Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The 10 Best boxsets of the year

Whether you could murder a few episodes of The Killing or fancy a slice of Fresh Meat, these DVDs contain the pick of 2012’s TV

Will Coldwell
Tuesday 25 December 2012 14:38 GMT
Comments

1. The Killing Trilogy – Series 1-3

£76.99, bbcshop.com

Detective Sarah Lund dons knitted jumper and marches into the darkness as she tries to solve a series of sinister crimes. With plots that span everything from the emotional breakdown of the victims’ families to corruption in the heart of government, this modern classic is unmissable.

2. Downton Abbey Series 1-3

£34.97, asda.com

The critically acclaimed costume drama follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants. Not yet caught it? Consider this: the series has had more Emmy nominations than any other programme, ever.

3. Twilight Saga Quad Pack BoxSet

£11.99, play.com

Based on the novels by Stephenie Meyer, this teen vampire flick follows the romantic trials and tribulations of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. Only problem is, Edward is a vampire. Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, the films have literally had fans swooning, although not because of the blood, just the ridiculously good-looking cast.

4. Breaking Bad Season 1-4

£32.75, amazon.co.uk

The Emmy award-winning comedy series follows the life of a high-school chemistry teacher who has a pregnant wife and son who suffers from cerebral palsy. When he is diagnosed with lung cancer he enters the drugs trade to leave his family an inheritance.

5. Mad Men Season 5

£19.95, zavvi.com

The latest season of the American series set in a 1960’s advertising agency, with an obsessive approach to cultural details. It’s difficult to tell what the show has generated more of – awards or column inches.

6. Batman: The Dark Knight Trilogy

£23.95, play.com

The hype around the new Batman films has been immense, not least because of the chilling characterisation of the Joker by actor Heath Ledger, his penultimate film before his death.

7. London 2012 Olympic Games

£19.97, bbcshop.com

Remember the Mobot? The Blade Runner’s debut? Jessica Ennis getting gold? Well, obviously, but in case your memory is a little hazy this is the DVD for you. Jam-packed with all the highlights of the Olympic games, it also has complete footage of Danny Boyle’s spectacular opening ceremony.

8. The Hour Series 1 and 2

£18.99, bbcshop.com

Aired the same year, the Leveson Inquiry launched its investigation into the modern media, The Hour is a nostalgic look at the golden age of news. Set in the 1950s, the characters’ personal lives are as controversial as the scandals they uncover.

9. Fresh Meat Series 1

£15, channel4store.com

From the creators of Peep Show, this comedy set in a student house looks set to run for years to come. With characters such as Vod, a scowling punk, and JP, a poor little rich boy, it’s a bit like The Young Ones, but with more heart.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

10. Friday Night Dinner

£15.99, hmv.com

Starring Simon Bird from The Inbetweeners as well as the fantastic Tamsin Greig, this comedy joins the dysfunctional Goodmans each week as they attempt to enjoy a traditional meal together.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in