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Sci-fi fans are never at a loss to spot gift ideas that could stuff their oversize stockings, but they have a few extra choices to consider this holiday season. We at Wired.com put together a quick look at some recent arrivals in the genre TV DVD department.
Doctor Who -- The Complete Fourth Series: While Russell T. Davies' last full season as Who show-runner should not be remembered as his best, there's still more imagination in one episode of the BBC's science fiction masterpiece than in an entire season of most other shows.
In addition to creative commentaries and behind-the-scenes documentaries, this comprehensive collection includes the entertaining short episode "Time Crash," starring current Doctor (David Tennant) and the reappearing fifth incarnation (Peter Davison) in a story written by the series' next executive producer, Steven Moffat. Also, the show's annual Christmas special, "Voyage of the Damned" sails along in the set.
The 4400: The Complete Series: Packing a high-concept idea (4,400 alien abductees are returned to Earth all at once, and some bring back abilities that could change the world forever) and a healthy habit of throwing narrative curve balls at its devoted fans, The 4400 ran for a strong four seasons -- a genuine achievement in the sci-fi TV world. This is the first time the entire run is available in one DVD set.
Charmed: The Complete Series: How many fans of the original series even remembered that this often whimsical and playful fantasy/romance was partially inspired by a teen horror movie (The Craft)? It doesn't really matter, as the show was a long-running success on the then-WB. Female viewers had daring heroines to root for, and male viewers had Shannen Doherty, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan.
The deluxe DVD set is a grand packaging of every episode in the show's astounding eight-year run.
Beauty and the Beast: The Complete Series: For those genre fans with a tendency to lean toward the romantic, this 1980s urban updating of the classic children's story predated Disney's smash movie and introduced the world to Ron Perlman (pre-Hellboy) and Linda Hamilton (pre-Terminator 2 biceps).
Images Courtesy BBC, Paramount
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