Digital Journal — Still looking for the perfect gift? DigitalJournal.com presents a list of some of the hottest books, DVDs and video games that turned heads in 2008. From The Dark Knight to Grand Theft Auto IV to Michael Phelp’s new book, these are the best presents for someone who thinks they have everything.
DVDs
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros): It wasn’t only Heath Ledger’s final film but it was the best entry in the Batman franchise. The Dark Knight was indeed shadowy and sombre, and it gave Batman (Christian Bale) a chance to battle his inner demons while also fighting the sadistic plans of his foe, The Joker (Ledger). This DVD is a keeper, if not for the directorial grandeur of Christopher Nolan then for the bonus features: a behind-the-scenes segment, a “Gotham News” show and a digital copy compatible for portable players. Perfect gift for any film buff but don’t expect any deep analysis or commentary on Ledger; the features are surprisingly short on insight or video of the late actor at work.
Frost/Nixon: The Original Watergate Interviews (Liberation Entertainment): The tagline reads, “The most compelling political interview ever” and it’s not just wallowing in hyperbole. The one-on-one between British journalist David Frost and disgraced U.S. president Richard Nixon lasted for over two days, but this nicely edited DVD includes some of Nixon’s most poignant statements in its 90-minute package. The Frost-Nixon interviews are so compelling they spawned a major film and a stage play, which shouldn’t be a huge shocker: this is gripping stuff, from Nixon admitting he failed the American people to his statements surrounding hush money. Only rarely are we treated to a documentary this raw and unfiltered.
Family Guy, Vol. 6 (20th Century Fox): There’s a reason why Seth MacFarlane has been named the “smartest person on TV.” Family Guy remains a huge cash-cow for Fox and an instant crowd-pleaser for comedy fans. This volume of Family Guy showcases the sixth season in all its warped glory, from poking fun at anti-immigration Americans to the infamous “Stewie Kills Lois” double-episode romp. Deleted scenes are the highlight of the bonus features, but coming in second is the hilarious inclusion of Family Guy Live — Just for Laughs.
Video Games
Fallout 3 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3): For the gamer who wants open-ended storylines, first-person shooting mayhem and lush graphics, look no further than Fallout 3. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, you control a son looking for his father in the nuclear fallout of Washington, D.C. This game sets itself apart for various reasons, chief among them the ability to create custom weapons made from material you find in the wasteland. Rest assured Fallout 3 will be one of those games with high repeat value.
Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC): It might not be a new game but it’s still a top pick for a holiday gift. Ideal for more mature gamers, Grand Theft Auto‘s latest installment scores high in almost all areas, from gameplay to graphics to plot to music. The game’s Liberty City is a fascinating world to explore because there’s practically no limits to what you can do in this criminal underbelly. Sometimes, sequels disappoint but with GTA IV, those designers at Rockstar have crafted another winner.
Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip (Xbox 360, Wii): If this were just another snowboarding game for a standard console, it wouldn’t be gift-worthy. But for anyone with Nintendo Wii, this game slays. Players use the motion-sensitive Balance Board to simulate a snowboarder’s movements, adding a lifelike quality to a game that is actually pretty good-looking. Don’t think it’s a solo trip; Shaun White allows versus mode, where you can compete against up to four players through a split screen.
Books
No Limits: The Will to Succeed by Michael Phelps and Alan Abrahamson (Free Press): When swimming superstar Michael Phelps hauled in an unprecedented eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics, some of us must have wondered: “How’d the heck he do that?” Finally, a book written by Phelps and co-writer Abrahamson reveals how his training and mental focus helped him achieve one of the greatest feats in Olympics history.The intense regimen details are of interest to any athlete looking for tips on edging out the competition. From overcoming his struggle with a learning disability to divulging his opinion on dope testing, Phelps is candid and blunt, a charming personality that comes alive on the page.
Mafiaboy: How I Cracked the Internet and Why It’s Still Broken by Michael Calce with Craig Silverman (Penguin): The name “mafiaboy” might ring a bell, especially if you follow Internet security: in 2000, a Montreal hacker with that codename took down high-profile websites such as CNN, Etrade and Yahoo, eventually getting caught by authorities and charged with 70 computer crimes. Now he unveils his motives and methodology, while also divulging his thoughts of why hackers are one step ahead of police. It’s not just scathing criticism; Mafiaboy also advises PC users on how to protect their tech from malicious e-criminals, and who better to dish this kind of advice than an expert who can overthrow a website on a moment’s notice?
Art of the Modern Movie Poster by Judith Salavetz, Spencer Drate and Sam Sarowitz (Chronicle Books): Movie and posters go together like popcorn and pump butter. For the hardcore film buff, it could be fascinating to see how various countries designed posters for international films. Art of the Modern Movie Poster tracks down art for films such as Cabaret, La Dolce Vita and Pickpocket. It’s especially humourous to look at old-school posters for Hollywood blockbusters, like Russia’s take on Star Wars (see left). A definitive guide for indie film nerds, this book is a visual treat for anyone keen on design, fine art and finer films. Coffee tables are crying out for this compendium.
If you are wondering what to get someone who loves tech, then check out Digital Journal TV’s latest episode on the top five gadgets to buy this holiday season. Find out why a memory card for digital cameras is a perfect complement for any unit and how a Bluetooth speaker for your car can let you enjoy hands-free freedom.
