I’d been planning to write a Gift Guide for Film Lovers, and then I read Mack and Kerry’s DVD Bonanza: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide. I thought, “Maybe this is redundant,” until I realized they put together an entirely different guide than I would. Being film-centric and believing (or at least deluding myself into believing) that all people love movies, I’m going to pretend there is room for another, more offbeat list.
Oscilloscope Laboratories “Circle of Trust” Subscription: $150, www.oscilloscope.net/shop/cot.php
Oscilloscope is one of my favorite independent film distributors with a catalog that includes the fabulous Wendy and Lucy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, A Film Unfinished and Howl. Joining their Circle of Trust means receiving their next 10 DVD releases (about one per month) a week before they street. A subscription also allows you to purchase films from their catalog at half price. Who doesn’t love surprises? And receiving a gift every month?
Film Movement Gift Boxes: Approx. $150, www.filmmovement.com/
Film Movement also releases indie gems (and they also offer monthly DVD subscriptions!). If you’re looking for a more traditional gift—or you know that the recipient will need movies to make it through the long winter—Film Movement’s gift boxes are the way to go. They include 12 films and come in a variety of flavors including the Audience Favorites box, the French Language box, or the Sundance Hits box. I love receiving films I haven’t seen, because it gives me a reason to go outside of my own viewing preferences to experience films I otherwise might not prioritize.
Spring Sunday Cinema Club Membership: Approx. $125, cities.thecinemaclub.com/?city=MIL
I’ve written before about Milwaukee’s Sunday morning Cinema Club, where members view unannounced festival films prior to their Milwaukee release. The Club holds seven screenings each semester (and take the summer off), with moderated discussions following each film. It’s yet another gift that keeps on giving.
Fox Bay Cinema Grill Gift Certificate: Choose your price
Since all of the gifts thus far have been over the $100 mark, I thought I should include some lower-cost suggestions as well. Fox Bay is a cute locally owned cinema-drafthouse that also offers food. They show primarily mainstream films, often targeted at children, but I always have a great time when I see movies there. For a more upscale (but less quirky) experience, try the iPic at Bayshore Mall. If you live on the west side, the Rosebud is the go-to beer, fries, and movie location.
This is the nerdiest of the gifts on this list, but I’ll tell you what: I had one of these and LOVED it! They now make LED light pens for nearly every profession you can think of, but when I purchased mine, it was called the Movie-Reviewer Pen, designed especially for writing in the dark. The downside is that once it dies, it’s dead and you have to get a new one, but boy howdy did I appreciate being able to write legibly with the lights off in movie theaters. Did I properly stress the part about how this is a gift meant for a nerd?
Authentic Lobby Cards: Various Prices from $1 to $100s
You might be surprised at how cool, available, and inexpensive lobby cards are. Go to ebay. Search for lobby cards. Find a movie you like, one of your friends or family members like, or one that simply has great design. Presto! Instant awesome gift!
Original Movie Props: Various
While on ebay, search for movie props. You might be surprised by what is available—and how expensive or inexpensive these knick-knacks can be. I know I’d be psyched to find a Deadwood prop knife and shot glass under my tree.
Film Comment: $30 for a one-year, six-issue subscription
Film Comment is a little more academic, and a little more expensive, than the standard Entertainment Weekly-type magazines. Issues typically include interviews with stars, film critiques, and musings on the film world by some of the country’s most well respected reviewers. Proceeds benefit the Film Society of Lincoln Center, so you can feel good about this gift from top to bottom.
Quality and/or Themed Movie Food
I searched for gourmet popcorn, but there are a million sites all claiming to taste good—and, honestly, I’m more of a chocolate connoisseur than a popcorn expert. So I googled, “What does Oprah eat while watching movies?” Sorbet and key lime pie, apparently, though she also has a soft spot for Kopp’s Frozen Custard (whose Custom 10 Packs make fabulous gifts! You can ship them anywhere in the country!). Then I thought of my father who, year after year, asks for “funky foods” for Christmas. I usually include exotic jellies, good coffee, local beer, quality licorice, and world class cheese. Tailor this to your film friend (and maybe throw in a $3 Big Lots DVD so s/he gets the point), and it’s a fun little set. For the horror movie buff, perhaps a cannibal movie with a sausage log, some bbq sauce, and steak rub? For the person who loves Ivory-Merchant movies, try tea and biscuits. If your friend loves westerns, try out the bottle of whiskey and a dirty shot glass. And, if you’re feeling extra generous, a Deadwood prop knife.
