British TV and Best Documentaries DVD & Blu-Ray Releases

Best British TV on DVD  and Blu-Ray U.S. Debuts

Hollywood,CA(Hollywood Today)5/9/11—Following the critically-acclaimed release of Upstairs, Downstairs: 40^th Anniversary Edition, Acorn Media’s upcoming DVD release calendar features several highly entertaining British series previously unavailable to U.S. audiences, including Identity, a slick identity theft series with Upstairs, Downstairs revival star Keeley Hawes and The Wire’s Aidan Gillen; and the inspiration for the star-studded American remake in development at ABC. Additionally, the U.S. debuts of the third season of Murdoch Mysteries (DVD and Blu-ray) - the critically-acclaimed Sherlock Holmes meets CSI series; The Feathered Serpent Complete Series, the cult classic set in ancient Mexico featuring Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who, The Omen); Circles of Deceit, riveting spy thrillers featuring Dennis Waterman (New Tricks) and guest stars Derek Jacobi, Corin Redgrave, John Hannah, and Leo McKern; and Genius of Britain: The Scientists Who Changed the World a new documentary featuring Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, James Dyson, and David Attenborough discussing the legacies of their heroes.

Also, Robin of Sherwood, Set 1, the definitive retelling of the Robin Hood legend makes its Blu-ray debut with more than eight hours of extras; starring Michael Praed (Dynasty) and Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Departed); and New Tricks Season 4, the must-see, smash hit crime series seen on public television; featuring a brilliant cast, deft writing, and an irresistible blend of compelling drama and dry humor.

This week: The must-see PBS hit series Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4 starring Martin Clunes as a British version of House; as well as the light-hearted WWII-era comedy drama Demob also-starring Clunes; and 20^th Century with Mike Wallace: America at War, featuring expert analysis from David Halberstam, Robert S. McNamara, and Sen. John McCain.

Acorn Media (British TV) and Athena (Best Documentaries) DVD Release Calendar

“Acorn Media, chief curators of the best Brit TV” –TIME Magazine

April 26:

Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4 (Must-see recommendation) – The hit British comedic drama currently airing on PBS stations. Akin to House and Northern Exposure, BAFTA winner Martin Clunes (Men Behaving Badly, Shakespeare in Love, Dirty Tricks, Reggie Perrin) stars as a surly, tactless, self-centered, and uptight doctor—but he’s the only doctor in town. Doc Martin is a huge hit in the U.K. with 9 million viewers and a fifth series commissioned, and is syndicated by American Public Television (APT) in the U.S. This value-priced 9-disc collection includes all 30 endearing and off-beat episodes from the first four series.

Demob - Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) leads a talented ensemble cast in a light-hearted WWII-era comedy drama seen on public television. After spending four years entertaining the troops with raunchy stage routines, a pair of soldiers take their act back home—to sometimes disastrous, but always hilarious results. Broadcast on ITV in 1993 and seen on public television in the U.S., Demob paints a nostalgic portrait of post-war Britain with realistic period details, costumes, and comic appeal. The series co-stars Amanda Redman (New Tricks), Simon Williams (Upstairs, Downstairs), James Faulkner (The Bank Job), and comic great Les Dawson in his final role. (6 episodes)

20^th Century with Mike Wallace: America at War – Emmy^® and Peabody Award-winning newsman Mike Wallace (60 Minutes) presents a fascinating examination of modern warfare, as seen on A&E and the History Channel. Featuring compelling archival footage, supplemented with expert analysis from journalists, military leaders, and historians, these 10 thought-provoking episodes show 20^th-century conflicts as they happened—and unflinchingly explore the lessons learned in their aftermath. See on-the-spot dispatches from the front lines, as reported by legendary correspondents such as Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and Morley Safer. Hear expert analysis from journalists, military leaders, and historians—including David Halberstam, Robert S. McNamara, and Sen. John McCain.

May 3:

Identity (U.S. Debut) – Keeley Hawes (Upstairs, Downstairs, Ashes to Ashes) and Aidan Gillen (The Wire, Queer as Folk UK) star in a slick, high-tech crime procedural; making its highly anticipated U.S. Debut. An American version starring Angela Bassett and Wentworth Miller is in development at ABC. Identity follows an elite police team charged with investigating the high-stakes world of identity theft. Broadcast on ITV in the U.K. in July 2010 and available to U.S. audiences for the first time, Identity features realistic plots and intelligent writing and offers a riveting glimpse into one of the 21^st century’s most ubiquitous crimes.  (6 episodes)

Murdoch Mysteries Season 3 (DVD and Blu-ray) Sherlock Holmes meets CSI. Marks Blu-ray debut of series. With a total of 25 Gemini^® nominations to its credit, this sharp, sophisticated mystery series features Yannick Bisson (Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye) as William Murdoch, a Toronto police detective at the cutting edge of Victorian science. Together with a forward-thinking pathologist (Gemini^® winner Hélène Joy, Durham County), he applies revolutionary criminology techniques to crack the toughest cases. This season finds Murdoch making the acquaintance of H.G. Wells, teaming up a second time with Nikola Tesla, investigating art forgery, and using the fledgling science of psychology to out the era’s most elusive murderers. Season 3 was nominated for five Gemini^® Awards, including best writing. Season 1 is currently airing on public television via APT and a fourth season has already been produced (13 episodes) “Smart, fast-paced fun” —The Globe and Mail

May 17:

The Feathered Serpent Complete Series – U.S. debut of the cult classic set in ancient Mexico. Beloved actor Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who, The Omen) stars as the villainous high priest Nasca in this captivating 1976 ITV drama, which is available to U.S. audiences for the first time with its DVD release. Packed with court intrigue, political maneuvering, and romance, The Feathered Serpent boasts lavish costumes, elaborate sets, literate scripts, and timeless themes: loyalty, courage, heroism, and the battle between good and evil. (All 12 episodes from its two seasons.)

Circles of Deceit (U.S. Debut) – Riveting spy thriller, featuring an outstanding ensemble cast makes its U.S. debut. Dennis Waterman (New Tricks) stars as an ex-SAS operative freelancing for the British government in these four, tightly plotted and suspenseful, full-length dramas. Circles of Deceit features several top British actors, including guest stars Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius, Cadfael, Discovering Hamlet), Corin Redgrave, John Hannah (The Mummy), and Leo McKern (Rumpole of the Bailey) as well as Peter Vaughan (The Remains of the Day) Kate Buffery (Trial & Retribution), and Clare Higgins (Silent Witness), and Susan Jameson (New Tricks). The episodes aired in the U.K. from 1993-96, but the complete series is available to U.S. audiences for the first time with this DVD release.

May 31:

Genius of Britain: The Scientists Who Changed the World (U.S. Debut) – Bringing the history of scientific progress in Britain to vivid life, this new documentary examines the inventions and innovations of Britain’s brightest minds, featuring Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, James Dyson, and David Attenborough discussing their heroes. Includes Bonus Program: Stephen Hawking and the Theory of Everything. Broadcast on the U.K’s Channel 4 in May 2010 and available to U.S. audiences for the first time with its DVD release, this five-part series offers an enthralling look at the personalities behind some of the world’s greatest discoveries – from the invention of the steam engine to the discovery of DNA. (5 episodes).

The Red Green Show: The Midlife Crisis Years (Seasons 2000-2002) – From the classic Canadian comedy series and longstanding PBS hit comes the collected Seasons 10-12 (2000-2002) and the DVD debut of the 2002 season. Creator and star Steve Smith is a mastermind of north-of-the-border handyman humor with widespread appeal. Currently appearing at venues throughout the U.S., Smith’s multi-year tour continues to sell out. Akin to Home Improvement, which also debuted in 1991. (54 episodes) The 2002 Season is also available on May 31st as an individual season set.

June 7:

New Tricks Season 4 (DVD Debut) – Fourth season of the smash hit U.K. crime series seen on public television. The series features a brilliant cast, top guest stars, deft writing, and an irresistible blend of compelling drama and dry humor. Amanda Redman (Sexy Beast, Demob) leads a motley crew of semi-retired detectives investigating cold cases. Broadcast on the BBC for seven seasons with an eighth season currently in production, New Tricks co-stars Dennis Waterman (The Sweeney, Circles of Deceit), Alun Armstrong (Garrow’s Law, Bleak House), and James Bolam (The Beiderbecke Affair). (8 episodes)

Robin of Sherwood, Set 1(Blu-ray) – Definitive retelling of the Robin Hood legend makes its Blu-ray debut with more than eight hours of extras. Broadcast on PBS and Showtime as Robin Hood, the superb ensemble cast features Michael Praed (Dynasty) as Robin of Loxley, Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Departed) as Will Scarlet, and Nickolas Grace (Brideshead Revisited) as Sheriff of Nottingham. This lavishly produced 1980’s British series combines elements of history, myth and magic with a healthy dose of action. Set 1 features all 13 episodes from Series 1 and 2. Shot entirely on location in England’s castles and countryside, the set brings the centuries-old legend to vivid life in stunning high-definition. Includes a wealth of extras including 5 episode commentaries, behind-the-scenes documentary, outtakes, photo galleries, and much more.

Coming Soon:

June 21: Agatha Christie’s Marple: Complete Series 5 Blu-ray debut, Agatha Christie’s Marple: The Pale Horse DVD debut, Weapons Races, Under the Hammer, and Wired

June 28: The Far Pavilions (re-issue) and George Gently Series 3 (Blu-ray and DVD).

July 5: The Making of the President (Athena)

July 12: Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Movie Collection, Set 6 (Blu-ray and DVD)

Jan-April, 2011:

Upstairs, Downstairs Complete Series: 40^th Anniversary Edition, the most popular and successful British drama series in television history in a 21-disc collection with 25+ hours of never-before-seen extras; Discovering Hamlet featuring Kenneth Branagh and Derek Jacobi; Garrow’s Law, Series 1 (U.S. Debut), a riveting new courtroom drama series seen on BBC; Single-Handed, Set 1 (U.S. Debut), a lone cop fights crime and corruption in rural Ireland in an award-winning crime series; Blue Murder: The Complete Collection, called “The most fascinating British female cop since Jane Tennison” (San Francisco Chronicle); Man in a Suitcase, Set 1 (DVD Debut), stylish action-packed 1960s spy series; Bill Moyers: In Search of the Constitution and World of Ideas-Writers; Midsomer Murders Set 17 (U.S. Debut); The Norman Conquests (DVD Debut), Alan Ayckbourn’s Emmy®-nominated trilogy seen on PBS; Napoleon & Love starring Ian Holm (The Lord of the Rings); Murder Investigation Team, Series 1 (DVD Debut); Who Do You Think You Are? Season 1 (DVD Debut), NBC and Lisa Kudrow’s star-studded family history series; The Red Green Show: The Delinquent Years (Seasons 7-9, 1997-1999); The Genius of Design (DVD Debut), fun, fast-paced and informative BBC documentary; The Cosmos: A Beginner’s Guide (U.S. Debut), captivating BBC documentary series; Bill Moyers: The Language of Life (DVD Debut); Lorna Doone (DVD Debut), Clive Owen, Polly Walker (Caprica, Rome), and Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings) star in R.D. Blackmore’s beloved novel; A Mind to Kill, Series 3 (U.S. Debut), final series of the gritty, character-driven Welsh detective drama.

Select 2010 Releases:

Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection, Oscar® and Emmy® winner Helen Mirren in her iconic, groundbreaking TV role; Foyle’s War Set 6, one of the most highly acclaimed and popular programs on PBS; Life on Mars: The Complete UK Collection, the award-winning, original U.K. police drama; Slings & Arrows: The Complete Collection (Blu-ray); Agatha Christie’s Poirot: The Murder on the Orient Express (Blu-ray) starring David Suchet; Poldark Series 1 and 2 (DVD Debuts); Cadfael: The Complete Collection starring Derek Jacobi; and Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers.