By Gabrielle Pantera
THERE’S still some time to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, and if you’re stumped for that perfect gift for the Brit or anglophile in your house consider one of the many British entertainment options on Blue Ray and DvD. You might even want to keep some for yourself.
You can purchase all the items below at www.shoppbs.org or www.bbcamericashop.com
Costume dramas (Historical)
Downton Abbey: Seasons 1 & 2 Set
Starring: Hugh Bonneville , Dame Maggie , Brendan Coyle, Directed by: Brian Percival, Ben Bolt, Produced by: Rebecca Eaton , Gareth Neame, Written by: Julian Fellowes
Downton Abbey is a multi Emmy Award nominated show. The third season starts on PBS in January 2013, but you can give or get yourself in the mood by watching the first two seasons over the holidays. This is a Limited Edition Box Set with the first two seasons including the special Christmas episode from season two. DVD set $59.98 Blu-ray set $64.98
At Home with the Georgians
Directed by: Phil Cairney, Produced by: Liz Hartford, Presented by: Amanda Vickery
This three-part dramatization about Georgian England shows what homes meant to the men and women of Georgian times. Amanda Vickery shows what 18th-century British life was like for all walks of life. Details are based on diaries and intimate letters of the time. DVD $32.98
The Forsyte Saga: The Complete Collection
Starring: Damian Lewis , Gina McKee , Amanda Root, Directed by: Christopher Menaul
Produced by: Rebecca Eaton, Written by: John Galsworthy
In new Forsyte Saga debuted on PBS in 2002. We follow wealthy London solicitor Soames Forsyte (Damian Lewis) as he marries the beautiful Irene. He thinks his life is perfect, but instead his life falls apart. Expect love, passion, obsession and deceit and some never-seen-before extras. Collection DVD $79.98
Copper: Season 1
Starring: Tom Weston-Jones , Kevin Ryan , Ato Essandoh, Directed by: Jeff Woolnough
Produced by: Barry Levinson, Written by: Tom Fontana , Will Rokos
This is BBC America’s first original scripted series. Copper is set in 1860s New York City. The 10-part drama centers on Kevin Corcoran, played by Tom Weston-Jones, as an intense, rugged Irish-American cop working the city’s notorious Five Points neighborhood. Available 10/30/12DVD $47.98 Blu-ray $56.98
Mysteries
Sherlock: Season 1
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch , Martin Freeman, Directed by: Paul McGuigan
Produced by: Sue Vertue, Written by: Mark Gatiss , Steven Moffat
This is the first season of the BBC’s modernized Sherlock. Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch, and his friend, Dr. John Watson played by Martin Freeman, reside at 221B Baker Street. Holmes is perennially bored and makes a living by solving bizarre crimes. DVD widescreen $34.98 Blu-ray $39.98
Sherlock: Season 2
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch , Martin Freeman Directed by: Paul McGuigan
Produced by: Sue Vertue Written by: Mark Gatiss , Steven Moffat
Sherlock was nominated for four primetime Emmys. There are three new stories in season 2. In A Scandal in Belgravia, Sherlock squares off against the dangerous and desirable Irene Adler. He must use all his skills to stay alive. The Hounds of Baskervilles takes Homes and Watson to the wilds of Dartmoor where they come face to face with the supernatural. In The Reichenbach Fall Moriarty is there again to destroy Sherlock, and he doesn’t care who he hurts to do it. DVD $29.98 blu-ray $39.98 Both are available in a DVD set for $64.96 or blu-ray set for $79.96
Wallander: Series 3
Starring: Kenneth Branagh , Sarah Smart , Jeany Spark , David Warner
Directed by: Toby Haynes, Produced by: Sanne Wohlenberg, Written by: Peter Harness
Kenneth Branagh returns as Kurt Wallander to solve three heinous crimes. Based on Henning Mankell’s best-selling books. The episodes for season three are: An Event of Autumn where Wallander finds the remains of a young woman buried in his backyard; In The Dogs of Riga Wallander must deal with two Latvian men found dead on a life raft. And in Before the Frost a childhood friend of Wallander’s daughter shows up needing help. DVD widescreen $32.98
Royalty:
Diamond Queen: Presented by: Andrew Marr
This documentary from the BBC produced to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee as Head of State of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth. This is the first time in modern history a Monarch has reached her Diamond Jubilee. Her reign, history, constitutional role and responsibilities and her impact around the world are examined. Prime ministers, world leaders are interviewed along with a few interviews with members of the Royal Family. You also see what the Queen does for the commonwealth. DVD $19.98
The Queen’s Palaces
Directed by: Ian Leese, Produced by: Basil Comely, Presented by: Fiona Bruce
Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce takes us through the Queen’s Palaces. You learn about how and why Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse were created. Covered is 1,000 years of history, and included are some of the great treasures in the Royal Collection. Prince Charles introduces the royal palaces and tells us of the place they have in the life of the Monarchy and in the history of Britain. DVD $19.98
Queen and Country Presented by: Sir Trevor McDonald
This four-part series covers her six decades reign. British broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald narrates as you see what Queen Elizabeth II has accomplished in her time on the throne. DVD $29.98
Other:
Best of the British Movie Collection
This compellation has ten great British films in one collection! Movies included are: The Queen, Shakespeare in Love, Bridget Jones’ Diary, The English Patient, The Very Thought of You, The Importance of Being Earnest, Finding Neverland, Emma, Enchanted April, and Trainspotting. $56.98
Love in a Cold Climate
Starring: Judi Dench , Michael Williams, Michael Aldridge, Directed by: Donald McWhinnie, Produced by: Ian Elsey, Written by: Nancy Mitford
Based on Nancy Mitford’s book we follow two upper-class young women as they search for two suitable upper-class husbands before World War II. Dame Judi Dench and her real-life husband, Michael Williams, star in this wickedly funny drama. Expect lots of English country houses where passions and privilege abound. DVD $56.98
The Story of the Costume Drama: Narrated by: Keeley Hawes
Showing clips from 50 years and 21 of the best British costume dramas of all time, including The Forsyte Saga and Upstairs, Downstairs to Pride and Prejudice and Cranford. We see what goes into making Britain’s superb costume dramas. There are also interviews with the stars, writers and directors as you get a behind-the-scenes pass to see what makes them so engaging. Narrated by Keeley Hawes. DVD $99.98
Top Gear 18
Starring: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May
Top Gear’s Britain’s beloved car show hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. In this 18th season they visit India as they attempt to promote British trade armed only with three old cars, a badly behaved lawnmower and a trouser press. They also drive supercars across Italy, make a movie car chase, re-invent the mobility scooter, get soaking wet in track day cars, go motor racing for less than the cost of playing golf, investigate the Chinese car industry, immerse themselves in the world of NASCAR, and drive a brand new Ferrari through a snow field. DVD $24.98
