"Actor: Robert Rae"

• Robin Of Sherwood - Series 2 - Episodes 1 To 4 | DVD | (01/07/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  The 1984 incarnation of Robin of Sherwood had a crucial ingredient that the traditional tale previously lacked: magic. Creator Richard Carpenter combined his knowledge of Medieval England with a rich store of Arthurian-style folklore to create a world where wizards and witches rub shoulders with Norman knights and Anglo-Saxon peasants. Michael Praeds enthusiastic performance in the lead is matched by the sheer energy of all involved. There may be pauses for a spiritual tête á tête with forest demi-god Herne the Hunter, but swordplay and archery are never far behind. Wrapped in the forests gorgeous greens and pools of shadow the show maintained a perfectly believable look, supported by what should have been (but wasnt) glaringly anachronistic music from Clannad. Best of all, however, is the crackling dialogue that still makes for compelling (and magical) viewing, especially when it comes from guest actors such as John Rhys-Davies as King Richard. On the DVD: Contained here are all six episodes of Season One. The two-part pilot is a terrific introduction to the familiar characters such as Ray Winstones roughhouse Will Scarlet and unexpected new ones such as Mark Ryan as Nasir, "the Boba Fett of Sherwood". Camaraderie on-screen and off was legendary. Its rare to see a cast having so much fun. This exceptional three-disc box set features one of the best extras packages any TV show has been given. The original 4:3 picture is enhanced for 16:9, but the new Dolby Surround track is the real delight (the show was broadcast in mono). Quickie fare includes key cast biographies, Clannads promo video, 175 photos and eight minutes of genuinely hilarious outtakes. The real meat comes from the misty-eyed yet fact-filled commentaries from creator Richard Carpenter and director Ian Sharp on four of the episodes. Theyre only just eclipsed by a brand-new hour-long documentary interviewing everyone involved. Finally, the 1983 Electric Theatre Show 25-minute documentary on the making of the show explores the characters origins and previous screen incarnations. The third disc includes everything shot for that documentary, adding up to several hours of raw footage.--Paul Tonks

• Mozart - Idomeneo - Britten | DVD | (09/06/2008) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  This DVD is part of the Britten-Pears DVD Collection. This collection features four historically and musically significant films from the BBC archives of works and performances by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears one of the greatest English tenors and Britten's long-term partner and artistic inspiration. None of these films have been available before on any home video format. This colour film recording of Mozart's Idomeneo dates from a period when Mozart's first mature masterpiece was barely known. This may indeed be the first-ever film of the opera. Conducted by Benjamin Britten using his own performing edition the opera is sung in English with Peter Pears singing Idomeneo - the only film recording with Peter Pears in the title role. The cast also includes renowned British soprano Heather Harper and a young Robert Tear. Each act begins with a spoken introduction from John Warrack revered music historian and academic.

• Playaz Court | DVD | (19/04/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  A gritty tale of how the game of life plays out on the courts of Inglewood. When a street ball game turns deadly Reggie (Arlen Escarpeta) is out for blood as he tracks down his best friend's killer and returns to the scene to finish him off. Confused and confronted with mixed stories the other players agree they can't shoot him without a trial. One yes vote one bullet. In this court you only get one shot to live...

• Robin Of Sherwood - Series 2 - Episodes 5 To 7 | DVD | (01/07/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  The Swords of Wayland (Parts 1 and 2): Robin and the outlaws leave Sherwood to defend a distant village from the Hounds of Lucifer eerily clad horsemen who terrorise the neighbourhood. They are the servants of a powerful coven ruled by Morgwyn of Ravenscar. The coven's purpose is to find the seven swords of Wayland to use for a ritual invoking Lucifer - the devil. One of the seven swords is Albion entrusted to Robin Hood by the mysterious hooded god of the forest Herne. Albion eventually falls into Morgwyn''s hands and she bewitches the outlaws to turn against their leader. Robin is alone locked in combat with the most powerful forces of darkness. The Greatest Enemy: The Sheriff threatened by King John with the loss of office should he fail to finally dispose of Robin Hood sets up a successful ambush. Only Robin Marion and Much escape. Pursued by hounds and men at arms they are flushed out of Sherwood to make an armed stand on a rocky outcrop. Their arrows wreak havoc amidst the heavy forces besetting them yet there can be little hope. Is this the end of Robin Hood?

• Robin Of Sherwood - Series 3 - Episodes 7 To 10 | DVD | (02/12/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  When Robin of Loxley transformed into Robert of Huntingdon in the third series of Robin of Sherwood, many viewers were understandably confused. Michael Praed left the series for reasons that never really became apparent while Jason Connery clearly wasn't a replacement chosen for similar looks or performance. Across the 13 episodes of the third series, Connery's choice became slowly apparent. The magical stories frequently dipped into darker territory as much as they aimed for uplifting humour. The new Hood was at ease with both, while reuniting the merry band and ultimately wooing the fair Marion all over again. Connery turned in a very confident embodiment of the character, clearly bonding well with the established team of actors. Guest stars lined up to contribute alongside him. Memorable appearances include those of Richard O'Brien, David Rappaport, Matt Frewer, Patricia Hodge, Ian Ogilvy and Lewis Collins. (It's fascinating to speculate how different things could have been if the close-second casting choice of Neil Morrissey had been pursued.) The strangest aspect of the series, however, is knowing in retrospect that everyone's confidence and merriment was for nothing. Scripts were written in readiness for the fourth series, but then the studio went bankrupt. Cliffhangers therefore remain that will confuse viewers far more than the lead's replacement. --Paul Tonks

• Robin Of Sherwood - Series 3 - Episodes 11 To 13 | DVD | (02/12/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  The Pretender: A noble young man rescued by Robin from the Duke of Gloucester's soldiers wants to join his band. The powerful Duke and his daughter ex-Queen Hadwisa are plotting against the King. There is no natural heir to the throne only a Pretender Prince Arthur of Brittany - son of the King's brother. Is this the man Robin has just saved? Rutterkin: Little John intends to elope with Meg of Wickham but their flight is halted by a mysterious mad pig lady who seems to have lost her charges. Lord Edgar uncle to Robin Hood comes to Nottingham to visit the King who is ill. While wandering through Sherwood rounding up pigs Robin encounters his uncle who claims to have been looking for him. It appears that the Earl of Huntingdon - Robin's father - is in great danger. The Time of the Wolf (Parts 1 and 2): King John is raising an army against the Welsh. He orders all the food from the villages to be collected to feed his army. Robin and his band are unwilling to stand by and let their friends starve so they prepare the Wickham villagers for action. Meanwhile at Grimston Abbey an old adversary of Robin's is practising his sorcery in most unusual ways.

• Robin Of Sherwood - Series 3 - Episodes 4 To 6 | DVD | (28/10/2002) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  When Robin of Loxley transformed into Robert of Huntingdon in the third series of Robin of Sherwood, many viewers were understandably confused. Michael Praed left the series for reasons that never really became apparent while Jason Connery clearly wasn't a replacement chosen for similar looks or performance. Across the 13 episodes of the third series, Connery's choice became slowly apparent. The magical stories frequently dipped into darker territory as much as they aimed for uplifting humour. The new Hood was at ease with both, while reuniting the merry band and ultimately wooing the fair Marion all over again. Connery turned in a very confident embodiment of the character, clearly bonding well with the established team of actors. Guest stars lined up to contribute alongside him. Memorable appearances include those of Richard O'Brien, David Rappaport, Matt Frewer, Patricia Hodge, Ian Ogilvy and Lewis Collins. (It's fascinating to speculate how different things could have been if the close-second casting choice of Neil Morrissey had been pursued.) The strangest aspect of the series, however, is knowing in retrospect that everyone's confidence and merriment was for nothing. Scripts were written in readiness for the fourth series, but then the studio went bankrupt. Cliffhangers therefore remain that will confuse viewers far more than the lead's replacement. --Paul Tonks

• Classic Sherlock Holmes | DVD | (04/04/2005) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  3 Classic Sherlock Holmes movies of the silver screen starring Basil Rathbone and 8 classic TV episodes starring Ronald Howard.

• Blood Letting | DVD | (03/12/2012) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Chief Inspector Birkett (Ian Hendry) and Sergeant Saunders (Ronald Fraser) are called in to investigate the murder of a glamorous model. They discover that the murdered girl has led a chequered life and that her acquaintances include drug pushers. Jordan Barker (Jeremy Brett) and Hammond Barker (Peter Arne) are reluctant to help but when the police finally make an arrest another murder occurs in a seedy Soho Jazz caf. But are the two murders connected?

• Zion Canyon Treasure Of The Gods | DVD | (30/08/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99