06.12.2008
Tired of ties? Give dad a DVD
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If you are still looking for a Father’s Day gift, don’t think neckties, think DVDs. There are plenty of Hollywood stars who appeal to various types of dads, from the stern fathers to the firm-but-gentle types to the amiable goofballs.
Here’s a rundown of some recent releases that are much better options than another bottle of cologne that’s never going to get used:
Clint Eastwood: For the tough, no-nonsense dad, or the one who just wishes he were that way, there’s the Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector’s Collection, a lavish boxed set of Eastwood’s most memorable character, tough-talking Harry Callahan. Over the course of five films, Harry became the definitive tough-guy cop who plays by his own rules and always gets the job done. The boxed set also includes a booklet, lobby cards and a replica wallet with inspector’s badge. The movies - “Dirty Harry,” “Magnum Force,” “The Enforcer,” “Sudden Impact” and “The Dead Pool” - each have new extras, and are available individually as well as in this boxed set.
Jimmy Stewart: Stewart made a career playing endearing, stalwart characters who frequently have to make a stand for what they believe is right. The newly released James Stewart: The Western Collection boxed set has his films “Destry Rides Again,” “Winchester ‘73,” “Bend of the River,” “The Far Country,” “Night Passage” and “The Rare Breed.”
John Wayne: Somewhere between Stewart’s aw-shucks persona and Eastwood’s take-no-prisoners tough guy, there’s The Duke. No actor is more associated with the Western genre than Wayne, and the five-disc John Wayne: The Fox Westerns Collection has some of his best films: “The Big Trail” (in a two-disc set with plenty of extras), “North To Alaska,” “The Comancheros” and “The Undefeated.”
Morgan Freeman: For a more modern warm, voice-of-reason dad, there’s the ever-reliable Freeman. In his latest film, “The Bucket List,” he plays a cancer patient trying to cross items off the list of things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. The film co-stars Jack Nicholson, but he gives off more of a “crazy uncle” vibe.
Evel Knievel: We lost the king of stupid stunts last year. But his heirs apparent, including BMX legend Mat Hoffman and veterans of the TV series “Jackass” pay homage to Knievel in “Jackass Presents: Mat Hoffman’s Tribute to Evel Knievel.” The 47-minute video has modern stunts inspired by Knievel’s body of work.
Larry the Cable Guy: The redneckiest member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Larry is also the one most willing to make a fool of himself for a joke. In his movie “Witless Protection,” he plays a bumbling small-town sheriff. The cast also includes Jenny McCarthy, Yaphet Kotto and Joe Mantegna.
Tim Allen: For the home-repair-loving dad, there’s “Home Improvement: The Complete Eighth Season,” with the final season of the long running family sitcom.