It’s that of year again. And as the world has clearly been inherited by the geek there are many, many ways to spend your money this festive season.
We’ve chosen our favourite gifts for the movie geek in your life this year, from the silly to the serious these are the products we’ve been diverted by in the last few months. So crack open those wallets and get reading…
Mad Max Fury Road
Film of the year for many, and it looks fantastic on Blu-ray with a host of features ploughing into the immense production of George Miller’s triumphant return to the petrol-soaked apocalyptic outback.
Though the film bears the name of Tom Hardy’s character (and he acquits himself admirably in the role) this really is Furiosa’s Road. Charlize Theron’s sandblasted superhero took many people by surprise and remains one of the year’s most compelling cinematic characters.
It’s not festive in any way, but it’s the one film that you’ll want to be watching with those turkey sandwiches.
Here are the list of special features available on the Blu,
- Maximum Fury: Filming Fury Road
- Mad Max: Fury on Four Wheels
- The Road Warriors: Max and Furiosa
- The Tools of the Wasteland
- The Five Wives: So Shiny, So Chrome
- Fury Road: Crash & Smash
- Deleted Scenes
The Making of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey
Taschen have compounded their reputation as one of the greatest publishers of movie-related fare once again this year. The star in their particular corner of the sky in 2015 was Piers Bizon’s The Making of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
You can see the handsome full edition below, and the quality is evident. However Bizon’s tireless research and sense of exploration makes this far more than just another behind the scenes book.
Kubrick’s famous fondness for detail and intellectual insistence are writ large over this volume, with some amazing visual presentation of photographs and design. This is a must-see edition which, and I don’t say this often, refuses to plough over old ground and is all the better for it. Finding new things to illuminate on this film and this filmmaker is quite something.
Gallery
The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History
Stephen Jones’ illustrated history on The Art of Horror is the very definition of an unputdownable book. I don’t like that word because it is frankly clumsy but it best describes what could have been a gore-soaked poster book but actually is a comprehensive and compelling compendium of horror art through the ages.
The Neil Gaiman introduction will sell a ton of these (and with good reason – it’s typically fascinating), but each of the elements taken to task her (Hallowe’en, the evolution of the traditional horror icons, international variants and so on) are addressed with wit and respect. And how many other books have a Hieronymus Bosch inside cover?
The essays are well worth your time, with the highlight being the twenty or so pages devoted to the impact and legacy of Lovecraft, but the images collected here make this a perfect book. It’s not censored or diluted in any way, parents may want to place this on a high bookshelf, but for fans of horror (be it cinematic or literary) this illustrated history makes for an essential purchase.
Get ready for those stormy winter nights here.
The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Now this is a bit of a shot in the dark, as we’ve not seen a copy of this book yet. However, HOWEVER… the Art of… books are always incredibly entertaining and while the main draw right now is the tantilising prospect of all those new characters, locations and vehicles what we’re looking forward to is the process undertaken by JJ Abrams and his team for the new film.
When the earliest designs were unveiled (or leaked) it was clear that Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy had gone back to the original trilogy in a big way. The X-Wings, rumours of lightsaber-wielding stormtroopers and so on told us that the work of the legendary, now sadly late, Ralph McQuarrie was front and centre in this new trilogy.
I expect to see this line of design feature heavily in the artwork for The Force Awakens and this book is sure to be a rich, unmissable collection as well as a fitting tribute to the man who forever changed the way we see the stars.
Chewbacca Adults’ Slipper
Now, you know you want to step on a Wookiee this Christmas. You’re only human. One of the returning heroes of the original Star Wars trilogy Chewbacca is set to feature heavily in the next few years as the only character who will warm your feet and cuddle up to you on a cold winter’s night.
The Disney Store’s slippers err on the side of almost recognisable merchandise and remember that Chewie went out exploring on Hoth in only his fur – that’s how warm a Wookiee’s coat is. So, want to sink your tootsies into a pair of Chewies?
Now’s your chance.
Animatronic Chewbacca
This is something special. At the higher end of the deluge of Force Awakens merchandise is this massive action figure featuring real* Wookiee fur and a range of Dad-dance movements is the perfect way to welcome in the festive season.
We’ve had this one around the office for a week or so and it’s impossible not rub his tummy and roar back at him when he raises his bowcaster. It’s the pet you never knew you wanted, and we’re sold.
You can keep your Kylo Rens and your Phasma capes – this is the only action figure you’ll want this Christmas.
Look at it!
Thanks to Thinkway Toys, where you can find out more.
*not real, but just imagine…
RC Millennium Falcon
Also from Thinkway comes the original trilogy Millennium Falcon which is operated by remote control. Though we can’t recommend doing this it was able to transport a cup of well-balanced tea from one side of the office to another. The odds of doing that successfully are…well, I’m sure you know.
Given that Star Wars is everywhere this Christmas this is one of the better toys, perfect for the older child at heart who always wanted to have a Falcon to call their own.
Lights
Now, despite the fact that these sidelights are modeled on the most fearsome agents of the evil Empire they are as cute as a pile of bunnies. Who doesn’t want to have old Darth and one of his plastic pals next to their beds, when the nights have drawn in and it’s a little on the dark side?
Available in Vader and Stromtrooper form these Look A Lites are among the many Force-related items from the fine folks at Hawkin’s Bazaar, and you can find more info right here.
Happy Christmas.
