Gift Sets Spotlight

Disclaimer: Warner Brothers Home Entertainment requests that we note it provided a free copy of Bugs Bunny: 80th Anniversary Collection and Steven Universe: The Complete Collection for review purposes. The opinions I share are my own.

Still in denial that the holiday season is here? Check out these box sets for some ideas on how to wrap up that last-minute gift shopping…

“Hawaii Five-0 is a contemporary take on the classic series about an elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the islands’ sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett, a decorated Naval officer turned cop, returned to Oahu after Hawaii’s former governor persuaded him to head up the new team: his rules, no red tape and full blanket authority to hunt down the biggest “game” in town. Joining McGarrett are Detective Danny “Danno” Williams, a relocated ex-New Jersey cop who is committed to keeping the islands safe for his children; Captain Lou Grover, who formerly headed Hawaii’s SWAT unit; Jerry Ortega, the islands’ local conspiracy theorist; Tani Rey, a bold, recent police academy graduate; Junior Reigns, a former SEAL who comes to McGarrett looking for a job.and Adam Noshimuri, a friend with old ties to a deadly crime family. Helping them is Kamekona, a local entrepreneur who has his pulse on the Island; Sgt. Duke Lukela, a trusted member of the HPD; and medical examiner Dr. Noelani Cunha. The state’s brash FIVE-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, remain determined to eliminate the seedy elements from the 50th state.” –from CBS

Hawaii Five-0: The Complete Series is out now in a comprehensive box set, which includes all 240 episodes of the show’s ten-season run. In addition to the main content, the set also showcases multiple bonus features, including deleted and extended scenes, gag reels, alternate endings, music videos, behind-the-scenes featurettes, launch promos, and more. The set is separated into two hard cases for seasons 1-5 and seasons 6-10 for easy organization, so even with 60+ discs, it’s still a manageable set to have on the shelf. You can purchase the DVD set on Amazon, currently priced at $85.98.

“Bugs Bunny, one of animation’s most recognizable characters, first hopped onto the screen in 1940 and he’s been a pop-culture icon ever since. More than eight generations have enjoyed the timeless antics of the carrot-munching wise guy who always outsmarts his rivals. Cartoons, movies, TV, comics, music, sports and more – this wascally wabbit has done it all. Clever pranks and one-liners are here, along with interviews with today’s most renowned animators, historians and superstars.” — from Warner Brothers

Bugs Bunny: 80th Anniversary Collection is now out on Blu-ray. The collection features sixty theatrical shorts which have been restored and remastered to the original 4X3 aspect ratio on Blu-ray for the first time. In addition to the main content, bonus features include the new “Bugs Bunny’s 80th What’s Up, Doc-umentary!”, ten Looney Tunes episodes, an introductory letter from animation historian Jerry Beck, and an exclusive collectible full-size glitter Bugs Bunny Funko Pop. A great gift for anyone who is a collector of Bugs Bunny material, Funko figurines, or both, the set is available on Amazon for $62.99.

“Mission Impossible: The Original TV Series follows the Impossible Missions Forces (IMF) is a government agency of extraordinary spies assigned to do the most dangerous espionage missions. Each episode starts with the famous tape-recorded message detailing the upcoming, exciting mission, from overthrowing corrupt leaders to exploiting dangerous crime lords. The IMF crew consists of the leader, first Daniel Briggs then later Jim Phelps, and spies with different areas of expertise, from disguise experts to electronics technician.” — from CBS

Mission Impossible: The Original TV Series is available now for the first time on Blu-ray. The set includes all 171 episodes of the long-running series in high quality 1080p video and 5.1 lossless audio. Sadly, though, there are no extras. No. Extras. There is so much that could have been done here — maybe an interview or commentary with Barbara Bain? A featurette with espionage experts or people skilled in making disguises? A sit-down with film historians about how and why the show’s appeal extends from the Cold War era to today? Nope…. maybe in a future set. It is a complete collection of the episodes with good visuals and audio, however, so if you’re a fan and have been waiting to get your hands on a hard copy of the series, this may be a good fit for your home library or gifting needs — you can snag it on Amazon for $99.23.

“Cartoon Network’s six-time Emmy-nominated Steven Universe revolves around Steven, the ‘little brother’ to a team of magical aliens—the Crystal Gems—who defend the planet Earth. Steven is the son of the Crystal Gems’ late leader Rose Quartz and aging aspiring rockstar Mr. Universe. Steven belongs everywhere and nowhere: he has inherited his mother’s Gem and her magical powers, but also his father’s humanity and charm. The show is a slice-of-life action comedy that follows Steven as he attempts to bridge the gap between the sci-fi fantasy world of Gems and the cozy, funny, simple-yet-extraordinarily-complicated world of human beings.” — from Warner Brothers

Steven Universe: The Complete Collection is out now in a 15-disc DVD set and includes all episodes of Steven Universe along with Steven Universe: The Movie and the Steven Universe Future epilogue series. Among the extras are animatics, music videos, Steven Universe “minisodes”, commentary on select episodes, and a sing-a-long for Steven Universe: The Movie. Fans can grab the set on Amazon for $89.99.