Blu-ray and 4K UHD gift ideas for movie fans

Here’s a selection of top gift ideas in the Blu-ray and 4K ultra-high definition disc format for cinema fans in the family.

Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 5 (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, PG, PG-13 and R, 720 minutes, 1.33:1 to 2.40:1 aspect ratio, $153.99) — As appreciated and expected annually, one of Hollywood’s oldest movie studios once again digs deep into its 10-decade-old cinema vaults to offer a fifth collection of six award-winning films in the 4K format.

The 15-disc set features:

• In the 1949 political drama, All the King’s Men, filmmaker Robert Rossen produced, directed and adapted Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about honest southern “hick” Willie Stark’s ascent to the governorship of his state as he embraces the corruption and power lust he fought against.
The black-and-white masterpiece won the Academy Award for Best Picture and delivered an Oscar to Broderick

Crawford as the title character and Mercedes McCambridge as Mr. Stark’s king maker Sadie Burke in her film debut.

• Considered one of the greatest films ever made, director Elia Kazan’s 1954, black-and-white, crime drama On the Waterfront won eight Academy Awards including Best Actor for Marlin (“I coulda’ been a contenda”) Brando as Terry Malloy, a conflicted, mob-controlled ex-boxer turned unionized longshoreman.

Acting heavyweights onscreen abound and also included Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, Karl Malden and Eva Marie Saint in her Oscar-winning film debut. Viewers can choose from three aspect ratios (1.33:1, 1.67:1 and 1.85:1) to appreciate the masterpiece.

• The epic morality struggle between the Lord Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More (Paul Scofield in an Oscar-winning performance) and King Henry VIII (Robert Shaw) played out in director Fred Zinnemann’s 1966, 16^th century historical drama A Man for All Seasons.

Winner of a Best Picture Academy Award, the movie explored the final days of More as he refused to not only sign a letter asking the pope to annul the king’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon (so he could marry Anne Boleyn) but also declare the king Supreme Head of the Church of England. It’s truly a film for British cinema lovers.

• Director Sydney Pollack’s 1982, blockbusting screwball romantic comedy Tootsie starred Dustin Hoffman as a talented though difficult-to-work-with actor Michael Dorsey who eventually finds national fame disguised as a woman in a popular soap opera and must now contain his secret to his friends and fellow cast members.

Jessica Lange won the Oscar for her portrayal of the lead soap actress Julie Nichols as part of a dynamite supporting cast that also included Bill Murray, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Geena Davis and Charles Durning.

• Back in 1993 legendary director Martin Scorsese went out of his comfort zone to adapt Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Age of Innocence” with help from Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder.

The critically acclaimed, historical romantic drama took viewers to the 1870s to witness the exploits of three affluent New Yorkers caught in a tragic love triangle.

• Director Greta Gerwig’s Academy Award-winning cinematic adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s seminal novel Little Women from 2019 offered the complex lives of the March family tied to their four mischievous daughters — Josephine (Saoirse Ronan), Margaret (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and Elizabeth (Eliza Scanlen).

The coming-of-age period drama, set during a post-Civil War America also featured the additional acting star power of Laura Dern as mother Abigail, Meryl Streep as Aunt March and Timothée Chalamet as the local rich kid Laurie.

Five of the films were remastered from the original camera negatives.

The ultra-high definition standouts include “A Man for All Seasons” highlighting Ted Moore’s Academy Award-winning cinematography and the elaborate costuming and period production design.

And, “Tootsie” that boasts a colorful and vivid restoration to embrace Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Owen Roizman’s capturing of New York City and Mr. Dorsey’s transformations.

Suffice it to report, the latest collection makes another great gift for any cinephile in the family.

Best extras: Viewers get hours of new and archival bonus content led by optional commentary tracks for five of the six films highlighted by a brand new track with film historians Julie Kirgo and Peter Hankoff for “All the King’s Men”; critic Richard Schickel and historian Jeff Young for “On the Waterfront”; screenwriter Lem Dobbs, Ms. Kirgo and producer Nick Redman for “A Man for All Seasons”; and a very welcomed new track with filmmaker Greta Gerwig and actress Saoirse Ronan for “Little Women.”

Other highlights include 18 minutes with an emotional Dustin Hoffman (recorded in 2014) about “Tootsie,” a 24-minute interview of Martin Scorsese by filmmaker Kent Jones (recorded in 2018) for “The Age of Innocence” as well as 18 minutes with the same duo for “On the Waterfront.”

Additionally, cinephiles will first dive into two new 15-minute appreciations of Academy Award-winning screenwriter Budd Schulberg and Academy Award-winning cinematographer Boris Kaufman and a 25-minute analysis of a key scene between Marlon Brando and Rod Steiger all from “On the Waterfront.”

Also requited viewing is a 70-minute documentary on the making of “Tootsie;”, a new 15-minute overview of themes in “A Man for All Seasons” by Bishop Robert Barron and a short, 18-minute historical exploration of the life of St. Thomas More.

And, just to show off its rich history in cinema, Columbia adds a bonus Blu-ray disc containing four rare films from the early days of moviemaking: the silent “The Belle of Broadway” (HD) and silent “Ladies of Leisure” (4K) from 1926 and the silent “The Desert Bride” (4K) and “The Scarlet Lady” (4K) from 1928, the later notable as the first sound feature released by the studio.

Viewers find all of the discs and digital entertainment in a glossy dark-plum cardboard package (almost a foot long, 7 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide) that opens through a pair of winged panels outward to reveal three films slipcases (each sporting art from the movie) encased on each panel and also presents the iconic lady of Columbia Pictures holding her torch.

Behind the logo is a slot containing an 82-glossy, full-color hardback book offering photos, essays and images about the films, notes on the restoration process and that extra Blu-ray disc.

North by Northwest (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, not rated, 136 minutes, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, $33.99) — Arguably Alfred Hitchcock’s flashiest spy thriller finally gets released to the UHD format for fans to appreciate the filmmaker’s entertaining action adventure.

Cary Grant, in his fourth and final appearance in a Hitchcock film, stars as Roger Thornhill, a cocky New York City advertising executive. With the accidental raise of a hand, he gets dragged into a monumental case of mistaken identity that results in a cross-country, cat-and-mouse game of survival as he becomes the most wanted man in America.

Grant’s assured and then unhinged performance was richly supplemented by veteran actors including James Mason as villain Phillip Vandamm, Eva Marie Saint as mysterious and helpful femme fatale Eve Kendall, Hitchcock veteran Leo G. Carroll as The Professor and Martin Landau as the villain’s minion Leonard.

The screen-bursting Technicolor presentation shines throughout with primary colors that pop and crystal clarity in the 4K format that beckons the examination of wood grains, suit textures, facial age lines, vintage vehicles, paint schemes and the quirky architecture of the United Nations building.

Especially worth appreciating are some of those key action scenes that may have used antiquated optical effects, matte paintings and rear projection magic but still deliver an impact in 4K such as Thornhill being attacked by a crop duster in an open field and a final chase across the faces of Mount Rushmore.

Best extras: Fans will appreciate a new 23-minute overview of the key crew that brought Hitchcock’s movies to life before diving into the fantastic digital goodies culled from the 2009 Blu-ray release.

Of course, watch the movie again with an optional commentary track by the film’s screenwriter Ernest Lehman offering a subdued but memory-filled journey of working with the legendary director and on the production.

Next, dive into a 40-minute retrospective of “North by Northwest” hosted by Saint; an hourlong dissection of Hitchcock’s distinct filmmaking style with words by such icons as Martin Scorsese and William Friedkin and a 25-minute appreciation of the film by filmmakers such as Francis Lawrence (“I Am Legend”), John Carpenter (“Halloween”) and Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”).

On the Road with Hope and Crosby (Kino Lorber, not rated, 1.34:1 aspect ratio, 630 minutes, $99.95) — A pair of legends of stage and screen teamed up to showcase their comedic and musical chops in a franchise of films now available in time for the holidays in a new high definition seven-disc Blu-ray set.

Owners get “Road to Singapore” (1940), “Road to Zanzibar” (1941), “Road to Morocco” (1942), “Road to Utopia” (1946), “Road to Rio” (1947), “Road to Bali” (1952), and “The Road to Hong Kong” (1962) with “Road to Bali” being the only color film in the series.

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby’s musical numbers and comedic shenanigans were often supplemented by talented co-star Dorothy Lamour as their characters caused mischief across the globe while running into icons such as Peter Sellers, Anthony Quinn, Joan Collins, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Jane Russell and even Santa Claus.

Head-shaking gags and some very opposite of politically correct moments aside, the films really generate some belly laughs and not only offer a snapshot in history (a world war to be precise for the early efforts) but work as a tribute to the entertaining might of two superstars in often the prime of their careers.

Best extras: Owners will first find optional commentary tracks tied to the films “Road to Morocco,” “Road to Utopia,” “Road to Bali” and “The Road to Hong Kong” featuring analysis from film historians such as Jack Theakston, Michael Schlesinger, Mark Evanier and Will Friedwald.

Next, a 15-minute featurette, duplicated on multiple film discs, quickly covers Hope’s career in radio, film and the legacy of the “Road” movies with words from Hope historians and legendary comic Phyllis Diller.

Rounding out the short collection of extras are a trio of featurettes (18 minutes in total) looking at Hope’s work with the USO and entertaining the troops.

However, the set really is not about the extras but the chance to now watch all of these pretty funny films in a binge-watching evening with Hope and Crosby.

The Project A Collection: Deluxe Limited Edition (88 Films, not rated, 221 minutes, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, $99.95) — A pair of 1980s Hong Kong martial arts action comedies that helped cement the popularity of filmmaker Jackie Chan finally get a 4K upgrade in a gift set packed with extras and sure to please fans of the genre and superstar.

Viewers get “Project A” (1983) and “Project A: Part II” (1987) that follow the career of Sergeant Dragon Ma Yue Lung (Mr. Chan), of the Hong Kong military police, as he battles superiors, pirates and the mob.

Set in the 19th century, the swashbuckling slapstick adventures feature a head-shaking amount of furious close-quarters combat as well as Mr. Chan’s extreme daredevil stunts such as hanging from a clocktower 60 feet high and then falling through a pair of cloth canopies to eventually hit the dirt.

Viewers get the Hong King cut (106 minutes, English subtitles) and extended Taiwanese cut (115 minutes, English subtitles) for “Project A” and the Hong Kong cut (107 minutes, English subtitles) and export cut (98 minutes, English dub) for “Project A: Part II.”

Unlike the out-of-this-world stunt work, do not expect 4K brilliance from these older films. The soft focus in some areas is very noticeable, but I can unequivocally state that these are the best-looking versions of the films that will ever be released.

Best extras: 88 Films overwhelms with digital and physical goodies in this limited edition, cardboard slipcase release featuring new art from Kung Fu Bob O’Brien.

Most of the extras appear on the included Blu-ray discs of each film.

Start with three optional commentary tracks with Hong Kong martial arts cinema historian Frank Djeng and producer F.J. DeSanto covering each film (Hong Kong version of “Project A: Part II”) and a solo track with Mr. Djeng on “Project A” (Hong Kong version only).

More than three hours of extras, mostly new, are spotlighted by extended interviews with Mr. Chan’s stunt double Mars Cheung, Grandmaster Lee Hoi-san, actor Yuen Biao, stuntman Anthony Carpio, composer Michael Lai, Jackie Chan memorabilia collector Paul Dre and actor Chan Wai-Man.

Also worth watching is a 13-minute, 1988 documentary by Roberta Chow about three key members of the stunt team and 24 minutes of outtakes that include the various iterations of the dangerous clock tower stunt.

The package includes an impressive, 100-page, full-color booklet filled with photos, illustrations, production notes and marketing materials as well as essays by Jackie Chan expert Thorsten Boose, Asian cinema historian Paul Bramhall and Mr. Boose’s interview with Hong Kong movie insider Roberta Chow.

88 Films also adds a full-color, double-sided theater poster (16 inches by 20 inches) for each film, and six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions (three for each film).

Frank Capra at Columbia Collection (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 1.33:1 and 1.37:1 aspect ratio, 1,899 minutes, Blu-ray, 28 discs $230.99) — One of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema gets celebrated in a massive 4K and Blu-ray movie set covering his formidable years at one of Hollywood’s iconic studios.

Specifically, the 20-film cornucopia presents many of Frank Capra’s early and most famous works during his tenure at Columbia Pictures between 1928 and 1939. Nine of the movies benefit from 4K remastering using all of the available original resources (four only in standard dynamic range versus high dynamic range).

Specifically, viewers get black-and-white versions of “So This Is Love” (1928), “The Way of the Strong” (1928), “That Certain Thing” (1928), “Submarine” in 4K SDR (1928), “The Younger Generation” in 4K SDR (1929), “Flight” (1929), “Ladies of Leisure” (1930), “Rain or Shine” (1930) – both domestic and international version, “Dirigible” in 4K SDR and Blu-ray (1931), “The Miracle Woman” (1931), “Platinum Blonde” in 4K HDR and Blu-ray  (1931), “American Madness” (1932), “The Bitter Tea of General Yen” (1932), “Forbidden” (1932), “Lady for a Day” (1933), “It Happened One Night” in 4K HDR and Blu-ray (1934), “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” (1936) in 4K HDR and Blu-ray, “Lost Horizon (1937) in 4K HDR and Blu-ray, “You Can’t Take It With You” (1938) in 4K HDR and Blu-ray and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) in 4K HDR and Blu-ray.

Legendary actors in these films included Fay Wray (“Dirigible”), James Stewart (“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”), Gary Cooper (“Mr. Deeds Goes to Town”), Jean Harlow (“Platinum Blonde”), Ronald Colman (“Lost Horizon”), Jane Wyatt (“Lost Horizon”), Claude Rains (“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”), Clark Gable (“It Happened One Night”), Claudette Colbert (“It Happened One Night”), Barbara Stanwyck (“The Miracle Woman”) and Loretta Young (“Platinum Blonde”).

Worth noting in the collection is that Capra won Best Director Academy Awards for “It Happened One Night” (five Oscars in total), “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” and “You Can’t Take It with You”; and his first talkie was also included “The Younger Generation.”

The 4K upgrades mostly shine, especially considering the age of the films with many almost with a clarity one might find on early videotaped television shows.

Best extras: Coming in a brown-and-gold box the size of a bagel-friendly toaster, art deco credenza-style foldout covers reveal the 21 tightly wedged cases containing 19 Blu-ray discs and nine 4k discs.

Highlights of the extras include 15 optional commentary tracks with three featuring Frank Capra Jr. and seven newly recorded; the 108-minute Ron Howard hosted biography “Frank Capra’s American Dream” from 1997; and the Lux Radio Theater’s broadcast of “It Happened One Night” from March 20, 1939, starring Colbert and Gable.

Also, found on a stand-alone Blu-ray disc is the 92-minute, 2023 British documentary “Frank Capra: Mr. America” covering the director’s career and personal life and featuring Capra’s home movies and interviews.

Clearly, the “Frank Capra at Columbia Collection” will appeal to all budding and knowledgeable film historians in the family looking for a nearly exhaustive spotlight on a master of cinema.

Funny Girl (Criterion, rated R, 126 minutes, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, $59.95) — In her movie debut, Barbra Streisand took home a Best Actress Academy Award for her portrayal of legendary singing comedian Fanny Brice in director William Wyler’s 1968 musical masterpiece, now celebrated in a new 4K disc release.

Set after World War I and mainly in New York City, the story highlights the rise to stardom of a young Jewish girl conquering Broadway and the “Ziegfeld Follies” as well as her eventual heartbreaking romantic relationship with con man and gambler Nicky Arnstein (Omar Sharif).

Adapted from the Broadway hit, the highest-grossing film of 1968 arrives via a 4K restoration from the 35mm original camera negative.

The resulting Technicolor-based splendor spotlights the elegant costuming and stage design of the “Follies,” as well as cinematographer Harry Stradling capturing the richly colorful ethnic neighborhoods of the Big Apple and culminating with a helicopter shot honing into Fanny on a tugboat circling the Statue of Liberty.

And let’s not forget the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound mix that allows music fans to appreciate some legendary songs from Bob Merrill and Jule Styne including “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”

Best extras: Criterion delivers as usual with a deep dive into “Funny Girl” led by a new 40-minute audio interview with Ms. Streisand accompanying a video essay and a 27-minute discussion between Wyler’s son David and Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone.

Equally welcomed is a vintage hourlong documentary from 1986 focused on the career of Wyler (including his last interview) and words from legends such as Laurence Olivier, Bette Davis and Gregory Peck.

Finally, an 18-minute interview with Sharif from 2003 and a trio of archival featurettes (30 minutes total) round out the digital goodies.

Also, the package contains a 16-page, full-color, foldout pamphlet featuring an essay by film critic Michael Koresky.

Blazing Saddles: 50^th Anniversary Edition (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, rated R, 93 minutes, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, $33.99) — Filmmaker Mel Brooks’ seminal Western satire shell-shocked theater audiences back in 1974 with its arsenal of visual gags and one-liners.

Fifty years later, home theater owners can experience the politically incorrect absurdity in the UHD definition format in glorious Technicolor.

As the tall tale goes, in 1874, Gov. William J. Le Petomane (Mr. Brooks) assigned a Black sheriff to the dusty and very White town of Rock Ridge as recommended by Attorney General Hedley Lamarr (an out-of-his-mind Harvey Korman).

Lamarr’s nefarious plan was to chase the racist citizens out of town so he could control the land and sell it off to an incoming railroad developer.

Little did he know, Sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little) was a wily one, up to the challenge of wooing the citizens and getting help from the unretired Waco Kid (Gene Wilder), the quickest shot in the West.

Laughs are early and often while witnessing the Count Basie orchestra in the middle of the desert playing “April in Paris”; Mr. Brooks as a Yiddish-speaking Indian chief; German cabaret performer Lili Von Shtupp (Madeline Kahn) singing “I’m Tired”; the explosive scene of cowboys eating beans around the campfire; and, of course, appearances by Nazis and Adolf Hitler.

The 4K widescreen presentation will harken viewers back to the days when cowboys such as Randolph Scott and John Wayne roamed the vibrant Southwest.

Best extras: A tidy selection of digital goodies begins a vintage optional commentary track with Mr. Brooks who explains the production and its genesis in great detail and worth rewatching the film for.

Next, viewers get a new 21-minute appreciation of the movie with plaudits by scholars such as “Curb Your Enthusiasm” alum Jeff Garlin and comedian Ike Barinholtz as they even dissect the famed flatulence scene.

A 2014 retrospective follows (from the 40^th anniversary Blu-ray) with words from Mr. Brooks and Wilder along with a 2004 retrospective that includes more interviews with cast and crew such as Korman and actor Burton Gilliam (the cantankerous Lyle).

The Mexico Trilogy: Limited Edition (Arrow Video, rated R, 287 minutes, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, $99.95) — Economically efficient, renaissance filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’ career exploded thanks in part to a series of violent neo-Westerns starring a deadly Mexican musician wielding a weapons-loaded guitar case that is now celebrated with this special home entertainment release and perfect for the gift-giving season.

Back in 1993, the director shot “El Mariachi” on a shoestring budget of $7,000, garnering the interest of Sony Pictures that released the action film to critical acclaim and a multimillion dollar box office return.

The set first contains the high definition version of “El Mariachi” starring Carlos Gallardo as the nameless lead character who gets mistaken for a criminal tied to a local drug lord and must fight for his life while transforming into an avenging one-man army on a revenge binge.

His adventures continued in 1995 with the included release of “Desperado” now starring Antonio Banderas as the mariachi, and once again, out for revenge against the boss Bucho and his gang of gun happy minions.

This is the only film of the set to get restored from the original camera negative and released in the 4K disc format, and it is a brutally brilliant experience.

Finally, viewers get the high definition version of the digitally shot 2003 “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” bringing back “El Mariachi” (Mr. Banderas) now an assassin recruited by the CIA to kill a Mexican general and potentially stop a military coup in Mexico.

All of the films not only impressed for the dynamic action scenes and frantic firefights but cast appearances by familiar tough actors such as Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek, Mickey Rourke, Willem Dafoe, Steve Buscemi, Danny Trejo and even Rodriguez’ good buddy Quentin Tarantino.

Best extras: As expected Arrow Video unloads with digital and physical content for this limited edition, four-disc slipcased release.

First, vital and seriously welcomed by amateur film historians are solo optional commentary tracks by the maestro Rodriguez for each of the movies.

Next and new are a set of interviews with Mr. Rodriguez for each film (averaging 15 minutes each) and more new interviews with cast and crew members such as stunt coordinator Steve Davison, special effects coordinator Bob Shelley, actor and producer Carlos Gallardo, and visual effects editor Ethan Maniquis.

As worthwhile is a new, 12-minute featurette on the music in the films featuring interviews with composers Eric Guthrie, Chris Knudson, Alvaro Rodriguez and Marc Trujillo as well as a quartet of instructional style videos (averaging 10 minutes each) with Mr. Rodriguez explaining his filmmaking and cooking techniques.

The package includes a 40-page, full-color, illustrated booklet with new essays by film critic Carlos Aguilar and journalist Nicholas Clement.

Also included are double-sided posters for each film (8.5 inches by 12 inches) featuring newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper and a double-sided poster (16 inches by 20 inches) featuring Robert Rodriguez’s original 1991 poster concept for “El Mariachi.”

Interstellar: 10th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG-13, 2.39:1 and 1.78:1 aspect ratio 169 minutes, $59.99) — Director Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award-winning sci-fi epic returns to the 4K format in a gift set approved by Mr. Nolan and packed with celebratory extras for the serious fans.

The story revolves around humanity’s imminent extinction unless former NASA test pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) retires from farming and accepts a new mission to command the starship Endurance, navigate through a wormhole and look for other habitable planets to colonize.

By far one of Mr. Nolan’s most beautiful and thought-provoking films, the cast included Michael Caine as the lead NASA mission director, Anne Hathaway as his daughter and Endurance mission team member, Jessica Chastain as Cooper’s daughter, John Lithgow as his father-in-law and Matt Damon as a NASA astronaut.

Delivering 2160p resolution and high-dynamic-range enhancements, the digital version of the movie truly shines and nearly explodes off the screen when Mr. Nolan switches between 2.39:1 and the screen-filling 1.78:1 IMAX aspect ratios during pivotal moments.

Best extras: Owners get a rectangular slipcover case (11 inches by 7 inches) sporting a star field and two tiny humans looking up from the Earth’s surface on the Cooper farm on the cover and more stars on the back.

Pull the foldout digipak out of the case to reveal a three-panel photo of astronauts exploring terrain that houses in sleeves the three-disc set that includes 4K and high definition versions of the film as well as a third Blu-ray disc containing the bulk of the digital goodies.

That disc offers all the extras from the 2015 high definition version release, sans a brand-new, 23-minute long, retrospective on the film’s legacy — with thoughts from the director, his brother and co-writer Jonathan Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, executive producer Kip Thorne and other filmmakers, including Denis Villeneuve and Peter Jackson.

Highlights from the previously released content include a 50-minute look at the real scientific principles behind “Interstellar,” narrated by Matthew McConaughey; and 14 featurettes (roughly 100 minutes) covering everything from the film’s origins to designing Endurance and the digital and practical effects.

The set also includes a note from the director, reproductions of five space suit patches, five theatrical mini-poster reproductions, and a booklet containing a never-before-seen storyboard sequence “Miller’s planet” from the Christopher Nolan’s archives.

When Titans Ruled the Earth: Limited Edition (Arrow Video, rated PG-13, 205 minutes, 1.85:1 and 2.39:1 aspect ratio, $64.95) — The pair of films that brought to life the Greek Gods and their meddling in the affairs of humans debut in the UHD format in a gift package sure to please those who know the difference between a chimera and a Makhai.

Viewers first get Clash of the Titans (2010), an adaptation of the 1981 movie, and starring the son of Zeus, the demigod named Perseus (Sam Worthington) as he tries to stop Hades from unleashing hell on Earth using his monstrous minion the Kraken. 

The gods returned 10 years later in Wrath of the Titans (2012) with Hades and Ares imprisoning Zeus to drain his powers and revive the Titan Kronos. Perseus goes on a mission to save his father and stop his uncle and brother with help from Queen Andromeda, Poseidon’s demigod son Agenor and the fallen god Hephaestus.

The movies offer a lesson in Greek mythology and shine with special effects such an epic battle against Medusa, Cyclops and a minotaur while starring acting heavyweights including Ralph Fiennes as Hades, Liam Neeson as Zeus and Danny Huston as Poseidon.

Both remastered films are an experience worth enjoying, but “Wrath of the Gods” wins the visual war with a screen-filling aspect ratio and culminates with a massive battle against the giant lava-based Titan Kronos.

Best extras: Arrow Video offers yet another package worthy of gift giving starting with a new, two-part, 35-minute interview with producer Basil Iwanyk spread across both 4K movie discs.

Other extras are culled from the previous Blu-ray releases of the films from 2010 and 2012 with the best segments being production overviews of “Clash of the Titans” (35 minutes) and “Wrath of the Gods” (22 minutes).

The package includes a 60-page, full-color booklet with new essays by critic Guy Adams and film scholar Josh Nelson.

Arrow also tosses in for each movie a double-sided poster (8.5 inches by 12 inches) for each film featuring newly commissioned artwork by Joe Wilson and three double-sided, postcard-sized illustration cards.

Rocky: Ultimate Knockout Collection (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, rated PG and PG-13, 2.40:1 and 1.85:1 aspect ratio, 845 minutes, $74.99) — Do not count out boxer Rocky Balboa even in the home entertainment realms.

After the shaky and incomplete 4K set release of his “Ultimate Collection,” last year, the boxer with a heart of gold is back in the UHD ring starring in now a seven-disc much more satisfying set delivering all six of his greatest films.

Sylvester Stallone’s inspirational narrative, starring Mr. Stallone, told the legendary tales of an over-the-hill, southpaw fighter from Philadelphia who found redemption and love when given a long-shot opportunity to fight the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

Viewers can again appreciate “Rocky” (1976), “Rocky II” (1979), “Rocky III” (1982) and “Rocky IV” (1985) as well as the debut to 4K of “Rocky V” (1990) and “Rocky Balboa” (2006).

Warner Bros. also includes “Rocky vs Drago: The Ultimate Director’s Cut” (2021) and, available for the first time on the home entertainment disc format, “Rocky Balboa: The Director’s Cut,” adding about 15 minutes to the film.

The films often cover the major personal battles and triumphs of Rocky’s life including marrying his love Adrian (Talia Shire) but always end with him in the ring taking on legendary opponents such as Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang (Mr. T), Russian powerhouse Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) and Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver).

Best extras: First, the Academy Award-winning “Rocky” on the 4K disc includes three previously released optional commentary tracks — a solo track with Mr. Stallone; one with director John Avildsen, producers Irvin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, Ms. Shire, Weathers and Burt Young (Rocky’s friend and brother-in-law) and Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown; and a final track with boxing trainer Lou Duva and sports historian Bert Sugar.

Mr. Stallone then offers an optional commentary track on “Rocky Balboa” for both cuts of the films and well worth a listen.

Also, owners get an almost hourlong cut of the documentary “The Making of ’Rocky vs. Drago’: Keep Punching” and 45-minutes of featurettes covering the making of “Rocky Balboa.”

Finally, an additional Blu-ray disc contains five previously released featurettes (about an hour in total) on make-up, the musical score, set design, a tribute to Burgess Meredith (who played Rocky’s trainer) and using the Steadicam.

The “Ultimate Knockout Collection” will not disappoint fans of “Rocky” mythos with its UHD experience, but hardcore devotees are still going to be looking for his films with Apollo Creed’s son to be part of the collection as well as some key missing supplements from previous releases (such as the documentary “In The Ring”) to really offer the “Ultimate” Rocky set.

Pulp Fiction: 30^th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (Paramount Home Entertainment, rated R, 154 minutes, 2.39:1 aspect ratio, $59.99) — Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 postmodern neo-crime thriller returns to the 4K format for its latest anniversary and packaged with a bunch of goodies sure to appeal to its devoted fan base.

An Academy Award-winning screenplay (co-written by Mr. Tarantino) fuels three interweaving stories that highlight the exploits of a pair of hit men, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson); a prizefighter Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis); and urban gangster Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames).

The supporting casting includes Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace, the gangster’s wife who loves to dance; Harvey Keitel as the “cleaner”; Christopher Walken as a veteran friend of Butch’s; Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer as the robbers; and Eric Stoltz as Vincent’s buddy.

Best extras: Along with all of the digital goodies from the 2011 high definition release found on the Blu-ray version of the film, the best are also duplicated on the 4K disc.

They include a 43-minute retrospective from 2011 with insight from Mr. Travolta and Mr. Jackson; a 20-minute roundtable with critics discussing the impact of the film; and an optional, yellow-text trivia track running at the bottom of the screen.

However, the reason to put this Amazon exclusive masterpiece on the gift list is the physical extras found in and as part of the 30^th anniversary package.

Remove the stark black cardboard slipcover to find a cardboard disc case with a cover adapting the classic poster for the film with a sultry Ms. Thurman smoking and lying on a bed.

Open the cover to view a pop-up, three-dimensional scene featuring cutouts of Mia and Vincent dancing in the 1950s-themed diner Jack Rabbit Slim’s around a trophy, a cheeseburger, a red 1964 Chevelle Malibu and strawberry milkshake with a cherry on top.

Yes, just like the classic pop-up books from the past, and that is the first time I have ever seen this type of cool artwork gimmick in a home entertainment release.

Owners also get eight postcard-sized lobby card reproductions, a photo contact sheet and six collectible stickers promoting Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Big Jerry Cab Co., the fast-food chain Big Kahuna Burger and the profane message on Jules’ wallet.

Galaxy Quest: 25th Anniversary, SteelBook Edition (Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment, rated PG, 403 minutes, 2.31:1 aspect ratio, $70.99) — Director Dean Parisot’s definitive parody and cinematic love letter to the pop culture allure of “Star Trek,” its actors, fans and adventures returns to Blu-ray, newly remastered in the 4K format, in a pretty SteelBook case just in time for the holidays.

The movie remembers the defunct 1980s faux TV sci-fi show “Galaxy Quest” and its stars — Jason Nesmith as Cmdr. Peter Quincy Taggart (Tim Allen), Gwen DeMarco as Lt. Tawny Madison (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane as Dr. Lazarus (Alan Rickman), Fred Kwan as Tech Sgt. Chen (Tony Shalhoub), Tommy Webber as Lt. Laredo (Daryl Mitchell) and Guy Fleegman as an odd crewman (Sam Rockwell) — out on the convention circuit, grumpily greeting their fans and signing autographs as long as the bring cash.

The narrative flips when the pretend heroes are jettisoned on a real-life galaxy quest by extraterrestrials called the Thermians who believe the TV show episodes are actually historical documents.

The actors must become real heroes to save a species under attack by a nasty lizard-like villain (Robin Sachs) and his minions.

Any lovable geeks in the family in need of a feel-good experience will love the heartfelt “Galaxy Quest” and especially now in an impeccable UHD presentation.

Best extras: All found on the 4K disc, the digital goodies begin with Mr. Parisot offering a new 22-minute look at his film touching on the casting, its narrative walking a fine line between drama and comedy, and his fond, on-set memories.

Next and all culled from the 2009 Blu-ray release are five featurettes (roughly an hour total) covering the production, story themes, cast, special effects and the creation of the Thermian alien species.

Also included — and can it be any funnier? — is an optional audio track in the native language of the Thermian. It’s totally useless, but it’s a 102-minute punch line worth watching for about 15 minutes.

For the packaging, the SteelBook case is not as flashy as the purple 20^th Anniversary version but still shines with a cover recreating one of the movie’s posters featuring Cmdr. Taggart, Lt. Madison and Dr. Lazarus displayed on an old television floating in space with their ship, the National Space Exploration Administration’s Protector, busting out of the corner of the TV’s glass and jettisoning toward the film’s purplish title.

The back cover offers an illustrated collage of the crew in various stances and expressions with the NSEA’s emblem behind them while both sides of the interior reveal a quartet of the cannibalistic blue creatures with sharp teeth from the planet Epsilon Gorniar II staring hungrily at the case’s owner.

What’s missing and would have been great to include was the 2019 “Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary” for a definitive 95-minute exploration into the production and its legacy.

Body Double: 40th Anniversary SteelBook Edition (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, rated R, 114 minutes, 1.85:1 aspect ratio, $45.99) — Director Brian De Palma’s fascination with Alfred Hitchcock led to an erotic, suspense-packed thriller back in 1984 that deservedly is now available in the 4K disc format and contained in an attractive, gift-ready steel case.

Severe claustrophobic and unemployed actor Jake Scully (Craig Wasson) takes a job house-sitting a luxurious hillside apartment in Hollywood and finds his voyeuristic tendencies peaked while spying on an attractive neighbor.

His obsession leads to ultimately witnessing her murder and getting pulled into the seedy underworld of X-rated films where one of its female stars Holly Body (Melanie Griffith) could be the key to finding her murderer.

Sony’s previous restoration moves to a native UHD format and satisfies through a screen-filling presentation that has a pinch of film stock grain but spotlights a 1980s Los Angeles.

Scene locations include a nighttime visit to the Sylmar Aqueduct Cascades and the Chemosphere, an octagonal-shaped apartment looking like a spaceship floating in the Hollywood Hills.

Best extras: Sony actually dives into its archives to offer vintage promotional interviews with Mr. De Palma, Mr. Wasson and Ms. Griffith on the included Blu-ray disc.

The disc also previous a quartet of previously released featurettes (almost an hour in total) covering the production, the cast, story and the film’s initial highly critical reception.

The sultry steel case features a cover with Jake pulling slats from a venetian blind apart to view his favorite scantily clad female with a nearby neon-red backdrop paying homage to the original movie poster.

The back of the case displays Holly Body in profile smoking a cigarette in front of the blind. The interior spread presents a half-body shot of Holly in a black leather dress while pulling her hair up and meeting an out-of-focus Jake, with both in front of a leopard-skin background.