With last week’s Emmy Awards still fresh in our minds, this week we’re focusing on the best winners and nominees from 2011 currently available on Blu-ray. So if you’re stuck for ideas this weekend, why not try out one of the following?
Downton Abbey – Series 1
Scooping six awards at this year’s ceremony including Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Writing for Julian Fellowes and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Dame Maggie Smith, this fictional costume drama set during the reign of King George V set pulses racing and viewing figures soaring when it hit screens last autumn. Following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants, the first series dealt with various issues such as class, love, prejudice and fortune played out in the stunning grounds of Highclere Castle. Bonus features include a Making Of documentary filled with interviews from the cast and crew, while giving viewers some background on Fellowes’ ambition for the series. A House in History takes a look at real life at Highclere Castle and how the series uses this stunning location with comment from its current keeper, the Countess of Carnarvon, on what it’s like to have a film crew and cast members regularly traipsing around her house.
Mad Men – Seasons 1 – 4
Stylish suits, three Martini lunches and an insatiable appetite for 60s glamour… We could only be talking about hit TV show Mad Men. In January we brought you news that series three of the smouldering drama went onto become the UK’s third bestselling BD of 2010, so why not try out the entire box set? The story of successful and charming ad director Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and his mission to navigate the crowded consumerist world of 1960s America has seen worldwide acclaim. Supported by loyal copy writer Peggy (Elizabeth Moss) busty office manager Joan (Christina Hendricks) and slimy executive Pete (Vincent Kartheiser), Don tries to balance his high pressured job with his rapidly eroding family life. Special features include audio commentaries from the cast, directors, writers and production designers, a look at the score with composer David Carbonara, a picture gallery and multiple features including Establishing Mad Men – a must for fans of the look and feel of the show – and Advertising the American Dream, which looks at the role of advertising on American culture.
Glee – Season 2
News of the second chapter’s journey to Blu-ray this September delighted longstanding fans of the show so why not try out the musical breakout TV hit for yourself? Season two sees New Directions regroup after the summer break. With the challenge of recruiting new members to a club no one likes, the ‘Gleeks’ worry they won’t have the numbers needed to go note-for-note against their rivals in New York. With a whole host of stars making cameos, such as Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow, this energetic celebration of high school and pop culture keeps the music rolling and jokes punching all the way to the glittering finale. Featuring 22 episodes and a whole host of toe-tapping features including A Day in the Life of Brittany, Stevie Nicks Goes Glee and Guesting on Glee, it also has bonus songs, an insight into quipping like Sue Sylvester footage from the cast’s panel at Comic-Con 2010. Perfect all singing, all dancing entertainment for the whole family!
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us your favourite TV series, or tell us what else you’ll be looking forward to watching on Blu-ray this weekend.
