Boxing clever

Frustrated that a hot TV series you have been desperate to watch is available only on a cable channel or streaming service you don’t subscribe to? Don’t fret – sooner or later most shows find their way on to DVD. Here’s our pick of 2017’s best binge-watch

Game Of Thrones Season 7

Daenerys Targaryen arrives in Westeros with her Unsullied army and dragons to confront the Lannisters, forging an alliance, and dalliance, with Jon Snow. And just in case you are worried about the fact that ‘winter is coming’ and you won’t have anything to watch in front of the fire, the whole GOT box set from season one to season seven is also available, running at an eye-watering 3613 minutes. Price: $58 (Season 7) $230 (Season 1-7).

Westworld Season 1

Billed as a dark odyssey about artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin, this sumptuous drama is beautifully photographed and works as an intellectual exercise or more simply as great entertainment. A bit slow to start with but, once you’re hooked, it’s compelling stuff. Price: $47. Three discs (592 minutes).

Planet Earth II

David Attenborough’s original Planet Earth was breath-taking in its scope and quality. But Planet Earth II reaches new peaks mainly because of the camera technology available today. Six episodes cover the world’s diverse environments – Islands, Mountains, Jungles, Deserts, Grasslands, Cities. Price: $29 (360 minutes) or $65 for Planet Earth The Collection, which includes the first series.

The Crown Season 1

This warts-and-all look at Britain’s Royal family would have been unthinkable not too long ago. But times have changed and this is a superbly produced examination of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. She comes out of it all particularly well, but the jury is out on Prince Philip and a few others. Price: $40. Four discs.

Orphan Black Season 5

You’re never alone when you’re a clone. But seriously, Orphan Black explores the rubicon of groundbreaking science, corporate greed and human ethics. A quality BBC drama which arguably has meandered a bit over the years. But season five, the final one, wraps up the loose ends as the fate of Sarah (Tatiana Maslany, above) and her sisters has implications for the entire human race. Price: $38. Three discs.

Legion

The Marvel comics have spawned some great movies and TV over recent years. Legion is a dark tale about a man diagnosed as schizophrenic as a child but who comes to realise that the voices in his head are real. If Legion rings your bell, you might also want to check out season one of Jessica Jones and Marvel’s Luke Cage, although neither quite match Legion for storytelling. Price: $38. Three discs.

Prices are indicative and all DVDs are Region 4 and may also be available in BluRay format.