistry of film.

Pulp Fiction

Arguably the most significant film of the 90s, Tarantino’s masterpiece, Pulp Fiction, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a meticulously remastered 4K Ultra HD release. This director-approved edition not only enhances the 1994 Palme d’Or winner’s visual and auditory elements to unprecedented clarity but also includes an array of new special features and collectibles that enrich the viewing experience. The film’s groundbreaking narrative structure and its gallery of unforgettable characters have ensured its continued impact on audiences and filmmakers alike. This special edition makes an ideal gift for film aficionados, providing a fresh perspective on what many consider a defining moment in modern cinema.

Funny Girl

Barbra Streisand’s electrifying performance in Funny Girl is beautifully showcased in the new 4K digital restoration of the film that first brought her widespread acclaim. This release provides a richer viewing experience, bringing the vibrant world of the 1968 musical to life with enhanced picture quality and sound. Alongside the visually stunning restoration, this edition includes a wealth of special features such as a new interview with Streisand, offering personal insights into her breakthrough role, and detailed explorations of the film’s production. Funny Girl, known for its dynamic blend of humour, drama, and musical enchantment, continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The timeless appeal of Fanny Brice’s story, coupled with Streisand’s powerhouse performance, ensures that this release is more than just entertainment – it’s a piece of cinematic history. As such, it serves as an exceptional gift for those who appreciate musical films and are passionate about film history.

Lost Highway

David Lynch, the absolute master of surreal cinema and an auteur without equal, mesmerises audiences with each of his works, and Lost Highway stands as a quintessential example of his unique style. This enigmatic film has undergone a new 4K digital restoration, meticulously supervised by Lynch himself, ensuring that every shadowy corner and sharp contrast is presented with clarity that heightens its mysterious allure. Accompanying this visual enhancement is a new 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack that immerses viewers further into the film’s eerie soundscape.

The release is packed with special features that offer a deeper understanding of Lynch’s vision, including behind-the-scenes insights and discussions about the film’s intricate narrative and surreal atmosphere. Lost Highway weaves a complex story that challenges and captivates, making it an endlessly intriguing puzzle that cinephiles will relish solving. This film, known for its ability to bewilder and fascinate, is an ideal gift for those who revel in Lynch’s exploration of the darker, more abstract corners of the human experience. As such, it promises to keep even the most ardent film enthusiasts engaged long after the Christmas lights have dimmed.

Paris, Texas

Wim Wenders’ evocative classic, Paris, Texas, reemerges in celebration of its 40th anniversary with a stunning new 4K UHD release. This edition not only enhances the film’s rich, atmospheric visuals through Dolby Vision presentation but also brings Ry Cooder’s haunting score to life with remarkable clarity. Accompanied by a host of special features, this release includes brand new interviews with the filmmakers, along with a meticulously assembled booklet filled with essays and archival materials that delve into the film’s production and enduring legacy. As a profound exploration of themes such as redemption, identity, and loss, Paris, Texas offers a deeply contemplative viewing experience. This makes it an exceptionally thoughtful gift for those who cherish powerful storytelling and cinematic artistry.

The editorial unit