"Actor: Ricky Tomlinson"

• 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

• The Royle Family - The Complete Series 3 | DVD | (19/11/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  On paper, The Royle Family doesn't sound that promising: a working-class family from Manchester sit in their cluttered living room, watch the telly and argue over domestic details (the arrival of a telephone bill, for instance, provides the big dramatic event of the first episode, which aired in September 1998). But from such small everyday incidents, Royle Family creators Caroline Aherne and Dave Best (who play young couple Denise and Dave) have crafted one of the most successful shows on British television--a comedy about the joys and frustrations of family life that's warm, honest and very, very funny. It's Britain's answer to The Simpsons, whose success the show rivalled when it started broadcasting on BBC2 (the programme jumped channels to BBC1 for its second series). Now in its third series, The Royle Family has seen its characters develop like real folk. Denise and Dave got married and now have a little sprog; Barbara starts menopause (how many sit-coms are brave enough to use that for laughs?) and Denise's kid brother Anthony shakes off his surly adolescence when he turned 18 in series two. Unlike Oasis--who provide the shows theme song "Halfway Round the World"--this programme just keeps getting better. But no soap--not even Brookside in its dafter moments--has one-liners as brilliantly crafted as The Royle Family's. Slouched in his armchair, Jim's dour running commentary on the TV shows that are on at the time are particularly priceless. Changing Rooms, for instance, boils down to "a cockney knocking nails into plywood... Is this what it's come to?" Not quite; as long as the Royle Family are around, there is something worthwhile to watch. --Edward Lawrenson

• Cracker | DVD | (12/05/2003) from £49.99   |  Saving you £20.00 (40.01%)   |  RRP £69.99

  First screened in 1993, Jimmy McGovern's Cracker was at once a variation on a familiar theme and a daring new departure from the run-of-the-mill cop show. Robbie Coltrane's Fitz is an independent criminal psychologist called in by the police to help them crack intractable cases, usually involving grisly serial murders. But like its Granada TV stablemate Prime Suspect, Cracker also delves deep into the main characters' personal lives, revealing a chaos of emotional entanglements that become increasingly inseparable from their professional duties. Robbie Coltrane's charismatic presence dominates: the contrast between Fitz's professionalism and his complete inability to diagnose his own psychological failings provides much of the show's dramatic impetus. His frequent interrogations of murder suspects are tour de force demonstrations of coolly analytical method shot through with biting humour. But his drunken, intemperate behaviour towards his wife and everyone else is a telling contrast of extremes, and one that creates dangerous resentment among his colleagues. Coltrane is supported by a strong cast that includes Barbara Flynn, Geraldine Somerville, Lorcan Cranitch (as the terrifyingly unstable DS Jimmy Beck), Christopher Eccleston, and a pre-Royle Family Ricky Tomlinson. McGovern's screenplays balance gritty, Manchester-based realism with splendidly mordant wit, making Cracker simply riveting viewing. On the DVD: This complete Cracker 10-disc box set contains all three series that ran from 1993-95. The feature-length episodes are: "The Mad Woman in the Attic", "Say I Love You", "One Day a Lemming Will Fly" (Series 1); "Be a Somebody", "The Big Crunch", "Men Should Weep" (Series 2); "Brotherly Love", "Best Boys", "True Romance" (Series 3); "White Ghost" (1996 special). --Mark Walker

• 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

• Once Upon A Time In the Midlands | DVD | (06/04/2020) from £12.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Dek and Shirley live together with Marlene, Shirley's daughter by the sexy delinquent Jimmy, who skedaddles years ago and hasn't been heard from since. Decent-but-dull Dek loves television. Like every other person Shirley has ever met, Jimmy witnesses Dek's TV proposal and he returns to town, convinced that his nerdy rival doesn't stand a chance against a renewed romantic assault from the great love of her life. The race is on for Shirley's affections, and Dek's the one driving the Ford Sierra.

• The Royle Family Album - Complete Collection Plus Specials | DVD | (31/05/2010) from £19.99   |  Saving you £20.00 (100.05%)   |  RRP £39.99

  Sit down put your feet up light a fag and join Britain's first family in their sitting room for the complete three series of The Royle Family as well as the Christmas specials and the Finale episode! The Royle Family is a real-life comedy set in a Manchester council house. Imagine a secret camera placed in the living room of an average working class family. The intense drama and emotions of everyday life such as whose turn it is to go to the off-licence is set against the continuous hum of the television. The rosy hue of their life is yellowed only by a nicotine haze. Series 1: 1. Bills Bills Bills 2. Making Ends Meet 3. Sunday Afternoon 4. Jim's Birthday 5. Another Woman? 6. The Wedding Day Series 2: 1. Pregnancy 2. Sunday Lunch 3. Nana's Coming To Stay 4. Nana's Staying! 5. Barbara's Finally Had Enough Series 3: 1. Hello Baby Dave 2. Babysitting Again 3. Decorating 4. Elise Funeral 5. Antony's Going To London 6. The Christening Also includes the 1999 2000 and 2008 Christmas Special episodes as well as the Finale!

• 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.

• Dockers | DVD | (29/03/2004) from £4.98   |  Saving you £1.01 (20.28%)   |  RRP £5.99

  Dockers is a landmark one-off drama suspended somewhere between Ken Loach and Alan Bleasdale's Boys from the Blackstuff. A striking Channel Four production Dockers dramatises the infamous struggle that developed when five Merseyside dockworkers were fired for refusing to work overtime with no pay, and gained the support of co-workers who wouldn't cross their picket line. As a result, those who stood in solidarity with the original five were sacked as well--500 in total--leading to a two-year stand-off. Co-written by award-winning screenwriters Jimmy McGovern (Cracker) and Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting), the two-year ordeal is brought home with startling reality, not least because of the contribution of the real-life Liverpool dockers who helped develop the script in extensive writing workshops, lending the film an authenticity it might have otherwise lacked. While the narrative hangs around the moving central story of one family in which both father and son are caught up in the strike, dramatic conflicts develop on multiple levels: between father and son; between the families of the sacked workers (this is particularly well realised as one long-time friend, played by The Royle Family's Ricky Tomlinson, turns scab); and between the workers and the union that betrays them. Ken Stott and Crissy Rock (Ladybird, Ladybird) are outstanding as the central working-class couple, old before their time at 47, and if nothing else, the film reveals one further reason why Liverpool loved Robbie Fowler quite so ferociously: during post-goal celebrations, Fowler lifts his jersey to reveal a T-shirt emblazoned with a message of support for the wronged dockers, ensuring national attention for the action at a time when all hope seemed lost. --Tricia Tuttle

• The 51st State (Dual Format Edition) | Blu Ray | (16/10/2017) from £18.75   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  American pharmacologist Elmo McElroy (Samuel L. Jackson) has created a powerful new party drug called POS-51 and is now on his way to Liverpool, England, where he hopes to sell the formula to crimelord Leopold Durant (Ricky Tomlinson). When he arrives, Durant's henchman Felix DeSouza (Robert Carlyle) escorts him to the meeting, which quickly disperses when assassin Dakota (Emily Mortimer) makes an attempt on the American's life. In the midst of the ensuing chaos, McElroy and DeSouza team up and begin looking for a fresh buyer for POS-51.

• The Royle Family Album - The Complete Collection | DVD | (01/09/2008) from £17.94   |  Saving you £32.05 (178.65%)   |  RRP £49.99

  Sit down put your feet up light a fag and join Britain's first family in their sitting room for the complete three series of The Royle Family as well as the Christmas specials and the Finale episode! The Royle Family is a real-life comedy set in a Manchester council house. Imagine a secret camera placed in the living room of an average working class family. The intense drama and emotions of everyday life such as whose turn it is to go to the off-licence is set against the continuous hum of the television. The rosy hue of their life is yellowed only by a nicotine haze. Series 1: 1. Bills Bills Bills 2. Making Ends Meet 3. Sunday Afternoon 4. Jim's Birthday 5. Another Woman? 6. The Wedding Day Series 2: 1. Pregnancy 2. Sunday Lunch 3. Nana's Coming To Stay 4. Nana's Staying! 5. Barbara's Finally Had Enough Series 3: 1. Hello Baby Dave 2. Babysitting Again 3. Decorating 4. Elise Funeral 5. Antony's Going To London 6. The Christening Also includes the 1999 and 2000 Christmas Special episodes as well as the Finale!

• Gloves Off | DVD | (01/10/2018) from £6.59   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Doug was an amazing fighter, a less amazing businessman. Saddled with a gym in debt with a market more interested in virtual boxing than the real thing, he is drowning on the contents of a poisoned chalice. Now he has to try to save his beloved gym from being turned into a modern chain-gym with Yoga and Zumba by training a gentle giant for a bare-knuckle fight that has a purse big enough to solve all his problems, and then some.

• Ricky Tomlinson - Football My Arse | DVD | (08/11/2010) from £6.29   |  Saving you £13.70 (217.81%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Ricky Tomlinson master storyteller and football nut takes you hilariously through a journey of the funniest gaffes and cock-ups of the beautiful - and occasionally ridiculous - game. Presented with Ricky Tomlinson's trademark wit this is a bright and brilliantly entertaining collection that will delight and tickle football fans everywhere.

• Raining Stones | DVD | (29/04/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Raining Stones is classic Ken Loach--an overtly bleak piece of drama shot through with defiant humour, a story of life beyond the edge of society. Bob (Bruce Jones in a role that foreshadows his more ludicrous Coronation Street character) is unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, especially with the added pressure of his young daughter's first communion and the expense involved. And that's it really--one man's struggle to maintain his dignity and provide for his family. Despite the film's frequent moments of comedy (more often than not provided by Loach regular Ricky Tomlinson), Raining Stones is ultimately more than a little disheartening. The film is in many ways similar to Loach's previous film, Riff Raff (1991), but here the examples of a community pulling together are countered with backstabbing and exploitation. In the end, there are no winners or losers in Loach's world, only those who survive and those who don't. --Phil Udell

• The Royle Family - The Complete First Series | DVD | (06/11/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  On paper, The Royle Family doesn't sound that promising: a working-class family from Manchester sit in their cluttered living room, watch the telly and argue over domestic details (the arrival of a telephone bill, for instance, provides the big dramatic event of the first episode, which aired in September 1998). But from such small everyday incidents, Royle Family creators Caroline Aherne and Dave Best (who play young couple Denise and Dave) have crafted one of the most successful shows on British television: a comedy about the joys and frustrations of family life that's warm, honest and very, very funny--Britain's answer to The Simpsons, whose success the show rivalled when it started broadcasting on BBC2 (the programme jumped channels to BBC1 for its second series).The Royle Family marked an on-screen reunion for Brookside-actors Ricky Tomlinson (who plays bearded, big-hearted, banjo-playing Jim Royle) and Sue Johnston as his wife Barbara, the driving force behind the Royle household. It is smart casting because The Royle Family is as much a soap opera as a situation comedy. Now in its third series, The Royle Family has seen its characters develop like real folk. Denise and Dave got married and now have a little sprog; Barbara starts menopause (how many sitcoms are brave enough to use that for laughs?) and Denise's kid brother Anthony shakes off his surly adolescence when he turned 18 in series two. Unlike Oasis, who provide the shows theme song "Halfway Round the World", this programme just keeps getting better.But no soap--not even Brookside in its dafter moments--has one-liners as brilliantly crafted as The Royle Family. (The scripts from the series are available to buy.) Slouched in his armchair, Jim's dour running commentary on the TV shows that are on at the time are particularly priceless: Changing Rooms, for instance, boils down to "a Cockney knocking nails into plywood... Is this what its come to?" Not quite: because as long as the Royle Family are around, there is something worthwhile to watch. --Edward Lawrenson

• Once Upon A Time In The Midlands | DVD | (29/09/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  When Jimmy sees Dek's failed marriage proposal on national TV he rides into town with only one thing on his mind: to win back the woman and child he left behind...

• Robbie The Reindeer In Hooves Of Fire | DVD | (27/11/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £4.99

  Robbie the Reindeer is as short as many of the made-for-TV classics that have preceded it. However, so much action, zippy dialogue and witty visual puns have been packed into its 29-minute running time that you'd swear it was longer. The content of the film, like many new animations and cartoons, is geared slightly in favour of older audiences, because of its sexual innuendos and adult comedy, but the kids will love the slapstick comedy and loveable characters. Robbie's father is another stop-motion favourite, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and pop is keen to see his loveable--but lazy--son follow in his famous hoof prints. The adult theme continues in the shape of the storyline, which was actually inspired more by Rocky than by Rudolph. As in Rocky, there's a supportive female (Donner) and a crusty trainer (Old Jingle). Together they help Robbie get in shape for the Reindeer Games, where he'll have the chance to show Santa whether he has the right stuff or not. Fans of Aardman Animations should appreciate the detailed animation and clever humour. The cream of Britain's comic crop provides the voices, including Jane Horrocks as Donner. Robbie Williams narrates the story, and Mark Knopfler provides the music. --Kathleen C Fennessy, Amazon.com

• The Royle Family - Series 1 | DVD | (15/05/2006) from £4.40   |  Saving you £15.59 (354.32%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The Royle Family is a real-life comedy set in a Manchester council house. Imagine a secret camera placed in the living room of an average working class family. The intense drama and emotions of everyday life such as whose turn it is to go to the off-licence is set against the continuous hum of the television. The rosy hue of their life is yellowed only by a nicotine haze. Episodes Comprise: 1. Bills Bills Bills 2. Making Ends meet! 3. Sunday Afternoon 4. Jim

• Cracker - To Be A Somebody | DVD | (16/10/2006) from £9.46   |  Saving you £3.53 (37.32%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Albie Kinsella (Robert Carlyle) is at his father's funeral. This death compounded by Albie's marriage breakdown triggers some kind of post traumatic stress disorder and when an Asian newsagent refuses him 4p credit something snaps and Albie murders him. Initially shocked by his actions Albie tries to justify this needless killing with a twisted logic a logic which threatens the whole community. Convinced that this murder bears all the hallmark of a racist attack the police centre their investigation around local fascist sympathisers. However when all leads prove fruitless and another psychologist's profile is undermined Fitz's expertise is required. Fitz has to unlock the force that drives Albie to commit murder a philosophy that has no reason and is potentially explosive.

• Riff Raff | DVD | (29/04/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Although not of a genre readily associated with Ken Loach, Riff Raff is basically a romantic comedy--albeit one set against the backdrop of political and social injustice. Robert Carlyle is young Glaswegian Stevie, newly relocated to London and sleeping rough. He finds a job on a building site and embarks on a relationship with Irish singer Susan (McCourt). The struggle that both the couple and their friends and workmates (the film is very much an ensemble piece) have to endure just to survive life on the margins of society paints a grim picture of early 1990s Britain, but also one that is shot through with resilient humour. Much of this comes from from Ricky Tomlinson's sublime performance, one that pre-dates his Royle Family role but bears all the hallmarks of his comic genius. Some of the political interjections are understandably a little dated and a touch heavy-handed, but Riff Raff is a film that successfully combines a sense of righteous indignation with a warm heart. --Phil Udell

• The Royle Family - Series 3 | DVD | (15/05/2006) from £6.92   |  Saving you £13.07 (65.40%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Sit down put your feet up light a fag and join Britain's first family in their sitting room for the complete third series of The Royle Family. The Royle Family is a real-life comedy set in a Manchester council house. Imagine a secret camera placed in the living room of an average working class family. The intense drama and emotions of everyday life such as whose turn it is to go to the off-licence is set against the continuous hum of the television. The rosy hue of their life