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<... p> But it doesn't have to be that way. If your dad is the kind of guy who likes to kick back in his recliner and watch television -- and what man isn't? -- then a DVD or Blu-ray release may make the ideal Father's Day gift. Here are some options, all recently released -- any one of which could make a nice complement to a more traditional offering or a perfectly pleasant present all on its own.

For the avid golfer: In addition to that 12-pack of Titleists, consider giving a copy of the golf comedy that keeps on giving, three decades after its initial release: "Caddyshack," which made its debut on Blu-ray ($24.98) last week.

For the film buff: If swords, sandals and Kirk Douglas in a toga are just Dad's speed, present him with the 50th-anniversary edition of "Spartacus" ($26.98) on Blu-ray. Or, if his tastes run more toward the edgy and indie, there's the Criterion Collection edition of Jim Jarmusch's "Mystery Train," the multi-storyline salute to Stax Records that's out this week on DVD and Blu-ray ($39.95).

For the classic television aficionado: Age-wise, does Dad fall in the Generation X category? Then watch his eyes light up at the sight of "The A-Team: The Complete Series" ($149.98), packaged in a case that bears a striking resemblance to the van from the '80s action series. And if he's a baby boomer, provide instant gratification with "Leave It to Beaver: Season Three" ($39.97) on DVD this week, or give him a rain check for "Leave It to Beaver: The Complete Series" ($199.99), due out June 29.

For the baseball fan: Couldn't secure tickets for a Nationals game featuring superstar Stephen Strasburg? Surely Pops will be equally happy -- fine, politely grateful -- to receive "MLB Bloopers: Baseball's Best Blunders" ($14.93), a 90-minute compendium of moments when things on the diamond got rough.

For the western man: If Dad is most at home on the range, there's "The Virginian: The Complete First Season" ($79.98), the '60s series starring Lee J. Cobb, or the Criterion Collection's excellent edition of "Stagecoach" on DVD and Blu-ray (both $39.95).

For the rocker dad: Give your father free rein to crank the volume with "U2: 360 at the Rose Bowl," a performance captured during the band's most recent tour on DVD ($19.98) and Blu-ray ($26.98), or "Elvis 75th Birthday Collection" ($39.98), seven of the King's feature films, including "Love Me Tender" and "Clambake."

The post-apocalyptic option: Your bestseller-obsessed father has already put Justin Cronin's "The Passage" at the top of his Amazon wish list. So round out the literary bleakness with a copy of "The Road" (DVD $27.96; Blu-ray $34.95), the wrenching but well-done adaptation of the Cormac McCarthy novel that features excellent performances from Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee as a father and son clinging to each other for survival.

Lastly, in addition to the tie: If Dad will be disappointed if you don't add to his collection of neckwear, then by all means, go the tie route. But shake it up a little by adding a season of "Mad Men," a show filled with guys always dressed to impress. Season 2 -- with its DVD case featuring a pressed-shirt and tie -- will make the connection most obvious.