The Dark Knight

DVD (retail $34.99)



This year’s hottest movie (and the second-highest-grossing film of all time, behind only “Titanic”) really shines on DVD, where every detail of its dense fable about good, evil and the murky middle ground in between warrants repeated viewings—especially every electrifying scene with Heath Ledger the maniacal Joker. The top-notch special features include a documentary about the development of Batman’s latest look and gadgets, plus a digital version of the movie for downloading onto a computer or portable players.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





The 2009 World Almanac and Book of Facts

Softcover, 1,008 pages

(retail $12.99)



A universe of facts at your fingertips, this hefty oversized paperback—the latest edition of the ultimate reference book—has been updated with comprehensive sections on the 2008 presidential elections (with stats for every county in the United States), baseball’s World Series, Summer Olympic Games coverage and more. The perfect gift for someone who thinks he knows everything—and for everyone else who knows they don’t!

—Neil Pond, American Profile





Mamma Mia!—2-Disc Special Edition

DVD (retail $34.98)



Chase away the winter blahs with this splash of singin’, dancin’ sunshine, which in 2008 brought the hit Broadway musical built around the songs of ’70s pop group ABBA from stage to screen. The double-disc DVD release includes—among numerous other dandy extras—an onscreen sing-along feature on all 22 musical numbers that lets you join voices with Meryl Streep, Peirce Brosnan, Colin Firth and the other stars, who all look like they’re having an absolutely delightful time.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series

DVD (retail $174.95)



Cleverly packaged in a bottle-shaped box, this whopping 20-disc collection conjures up all 139 episodes from the popular 1965-70 sitcom, which starred Larry Hagman as harried astronaut Anthony Nelson and Barbara Eden as his doting magical genie. (Watch closely during the “Mrs. Djinn Djinn” episode for a quick glimpse of Eden’s navel, which TV censors insisted be concealed by her outfit.) A bonus pack of cards feature never-before-seen stills from the show, character bios and trivia.

—Neil Pond, American Profile