ALT-1 Gift Ideas for Movie Buffs
Film lovers all over the world are tired at this point of getting coupons for large corporate movie-rental stores bunched with popcorn and candy, and trying to find out a movie buff's favorite film and then buying it for them? They already own it- or worse, theyy own everything the director has ever done! So what are some good gift ideas for the movie buff in your life?
I'm a film buff, and I have always appreciated gifts that allow me the ability to find new movies, or new information about the films I love. Find out the name of a good, local, independent video store. Don't bother getting anyone who loves film a blockbuster (or similar) gift certificate- these major retail outlets usually don't carry the obscure and less-known movies that we'd be looking for. Try places that are local and that carry a large back catalog of films for rental.
If you ask your friend what some of their favorite movies are, you can then call a few local independent stores and explain the kind of films you're looking for. The advantage of buying gift certificates or rental cards from one of these smaller stores is that if they do not carry the kind of films your friend would enjoy, they will usually be able to point you to a store that DOES carry them.
Of course, rentals are not the only way to go. Look in the local free paper or phone book for art theaters, or smaller cinemas. Buying a season of tickets for someone can cost as little as $50 for some of these theaters, and can allow your friend to see movies they might not have found otherwise.
Another good gift is a book about movies, or film. Knowing what kind of films they enjoy is a good start, even if you only know the genre. Head to the bookstore and look through the film art section, and try to find a book with good images. Movie buffs tend to be visual thinkers, so a coffee-table book with lots of screenshots will always go over well.
If your friend likes the avante-garde cinema, finding a book about the artistic movements in that style is good. If your friend likes action films, a book about special effects and stunts in the movies is a good idea. Try to get a book that isn't just a list of movies; many movie buffs already will own something similar to this.
You can also, if you have time, treat your friend to a movie that they choose. Try to keep an open mind about it, and go see it with them. Having a good conversation about movies is very satisfying to many movie buffs, and even if you don't know much about movies, your friend will enjoy the chance to enlighten you. (Trust me on this one!)
Another good idea for the internet-savvy movie buff is a membership to an online movie rental service. Netflix, of course, is the best-known, but there are many others that have more limited or in-depth catalogs. Browse them to see if they have the sort of films your friend enjoys, or ask your friend which service he uses, then pay up his membership for a month or two. You can usually find a form for this on the site, and give a card with the receipt printed in it as the gift.
Soundtracks are only a good idea as a gift if you are sure that your friend doesn't already own them. I have about twenty copies of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at this point, and I'd much rather get an online month paid for, go see a movie with a friend, or get a book about transgressive cinema, than own another copy of the same cd.
You can also buy them promotional or collectible materials related to their favorite movies. Movie posters, cast or crew T-shirts, autographed photographs of actors, and "making of" documentaries are always good. Books that are related to the subject matter are a good idea, too; for example, a horror movie fan may enjoy a book about surviving a zombie attack.
Remember your friend's taste in movies, and buy accordingly. Ask them what it is that they enjoy about their favorite movies, and use that as a start to finding a gift.
Don't rely on just finding out their favorite movies and buying them, or getting them a retail gift certificate. Movie buffs are not picky about much, but they ARE picky about the movies they enjoy, and giving them the option to choose is the most thoughtful gift.
