------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 21, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: The Sentinel (U.K.) http://www.thesentinel.co.uk/displayNode.jsp/? (abbreviated link text) Fill Your Stockings with the Latest DVDs They look like CDs, except they're slightly more confusing for old people. Yes, it's the DVD, an entertainment format which has taken off like no other in 2003. For music, comedy and film, it's the only way to watch for many. No more winding through tapes, the DVD offers instant access to favourite clips and comes with a host of "extras" - behind the scenes commentaries, interviews, and out-takes. The Office series two has this year become the fastest-selling DVD ever. Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights series one and two were also vast-sellers, but this year even those figures are likely to be dwarfed by Kay's release of Live At The Bolton Albert Halls, one night of his recent Mum Wants A Bungalow Tour captured on film. It's packed with typical Kay observations: "Rich Tea are bad for dipping - you've got to be like lightning with Rich Tea. Hob Nobs, now that's a biscuit for dipping. Hob Nobs are like the Marines -- they're the SAS of the biscuit world." Kay's first video, Live At The Top Of The Tower, shifted 500,000 and the Bolton Albert Halls show will be expected to outsell even that. Ricky Gervais, meanwhile, makes his own foray into stand-up with Animals, a relatively low-key but naturally brilliant show. Al Murray, The Pub Landlord has a DVD out of his 2002 Olivier Award nominated show My Gaff, My Rules taking the audience through all the normal pub topics. Other DVD comedy releases this year include I'm Alan Partridge series two, Red Dwarf III, Fawlty Towers Collectors' Edition, The Fast Show Farewell Tour, Paul And Pauline Calf's Cheese And Ham Sandwich and Only Fools And Horses: Strangers On The Shore. Music-wise, meanwhile, it's always going to be a toss-up between M??tley Cr??e - Get Explicit and Donny Osmond Live. However, if neither of those grab you, there's always Live Baby Live, the release of a 1991 INXS concert from Wembley Stadium, while those who remember the Seventies might be rather more minded to dip into the world of King Crimson, whose Eyes Wide Open DVD features two recent concerts of ancient classics performed in London and Tokyo. In similar vein, YesSpeak is the prog-rock pioneers' 35th anniversary release as Rick Wakeman joins legendary vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White to prove they can still cut it on the road. Of the other multitudinous music releases, Sheryl Crow: The Very Best Of - The Videos; Shania Twain - Up! Live In Chicago; Dixie Chicks - Top Of The World Tour; James Brown - Soul Survivor; Lionel Richie - The Collection and Simply Red - Home: Live In Sicily are likely to be among the major sellers. Under-eights will surely be inconsolable on Christmas morning if Santa has failed to bring them Blue - Closer To Blue, while fans of a somewhat higher culture may be soothed by Ennio Morricone's Arena Concerto, highlights of his recent world tour complete with 80-strong polyphonic choir. If you're really desperate to torture a friend on Christmas Day you could always buy them Fame Academy 2 - The Year Of 2003. While, those searching for the body beautiful can buy Heat: Get That Celeb Look. All in all, it appears should you really not want to talk to your relatives over Christmas, then the DVD is by far the best choice. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com