Feature

January DVD releases

Hibernation is not without its benefits, particularly for those of us who received DVD players for the holidays. Below, five ace reasons to stay out of the cold.

1. Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection
Aside from collecting every episode of one of the funniest sitcoms ever, this three-disc set includes new interviews with John Cleese and Prunella Scales as well as -- most coveted of all -- fresh outtakes. ($59.98; available now.)

2. Children of Paradise
If the recent Godfather boxed set wasn't enough to compel you to buy a DVD player, then next week's release of Marcel Carné's 1945 masterpiece should clinch it. Digital restoration has brought the French classic to new levels of romantic, heartbreaking clarity. ($39.98; available January 22.)

3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The cult of Ms. Gellar has been waiting with bated breath for this release of the whole stellar first season, including "Welcome to the Hellmouth," in which the Buffster slays her very first vampire. ($39.98; available January 15.)

4. Roots: 25th Anniversary Edition
The landmark TV film of Alex Haley's immense saga about the likes of Kunta Kinte and Kizzy turns 25 this year, and this immense DVD set includes the entire series, a Remembering Roots documentary, and a very helpful family tree. ($59.98; available January 15.)

5. Mad Max: Special Edition
This release of the first, Australian-made tale in the post-apocalypse trilogy includes documentaries, the original trailer, and a Mad Max trivia game. No Tina Turner till part three, however. ($19.98; available now.)