The Tudors : Complete BBC Series 1 - Limited Edition 'Headless' Sleeve (Exclusive to Amazon.co.uk) [DVD]

Pulling few punches and garnering its fair share of headlines as a result, The Tudors is a controversial yet compelling period piece that dramatically tells the story of the early years of King Henry VIII. Not for nothing, though, has it attracted its fair share of awards attention.

The Tudors is a complex drama, and not one to simplify its storyline. The young Henry, for instance, is exploring his muddled romances and his insecurities against the challenges his kingdom is facing. It’s a plateful for him to deal with, and in the hands of a superb performance from Jonathan Rhys Meyers--a real revelation in the role--as the young Henry, it’s all vividly and skillfully knitted together.

But The Tudors isn’t just about its central character, for there’s a terrific supporting cast at work here too. Sam Neill’s Cardinal Wolsey, Jeremy Northam’s Thomas More and Natalie Dormer’s Ann Boleyn are just some who earn plaudits here. Behind the camera there’s the pen of Elizabeth writer Michael Hirst at work, and he too deserves much credit, clearly getting his teeth into the fascinating subject matter.

The Tudors is, undoubtedly, a graphic production, and earns its 15 certificate comfortably. It’s also been knocked for the liberties it takes with history when putting its story across--with some justification. But it’s also most certainly terrific television, mixing high production values with strong performances. In short, the ten episodes here will simply have you thirsting for the next series. Not before you’ve re-watched season one a few times, though… --Jon Foster

The 'Headless' edition of the award-winning series The Tudors is encased in a unique sleeve showing Henry (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) on his throne, surrounded by four busty headless women--a tongue-in-cheek allusion to the controversial king's legacy of beheading his wives. This limited edition sleeve is an Amazon.co.uk exclusive.

Passion, ambition and treachery collide in this compelling, daring, big budget drama about the tumultuous early part of King Henry VIII's infamous 40-year reign...Bold and passionate about his country and his women, King Henry’s obsession with ensuring his legacy led to beheading friends and foes, waging wars and challenging the Catholic Church – events that would forever change the British Empire.