Enjoy Life

DVD recommendations

Below you will find our DVD reviews for February 2023.

The Outer Limits Complete Original Series

(Medium Rare)

One of the most influential and enduring science-fiction TV series ever made, The Outer Limits was first screened in the United States in 1963, and, with its ‘monster of the week’ format tapped into the still-pervasive paranoia of the time. Beautifully shot in black and white, each episode was like a self-contained sci-fi film, and the monsters gave the newly launched Doctor Who a run for its money. Psycho writer Joseph Stefano and esteemed sci-fi author Harlan Ellison were among those contributing to the show, and although the anthology format invited easy comparisons with Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone, overall the quality of the Outer Limits scripts and production were on a whole other level.

Although screened on the ITV network in the Sixties it was not until 1981 that the show was given a full run over here, in a late Friday night BBC2 slot, although Sixties children may recall a much-coveted set of trading cards featuring stills from the show.

This eleven-disc DVD and Blu-ray set includes all the episodes from the show’s original run, from 1963 to 1965, as well as numerous extras, including features, interviews and alternate cuts.

Detectorists: Movie Special

(Acorn Media International)

When Mackenzie Crook’s charming comedy series apparently came to an end five years ago it was with a near-perfect finale that, it seemed, made any sequels superfluous. Reviving the show for this one-off special, screened on Boxing Day, was always, then, going to be fraught with danger and, by its own very high standards, it proved to be a – very minor – disappointment. Don’t get me wrong; it was still the best thing on over the festive period by a country mile, but too many threads were left hanging, not least the relationship between main character Andy (played by the show’s creator Mackenzie Crook) and his wife Becky (the wonderful Rachael Stirling), the 75-minute format having obviously led to a certain amount of plot compression. The storyline did, however, neatly refer back to a sequence from the show’s very first episode, and also left open the possibility of future developments. Another full series, please.

Released as a stand-alone DVD, the movie special is also available as part of a Complete Collection DVD box set.

Doc Martin Series 1-10

(Acorn Media International)

After nearly 20 years, ten seasons and 79 episodes the much-loved Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes as the curmudgeonly Cornish-based medic, came to a close over Christmas with the special, Last Christmas in Portwenn. It was a suitably moving finale to a series that has been much loved, and much copied, ever since it was first broadcast, as a spin-off from the 2000 comedy film Saving Grace, in 2004. The show’s mix of light comedy, memorable characters and gorgeous locations (it was filmed in the picturesque Cornish village of Port Isaac) made for perfect Sunday-night viewing and you can relive it all with the release of this DVD box set, which also includes Last Christmas in Portwenn and a special documentary, Farewell Doc Martin. Last Christmas in Portwenn and Farewell Doc Martin are also available on a stand-alone DVD. 

Also released this month:

The Juniper Tree (BFI, Blu-ray) Pop star Bjork stars in this eerie 1990 Icelandic medieval fantasy, based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

Mystery Road: Origin (Acorn Media International, DVD) The prequel to the acclaimed Australian outback detective series, recently shown on BBC4, is now available as a stand-alone DVD and as part of a box set that also features series one and two of the show.

Oscar Peterson: Black + White (Dazzler Media, DVD) An inspiring feature documentary, exploring the seven-decade career of the jazz pianist: from his days as a child prodigy in Montreal to the development of his signature sound on recordings with his trio.

The Battle at Water Gate Bridge (Trinity CineAsia, Blu-ray and DVD) A crucial clash during the Korean War is the subject of this spectacular epic from director Dante Lam.

The Banshees of Inisherin (Vantiva, Blu-ray and DVD) This unlikely Oscar contender features outstanding performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in a powerful, visceral study of male friendship gone wrong.

Plebs: Soldiers of Rome (Acorn Media International, DVD) This feature-length special marks the end of the Roman-set comedy series. There’s also a box set featuring all five series and the special.

Simon Evans

Other stories in Enjoy Life

April's book reviews
April's CD reviews
March's DVD review
March book reviews
March's CD reviews
February's DVDs
February's books
Winter books
January's DVD releases
Christmas book reviews
November DVD reviews
November's Music Reviews
November book reviews
October's DVD reviews
October's New CD releases
October's book reviews
September's DVD Reviews
DVD selection for August 2023
September's book reviews
Latest music reviews August 2023
August Round up
August Paperback Reviews
August hardback book reviews
July 2023 Roundup
Pick of the paperbacks July 2023
July 23 Hardback book reviews
July 2023 DVD releases
July 2023 CD reviews
Pick of the paperbacks June 2023
June DVDs
Hardback book reviews - June 2023
Simon Evans CD Reviews for June 2023
Tesco Summer indoors and out
Book reviews
May 2023 paperback book reviews
May 2023 Hardback book reviews
May's DVD Selection
May's CD selection
Round up of April 2023's book reviews
April 2023 paperback reviews
April 2023 Hardback book reviews
More March 2023 must-reads
March - Pick of the paperbacks
March hardback recommendations
Afternoon Tea
March 2023 - DVD releases
March 2023 Music
February 2023 Books Round up
Pick of the paperbacks - February 2023
Book reviews February 2023
February's music reviews
Freedom on two wheels
Make do and mend
Foray into the Fens
Christmas reads
Tasty, healthy recipes by Joanne Wood
Keeping fit and healthy with the Green goddess Part 2
Keeping fit and healthy with the Green goddess Part 1
Finger-licking Good! Tasty Chicken recipes
Beauty: Say 'Allo 'Allo to an alluring look
British Library: Palace of the printed word
Look good and feel great with CBD
Interior design: Inspiration for outdoor spaces
Summer fun at Belvoir Castle
Finding Fitness Starts With Fashion
‘In Vogue’ Veg – Cavolo Nero Sales Grow by 14%
Eat Continental and live longer
A life-affirming book... about death
Get Sewing: Floral bespoke notebook cover
Find your family fortunes... for FREE!
Beauty: Get set for spring...
Spanish Recipes: Small is beautiful
The Vegan Revolution
Interior Design: Maximise your living space
Pets need a spring clean too
Visit Family Tree Live
MasterChef: Classic with a Twist
Get Sewing: Quilted pot-holder
Bob Dylan "Rock and Roll music wasn’t enough for me”
Plant Power Day: 7th March 2019
Interior Design: Less is more in minimalist home
A second chance at love
Interior Design: Great Gatsby Cabinet
The rise and rise of the birthday cake
Walking back to happiness
Baking With Veg
Totally Tina Tour
How to take care of your hair over-50
The nation's most popular cake recipes
Your views: Can you help?
Hail the grandparent aupairs
Beauty: Denise Welch "I love the shape I'm in at 60"
The Austerity Olympics
Healthy reasons to acquire a taste for olives
Grand Treats for Grandchildren
Declutter your home, and clear your mind
Scandi-style Mules for Swollen Feet
Beetroot and Walnut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
In your garden: October
Dr Norman Croucher: The toughest summit of them all
Craft Corner: Sweet Easter Basket
Have your cake and eat your Easter egg too!
Interior Design: Moroccan inspired drawers
BR remembered... 70 years on
A gentleman's guide to spring fashion
Why antique jewellery is glittering
New Year, new beauty habits
Cliff Richard "I have a deeper faith now"
Do you remember? Oliver!
What we really look for in retirement living
Interior Design: Wedding bells on a budget
Counter culture: The revival of the board game
Jodie Whittaker: "Doctor Who is all about change"
85 year old Grandmother gains a PhD
Dame Eileen and a Crowning glory
Writing the story of you life
Why winter shouldn't stop you: don't wait until New Year
World' first 'wellness shed' stirs up mindfulness
Growing old is amazing
Don't miss out on the internet age
Prepare to feel ancient...
Hawks: Up close and personal
Studious retiree heads back to school
Garden Expert: Soaking up the sun
Emily Watson "I'ts such a gypsy life"
Here's to you Mrs Robinson
Brits Embracing 'Urban Birding'
Volunteering for Nature
The Secret to Younger Looking Eyes
Anti-ageing Options Part 2
Anti-ageing Options
End of the road for a pop icon
Reaching out to Dementia Sufferers: Sporting Memories Network
Are you ready for retirement?
Afternoon Tea Recipes
Surprisingly Good Wholegrain Recipes: Savoury
Staying safe in the Summer heat: Drowning prevention
Stardust Memories
Baking made easy
Cooking for one
The real cost of your wine