Out on DVD for April 17th

Here's what's Out on DVD today.

The History Boys
This story of intellectual and sexual coming-of-age in working-class 1980's Britain was a smash on the international stage, and assembling the original cast and director was likely a wise move. While the play doesn't translate perfectly to screen, it does result in a heady, optimistic, and incredibly gay-centric film about desire and responsibility. Richard Griffiths stars, with Nicholas Hytner at the helm (check out our interview with these charming men, or read our full review).

Notes on a Scandal
I've heard this pulpy thriller described as a "new camp classic", and that's about as close to a positive review as I'd stray. While the performances by Cate Blanchett (as a free-living young teacher embroiled in an affair with a student) and Judi Dench (as a predatory lesbian schoolmarm) are expectedly excellent, the script feels as fresh as a crouton. Starts out deliciously wicked, but ends up laughably camp -- goes from Match Point to Match Game to in 92 minutes.

Not Just the Best of the Larry Sanders Show and The Complete First Season
This groundbreaking and hilarious series featured both a parade of gay actors and guests (Scott Thompson from The Kids in the Hall is most notable, as Brian the gay secretary) and a refreshingly forward-thinking attitude toward sexuality -- including a hilarious plot that involved guest David Duchovny (as himself, in a hilarious image-skewering appearance) having a crush on Larry (Gary Shandling). Comedies like this don't come to television too often, and this one's definitely worth revisiting. Check out a few choice clips from the Duchovny episode (including the legendary Basic Instinct nod) after the break (watch out for some profanity).