Ok, so there’s less than a week until The Big Day, but hey, that’s still a good four shopping days. More than enough time, we say! A DVD box-set is always a great, chunky present, so here’s a few ideas if you’re struggling. Whether it’s gripping drama, clever comedy, or a stunning documentary you’re after, we’ve got it covered.
Comedy:
Flight of the Conchords: Series 1
We’re massive fans of HBO’S FOTC here at TV Scoop, and while we kinda like that the New Zealand duo are currently at that low-key, cult stage, we’re gracious enough to share their wonderful work. Anyone who loves their comedy should own this DVD – it’s silly, got great songs, and the performances from Jermaine, Brett and their band manager Murray (wonderful stand-up comedian Rhys Darby) are just a constant delight. Expect to be bored to tears by the recipient of this gift quoting lines at you from Boxing Day onwards…
Flight of the Conchords review
The Mighty Boosh: Series 1-3
They’re the British FOTC, or maybe FOTC are the Kiwi Mighty Boosh… either way, they’re all brilliant. This box-set is annoyingly packed with loads of extras – annoying because us fans really shouldn’t be shelling out for this again, should we…? As well as the three series, this set has deleted scenes, an hour-long documentary, backstage footage from the live Mighty Boosh Night on BBC Three earlier this year, and, best of all, clips from the Paramount Comedy sketch show (Un)Natural Acts where the idea of making Vince and Howard as zookeepers was born.
Drama:
The Wire: The Complete Series 1-5
As a TV reviewer, I probably shouldn’t admit to the fact that I’ve only ever seen about ten minutes of The Wire. But hey, we all have our preferences, and what can I say, I like whimsy. Not much whimsy going on here, but I’m happy to defer to pretty much everyone else in the world and say that The Wire is one of the best TV dramas ever. Unremittingly realistic and wide-ranging, this really is a study of a city – every aspect of Baltimore is unpacked.
Cranford
Call me a stereotypical laaayyyydeee but this is more my thing. Personally, I’d call this one of the best TV dramas ever, too, thanks to the frankly wonderful, genuinely laugh out loud funny writing from Heidi Thomas and, of course, some stunning performances from one of the Beeb’s best ever ensemble casts. Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins, Imelda Staunton, Lisa Dillon, Julia Swahala and TV Scoop favourite Philip Glenister all came together to produce a drama that was by turns heart-warming, sad, hilarious, and above all, pure class.
TV Scoop’s Top 50 2007: No. 5 – Cranford
Documentary:
Earth: The Power of the Planet
We love nothing better than an expansive in-depth documentary here at TV Scoop, and Earth: The Power of the Planet ticked all the boxes. Each week, presenter Dr Iain Stewart looked at a force which has shaped our planet, and explained how it will continue to affect our little rock in the future – volcanoes, the atmosphere, oceans and ice are all examined here. If your doc-loving relation has everything ever made by David Attenborough, this is the one to go for.
Earth: The Power of the Planet review
Nostalgia:
Morecambe and Wise: The Complete BBC Christmas Specials
Nowadays, the Christmas special that gets everyone sitting round the TV together is, of course Doctor Who, but for decades it was good old Eric and Ernie who had the same effect. Can you believe it – The 1977 Christmas Show attracted 28 million viewers, that’s about half of the UK population! Unthinkable these days of course. This collection brings together specials that featured Glenda Jackson, Fenella Fielding and Des O’Connor – and, never fear, that wonderful episode with conductor Andre Previn is in there too: “I am playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order…”
