Monster horror fans like we are like to collect cool memorabilia and kickass swag.  At least I know I do.  The geek in me is retarded for the Special Editions, Collector’s Editions and Box Sets.  They can be expensive.  Usually I only throw down that kind of cash for something extra special, something really badass.  I have decided to compile what I think are some of the coolest ones out there for the rest of you aficionados.   Some of these have exciting features and some of them just have really creative packaging.  So I give you my:

Top Ten Special Edition DVDs

10. Sleepaway Camp Survival Kit - This is a fun little collection for fans of Angela’s slashing talents.  It contains all three films plus a bonus fourth disc with production footage from the fabled Sleepaway Camp 4:  The Survivor.  This isn’t as exciting as many of the others on the list, but I am just a fan and think the slide out box is pretty nifty and I love all of these movies.  It was also one of my first box sets, so it’s special. 

9. The Wicker Man Wooden Box - I am in love with this wooden box.  You don’t get as many extras with this one as with some of the others, but it looks impressive on your shelf and if you are a fan of the film (the original of course) it’s worth tracking down.  It includes the theatrical and extended versions of the movie plus the usual bonuses like interviews, trailers, radio spots, etc.
 
8. Hellraiser Puzzle Box - Hellraiser is one of my favorite films and the Lament Configuration packaging is something I would love to have on my shelf.  Sadly it only includes the first three films plus a bonus disc, but it is still awesome to look at.  The package is made of cardboard so that it unfolds when the lid is opened but it is a great conversation piece if nothing else.  I wish it was better made and included all of the films.  Then it could be higher on the list.  But for geeks like me who love cool gimmick, it would add something nice to your collection. I don’t care as much about the sequels as I do the original two so I can cut it some slack for not including all of them.

7. The Fly: Ultimate Collector’s Edition  Box Set -  Sadly this cool set is only available as a region 2 (as are a few others here) but it’s worth a mention for those that can enjoy it.  It has seven discs including all the Fly films starting with the Vincent Price classic from 1958.  Although reviews state that the case is rather flimsy and there are no extras for the older films, I think it’s still cool to look at and definitely worth a mention since this is the only way to get all the films in one place.  The lower spot on the list only reflects the fact that the packaging could not stand a lot of handling.  But then I don’t frequently fondle my movies…all that often anyway.

6. The Evil Dead I & II(Book of the Dead Limited Editions) - This is one of the best looking special edition DVDs ever.  The case is modeled after the Book of the Dead complete with mouth and eyes.  LOL  It is made of soft vinyl (?) and has a creepy spongy feel.  Completely worth the money  for any fan who likes unusual sets.  Plus you can get part II in similar packaging to match.

5. The Nightmare on Elm Street Collection - Now this is a whopper of a box set.  Inside you will find all seven films up to New Nightmare plus an eighth disc, The Nighmare Series encyclopedia.  This one is a staple in many of your homes already, I’m sure.  The box design is subtle and attractive and there is a booklet containing production notes from each of the films.  Go into the CD-ROM feature and unlock tons of other extras like screenplays and trivia games.  And don’t forget the 3D glasses.  Concerning the extras, it doesn’t much more involved than this one.

4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Chainsaw Special Edition) - Another region 2 set and sadly out of print, you would have to do some work to track this down but it looks stunning so I would say it was worth it.  It is a 2 disc collection with the uncut widescreen version plus feature length commentary on one.  Then the second contains 2 documentaries, deleted scenes, outtakes, trailers, TV ads and all sorts of goodies.  If anyone comes across this one, Maven is in need.  *pouts*  Bragging rights gives this one a pretty high spot.

3. Dawn of the Dead: The Ultimate Edition - This is the gem of my collection right now.  Until I can get my hands on a Romero box set with everything, this is as good as it gets.  There are three versions of the film (US theatrical version, extended and European) and two documentaries that I can’t get enough of.  A must have for any Dawn fan.  You will not be disappointed.

2. Alien Quadrilogy Deluxe Alien Head Limited Edition Box Set - I don’t consider any of the Alien films horror after the first one but this set looks amazing.  You get all the Alien films together is a really cool case in the shape of an Alien head.  Serious fans of the series will be ecstatic with the look but it may not be worth it to casual fans.  But the tons of extras that come with it make that and the design worth having around for conversation alone.  Apparently you can see the alien brains and skull inside the head.  Cool.

 

1. Phantasm Sphere:  The Complete Collection - This awesome looking set includes all four films plus a booklet.  Each film has some stellar features.  The discs sit securely in foam but are not protected otherwise.  I wouldn’t recommend throwing it around, but then if you would be throwing it around you probably won’t care to collect it either.  LOL  If you have the room on your shelf (and live in region 2) how could you NOT want this to complete your collection?

 

Also this week, I am awarding the first ever:

Dishonorable Mention: Friday the 13th:  Crystal Lake to Manhattan-  This one really ticks me off.  How can you have a collector’s edition box set and only include 8 of the 10 films?  I am a HUGE F-13 fan (like you wouldn’t believe) and I refuse to own this on principle.  I will buy each one separately rather than have an incomplete set.  I am way too OCD for that. 

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May 14th, 2008
Categories: Horror DVDs . Author: admin

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