While it might be a little early to start putting together a collection of Nolan's work — his highest-profile film to date, The Dark Knight Rises, doesn't come out until July — but that doesn't mean that the Christopher Nolan Director's Collection ($35) isn't worth picking up. Included in the collection are Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception, Memento, and Insomnia, or more than enough cinematic goodness to hold you over until it's time to watch Batman's final big-screen showdown.
Enjoy all 156 episodes of this classic series in glorious high-def with The Twilight Zone ($230) on Blu-ray. Comprised of 24 discs, each episode has been re-transfered from the original camera negatives to look its black & white best, and is accompanied by remastered audio and a whole host of bonus features including audio commentaries, the Rod Sterling promos for the following week's show, and even the rarely-seen pilot movie "The Time Element."
Ever wanted to own a Desert Eagle or assault rifle but don't want the worry that can come with firearm ownership? Build your own using LEGO Heavy Weapons ($25). This 350+ page book includes parts listings and complete instructions on how to assemble your own 1:1 scale replicas of the Desert Eagle, AKS-74U assault rifle, bolt-action Lee Enfield sniper rifle, and pump-action SPAS shotgun using nothing but LEGO bricks.
While the censored mess $#*! My Dad Says was yanked off the air faster than we could change the channel, the Twitter feed's author Justin Halpern doesn't seem to mind. I Suck At Girls ($12) is his latest foray into book writing, tackling the subjects of sex and love with trademark hilarity, as well as plenty of wisdom from his notorious father, his brother, and even ex-bosses — profanity and all.
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
Given the studios' penchant for double-dipping, you wouldn't think that it would take a centennial celebration to see the Blu-ray release of a classic like this. Yet here we are, staring at the "Universal's 100th Anniversary" edition of Jaws ($21). This re-release of Spielberg's seminal sea-faring thriller has been fully restored and remastered from the original 35mm print, and features a new DTS-HD Master 7.1 soundtrack to make John Williams' legendary score that much more powerful. Also included are a slew of bonus features, as well as DVD and Ultraviolet copies of the film. Arriving in August.
War movies come and go — we've seen more Vietnam-based films than we care to admit — but few can match the introspective fury of Full Metal Jacket ($26). Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Kubrick's classic is being reissued on Blu-ray with a 44-page book including a personal letter and behind-the-scenes photos, a new bonus disc featuring the 60-minute documentary Stanley Kubrick's Boxes, and the obligatory non-traditional packaging.
It's happening slowly, but we're surely finding out that Pixar's brain trust of animation auteurs have just as many chops when it comes to live-action fare. Take Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol ($22) for example. Helmed by Brad Bird, this fourth installment in the M:I franchise finds Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt and the rest of his squad — including Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg — implicated for a terrorist attack, sending them across the globe to clear their names and save the world. Sure, not the most realistic, but definitely fun — and isn't that why we watch movies in the first place?
There have been plenty of books penned about the Ramones, but none of them can claim to have the insider cred of this one. Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone ($15) tells the story of the band — and its founding member — with unflinching honesty, and augments it with discussion of the band's albums, some random Top Ten lists, and tons of photos, many of which are seen here for the very first time. The kickin' cover art doesn't hurt, either.
After a five-year hiatus which included the Danger Mouse collabo Broken Bells, James Mercer is back with Port of Morrow by The Shins ($10). Recorded with a slightly refreshed lineup, Morrow still contains plenty of the band's signature sound, and while it's a little darker than your typical "soundtrack to the summer" fare, it'll no doubt be getting plenty of play around Uncrate HQ.
Celebrate the return of everyone's favorite advertising drama by fixing yourself some iconic drinks and dishes from the era. The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook ($12) is packed with over 70 recipes for appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks, all accompanied by historical and cultural context that help place the creation in the proper light.
We see a lot of game pitches come through Uncrate HQ, but when a sports game arrives with an actual piece of sporting equipment — a racquet, in this case — we can't help but take notice. Gratuitous press pack aside, Grand Slam Tennis 2 ($45) has a lot to offer hardcore fans and casual gamers alike, including an all-new total racquet control system, Playstation Move support, the ability to play with or against more than 20 all-time greats — including McEnroe (!) — and a mode that lets you relive 25 legendary Grand Slam moments. Yes, we're serious.
Sure, smoking is bad for you, but what else are you supposed to do with the big bag of green your old college buddy "left" at your house? Well, The Official High Times Cannabis Cookbook ($13) can probably give you a few ideas. Combining munchies with the substance from which they're derived, this abnormally fun cookbook highlights stoner foods both sweet and savory, ranging from spring rolls and nachos to cake and brownies, all ready to make your next dinner party the most interesting in a while.