Who doesn’t love movies? The DVD and Blu-ray titles that follow cover a broad range of subjects and genres. There are dramas (including “The Dresser”), comedies (such as the “Neighbors” sequel), and several documentaries (“Tab Hunter Confidential,” for example). In other words, there’s something for almost everyone on your holiday gift list. There are probably even movies that you might enjoy watching or owning. Popcorn and Milk Duds sold separately.
For the politically minded
The 2016 presidential election may be a memory by the time you read this, but politics aren’t.
“All The Way”
(HBO Home Entertainment)
Nominated for eight Emmy Awards, the movie adaptation of Robert Schenkkan’s play stars Bryan Cranston reprising his Tony Award-winning role as President Lyndon Baines Johnson. amzn.to/2g4exdL.
“Confirmation”
(HBO Home Entertainment)
Kerry Washington was nominated for an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Anita Hill, the former Judge Clarence Thomas colleague who testified against him for sexual harassment during his nomination hearings. amzn.to/2fzQFLd.
“House of Cards”
(Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
The complete fourth season, chapters 40 through 52, of the popular Netflix series stars Golden Globe winners Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as the only political couple more frightening than Karl Rove and Dick Cheney. amzn.to/2gtamVO.
For gay eyes (and others)
Gay films and film festivals continue to be a source of inspiration for all who see them.
“The Dresser”
(Starz)
A remake of the lauded 1985 film, based on Ronald Harwood’s play, this version stars Sir Anthony Hopkins as a temperamental actor and out actor Sir Ian McKellan as the actor’s closeted gay dresser. amzn.to/2fzQ4sO.
“Kamikaze ’89”
(Film Movement)
The late gay filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder stars as police lieutenant Jansen in Wolf Gremm’s 1982 film adaptation of Per Wahlöö’s 1964 novel “Murder on the 31st Floor.” amzn.to/2gt7kAZ.
“Holding The Man”
(Strand Releasing)
Based on the memoir by Timothy Conigrave, and starring Guy Pearce, Geoffrey Rush and Anthony LaPaglia, Neil Armfield’s film follows the 15-year relationship of two gay men. amzn.to/2flVg8w.
For the artistically inclined
Art and artists have a long history of being interesting subjects for movies.
“Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict”
(Music Box Films/Submarine Deluxe)
From Lisa Immordino Vreeland (“Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel”) comes this celebration of the heiress who “became a central figure in the modern art movement.” amzn.to/2gt7zfn.
“Hockney”
(Film Movement)
Randall Wright’s David Hockney doc follows the artist from the height of his British Pop Art scene success to his later struggles, particularly during the AIDS era. amzn.to/2fzReok.
“Francophonia”
(Music Box Films)
Combining documentary with drama, Alexander Sokurov (“Russian Ark”) offers viewers his own “personal exploration of the profound cultural legacy” of the Nazi occupation of France during World War II. amzn.to/2gtvgrH.
For those who like to laugh
Comedy comes in all shapes and sizes and laughter is the great equalizer.
“Joshy”
(Lionsgate)
Don’t you just love Thomas Middleditch on “Silicon Valley?” If so, then you should see him as the titular Joshy, dealing with the aftermath of his canceled wedding engagement. amzn.to/2flTvrV.
“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”
(Universal)
If an often shirtless Zac Efron is your idea of entertainment, then this sequel to the outrageous 2014 comedy will make a perfect gift for that special someone. amzn.to/2g4krLR.
For those celebrating the Festival of Lights
Two Israeli titles for the eight nights of Chanukah.
“Wedding Doll”
(Strand Releasing)
Hagit, a toilet paper factory employee with an active imagination, falls in love with the boss’ son. What could possibly go wrong? amzn.to/2flTtjF.
“Princess”
(Breaking Glass)
Tali Shalom Ezer’s film focuses on the relationship between Adar and her stepfather and what happens when she introduces Alan, a boy who could be her twin, into the picture. amzn.to/2fA07OK.
For documentary devotees
Documentaries continue to amass a growing following.
“Tab Hunter Confidential”
(FilmRise/Automat)
Filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz (“I Am Divine,” “Vito and Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon”) turns his lens on 1950s Hollywood heartthrob Tab Hunter, a movie and music sensation of the era (and beyond), who led a secret gay life before coming out. amzn.to/2g4hdIo.
“What Happened, Miss Simone?”
(Eagle Vision/Universal Music)
The Blu-ray/CD package features Liz Garbus’ acclaimed Nina Simone doc, as well as a CD of 15 beloved Simone performances. amzn.to/2fQWXa9.
“No Home Movie”
(Icarus Films)
The late, lesbian filmmaker Chantal Akerman’s personal final film examines her relationship with her Holocaust survivor mother, Natalia. amzn.to/2flOq2J.
“The Homestretch”
(Kartemquin)
Anne de Mare and Kristen Kelly’s doc introduces viewers to three homeless teens, including lesbian Kacey, who navigate the system, as well as the cold, winter streets of Chicago.
For filmmaker followers
Often the mere mention of a director’s name holds more sway than that of the stars.
“The Sea of Trees”
(A24/Lionsgate)
Directed by gay filmmaker Gus Van Sant (“Milk” and “My Own Private Idaho”), this film about “love and redemption” stars Matthew McConaughey and Naomi Watts. amzn.to/2flTzrH.
“Knight of Cups”
(Broadgreen)
Directed by Terrence Malick (“Days of Heaven” and “Badlands”), “Knight of Cups” stars Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman. amzn.to/2fzQrnb.
“A Hologram for the King”
(Lionsgate)
Directed by Tom Tykwer (“Run Lola Run”) and starring Tom Hanks, the movie is based on the novel by Dave Eggers. amzn.to/2g4hJWQ.