BOX SETS AND ON DEMAND
Stowaway (Netflix, from Thu)
If the cast is anything to go by, this sci-fi movie should be a winner – Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, Toni Collette and Shamier Anderson all feature. Directed by Brazilian filmmaker Joe Penna, who co-wrote the script with Ryan Morrison, it focuses on the crew of a spaceship en route to Mars. However, someone has accidentally stowed away, causing severe damage to the craft’s life support systems. As their resources begin to dwindle, those on board must find a way to deal with their new circumstances or face certain death. While the ship’s commander and biologist favour a solution based on clinical logic, a medical researcher with a different idea tries to stand up for what she believes in.
Centre Stage (BritBox, from Thu)
Culture-starved theatre lovers have managed to sate their appetite for live performance by catching some gems on BritBox’s Centre Stage channel, which features recordings of hit productions from the likes of the Royal Opera, Royal Ballet and Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s freshening up its content this week by adding some more shows to its already impressive list. Among the highlights are a 1998 performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar from 2012, 2000’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. Also featured are Billy Elliot (2014), the 25th anniversary performance of Miss Saigon and Roger Waters: The Wall (2015).
McQueen (BritBox, from Thu)
Alexander McQueen blazed a trail through the fashion world and his impact is still felt today, 11 years after his death. This extraordinary feature-length documentary from Ian Bonhomie and
Peter Ettedgui examines the designer’s life and career, from his early years as the youngest of six children born to a teacher and taxi driver in Lewisham, south-east London, through his time spent as an apprentice on Savile Row to his amazing catwalk success. Other achievements covered include his five-year spell as chief designer at Givenchy, the founding of his own label and his four British Designer of the Year awards. But it doesn’t shy away from McQueen’s troubles, with friends and family members offering candid insights into his personality.
Dino Ranch (Disney+, from Fri)
Yee-ha! Here’s a western series with a difference. Instead of featuring traditional cowboys, it focuses on the animated adventures of the tight-knit Cassidy family, who run a farm that doubles up as a dinosaur sanctuary. Ma Jane and Pa Bo think they’re in charge but it’s their eldest adopted son Jon who is the real dinowhisperer in the pack, which also includes supercaring wannabe doctor Min and junior inventor Miguel. Joining in the fun are their pet reptiles raptor Blitz, bighearted brontosaurus Clover and tiny triceratops Tango, who help the children explore the great outdoors while trying to steer clear of the local T rex. In the first episode, the youngsters learn a valuable lesson about asking for help after being confronted by a couple of crazy critters.