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Yes, there are some lemons in the bunch. But even if they’re

Published 7:00 am Monday, September 24, 2012

10. Transformers (Optimus Prime Case)A Target-only exclusive, this DVD case actually transforms into Optimus Prime (read: has fold out head, arms and legs). While this one won't really come into its own until a sequel provides a combat partner, you can still reenact the recent blockbuster to cut out the dog-piss jokes.
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10. Transformers (Optimus Prime Case)A Target-only exclusive, this DVD case actually transforms into Optimus Prime (read: has fold out head, arms and legs). While this one won't really come into its own until a sequel provides a combat partner, you can still reenact the recent blockbuster to cut out the dog-piss jokes.
10. Transformers (Optimus Prime Case)A Target-only exclusive, this DVD case actually transforms into Optimus Prime (read: has fold out head, arms and legs). While this one won't really come into its own until a sequel provides a combat partner, you can still reenact the recent blockbuster to cut out the dog-piss jokes.
1. Freaks and Geeks (The Complete Series Limited Yearbook Edition)It may be pleather, but that's just one of the realistic touches that makes this package such a brilliant companion to one of the best television shows of all time. The package, like the show, is as true to high school as back acne and unwanted erections.
2. I, Robot (Japanese Limited Edition)Maybe the first DVD box you'd rather spend two hours with than the movie it holds. This would make a great display piece if it wasn't for I, Robot, so keep it in your closet and pull it out for playtime. Practice your Hamlet soliloquies or kissing technique.
3. The Evil Dead (Book of the Dead Limited Edition)A replica of The Necronomicon, the evil book that calls forth evil to pester the shit out of Bruce Campbell. A design so good, they reused it for the second movie. Which is okay, since the movie's pretty much a remake too.
4. After School Specials (school bus edition)A bus with photos of Rob Lowe and Malcom Jamal-Warner peeking out the windows. This package gets the little details right, like the stop sign on the side of the bus, the emergency exit window and that little-kid smell of sugar and urine.
5. Sleepaway Camp (Red Cross Survival Kit)Apparently the Red Cross has a problem with their logo being used to promote a set of crap horror flicks featuring a transsexual dicing up kids. The pansies. They got the symbol taken off future sets, making the original a collector's item among humongous dorks.
6. Six Feet Under (The Complete Series Gift Set)Six Feet Under is presented in the earth of its own grave, complete with a plaque set into grass on the top of the set (skipping a gravestone means you can still fit the sucker onto your DVD shelf).
7. Battlestar Galactica (The Complete Epic Series Limited Edition Cyclon Head) Not the critically-frottaged Sci-Fi series, but the original one with the funny hair, Battlestar Galactica's one lasting contribution to pop culture is the way-cool Cylon alien head. The box loses points for being neither a stand-alone piece nor something that slides easily onto a shelf.
8. Northern Exposure (Complete Series)While fans of the show argue about the music substitutions made on the show's DVDs, you can dump out the discs and just keep the case for your stash or maybe trail mix. Alternatively, fill up with the DVDs of your choice for constant access to, say, the oeuvre of Jenna Jameson.
9. Forbidden Planet (Ultimate Collector's Edition)With its stamped-metal box and Robbie the Robot doll (although collectors will want to call it a figurine or statuette, it's an action figure), this sci-fi classic's set appeals to the movie lover who still plays light saber with cardboard tubes when nobody is watching.
20. Memento (Limited Edition)Posing as the medical file of the protagonist, including pages of a police report, the packaging captures the flavor of the backwards-running thriller without being as confusing. The same can't be said for the discs themselves, famously difficult to navigate without going crazy yourself.
11. The Brady Bunch (The Complete Series)The 70s aesthetics that ruled this teevee show is summed up nicely by the fact that we initially thought the shag-carpet cover to this set was supposed to be the fake grass of the Brady's lawn. Might also work as a dangerous oven mitt.
12. Homicide: Life on the Street (Megaset)Form and function meet nicely with this set for a show that explored the boring and bureaucratic aspects of police life that got skipped on other shows. Plus, the damn thing works, making fetching DVDs far easier than in most of these sets.
13. Essential Art House: 50 Years of Janus FilmsThis austere box says I am the type of person who can drop eight hundred dollars on a fifty-disc DVD set. Would you like to discuss Black Orpheus? Oh, you haven't seen it? You must. It is essential. God, what a dick.
14. Planet of the Apes (The Ultimate DVD Collection)Fourteen discs of science fiction stuffed inside a chimpanzee's head? It's not just a beautiful dream anymore. This furry bastard looks great on a shelf watching your every move, biding his time until the day he strikes you down and takes your place.
15. Disney: 100 Years of MagicThis shiny metal box sure is pretty, but probably lasts about fifteen seconds under the hands of juiced up tykes trying to get their hands on all 110 discs of Disney goodness (if you can call Lilo and Stitch 2 good) stored inside.
16. Strangers with Candy (The Complete Series)Amy Sedaris, Stephen Cobert and Paul Dinello stole and perverted a lot of things from After School Specials, including packaging shaped like a Trapper Keeper. The downside: like many of these packages, it is form over function, as the cardboard Keeper isn't as solid as the real thing.
17. Scarface (Deluxe Gift Set)The perfect accompaniment to your oversized Tony Montana t-shirt and GTA: Vice City poster, this box looks like something Tony would keep his yayo in. Plus, dig the photo montage on the inside, with Al Pacino lounging in a bubble bath and introducing his lil' friend.
18. The Simpsons (Complete 6th Season Collector's Edition)Some fans hate their flimsiness and awkwardness (are we lazy enough to write Worst. Packaging. Ever. We are), but the Simpsons' head boxes, being boxes shaped like the heads of the Simpsons, have an undeniable charm. Homer gets extra points for the bitchin' season inside.
19. Bubba Ho-Tep (Hail to the King Edition)There are many dressed up special edition that are literally dressed up. But we'll stick with the late-period Elvis frock from this horror-comedy about the King at a retirement home. Cut a hole in the top and you've got a hep costume for your ferret.

Yes, there are some lemons in the bunch. But even if they’re not all great films, these packages will make the perfect presents (and collectors items) this season for the DVD Freaks and Geeks on your list. Selections and commentary by Jordan Harper.Published on December 4, 2007

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