Christmas DVD round-up
Star Stories
Star Stories Complete Series Two features the complete second run of the hit Channel 4 comedy. This time around the comedy features spoof life stories of the likes of Simon Cowell, Britney Spears and Tom Cruise. However, best of all is their hilarious version of Take That's rise to the top.
Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing On Ice
If you didn't get the chance to go see your favourite reality stars in the flesh earlier this year, then Dancing On Ice: Live Tour 2008 and Strictly Come Dancing: Live Tour brings them into your home. Dancing On Ice features Gareth Gates, Chris Fountain and 2008 winner Suzanne Shaw alongside skating legends Torville and Dean. Meanwhile, the Strictly Come Dancing DVD brings together stars from various series including Zoe Ball, Chris Parker, Letitia Dean, Matt Di Angelo and Darren Gough and, of course, those judges are on hand to add their comments to each performance.
- Watch Strictly Come Dancing clips
Extras
Ricky Gervais's acclaimed BBC comedy bows out on the feature-length Extras - The Special. Ricky's character Andy Millman is now a star thanks to the success of his sitcom, however, he is far from happy and not getting the kind of roles or recognition he craves. One of the many highlights sees him shacked up in the Celebrity Big Brother house with Lionel Blair and Lisa Scott-Lee. Guest stars include George Michael, Clive Owen and David Tennant.
Dead Set
Dead Set is basically Big Brother meets 28 Days Later. The horror series, which achieved record ratings for E4 earlier this year, sees a group of Big Brother housemates remain blissfully unaware as the UK becomes overrun by zombies. However, an eviction night brings the terror to the house and it's up to the show's production runner Kelly, played by Jaime Winstone, to attempt to lead them to safety. Even Davina pops up as a zombie in this dark, satirical show by Charlie Brooker.
- Watch a Dead Set clip (Warning: Adult scenes)
Doctor Who
David Tennant's days in the TARDIS are numbered so catch him while you can in Doctor Who: Complete Series Four. Fans of the show will know that the most recent series saw the return of the much-loved Rose and Sarah Jane, Mickey, Captain Jack and Martha all pop up in the series finale. Highlights include the two-parter Silence In The Library and Forest Of The Dead.
Merlin
BBC fantasy series Merlin had the unenviable task of filling the Doctor Who-sized void in the Saturday night TV schedules this year and it's been a hit with viewers. Merlin: Volume One features the first six episodes and introduces the land of Camelot and the mysterious characters who live there. The cast includes Buffy veteran Anthony Head and One Foot In The Grave's Richard Wilson.
Now That's What I Call A Ding Dong
The brilliant Alan Carr stars in Now That's What I Call A Ding Dong, a compilation of the best bits from his Channel 4 quiz show. Highlights include Alan giving a member of the public the shock of her life after he flashes her in the park - but who's the famous face lurking under his raincoat? Guest stars include Davina McCall, who attempts - and fails - to seduce Alan in his dressing room.
- Watch Ding Dong clip one | Ding Dong clip two
Beautiful People
BBC comedy series Beautiful People is based on the early life of renowned New York window-dresser Simon Doonan. The show, which was adapted for TV by Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street, Gimme Gimme Gimme) follows Simon and best friend Kylie as they search for the beautiful people, all the time hindered by Simon's wine-guzzling parents and madcap collection of extended family and neighbours. Expect impromptu musical numbers and very camp tongue-in-cheek humour.
Prisoner Cell Block H: Volume 1
There's very good news for fans of cult Aussie drama Prisoner Cell Block H as the first 32 episodes are released on DVD for the first time this Christmas. Despite its late-night time slot, the series attracted massive audiences when it was originally screened in the UK and introduced viewers to the likes of Lizzy Birdsworth, Bea 'Top Dog' Smith, Franky Doyle and Vera 'Vinegar Tits' Bennett. Special features on this new DVD boxset include audio commentaries and exclusive photos from the show. There are a further 660 episodes in the series so fans should order a new DVD rack now.
Neighbours: The Iconic Episodes - Volume One
Another Aussie favourite getting a new DVD boxset this Christmas is Neighbours. The Iconic Episodes features 23 episodes which span the show's incredible 22 years on the air. Enjoy the very first episode, the arrival of Harold, Henry losing his towel, Kerry's death (sob!), the Waterhole exploding, the Kennedys arrival and many more. Our only grumble is that it doesn't feature Scott and Charlene's wedding, however, this is only volume one so we're hoping they're holding that one back until next time.
Coronation Street: Out Of Africa
Our very own homegrown soap Coronation Street heads to South Africa for a brand new adventure that's exclusive to DVD. The feature-length drama features the return of the hilarious Cilla Battersby-Brown, who deviously enlists the help of Chesney, Fiz and Kirk to help her win a massive cash prize. Cilla is as brilliant as ever and the daft plot sees her almost eaten by a crocodile and forcing daughter Fiz to run about in a nun's habit. There's a great surprise ending too - is this the last we've seen of Cilla we wonder? This is the perfect DVD to veg out on the sofa to after eating too many chocolates.
Little Britain USA
Little Britain USA sees some of the most popular Little Britain characters head Stateside and also introduces some brand new faces. Lou and Andy, Bubbles, Vicky Pollard and Margery Dawes find themselves adjusting to life in the US, while outrageous new characters include gym buddies Mark and Tom and a little girl called Ellie-Grace, who is not as innocent as she looks.
- Watch Little Britain USA clip (Warning: Adult scenes)
Creature Comforts USA
ITV's award-winning series Creature Comforts also heads to the US for this new collection which has yet to be broadcast in the UK. The seven episodes see the animals muse over subjects ranging from a trip to the vets to phobias and love - animal style.
- Watch a clip from Creature Comforts USA
Summer Heights High
If you liked Kath And Kim, you'll love Summer Heights High, the latest fly-on-the-wall mockumentary to come out of Australia. Chris Lillie plays the three lead roles in the series - bitchy schoolgirl Ja'mie, trouble teen Jonah and the ultra-camp drama teacher Mr G. The series ranges from laugh-out-loud moments to the darkest of black humour. You will be singing Mr G's musical numbers for days afterwards.
- Watch Summer Heights High clips (Warning: Adult humour)
Benidorm
If you're dreaming of a sun-soaked Christmas rather than a white one then you should snap up series two of Benidorm. The show has become ITV's biggest hit sitcom for years and even picked up the Best Comedy gong at this year's National TV Awards. Series two sees all of the favourites return for a second holiday in the Spanish resort and guest-stars who drop in this time around include Margi Clarke and Wendy Richard. But it's Sheila Reid who once again steals the show as perma-tanned battle-axe Madge whose disastrous wedding provides the series finale. Brush up on the show ahead of next year's third series.
French And Saunders: Still Alive
Comedy legends French and Saunders quit our TV screens with a final sketch series last year and toured the UK earlier this year with their farewell tour. This DVD captures the full live show and features some of their classic sketches including the one that inspired Absolutely Fabulous, Joan and Jackie Collins' spoof Lucky Bitches and Jennifer's unique take on Madonna. As well as being the perfect nostalgia trip for fans of the duo, this also includes some great new material. Can this really be the end though??
- Watch a French And Saunders: Still Alive clip
Peter Kay's Special Kay
Just about everything that comedian Peter Kay touches seems to turn to gold and this DVD compilation is likely to do the same. Peter Kay's Special Kay gathers together Peter's appearances on shows including Parkinson, Jonathan Ross, Coronation Street, Children In Need and more. There's a treat for fans with his debut stand-up appearance and his award-winning John Smiths ads also feature. The compilation is brought bang up to date with the video for The Winners Song from his recent Britain's Got The Pop Factor show.
Lead Balloon: Series Two
Jack Dee stars in the second series of the hit BBC comedy Lead Balloon. The stand-up stars as Ricky Spleen and he's far from happy as he goes from corporate gig to corporate gig stopping off for some low-rent chat shows on the way. He's still hoping for his big break but for now must settle for being the face of Bar Lizard Peanuts. There's more than a hint of Curb Your Enthusiasm about this series, which has won critical acclaim.
The Sarah Jane Adventures
Series one of The Sarah Jane Adventures was a massive hit with both children and adults so this is a DVD for all ages. The Doctor Who spin-off comes from the same talented writing team behind the sci-fi series and follows the adventures of the Doctor's former assistant Sarah Jane Smith as she continues to track aliens on Earth.
- Watch a trailer for The Sarah Jane Adventures
Strictly Come Dancing: The Workout
You've watched the TV series, now try the workout! This fitness DVD sees Kelly Brook and professional dancer Flavia Cacace take you through a calorie-busting Salsa, Jive, Quick Step and Tango. Not only can you burn off those Christmas pounds, you can also learn some new moves for the dancefloor.
- Watch the trailer for Strictly Come Dancing: The Workout
Harry Hill's TV Burp Gold
Harry Hill's TV Burp is the funniest half hour of TV every week and now you can watch the best bits from the series on this new compilation. The DVD brings together the best sketches, funniest one-liners and most memorable guest appearances from the show. Bonus features include outtakes and some scenes which were never shown on TV.
Also out this Christmas:
Fans of US drama The Sopranos will be hoping to find the new deluxe box set of the show in their Christmas stocking. As well as featuring all 86 episodes of the critically-acclaimed show, this new edition includes two bonus discs containing over three and a half hours of previously unseen extras.
Other big US shows out on DVD this Christmas include Desperate Housewives: Complete Season Four (aka the one with the hurricane) and Heroes: Season Two (aka the one everyone said was no good but is actually not that bad at all).