"Actor: Caroline John"

• Doc Martin - Series 2 | DVD | (03/04/2006) from £4.28   |  Saving you £15.71 (367.06%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The grumpy Doctor Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) is back for a follow-up appointment in this the second series of the hit ITV comedy-drama. Featuring all 8 episodes! Episodes Comprise: 1. Old Dogs 2. In Loco 3. Blood is Thicker 4. Aromatherapy 5. Always on my Mind 6. The Family Way 7. Out of the Woods 8. Erotomania

• Tuesdays With Morrie | DVD | (30/06/2003) from £8.34   |  Saving you £-2.35 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  If the idea of an Oprah Winfrey-produced film detailing the last days of a dying man and his inspirational effect on those left behind sounds a little cloying, Tuesdays with Morrie will be a rather pleasant surprise. While the presentation of this true story is certainly very American in tone, and it was obviously made for television (the points where it faded to commercial breaks are clear), it's still a surprisingly satisfying piece of work. The credit for that can firmly be laid at the door of Jack Lemmon, appearing in what was to be his last film. He excels as the terminally ill college professor Morrie Schwartz, determined to use his passing as a medium for teaching others about life. Still showing signs of the spark that made the movies of his heyday so memorable, Lemmon is also capable of bringing a magnificent pathos to the role. Co-star Hank Azaria is a more-than-equal foil, instilling his character with a growing awareness of self that blossoms before the viewer. Yes, at times it is a little too schmaltzy for its own good, but Tuesdays with Morrie is a film capable of visiting emotional extremes with ease. On the DVD: A very scanty package, with the usual scene access and Dolby Digital stereo accompanied by a text-only resume of the movie and the briefest of biographies of its cast--in Lemmon's case a massively ineffectual effort.--Phil Udell

• Men Behaving Badly - Series 5 | DVD | (03/07/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The ultimate small-screen representation of Loaded-era lad culture--albeit a culture constantly being undermined by its usually sharper female counterpart--there seems little argument that Men Behaving Badly was one of 1990s' definitive sitcoms. Certainly the booze-oriented, birds-obsessed antics of Martin Clunes' Gary and Neil Morrissey's Tony have become every bit as connected to Britain's collective funny bone as Basil Fawlty's inept hostelry or Ernie Wise's short, hairy legs. Yet, the series could easily have been cancelled when ITV viewers failed to respond to the original version, which featured Clunes sharing his flat with someone named Dermot, played by Harry Enfield. Indeed, it was only when the third series moved to the BBC and was then broadcast in a post-watershed slot--allowing writer Simon Nye greater freedom to explore his characters' saucier ruminations--that the show began to gain a significant audience. By then, of course, Morrissey had become firmly ensconced on the collective pizza-stained sofa, while more screen time was allocated to the boys' respective foils, Caroline Quentin and Leslie Ash. Often glibly dismissed as a lame-brained succession of gags about sex and flatulence, the later series not only featured great performances and sharp-as-nails writing but also sported a contemporary attitude that dared to go where angels, and certainly most other sitcoms, feared to tread. Or, as Gary was once moved to comment about soft-porn lesbian epic Love in a Women's Prison: "It's a serious study of repressed sexuality in a pressure-cooker environment." Series 5 includes: "Hair" in which Tony returns from holiday to discover Dorothy has convinced Gary she should move in. And that Tony should move out; "The Good Pub Guide" in which our heroes are dismayed when The Crown gets a new look and new landlord (The Fast Show's John Thomson). Tony rescues the pub's old condom machine as a present for Deborah ("I thought it was something we could enjoy together."); "Cowardice" in which Tony becomes convinced Deborah is going through a lesbian phase; "Your Mate Vs Your Bird" in which increased tension in the household persuades Dorothy to reconsider her living arrangements; "Cardigan" in which Gary, concerned he's becoming middle-aged, suggests they go to a rave; "Rich and Fat" in which Tony goes on a diet after Gary accuses him of being "a bit of a podgemeister"; "Home Made Sauna" in which temptation comes Gary's way when Dorothy and Deborah go away for a sailing weekend. The DVD version also features aquiz.

• The Very Best Of The Royle Family | DVD | (25/11/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Spanning the three series of this superb sitcom, The Very Best of The Royle Family is a prime taster for those not familiar with the series. Co-created by Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash, who star as Denise and Dave respectively, The Royle Family deserves its own comedic category. They had a hard fight persuading the BBC to leave a laughter track off the show, which would have disrupted its unique ambience and chemistry. Never departing from the house of lazy, good-for-nothing but defiantly sardonic Jim Royle (Ricky Tomlinson) and wife Barbara (Sue Johnston), The Royle Family chronicles the everyday chat and banal comings and goings of this Northern household, which barely qualifies as "working" class, since mostly they are slumped on the sofa in front of the telly in a cathode-induced stupor. Confused viewers waiting for something to "happen" in the conventional sitcom manner will be disappointed. What they'll get instead is an irresistible stream of dialogue that captures unerringly the humdrum cadences of "ordinary" people. These episodes capture the Royles in customary, festive mood--Denise's marriage, Christmas, baby David's birthday party and so forth--which is good, as we get to see more of Liz Smith's magnificent Nana. As each seemingly inconsequential scene vividly illustrates, this is hardly a romanticised family. Denise is an appallingly negligent mother, there's probably never been a green vegetable in the house, most of their friends, including Darren, are well dodgy, and mum Barbara is unfairly put-upon ("Eh, I've been so busy this morning I haven't had time to smoke", she laments at one point). Yet undoubtedly, unlike their regal counterparts, this Royle Family are close-knit, somehow getting by. The family that watches telly together stays together. On the DVD: The Very Best of the Royle Family, disappointingly, has no extra features. --David Stubbs

• Holding On | DVD | (01/08/2005) from £20.00   |  Saving you £4.99 (24.95%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Starring David Morrisey this is a tapestry of interwoven personal stories featuring more than 25 characters. All are united by their efforts to survive in London in the 1990s. Starkly contemporary fast-paced and unsentimental occasionally shocking and often funny the tales build towards climaxes that are sometimes cataclysmic sometimes healing.

• Sharpe's Regiment / Sharpe's Siege | DVD | (12/08/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe (1993-7) ran to 14 full-length television films that follow the adventures of the titular soldier through the later years of the Napoleonic Wars. The programmes are an outstanding achievement for the small screen, dominated by Sean Bean's central performance as the heroic, troubled outsider who turns out to be a resourceful and loyal leader. Bolstered by a strong supporting cast, particularly Daragh O'Malley as Harper and (in later episodes) Abigail Cruttenden as Jane, Sharpe is often visually striking, the action tense and gripping. Consistency is maintained by all 14 episodes being directed by Tom Clegg. On the DVD: Sharpe's sound is full-bodied stereo while the very "sharp" picture has been transferred slightly letterboxed at 14:9. Though looking much better than the original TV transmissions the occasionally cropped framing makes it apparent the films were shot in 16:9 widescreen, so it is regrettable they have not been transferred to DVD in that format. Otherwise these are first-rate releases. --Gary S Dalkin

• The Royle Family: The Complete Collection | DVD | (07/10/2013) from £18.98   |  Saving you £12.27 (69.24%)   |  RRP £29.99

  Iconic, multi-award winning comedy from Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash, The Royle Family is an unusual sitcom in that the action - or lack of it - mostly takes place in the living room of the Royle's house. Together they slump into comfortable yet tatty chairs, sip from endless cups of tea and are entertained by the drone of the always-on TV set in the corner. However, it's the show's subtle humour and surprisingly poignant moments that have seen it become a modern comedy classic. This collection includes all 20 episodes from the hit BBC series, plus the specials 'The Queen of Sheba', 'The New Sofa', 'The Golden Egg Cup', 'Joe's Crackers' and 'Barbara's Old Ring' The Queen of ShebaTension mounts in the Royle household as the family contemplates the prospect of becoming fully laminated throughout. Dr Mahmood prescribes new medication for Nana in the form of yellow tablets. These turn out to be the same colour as the tablets that Joe was prescribed for the swelling when he got his mickey stuck in his zip. Meanwhile, a mysterious ginger visitor reminds Nana of her favourite musical. Unmissable! The New SofaIt's a right Royle Christmas as Jim and Barbara go round to Denise and Dave's for Christmas Dinner. Dave's parents are also invited for what's supposed to be a Nigella-inspired Denise at her culinary best... so who knows what to expect! The Golden Egg CupThere's a real buzz in the Royle Family household as it's a special time for Jim and Barbara and a celebration (including hula-hoops, twiglets and scotch eggs) is planned. Poor Mary from next door can't be present though as, sadly; she has lost all bladder control and leaked in both the pound shop and John Lewis... Joe's Cracker'sIt's Christmas day at the Royle's and Barbara is up to her eyes in it as Jim is out of action due to an unfortunate incident in the supermarket. Dave and Denise are obviously feeling the coalition the most and worry that Anthony's lavish gifts will eclipse their gift of a fridge magnet. Joe reminisces about a tipsy evening of naked wrestling in front of the fire with Bobby Carter. Barbara's Old RingIt's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The Royle's and Barbara's gone overboard with the presents. 'If you can't spoil your family at Christmas when can you?' she asks, having spent a whole two hours in Poundland. A new neighbour moves on to the street with an impressive cleavage but will she be welcome on the sofa? In a flash of seasonal entrepreneurial spirit Dave reveals the idea he intends to pitch to Dragon's Den. Will it take off and make them rich? Or is Jim's scratch card more likely to bring in the Christmas cheer? Joe, next door, is looking for love and places an advert in the Lonely Hearts column, 'Vacant Lady Wanted'. Who could resist? Special Features: The Royle Family Children In Need Special Deleted Scenes Outtakes Cast Interviews

• A Touch of Frost: Series 6 | DVD | (06/09/2004) from £12.10   |  Saving you £12.89 (106.53%)   |  RRP £24.99

  David Jason is the gritty and dogged Detective Inspector Jack Frost a man who has little time for paperwork or the orthodox approach. Featuring the complete series 6 of A Touch Of Frost. Episodes include: Appendix Man One Man's Meat Private Lives Keys To The Car.

• Rude Boy | DVD | (06/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Up-and-coming DJ Julius dreams of becoming the biggest Jamaican Dancehall star ever. Desperate to turn his dream into a reality he agrees to act as a drug mule for Jamaican crime lord Crown and his violent sidekick Gargon. In exchange they will supply him with a clean passport and visa. Arriving in L.A. Julius hooks up with drug kingpin and record label boss Biggs and takes a job as Biggs' main hitman. His dreams soon become a nightmare involving guns drugs and murderous double-dealings when he finds himself caught in the crossfire between Jamaican Yardies and LA gangbangers!

• The Royale Family | DVD | (26/01/2009) from £4.97   |  Saving you £8.02 (161.37%)   |  RRP £12.99

  A Nigella-inspired Denise decides that she will cook the Christmas dinner this year.

• Doctor Who - Spearhead From Space | DVD | (29/01/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Spearhead from Space" launched Doctor Who into the 1970s with not only a new Doctor, Jon Pertwee, but a new assistant, the scientist Liz Shaw (Caroline John) and a regular place in the show for UNIT and Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney). It also marked the debut of the programme in colour and saw the Doctor stranded on Earth after Patrick Troughton's last adventure, "The War Games" (1969). Not only that, but it proved the only serial in the show's history to be entirely shot both on film and location, giving it a uniquely cinematic feel. Regenerating in a country hospital, the Doctor finds himself helping the Brigadier investigate an unusual meteorite and its links with a sinister doll factory. The Autons are cybernetic killers--anticipating The Terminator by some 15 years--and the sequence in which they break through high-street shop windows to slaughter pedestrians remains a chilling highpoint of Doctor Who's entire history. Things do turn silly with a subplot involving a waxworks museum, while the ultimate battle with the Nestine consciousness is more likely to induce laughter than fear, but as vintage television nostalgia this is fast-moving splendidly characterised entertainment. --Gary S. DalkinOn the DVD: The remastered picture and sound are exceptional for a 1970 TV show. Obviously in 4:3 and mono, this DVD offers technical quality easily as good as many feature films. There is a very friendly, if not especially informative, commentary from Nicholas Courtney and Caroline John, and subtitles that offer background facts and figures. With an amusing five-minute recruiting film for UNIT, repeat trailers and a gallery including previously unpublished photos, this excellent DVD is a Doctor Who fan's dream come true. --Gary S. Dalkin

• Lord Peter Wimsey - Gaudy Night | DVD | (10/03/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Edward Petherbridge stars as Lord Peter Wimsey in this classic adaptation of the novel by Dorothy L. Sayers. Harriet Vane is invited to return to Shrewsbury College but someone is terrorising the faculty and the students of the college by sending vicious anonymous letters.

• The Fourth Protocol | DVD | (25/07/2005) from £13.90   |  Saving you £-7.91 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  On July 1 1968 America Britain and Russia signed a treaty to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. The powers then added four extra clauses. The most secret of them was and remains the final. One winter the Chairman of the KGB hatches a plan to breach this Fourth Protocol and destroy NATO. He sends an agent Major Petrofsky (Pierece Brosnan) to assemble the operation. It is now up to MI6 agent John Preston (Michael Caine) who now must race against an unknown deadline to stop him and his devasting mission. Based on the novel by the best-selling author Frederick Forsyth.

• Men Behaving Badly - Series 6 | DVD | (08/05/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The ultimate small-screen representation of Loaded-era lad culture--albeit a culture constantly being undermined by its usually sharper female counterpart--there seems little argument that Men Behaving Badly was one of 1990s' definitive sitcoms. Certainly the booze-oriented, birds-obsessed antics of Martin Clunes' Gary and Neil Morrissey's Tony have become every bit as connected to Britain's collective funny bone as Basil Fawlty's inept hostelry or Ernie Wise's short, hairy legs. Yet, the series could easily have been cancelled when ITV viewers failed to respond to the original version, which featured Clunes sharing his flat with someone named Dermot, played by Harry Enfield. Indeed, it was only when the third series moved to the BBC and was then broadcast in a post-watershed slot--allowing writer Simon Nye greater freedom to explore his characters' saucier ruminations--that the show began to gain a significant audience. By then, of course, Morrissey had become firmly ensconced on the collective pizza-stained sofa, while more screen time was allocated to the boys' respective foils, Caroline Quentin and Leslie Ash. Often glibly dismissed as a lame-brained succession of gags about sex and flatulence, the later series not only featured great performances and sharp-as-nails writing but also sported a contemporary attitude that dared to go where angels, and certainly most other sitcoms, feared to tread. Or, as Gary was once moved to comment about soft-porn lesbian epic Love in a Women's Prison: "It's a serious study of repressed sexuality in a pressure-cooker environment." Series 6 includes: "Stag Night" in which Gary agrees with Dorothy's suggestion they get married ("We've tried everything else.") provoking potentially disastrous stag-night shenanigans; "Wedding" in which Gary and Dorothy's wedding day fails to run smoothly. ("I don't want to get married--I haven't slept with enough women," he complains. "Do you want to squeeze one in?"); "Jealousy" in which the quartet make the grave error of going away for a weekend in the country; "Watching TV" concerns a quiet night in with Captain Kirk & Co ("On the Starship Enterprise, when no one's looking, do you think they all swivel round in their chairs really fast?"); "Ten" in which the communal boat is rocked by the simultaneous arrival of Dorothy's nephew and Deborah's mother; and "Sofa" in which Tony buys a snake. --Clark Collis The DVD version also features a quiz.

• Doctor Who - The Monsters Collection: The Silurians | DVD | (30/09/2013) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Take a trip through time and space to meet creatures and enemies that always came back for more... Doctor Who - The Monster Collection: The Silurians contains two exciting stories! The Silurians lived on Earth millions of years before humans. This reptile race was forced to hibernate and lay undiscovered for years until they eventually started to wake up... Doctor Who and The Silurians is a seven-part adventure from Jon Pertwee's first season as the Third Doctor in 1970. It introduced the Silurians to the series for the first time. The Hungry Earth and Cold Blood saw the return of the Silurians to Doctor Who in 2010. With an updated look here they fight the Eleventh Doctor played by Matt Smith.

• Sharpe's Justice / Sharpe's Waterloo | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £9.35   |  Saving you £5.64 (60.32%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Sharpe's Justice The Peninsular War is over and Sharpe returns to England with his reputation fully restored. He is soon ordered to the North of England to take command of a local militia force in his home town as it is troubled with unrest and machine-breakers. Sharpe finds that he is torn between two sides - that of the corrupt gentry and that of his own people the rough tough and spirited masses who are kept down by their superiors. He finds himself faced with one of the

• Men Behaving Badly - Jingle B***s! | DVD | (07/10/2002) from £8.04   |  Saving you £-2.05 (N/A%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Includes the classic Christmas special plus a bumper selection of outtakes and bloopers!

• Doctor Who - Inferno | DVD | (19/06/2006) from £9.56   |  Saving you £10.43 (109.10%)   |  RRP £19.99

  ""If you break through the Earth's crust now you'll release forces you never dreamed existed!"" 20th Century Earth: unhinged scientist Professor Stahlman is attempting the first penetration of the Earth's crust in a top secret drilling project called Inferno. His purpose? To tap into a new energy source at the core. But at what cost? When the Doctor is called in with his companion Liz Shaw to oversee the project he soon develops grave misgivings. Things begin to go very wrong

• The Stepfather 2 | DVD | (09/09/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  The family-slaughtering serial killer known as Jerry Blake has survived the stabbing by his stepdaughter and has been committed to a psychiatric hospital in Puget Sound. By playing on the new psychiatrist's naive desire to help he makes an escape. He then sets up a new identity as Gene Clifford whose death he reads in the newspaper and moves into the new Palm Meadows suburb which is being touted as the perfect family environment. There he pursues divorced realtor Carol Grayland and

• Jilly Cooper's Riders | DVD | (14/06/2004) from £79.99   |  Saving you £-70.00 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Set within the steamy world of international show jumping Rupert Campbell-Black ad Jake Lovell are top riders and sworn enemies both in and out of the ring. Their bitter rivalry has been escalating until it ultimately erupts at the Los Angeles Olympics with devastating conclusions. The first of the Rutshire chronicles Riders is an explosive mix of romance sex and adventure.