Silver Spring, MD — Featuring nearly ten hours of award-winning British drama, Wartime Britain is out on DVD from Acorn Media on February 23, 2010. The collection includes three complete dramas including the DVD debut of The Heat of the Day, Elizabeth Bowen’s psychological drama of love and espionage; as well as BAFTA-winner Housewife, 49, a moving glimpse into one woman’s life on the home front; and Island at War, a thrilling miniseries about the trials & temptations of Channel Islanders during the German occupation (DVD 5-disc boxed set, $69.99, www.AcornOnline.com).

The Heat of the Day
Adapted by Harold Pinter, Elizabeth Bowen’s story of love and war is set at the apex of World War II. Stella Rodney (Patricia Hodge, Rumpole of the Bailey) faces an impossible choice: take up with a stranger (Michael Gambon, Harry Potter) or expose her lover’s (Michael York, Cabaret) possible treason. As seen on Masterpiece Theater. Approx. 106 min. SDH subtitles. Special Features include biography of Harold Pinter and cast filmographies.

Housewife, 49
Based on a real-life wartime diary, this acclaimed drama stars Emmy® nominee Victoria Wood (Dinnerladies) as an introverted woman who comes alive as a volunteer on the home front. The award-winning drama won BAFTAs for Best Drama and Best Actress. Approx. 93 min. Special Features include insert with background on the U.K.’s Mass-Observation project, text interview with Victoria Wood, and cast filmographies. To listen to NPR Weekend Edition Saturday’s interview with Victoria Wood about the film, please visit www.NPR.org

Island at War
An accomplished ensemble cast—including James Wilby (Gosford Park) and Philip Glenister (Life on Mars)—reveals the trials, tribulations, and temptations of Britons on a tiny Channel Island during the German occupation. As seen on Masterpiece Theater. Approx. 398 min. on 3 discs. Closed Captioned. Special Features include historical background, cast reflections, behind-the-scenes photo gallery, and cast filmographies.

Street: February 23, 2010
SRP: $69.99
DVD 5-Disc Boxed Set - Approx. 597 min.

Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., Acorn Media distributes distinctive home video releases to the North American market with a special focus on the best of British television. Acorn’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn Media at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.