Just when you thought that the holidays had drawn to a close this year, HBO has announced that it has a few more gifts in store for its viewers. Over the next few months, the network will release a whole slew of DVD offerings. If you’re a fan of TV shows that feature strong, complex, and intelligent female leads, you should take care to mark your calendars for these upcoming DVD releases.
1. Enlightened, The Complete First Season: Available January 8th, 2013
The incomparable Laura Dern stars as Amy Jellicoe in this funny, ambitious series about one woman’s quest for inner peace. Enlightened became a quick favorite among critics following its debut, hailed as “a gorgeously filmed, perfectly written and flawlessly performed masterpiece” (E! Online). Dern is a study in unencumbered emotion, and her performance in Enlightened earned her a Golden Globe. With an excellent supporting cast (Molly Shannon! Luke Wilson!), the show is at turns hilarious, engrossing and heartfelt. And for a little icing on the cake, the show will return for its second season this month!
2. Veep, The Complete First Season: Available March 26, 2013
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer, a successful politician who unexpectedly finds herself serving as the Vice President of the United States. This Emmy Award-winning series has been praised as “hysterical” (TV Guide) and “sophisticated” (People Magazine), raking in fans with its very timely humor. Packed with extras and special features, this DVD set is perfect for seasoned fans and newbies alike.
3. Hemingway and Gellhorn: Available April 2nd, 2013
Nicole Kidman and Clive Owen star as the titular couple of this HBO movie, directed by Philip Kaufman (The Unbearable Lightness of Being), which was unsurprisingly nominated for a heap of awards upon its release. The film recounts the tumultuous relationship and marriage of Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn, who were witness to some of the most important political, cultural, and social events of their time. Kidman and Owen’s equally matched performances are a pleasure to watch on their own. But toss in some Spanish Civil War-era period costumes and sweeping cinematography, and Hemingway and Gellhorn achieves a whole new level of mastery.
Whether you’re a sucker for period dramas, a devoted fan of political satire, or simply enjoy well-crafted, genuine performances from some of today’s best actresses, you’re sure to find something you’ll love in this latest batch of DVD releases from HBO.
Photos and videos via HBO (Youtube)
