The BBC Shakespeare 400th Anniversary Gift Set (4-DVD)

HAMLET: The story of Hamlet, Shakespeare's most famous and perhaps most influential tragedy, is one that is well trodden on theatre boards around the world. Set in Denmark, it recounts how Prince Hamlet exacts revenge on his uncle Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father, the King, taken the throne and married Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. It vividly charts the course of real and feigned madness - from overwhelming grief to seething rage - and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption. In 2008, the UK's eminent Royal Shakespeare Company brought Hamlet back to the stage, spoken in verse but with contemporary dress and David Tennant in the eponymous role. No recent stage production in Britain has attracted either the level of interest or the near-unanimously positive reviews. Tennant's interpretation was recognised as defining the role for a generation, and Patrick Stewart's role of Claudius - as a performance of great depth and complexity (for which the actor won a highly-coveted 2009 Olivier award). But director Gregory Doran's modern-dress production was also seen as a brilliant ensemble presentation that was thrilling, fast-moving, immediately accessible, supremely intelligent and - perhaps remarkably - in parts at least, very funny. In this specially-shot screen version of the stage play (which is filmed on location rather than in the theatre), Tennant and Stewart reprise their roles, along with director Doran and set and costume designer Robert Jones. Wholly faithful to the stage production and its performances; dynamic, exciting and contemporary, it brings Shakespeare's greatest play to a far wider audience than ever before.

AN AGE OF KINGS: Public television's epic first smash hit is now available on DVD featuring a who's who of British acting talent including Robert Hardy, Sean Connery, Judi Dench, Julian Glover, and Eileen Atkins! Before Masterpiece Theatre, American Playhouse or Hollywood Television Theatre, there was An Age of Kings, a 15-part mini-series based on William Shakespeare's history plays. An Age of Kings chronicles the turmoil, power, mystery and frailty of Britain's monarchs from Richard II (1399) to Richard III (1484). Not seen in North America since its original television broadcast in the 1960s, this extraordinary BBC production is finally available on DVD.

SHAKESPEARE RETOLD: The four cutting-edge productions in this collection bring Shakespeare alive for a 21st century audience. Macbeth is the chef in a three-star restaurant, slicing apart his celebrity boss, Duncan. Beatrice and Benedick are rival co-anchors on a nightly newscast whose open hostility masks passion of a different kind. Titania and Bottom carouse together in a tawdry theme resort called Dream Park. And the eccentric aristocrat Petruchio sets out to tame the conservative MP Kate in a politically incorrect marriage of convenience. Playful, cunning and passionate, these adaptations breathe new life into four classic plays, perfectly complimenting the great BBC Shakespeare tradition.

• Much Ado About Nothing: Written by David Nicholls Directed by Brian Percival Produced by Diederick Santer Starring Sarah Parish, Damian Lewis and Billie Piper
• Macbeth: Written by Peter Moffat Directed by Mark Brozel Produced by Pier Wilkie Starring James McAvoy, Keeley Hawes and Richard Armitage
• The Taming of the Shrew: Written by Sally Wainwright, Directed by David Richards Produced by Diederick Santer Starring Shirley Henderson, Rufus Sewell, Stephen Tompkinson and Twiggy Lawson
• A Midsummer Night's Dream: Written by Peter Bowker Directed by Ed Fraiman Produced by Pier Wilkie Starring Imelda Staunton, Bill Paterson, Lennie James, Sharon Small and Johnny Vegas

BILL: Celebrate Shakespeare's 400th anniversary with this hilarious comedy about the playwright's mysterious lost years. Bill Shakespeare is a hapless lute player with a big dream. When his bandmates kick him out of their group, Bill leaves his wife and kids behind to seek fame and fortune in the big city of London. He's written a great work for the stage and he's certain he'll prove all his doubters wrong. Little does he know, however, his play is merely a guise for King Phillip II of Spain to try to steal the throne of his mortal enemy, Queen Elizabeth! Laughter abounds in this offbeat Monty Pythonesque farce about everyone's favorite bard.