12/9/04 - DVD Gift Ideas

Wow, it's been a long time since I had a full 1/2 hour just to browse the internet and catch up on some reading and posting! I'm sure many of you are running around trying to finish your Christmas shopping (except for the slackers who wait until Dec 24 to start worrying. ;-) If you're stuck for an idea here are some DVD's we recommend.

CHOICE 1: How can you go wrong with the upcoming Return of the King? On second thought, with over 50 minutes of extra film footage and numerous hours of bonus features, fans won't possibly wait until Christmas to get it! Well, if you don't already own every version out so far, you can treat yourself to The Lord Of The Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy .

CHOICE 2: If you are not already a fan of the PBS series Foyle's War, you've really have to give it a try. The crime drama takes place in England during WWII and production is excellent. It has become our new favorite! Each season is four 2-hour shows so you can get Foyle's War Set 1 or Foyle's War Set 2. (Or try just a single episode such as The White Feather or A Lesson in Murder.)

CHOICE 3: For a complete change of pace, chick-flick lovers should check out this updated version of Pride and Prejudice. I know that nothing replaces the '95 version and Austin purists will most likely balk at this quirky film but I liked it. It's an independent, lower-budget film put out by the Church of the Latter-Day Saints but quite frankly it is refreshing to see a modern movie where the girls don't have their breasts, belly and behind hanging out and where living with your boyfriend is not seen as the norm. In this version the girls are roommates rather than sisters. (Who would have imagined Jane as an Argentinean beauty?) There is the usual tension and sparks from Elizabeth Bennett, an aspiring writer, and her future book editor Darcy. (Not to mention, Collins is exactly as I would picture him today!) It's a great girl movie, with a cool soundtrack, worth at least renting!