As the holidays approach, people are going to start thinking about what great gifts to buy. And please, no fruitcake. Jeez, do I have to spell it? But our good friends over at Shout Factory have a number of great offerings now available and coming soon. And with these, you’ll be able to get glorious movies and features in stunning 4K. Oh, and did I mention abundant extras? Because abundant extras, baby.
So sit back and relax as we take a look at five great movies from Shout Factory you should instantly pick up. Either for yourself or your friends. Or maybe both? There’s room in the stocking…
Bill & Ted’s Most Triumphant Trilogy
Most excellent, dudes. The three Bill & Ted films, featuring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, tell a great story. It’s about two triumphant heroes that must save the world. It started with Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Then continued with Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey. And, most recently, capped off with the impressive Bill & Ted Face the Music.
Now the set is available in a non-bogus six-disc pack, complete with tons of extras. What’s more, Reeves actively took part in promoting this set as well, and the new 35mm camera negative transfer is way cool. Plus look at that packaging. They even give the late Clarence Clemons the love he deserves. Don’t miss this, my fellow dudes.
Killer Klowns From Outer Space
We actually reviewed this movie a while ago, and for damn good reason. Killer Klowns From Outer Space is a timeless classic, telling the tale of, well, killer clowns from outer space. It’s cheesy and ridiculous and fun. Plus, John Glover is here, playing it super-serious – even against space clowns.
The film features a fantastic 4K transfer, along with a collectible Steelbook. And there are extras galore, including many focused on the masterful Chiodo Brothers, the makers of the film. You can even see some of their early works. Now that’s something we can clearly celebrate – even at Christmas.
The Boy and the Heron
Hey, remember when the masterful Hayao Miyazaki was set to retire? Yeah, we do too. But he decided to put out one more fantastic film before his departure. Well, his so-called departure. Who knows anymore. But we assure you that his latest work, The Boy and the Heron, is worth picking up.
Along with a talented voice cast, the film features stunning animation, brought to life in a great 4K transfer. There are also some great extras delving into its creation. Oh, and did we mention the collectible Steelbook case? There’s a lot here for traditional anime fans to love. You simply need to own this one.
Labyrinth (Limited Edition Collector’s Set)
You remind us of the babe. The Jim Henson 1986 classic continues to stand the test of time, despite its middling box office. And why, you ask? Many reasons, but it doesn’t hurt to have the super-talented David Bowie on board as the Goblin King. He absolutely rules. Of course, Jennifer Connelly brings her A-game as well.
The film is magical, and this special 4K Blu-Ray set, dropping on November 19th, is a must-own. It features a handful of extras, along with collectible cards and even a mock crystal ball. You can look into it and wish for greatness, but you already have it in this set. Now go pick this up before we throw you into the Bog of Eternal Stench.
The Dark Crystal (Limited Edition Collector’s Set)
Let’s keep going on this Jim Henson kick that we’re on. This stunning 4K set also drops on November 19th. And it looks to be absolutely worth it for fans of the classic adventure. It pits good against evil on a grand scale, with a damaged crystal hanging in the process. Oh, and there’s Augura, who’s a treat in herself.
Like Labyrinth, this set has cool extras. This includes a special version of the crystal featured in the film, along with collectible cards. And of course, the movie’s Steelbook case looks absolutely cool, complete with Skeksis galore. If you’re a fan of this classic, you owe it to yourself to get an upgrade. Or buy it for a friend and watch it at their house.
SHOUT FACTORY BONUS: Shaw Brothers Classics (Vol. 1-5)
The Shaw Brothers created some exceptional (yet cheesy) martial arts films back in their day. With that, they’ve amassed a huge following of fans that love this sort of thing. Us included. And that’s why we recommend picking up Shout Factory’s incredible volumes of Shaw Brothers films.
It doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you collect the four volumes out now. (Volume 5 releases this January.) They feature some great collectible boxes, as well as a bunch of extras and, of course, all the wild martial arts action you can handle. If you’re even a remote fan of the genre, you owe it to yourself to get these. Kudos, Shout Factory!
What will you be picking up for Christmas? Let us know!





