Cranford: The Specials (2007)

Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis, Julia McKenzie and Jim Carter return in the popular award-winning BBC drama about the lives of the people of Cranford, released on DVD by 2entertain on 28th December 2009. In this two-part special, Judi Dench reprises her role as Cranford's much cherished Miss Matty Jenkyns, heading a cast that boasts some of Britain's top film, TV and stage talent including Cranford newcomers: Jonathan Pryce, Celia Imrie, Lesley Sharp, Nicholas Le Prevost, Jodie Whittaker, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Matthew McNulty, Rory Kinnear and Tim Curry.

It's August 1844 and one year since the small Cheshire market town celebrated the marriage of Sophy Hutton to Dr Harrison and Miss Matty lost her beloved sister, Deborah (Eileen Atkins).

Miss Matty knows only too well that faces will always come and go in Cranford, but for now she is happy that her dear brother, Peter (Nicholas Le Prevost) is home from India and that Martha (Claudie Blakley), Jem and baby Tilly make for a lively household; Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis) is eagerly awaiting the return of her long-absent son, Septimus (Rory Kinnear), and young Harry Gregson (Alex Etel) is about to start his education at Shrewsbury, benefiting from the late Mr Carter's bequest and the loyal, moral support of Miss Galindo (Emma Fielding).

Then there's news that wealthy widower, Mr Buxton (Jonathan Pryce), has returned to live quietly in Cranford bringing with him his charming ward, Erminia (Michelle Dockery) and his handsome Eton-educated son, William (Tom Hiddleston).

Whilst at nearby Thorn Cottage, Peggy Bell (Jodie Whittaker) tries to make the best of things caring for her demanding mother (Lesley Sharp) and opportunistic brother Edward (Matthew McNulty).

Elsewhere, the world continues to change, but for now the railway has stopped five miles outside Cranford in spite of the best efforts Captain Brown (Jim Carter) to bring the modern age right into the heart of King Street. But nothing can stay the same forever and all too soon life in Cranford will change in some very unexpected ways.

Please note - Disc special features are subject to change, may differ from format to format and/or may differ from region to region.