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Fathers Day Ideas 2010
With Father's Day fast approaching, it's time to get shopping for dear old dad. And if you're an E-Gear reader, chances are good you've come to the same conclusion I did many years ago: there's only so many neckties and coffee mugs one man can own. So this year, how about injecting a little high tech (or high def) fun into your father's special day? Here's a dozen ideas to get you started:
BLU-RAY BADA$$ES
What dad doesn't enjoy an occasional dose of testosterone-fueled action or tight-lipped, cowboy-style justice? Here are a few recent Blu-ray releases that fit the bill nicely:
1. Book of Eli (Warner Home Video)
Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis star in this post-apocalyptic action thriller about a man named Eli (Washington), a book he's intent on protecting and the man who wants very much to take it from him (Oldman). Warner's Blu-ray bundle includes bonus DVD and Digital Copy versions of the film plus loads of extras including Warner's best-in-class feature, “Maximum Movie Mode” hosted by Denzel Washington and the Hughes Brothers. And be sure to turn up dad's sound system because this is one great-sounding disc!
2. Clint Eastwood Collection (Warner Home Video)
It's a fact: every man loves Clint Eastwood. And since it's hard to pick one favorite film of his, Warner has done you a favor by putting together some of the Hollywood icon's best works in this superb box set. 100 beans may seem steep, but look at what you're getting here: Absolute Power, Dirty Harry, Gran Torino, Kelly's Heroes, Letters From Iwo Jima, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River, The Rookie, Unforgiven and Where Eagles Dare.
3. Edge of Darkness (Warner Home Video)
Mel Gibson stars as a Boston cop with nothing left to lose after his daughter is brutally murdered. Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), this revenge/conspiracy thriller is surprisingly entertaining and a welcome return to form for Mad Max, err, Mel. Warner's Blu-ray sports a crisp and natural-looking 1080p picture and a capable (albeit reserved) DTS-HD mix.
4. From Paris with Love (Lionsgate)
John Travolta is an odd duck. Just when I think it's safe to see his movies again, he makes a Wild Hogs or Old Dogs. However, in the right hands, he can be a blast to behold. After last year's so-simple-it's-brilliant Taken, I'll follow Director Pierre Morel anyplace he wants to take me – even if that's Paris, where my tour guide is a beefy, bald-headed John Travolta. Lionsgate's Blu-ray features a picture-in-picture commentary with Morel, Digital Copy and lots more.
5. The Man with No Name Trilogy (MGM Home Entertainment)
Clint Eastwood's Man with No Name is the quintessential cowboy. For proof, look no further than this classic trilogy of sorts from spaghetti Western Director Sergio Leone. This new box set from MGM features the Blu-ray premieres of A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More alongside The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, previously released as a standalone title. Tons of extras include commentaries, interviews, vintage radio spots and more.
1080 HEE HEE
Never underestimate the power of laughter. Whether your dad likes his comedy vintage, action-packed, quirky or just a little scary, I've got you covered:
6. Alice in Wonderland (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)
One of the joys of being a dad is sitting down to watch a movie with your kids – particularly when it's a story they haven't encountered before. Of couorse, as any dad will tell you, the majority of “Kid Movies” can be – for adults – more painful than a prostate exam from Dr. Jellyfinger. There are exceptions of course, and many of them come from Disney/Pixar. Although my 4 and 6-year old kids aren't quite ready for Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter and Alice's surreal and trippy tumble down the Rabbit Hole, older kids and their dads will surely enjoy Tim Burton's recent take on Lewis Carroll's classic tale. The 1080p video is 2D only and though it isn't nearly the 5-star affair I expected, the colors are quite striking on Blu-ray. The audio picks up the slack, as this is a truly impressive DTS-HD mix. Also included are bonus DVD and Digital Copy versions of the film.
7. Bad Boys (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
Bad Boys marked the big-screen Hollywood debut for both Will Smith and Director Michael Bay. Surprisingly enough, it remains one of my favorite efforts from both men. As a matter of fact, my college pal Jay and I still quote this laugh-packed action fest more than any other film we saw together in the late 90's. Martin Lawrence and Smith have a great “buddy cop” chemistry and Bay cut his teeth here as the new master of mayhem. Also noteworthy is the fact that this was before Bay decided to start editing all shots to three seconds or less; this tame camera work serves the film well and won't make dad nauteous. Sony's Blu-ray delivers a Bay commentary, a documentary, three music videos plus Sony's movieIQ+synch features.
8. Caddyshack (Warner Home Video)
“I want a hamburger, no, a cheeseburger…” Easily one of the Top 20 Comedies of All Time, the Bill Murray and Chevy Chase-starring golf course classic is finally available on Blu-ray. Although this 1080p transfer won't be dethroning Avatar any time soon when it comes to picture quality, Caddyshack on Blu-ray does look head and shoulders better than it ever did on DVD. And dad's old VHS or DVD copy MUST be getting worn out by now. Highly recommended and HIGHLY re-watchable!
9. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (New Video)
Now here's a title that odds are your dad has never heard of. But, if he likes Neil Patrick Harris (and who doesn't?) or Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle) there's a good chance he'll love this unique Emmy Award-winning internet series, now available on Blu-ray! Created by the one and only Joss Whedon (Firefly, Dollhouse), Dr. Horrible follows the titular supervillain as he attempts to curry favor with Bad Horse and gain entry into the Evil League of Evil. But since supervillains can't be all bad, we also get a charming (and hilarious) love triangle between the good Doctor, Penny – his laundromat crush, and Captain Hammer, Dr. Horrible's lecherous archnemesis.
10. I Sell the Dead (IFC)
If dad likes his laughs with an equal dose of chills, you might want to check out this offbeat, zombie-filled horror comedy starring Dominic Monaghan (“Charlie” from TV's Lost) and everyone's favorite tough guy: Ron Perlman. In addition to a pair of audio commentaries, IFC also gives us a look at the film's visual effects and a 40-page, full-color comic book of the film inside the box.
GADGETS AND GIZMOS!
It's why we're here, isn't it? While it may not hold a candle to world peace or good will towards men, having new toys to play with seems to make the world a better place. Here are two can't-miss toys for dear old dad:
11. Audio Technica ATH-ANC27 Noise-Canceling Headphones
On Father's Day, one of the best gifts you can give dad is some plain old peace and quiet. Ironically, that often translates to getting the kids out of the house. If the kids insist on coming back inside at the end of the day – they often do – the next line of defense is a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones, such as the affordable ANC27 model from Audio-Technica. Delivering superior quality stereo sound with a comfortable head band and oversized ear cups, the ANC27 is just the ticket after a hard day at the office. Also included is a set of plugs for airline and home stereo connections.
12. Logitech Squeezebox Touch
Logitech's Squeezebox family of digital music players has been getting better and better with each new addition and the Squeezebox Touch feels as though this is where things have been headed all along. This innovative and easy-to-use touch screen device connects to your stereo system and home network, where it finds your digital music files and pipes them over to your stereo. You also get the added value of internet radio content such as the unbeatable Pandora application. The key ingredient here is Logitech's excellent touch screen, which uses large, colorful icons and an intuitive menu system. In fact it's so easy, even dad can handle it.
Happy Father's Day!
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