2013 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Entertainment

Everyone loves watching a great movie or TV series, so we’ve compiled some of our favorite releases from the past year that just about guy will enjoy. And for more gift ideas, be sure to check out the other categories in our Father’s Day gift guide.

Ultimate Gangster Collection: Classic and Contemporary

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Most guys love gangster films, so it’s hard to think of a better “one size fits all” gift than Warner Bros.’ recently released Ultimate Gangster Collection on Blu-ray. Divided into two volumes, the Contemporary edition is arguably the more desirable of the pair as it’s comprised of favorites like “The Untouchables,” “Heat” and three Martin Scorsese films (“Mean Streets,” “Goodfellas” and “The Departed”). Though the Classics edition is a little more niche, you really can’t go wrong with a quartet that includes Golden Age standards like “Little Caesar,” “The Public Enemy,” “The Petrified Forest” and “White Heat.” All four films have also been remastered for their Blu-ray debuts, and like most Warner Bros. catalog titles, they look fantastic. Each collection also includes a 32-page book with images and additional info on each movie, and the Classic edition comes packaged with a feature-length documentary. The best part? At $40 a pop, you’re getting some great movies at an unbeatable price.

Die Hard: 25th Anniversary Collection

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What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with one of the coolest dads in movie history? We’re talking about John McClane, of course, even if he wasn’t exactly a very good father himself. Though Fox has released the fifth installment in the “Die Hard” series, “A Good Day to Die Hard,” just in time for the holiday, we’d actually recommend picking up the “Die Hard: 25th Anniversary Collection” on Blu-ray instead. Though the earlier films haven’t been given the HD restoration that they deserve, the set does include a nearly two-hour retrospective on the franchise titled “Decoding Die Hard” that’s definitely worth checking out. Plus, unlike the latest installment, the other four movies are all worthy of repeat viewings (yes, even the underrated “Live Free or Die Hard”), making this five-disc box set a must-have for any fan of the series, Bruce Willis or great action films in general.

Forever Marilyn Collection

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She’s probably our most iconic sex symbol. Marilyn Monroe remains relevant after all these years for more than just her amazing beauty and charisma. She was a true starlet, but she could act as well. Now you can get many of her best films in one collection with “Forever Marilyn: The Blu-ray Collection.” The films include classics like “The Misfits” and “Some Like It Hot,” along with new-to-Blu-ray titles “How to Marry A Millionaire,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “The Seven Year Itch,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “River of No Return.” We’ve included some images of Marilyn from the films courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, including the memorable scene of Marilyn’s white dress being blown up in the subway in “The Seven Year Itch.”

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2013 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Gadgets

Gadgets dominate our lives, and you can always start these days with dad’s phone. If he has the latest and greatest, don’t even bother. But if he’s still tied to his lame flip phone, then of course you can go with an iPhone or a new Android phone to get him into the 21st century.

If you’re looking for something a little different, we’ve put together some ideas for you. And for more great suggestions, be sure to check out the other categories in our Father’s Day gift guide.

HP Detachable PCs

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We’re starting to see a new wave of innovation following the introduction of Microsoft’s Surface tablet, giving users gadgets that function as a tablet and a notebook computer. HP has introduced two new models with the HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2, two detachable PCs that offer the full functionality of a notebook with a removable screen that also serves as a sleek tablet. The units are powered by the Android and Windows 8 operating systems, respectively, so you have some flexibility here. By releasing the magnetic hinge, users can move between the tablet and notebook PC with remarkable ease.

NuForce HP-800 Headphones

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These are great for dads who care about sound quality. We’ve reviewed many headphones over the past several years as the popularity of mobile music continues to explode and more consumers look at their headphones as a fashion statement along with being a necessary gadget. We’ve seen many fashionable designs and impressive-sounding headphones, but the NuForce HP-800 headphones stand out for sound quality. That shouldn’t be surprising, as these headphones were designed for the audio enthusiasts. The sound quality was incredibly clear but never harsh. You can pick up various all of the nuances while really feeling the full base. The goal was to capture the “natural warmth, realistic highs and visceral bass” of the recordings and we feel that has been achieved. These over-ear headphones are very large and comfortable, with ear cups made with a “human-protein” leatherette covering that is super-soft. It comes with a handy clothe carrying case along with one cord for you portable electronics and another for studio use. Yes, audiophiles can use this with premium audio or studio equipment and be very impressed with the sound quality.

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2013 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Booze

With most fathers, you really can’t go wrong giving them booze, especially if they have young kids or teenagers. And for more great ideas, be sure to check out the other categories in our Father’s Day gift guide.

Loki from Highland Park

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Loki is a 15-year old single malt Scotch that is part of Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection, a set of four unique whiskies taking inspiration from the Nordic gods of old. This creation is not for the faint of heart, as it was inspired by the “unpredictable, shape-shifting Loki character.” This Scotch was matured in both Spanish cherry casks along with heavily peated casks, so the result is a whisky with a very smoky punch. The taste is very complex and whisky aficionados will definitely want to try this one out. It comes in the spectacular packaging, and though it’s not cheap at $249 per bottle, for the right dad Loki can help you mark a memorable Father’s Day.

Mount Gay Black Barrel

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This iconic rum brand from Barbados is celebrating its 310th anniversary, so you know you’re going with quality that a dad can appreciate. This new version is hand selected by Master Blender Allen Smith, and the only one to be finished in charred bourbon oak barrels, resulting in a bold (but silky smooth) rum, with pepper, spice and wood notes. It’s great for sipping neat or on the rocks. This will definitely help your dad enjoy a nice summer day for this holiday.

CAMUS Ile de Ré Cognac

CAMUS is known for Cognac, and its latest Cognac offering comes from Ile de Ré (Island of Ré), an island just off the west coast of central France that is also a legal cognac appellation. This new and rare Cognac offers a different taste profile that is perfect chilled and will appeal to both scotch and cognac drinkers. Ile de Ré is very small, so the grapes absorb the sea spray from the air, giving the cognac a salty, maritime quality. Options include Ile de Ré Fine Island Cognac, Ile de Ré Double Matured Cognac and Ile de Ré Cliffside Cellar Cognac.

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2013 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Gear

Here’s a grab bag of Father’s Day gift ideas that fit the “gear” category, from shoes and shirts to belts and bags, and even products to get him into shape. And for more great suggestions, be sure to check out the other categories in our annual gift guide.

Golf by James Warren

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For the dad who loves to golf, or just likes to wear golf shirts, check out Golf by James Warren, a clothing collection that utilizes Europe’s best fabrics with a distinctive American style. We tried out the polo shirts and were impressed. The shirts are made in Italy using 100% cotton and the traditional designs are complimented by very distinctive features that set them apart from your traditional polo shirt. Check out the website for more shirts, sweaters and jackets that “defy traditional boundaries.”

Premium belts and more from Maono

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MAONO.com is on a mission to create beautiful, high-quality clothing and then selling online to remove the middle man and make their products more affordable. We checked out a black leather belt featuring a rectangular pin buckle that would make for a great gift and offers a classic and elegant design that’s perfect for everyday use. The belt is made in Italy with impeccable craftsmanship, and it offers a great example of the quality and design of this brand. If you’re looking for gifts like accessories or clothing that are classic but stylish, and if you want to stay within your budget, then you should definitely check out MAONO.com.

Tommy Bahama hybrid swim trunks

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These hybrid swim trunks from Tommy Bahama are perfect for dads who love boating or the water in general. The Hybrid of Paradise 11″ Swim Trunks are unique because you can wear them as swim trunks or regular shorts. They look like a cross between regular clothe shorts and a bathing suit, but the cotton/polyester blended material is very comfortable while also being appropriate for the water. All of the interior pockets are mesh like you would find in a bathing suit, but it has the standard external pockets you would expect from a pair of cargo shorts. The only surprise is that it doesn’t have the mesh underwear portion you would expect from a bathing suit, so that makes them look even more like shorts along with the zipper in the front. The shorts also come in a wide variety of colors. We liked the royal blue pair we had with the yellow logo on the side. With the quick dry fabric these shorts are perfect for boating and beach outings, particularly when you’ll be going back and forth between the water and the bar!

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2013 Father’s Day Gift Guide: Grooming Products

Our first roundup of Father’s Day gift ideas involves a traditional area with grooming products. Of course, we’re hoping you’ll do better than that cheap aftershave you bought dad when you were a kid. And for more great suggestions, be sure to check out the other categories in our Father’s Day gift guide.

Philips Norelco Click & Style

Here’s one for the dad who appreciates that modern grooming habits go well beyond his face. That might be an awkward subject for some dads, but for the right guy, this handy shaver can be a great gift. With the new Philips Norelco Click & Style, men can get a super-flexible electric shaver that can handle all their grooming needs with one convenient tool. The Click & Style is a complete all-in-one system equipped with three attachments that are easy to click on and off for shaving, facial styling, or bodygrooming with a single product. We tested all of them and the ease of use was impressive. The two-headed shaver with ComfortCut blades gives guys the close shave that they would expect from Norelco products. For guys who want some stubble or more growth instead of the all-clean look, they can snap on the beard styler with 5 lengths for the perfect stubble or a neatly trimmed beard. Finally, the skin-friendly bodygroom shaver gives a man the flexibility for a close and comfortable shave or a trim on all areas below the neck. The Philips Norelco Click & Style also features 100% waterproof technology so men can trim, style and shave wherever they want in wet or dry settings.

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Portable USB Shaver from ShaveTech

Here’s a great gift men that travel a lot or need a shaver they can keep in their briefcase. This portable electric shaver from ShaveTech is one of the more unique and interesting products we’ve reviewed in a while. It’s a USB shaver, so it’s ideal for traveling as you can charge it anywhere in or out of the US if you have access to a computer or other USB port. When not charging, the ShaveTech USB port flips up directly into the razor itself. The shaver is no bigger than a typical smart phone so it will fit anywhere from your pocket to your briefcase. The sleek and simple design makes it very easy to use. The top slides on and off revealing the foil shaver head, and the shave with this super-light unit is nice and comfortable.

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