House of Cards (1990)

Ian Richardson, in his brilliant portrayal of Francis Urquhart - Chief Whip turned Prime Minister - stalks the corridors of power in the landmark political drama House of Cards, available for the first time on Blu-Ray and re-released on DVD on 8th April 2013, courtesy of BBC Worldwide.

First aired on the BBC in late 1990 , House of Cards is a delicious tale of greed, corruption and burning ambition. At its core is a black-hearted villain with a smiling face, who shares his sardonic humour and innermost thoughts with the viewers.

Winner of several awards, including a BAFTA, an Emmy and Royal Television Society award, Andrew Davies' adaptation of Michael Dobbs' best-selling novel tells the story of Machiavellian monster Frances Urquhart as he schemes his way into 10 Downing Street by systematically demolishing all rivals, including the Prime Minster.

Urquhart is innocently aided by eager young journalist Mattie Storin (Susannah Harker) as he uses her to leak damaging stories to undermine anyone who stands in his way to the top. To Mattie, Urquhart is her "Daddy", a lover and a father-figure who is helping her in her career.

With venomous charm, Urquhart invites viewers in on the plot to destroy each of his political rivals with the same deadly ease with which he shoots grouse on his ancestral estate. This tale of back-stabbing, skulduggery and corruption in high places has shades of a Shakespearean tragedy.

This DVD and Blu-Ray set also features a commentaries with lead Ian Richardson, writer Andrew Davies and producer Ken Riddington.

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