Collection of six live stand up performances by English comedian, writer and TV presenter Frank Skinner. The shows included are: 'Live at the Bloomsbury Theatre' (1992), 'Live at the Apollo' (1994), 'Live at the Palladium' (1996), 'Live in Birmingham' (1998), 'Live from Birmingham's National Indoor Arena' (2007) and 'Man In a Suit' (2014).

For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-ray as Universal Monsters: The Essential Collection.

Digitally restored in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound, this essential set includes a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration of Dracula and the first ever offering of Creature from the Black Lagoon in its restored Blu-ray version.

Contains hours of bonus features, a 44-page booklet and 8 exclusive art cards with original theatrical posters.

Dracula (1931):
The original 1931 movie version of Bram Stoker's classic tale has for generations defined the iconic look and terrifying persona of the famed vampire. Dracula owes its continued appeal in large part due to Bela Lugosi's indelible portrayal of the immortal Count Dracula and the flawless direction of horror auteur Tod Browning.

Bonus Features:

• Dracula (1931) Spanish Version
• Introduction to the Spanish Version by Lupita Tovar Kohner
• Dracula: The Restoration
• The Road To Dracula
• Lugosi: The Dark Prince
• Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal
• Alternate Score By Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet
• Dracula Archives
• Monster Tracks Pop-Up Facts (pop-up facts about the making of Dracula that can be read while watching the film)
• Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, Dracula Trailer, Dracula's Daughter Trailer, Son Of Dracula
• Trailer, House of Dracula Trailer

Frankenstein (1931):
Boris Karloff stars as the screen's most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the essential nature of life and death by creating a monster (Karloff) out of lifeless human body parts. Director James Whale's adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel and Karloff's compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity make Frankenstein a timeless masterpiece.

Bonus Features:

• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
• The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made A Monster
• Karloff: The Gentle Monster
• Monster Tracks Pop-Up Facts (pop-up facts about the making of Frankenstein that can be read while watching the film)
• Universal Horror
• Frankenstein Archives
• Boo!: A Short Film
• Feature Commentary With Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
• Feature Commentary With Historian Sir Christopher Frayling
• Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, Frankenstein Trailer, The Bride of Frankenstein Trailer, The Ghost of Frankenstein Trailer, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Trailer, House of Frankenstein Trailer

The Mummy (1932):
Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive--and deadly--quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like horror classic remains a cinematic masterpiece.

Bonus Features:

• Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
• He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
• Unraveling the legacy of The Mummy
• The Mummy Archives
• 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Paul M Jensen
• Feature Commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steven Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong
• Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, The Mummy Theatrical Trailer, The Mummy's Tomb Theatrical Trailer, The Mummy's Ghost Trailer, The Mummy's Curse Trailer, The Mummy's Hand Trailer

The Invisible Man (1933):
Claude Rains delivers an unforgettable performance in his screen debut as a mysterious doctor who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, Rains arrives in a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discovery, but the drug's side effects slowly drive him to commit acts of unspeakable terror.

Bonus Features:

• Now You See Him: Invisible Man Revealed
• 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters
• Production Photographs
• Feature Commentary with film historian Rudy Behlmer
• Centennial Trailer

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935):
The acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein has become one of the most popular horror classics in film history. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen's most misunderstood monster, now longing for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the proud and overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-fated bride (Elsa Lanchester). The last horror film directed by James Whale features a haunting musical score that helps make The Bride of Frankenstein one of the finest and most touching thrillers of its era.

Bonus Features:

• 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
• She's Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankestein
• The Bride of Frankenstein Archives
• Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen
• Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, Frankenstein Trailer, The Bride of Frankenstein Trailer, The Ghost of Frankenstein Trailer, House of Frankenstein Trailer

The Wolf Man (1941):
Originally released in 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and redefined the mythology of the werewolf forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, The Wolf Man is the saga of Larry Talbot, a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full. The dream-like atmospheres, elaborate settings and chilling musical score combine to make The Wolf Man a masterpiece of the genre.

Bonus Features:

• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
• Monsters By Moonlight: An Original Documentary
• The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
• Pure In Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr.
• He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
• Wolf Man Archives
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
• Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, The Wolf Man (1941) Trailer, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Trailer, Werewolf of London Trailer, She-Wolf of London Trailer, House of Frankenstein Trailer, House of Dracula Trailer

The Phantom of the Opera (1943):
This lavish retelling of Gaston Leroux's immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. A crazed composer who schemes to make beautiful young soprano Christine DuBois (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company, the Phantom also wreaks revenge on those he believes stole his music. Nelson Eddy, as the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Christine as he tracks down the murderous, horribly disfigured Phantom.

Bonus Features:

• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
• The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked
• Production Photographs
• Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen
• Phantom of the Opera Theatrical Trailer
• Centennial Trailer

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954):
Captured and imprisoned for scientific study, a living "amphibious missing link" becomes enamored with the head researcher's female assistant (Julie Adams). When the hideous creature escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection, a crusade is launched to rescue the helpless woman and cast the terrifying creature back to the depths from which he came. Featuring legendary makeup artist Bud Westmore's brilliantly designed monster, The Creature from the Black Lagoon is an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.

Bonus Features:

• The Creature From The Black Lagoon in Blu-ray 3D
• 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
• Back to the Black Lagoon
• Production Photographs
• Feature Commentary With Film Historian Tom Weaver
• Trailer Gallery: Centennial Trailer, The Creature From The Black Lagoon Trailer 1, The Creature From The Black Lagoon Trailer 2, Revenge of the Creature Trailer, The Creature Walks Among Us Trailer

Live stand up performance by British writer, comedian and TV presenter Frank Skinner, recorded at the Leicester Square Theatre in London.

The complete fifth series of the light-hearted BBC panel show hosted by Rob Brydon. Joined by team captains Lee Mack and David Mitchell, Brydon presides as a range of celebrity guests attempt to detect truth amidst a mire of lies. Among the challenges on the show, each guest must read aloud a series of statements about themselves and attempt to bluff and double-bluff the opposition as they try to guess which of the statements are correct. Among the celebrities to appear in this series are Jack Whitehall, Miranda Hart, Kevin Bridges, Louie Spence, Frank Skinner and Phil Tufnell.

Live stand up performance by British writer, comedian and TV presenter Frank Skinner, recorded at the Leicester Square Theatre in London.

A Comedian's Prayer Book. The title is a worry, isn't it?... God is a tough audience as far as audible response is concerned, but at least you don't have to explain the references. In this collection of prayers, much-loved comedian, broadcaster and radio host Frank Skinner has tried to retain the bare candour of the rehearsal-room improvisation - to show what faith feels like, from the inside - but infused it with all the production values required to make it a passable public entertainment. In it are his convictions, his questions, his fears, his doubts, his elations - all presented in an eavesdropper-friendly form. Hell, Judgement, atheism, money, faith and the X-Men all feature: it's a bit like reading the Bible, except you only get one side of the conversation, and all the jokes are left in.

Adapted from series creator James Mitchell's Sunday Express Short Stories by his son Peter Mitchell, four new adventures expand the themes explored in the television show. David Callan works for The Section, a top-secret counter-espionage organisation. He's a killer, a trained assassin, and the best at what he does. But that doesn't mean he has to like it. With the aid of the burglar Lonely; fellow operative Meres; and Section secretary Liz, Callan fulfils the orders of departmental head Hunter and finds himself in very murky waters. Murder, betrayal, and model soldiers. It's all in a day's work for Callan. 2.1 File on a Difficult Don. The cap and gown meet the gun and bullet when Callan visits the Dreaming Spires to protect a codebreaker. 2.2 File on a Mourning Mother. Callan and Meres are investigating the mysterious death of a scientist at a top secret research centre when they discover, Hell hath no fury... 2.3 File on an Elusive Engineer. Callan and Meres are sent to protect a British engineer from an assassination attempt and then find themselves all at sea. 2.4 File on an Angry American. The CIA plans to execute a double agent on British soil and Callan is sent to make sure the target's wife doesn't get caught in the cross-fire. CAST: Ben Miles (Callan), Frank Skinner (Lonely) Nicholas Briggs (Hunter), Jane Slavin (Liz), Nicholas Day (Odgers), Jason Nwoga (Routledge/Stone), Imogen Church (Conchita), Michael Jibson (Earl of Burgos/Rod Mercer), Emily Raymond (Diana Browne), Tam Williams (Toby Meres), Mark Elstob (Judd/Jorge/Armstrong), Lara Lemon (Miss Townley), Jamie Parker (Peter Carteret/Mackley), Jade Anouka (Angela Wain), Beth Chalmers (Mrs Ventris).

Full-cast adaptations of Callan stories originally published in the Sunday Express. Adapted from series creator James Mitchell's Sunday Express Short Stories by his son Peter Mitchell, four new adventures will expand the themes explored in the television show. Murder, betrayal and model soldiers. It's all in a day's work for Callan. 1.1 File on a Deadly Deadshot by James Mitchell (adapted by Peter Mitchell). With Lonely posing as his gentleman's gentleman, the section's top operative David Callan is sent to a country estate in Northumberland to infiltrate a rich men's shooting party. One of his companions is an assassin but which one? High living and high stakes on the grouse moors as Callan attempts to work out which of the dead-shots is a man-hunter.1.2 File on a Classy Club by James Mitchell. (adapted by Peter Mitchell). Callan finds the odds are stacked against him when he poses as a high roller at London's top casino. His mission is to lose all his money but he almost loses his life when he stumbles into an East German spy cell. Perhaps a card sharp from Lonely's past can help Callan turn the tables. 1.3 File on an Awesome Amateur by James Mitchell (adapted by Peter Mitchell). Callan and Meres are despatched to a cultural festival in Venice to snatch a Russian poet from under the noses of the KGB. But the success of the mission depends upon the expertise of amateur sleuth and keen ornithologist Cynthia Widgery. Feathers fly on the Grand Canal... 1.4 File on a Harassed Hunter by James Mitchell (adapted by Peter Mitchell). Callan is drawn into a dark secret when Hunter invites him to fly to Newcastle for a trip to the theatre. The plot thickens when an alcoholic actor and a decoy called Prenderghast lead Callan to one of the KGB's most proficient killers. The setting for the denouement is far too close for comfort.The classic television series from the Sixties returns with a star-studded cast, in brand new audio adaptations from Big Finish Productions. Originally broadcast in 1967,Callan took the burgeoning world of spy drama, and brought a much darker tone to the genre. Having similar responsibilities to MI5, Callan used the most ruthless and lethal techniques to get the job done, each method meticulously filed by `The Section' (the organisation behind operative Callan), colour coding each lethal tactic. Four series of the original television series were produced between 1967 and 1972, plus a cinema film released in 1974 and a TV comeback in 1981. And now, Callan is set to return on audio at Big Finish adapted from series creator James Mitchell's Telegraph Short Stories by his son Peter Mitchell. CAST: Ben Miles (Callan), Frank Skinner (Lonely), Nicholas Briggs (Hunter), Jane Slavin (Liz), David Rintoul (Baumer), Justin Avoth (Endicott), Glen McReady (Minns), Louis Tamone (Lorimer / Waiter), Tam Williams (Toby Meres), Mark Elstob (Karl / Judd / Willis), Robert Portal (Bulky Berkeley / Lubov), Annabelle Dowler (Amparo Soller / Barbara Jackson), Gyuri Sarossy (Marty Rivers), Beth Goddard (Cynthia Widgery / Auntie Gertie / Adrienn),Teddy Kempner (Evan Lang / Joe 'Plastic' MacNamara), Leighton Pugh (Petrov).

Double feature starring Basil Rathbone as detective Sherlock Holmes. In 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' (1939), Professor Moriarity (George Zucco) has come up with a scheme for stealing the crown jewels from the Tower of London. To get Holmes involved, he persuades a flute player to murder a girl. In 'Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon' (1943), Holmes travels to Switzerland to rescue the inventor of a bomb-sight which the allies want to keep from the Nazis. Back in London, however, it turns out that the inventor is not all that he seemed...

1940s adventure in which two brothers become rivals when they fall for the same woman. Kamar (Leif Erikson), brother of Haroun al-Rashid (Jon Hall), the Caliph who rules over Baghdad, encounters circus dancer Scheherazade (Maria Montez) and soon falls for her. With a prophecy predicting that Scheherazade will become queen, Kamar attempts to overthrow Haroun and claim the throne for himself. His plot forces the ruler to go on the run and take shelter among the circus troupe. When Haroun meets the dancer for himself the two fall in love. Kamar later shows up to claim Scheherazade's hand in marriage and the situation is further complicated by Grand Vizier Nadan (Edgar Barrier) who has his own plans to usurp the Caliph. The brothers fight for both the throne and the woman they love in a final battle that will determine the victor.

In this new volume of memoirs, Frank Skinner describes his experience of going back on the road doing stand-up again, after many years spent working mainly on television. His adventures on tour are by turns funny and moving as he meditates on growing older, the terrors and joys of trying to make a live audience laugh night after night and on the nature of comedy itself. For the first time we read a comedian's account, in his own words, of how his act is put together; his return to a world of dark little clubs and the strange encounters he has there. But what is perhaps most startling and original about Frank Skinner's writing is his honesty nbout not only the highs and lows of his career, but more intimate and personal issues - male sexuality and matters of the heart.

Frank Skinner introduces you to the hidden world of the brave, unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting millions of Americans against the ongoing threat of terrorism. From the humid jungles of Vietnam to the streets and alleyways of North African hot spots such as Beirut, Cairo and Libya, Skinner gives you the true story of how the current war on terror began. What he shares are some of the most dangerous, intense situations and military training scenarios that he 's faced, all the while helping to raise his family and cope with his son 's life-threatening medical problems. More than just a book on military tactics and counter-terrorism, this is a book on survival and the human spirit. Praised by authors Richard Marcinko and Dr. Margaret Nydell, Skinner 's book takes an exciting look into the very evolution of military history through the eyes of a man who has been in the very heart of it. Complete with photographs to help reference his tactical training as well as his travels around the world, Cook, Baker, Candlestick Maker is a fascinating exploration into one of the most vital yet unknown areas in today 's military.

Frank Skinner is undoubtedly one of the funniest and most successful comedians appearing on British screens. Born Chris Collins in 1957 he grew up in the West Midlands where he inherited his father's passion for football, a West Bromich Albion supporter, along with a liking for alcohol. Expelled from school at 16 Frank held various jobs later going on to gain an MA in English Literature. Nurturing a serious drink problem from the age of fourteen, Frank eventually turned to Catholicism in 1987 and hasn't had a drink since. He performed his first stand up gig in December 1987. His first television appearance in 1988 met with fits of laughter from the audience and 131 complaints, including one from cabinet minister Edwina Currie. He met fellow comedian David Baddiel in 1990 and the two went on to share a flat throughout the early 90's and to create the hit TV series Fantasy Football League.

Winner of the prestigious Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival, Skinner's is a unique mixture of laddish and philosophical humour which has won him the prime time ITV show - The Frank Skinner Show. Here, for the first time, Frank candidly tells us of the highs and lows of his fascinating life and career.

'Someone recently said to me, in reference to my poetry podcast, that you'd think poetry would be more popular than ever, in the twenty-first century, because people don't have a lot of time and 'novels are often quite big while poems are often quite small'. I referred them to Doctor Who's Tardis.' Frank Skinner wants you to read more poetry. Wait, wait - don't stop reading. Whether you're a frequent poetry reader or haven't read any since sixth form, Frank's infectious passion for language, rhythm and metre will win you over and provide you with the basic tools you need to tackle any poem. In this short, easy-to-digest and delightful book, Frank guides us through the twists and turns of 'Pad, pad' by Stevie Smith, a short, seemingly simple poem that contains multitudes of meaning and a deceptive depth of emotion. Revel in the mastery of Stevie Smith's choice of words, consider the eternal mystery of the speaker of the poem and be moved by rhyming couplets like you never have before. Give it a go. You never know, you might even enjoy it.