A Sampler of Video Stocking Stuffers
Videocassettes have solved the gift-giving problem for many people--such quick, easy, compact and affordable gifts that it’s become a cliche to call them perfect stocking stuffers.
But if you’ve joined the ranks of video-dependent shoppers this holiday season, watch out. Don’t get the false impression that buying videos for Christmas is that easy.
Here’s Christmas video-gift tip number one-- don’t buy “E.T.” or “Cinderella” as presents.
What! Hasn’t every other recent list of video recommendations you’ve seen put these two films at the top? Sure--but ignore them. Think about it for a minute: “E.T.” and “Cinderella” came out in October, right? That means that the person you’re giving a gift has had at least a month and a half to get these two videos if he/she wants them, right? And since they’ve been bargain-priced from the start, you can bet that he/she already has them.
OK--let’s say you’re sure your gift recepient doesn’t already have them. Consider two more things: 1) Wouldn’t that very possibly mean he/she hates films about little creatures from outer space and cartoon features with mice who don’t stay mice, or 2) Isn’t it likely that half of the other people giving him/her gifts will also come up with the brilliant choice of “E.T.” or “Cinderella” (or both)?
Take our advice--be a little more creative if you’re going to the video store with high hopes of sincere appreciation when the wrapping comes off on Dec. 25.
Oh yeah. And you might make sure that whoever’s getting the video has a VCR, too. It’ll help.
Our recommendations:
Christmas movies: The only notable new video-movie release with a Christmas setting that we know of is “Pocketful of Miracles” (MGM/UA, $19.95, 1961). It stars Bette Davis in a heart-tugging comedy that features more tugs than laughs, but is still worth seeing--and giving. Movie buffs will appreciate having director Frank Capra’s last film.
Among the holdovers from Christmases past, there’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Media, $19.95, 1947). But look out for other versions of this public-domain title--they might be scratched-up. And avoid the colorized version; it was an early use of the process and looks absolutely ghoulish.
More holdovers worth holding over: Jean Shepherd’s delightful “A Christmas Story” (MGM/UA, $19.95, 1983), “Miracle on 34th Street” (CBS/Fox, $19.98, 1947) (again, avoid the early colorization job), and the true-colored “White Christmas” (Paramount, $19.95, 1954) (though we prefer the earlier version of this story, 1942’s “Holiday Inn” on MCA at $19.95, even if it is in black-and-white).
Good evening: Alfred Hitchcock would have made a good Santa Claus. At least the body, if not the attitude, was right. Instead, though, he spend his time directing more great pictures than anybody else. Several of his best quirks have just been reduced by MCA to $19.95, including “Psycho,” “Rear Window,” “Vertigo,” “The Man Who Knew Too Much” and “Frenzy.”
Hey Abbott!: If that cry brings even more joy to the heart of your gift-receiver than something like “On Dasher!,” then wrap up “The Best of Abbott and Costello Live” (Warner, $19.98), a bag of skits from the duo’s days on “The Colgate Comedy Hour,” circa early-’50s.
When visions of sugar plums aren’t enough: Try “Can’t Sleep? Count Our Sheep”--$19.95 from Creative Consultants, (415) 776-2743--one hour of fluffy muttonheads jumping a fence in slow motion, set to a Brahms lullaby.
When “Callanetics” isn’t enough: Now there’s “SuperCallanetics,” Callan Pinckney’s latest super-popular exercise video (MCA, $24.95). Don’t bother looking for the new Jane Fonda tape yet--it won’t be out until January. “Kathy Smith’s Fat-Burning Workout” (Fox Hills, $19.95), however, did arrive in time to help fight off those Christmas-candy bulges.
When Hot Toddies aren’t enough: “Pat Paulsen on Wine: Three Cheers for the Red, White and Rose” (New Star, $19.95) also comes in a version with two wine glasses (for $29.95).
Dizzy for Disney: Good alternative to “Cinderella”: “Three Caballeros” ($29.95), the rapturously colorful mixture of animation and live action made by the Disney Studios in the ‘40s to foster good will with our South of the Border neighbors. Also new: the “Very Merry Christmas Songs” edition of the Disney “Sing-Along Songs” series ($14.95).
Music, maestro: For classical aficionados, there’s “Christmas With Flicka” (VIEW, $29.95). No, not the horse. “Flicka” is what American opera star Frederica von Stade’s pals call her. More diva video: “Kiri Te Kanawa at Christmas” (VIEW, $29.95). Also, HBO has “Ballet Favorites,” “Opera Favorites by Puccini” and “Opera Favorites by Verdi”--take your pick at $19.99 each.
For fans of other music, there’s “George Michael: Faith” (CMV, $15.98), “A Vision Shared: A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly” (with Bruce Springsteen and U2) (CMV, $19.98), and the film versions of “Cabaret,” “Oklahoma!” and “South Pacific” (CBS/Fox, recently reduced to $19.98 each).
Christmas is for children: Or so they say. If there’s any truth to it, consider: “Raffi in Concert with the Rise and Shine Band” (A&M;, $19.98), “Lamb Chop’s Sing-Along, Play-Along” (Fries, $14.95).
Blockbuster movies at bargain prices: “Dirty Dancing,” (Vestron, $24.95), “Platoon” (Vestron, $24.95), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (HBO, $19.99), “Radio Days” (HBO, $19.99) and “The Big Easy” (HBO, $19.99).
Really want to impress somebody?: Then open up that wallet all the way spring for a new video that’s not being merchandised at a “sell-through” price. Top candidates: “Willow” (RCA/Columbia) and “Three Men and a Baby” (Touchstone). Since these puppies will set you back $89.95 each, they’re a couple of gifts that you should leave the price tag on.
