Silver Spring, MD; August 5, 2008 — Acorn Media announces the September 30, 2008 DVD release of Edward the King, a classic British miniseries portraying the fascinating, scandalous life of King Edward VII. With richly detailed sets and costumes, this acclaimed production boasts a star-studded cast and won an Emmy® for Outstanding Costume Design and three BAFTA Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Actress. The DVD 4-volume boxed set features several special features including multiple commentaries and two featurettes.

Though he waited nearly 60 years to become king and reigned for only nine, Edward VII (Timothy West, Bleak House) changed the British monarchy forever. Derided by his mother, Queen Victoria (Annette Crosbie, Calendar Girls), as frivolous and untrustworthy, Edward was in fact a skillful, determined diplomat who longed to be useful to his country. This 13-part miniseries dramatizes his life from frustrated prince and inveterate philanderer to loving father and respected statesman. Firmly grounded in history, it intimately depicts the family squabbles, palace intrigues, and political machinations that shaped Britain at the peak of its power and ushered the monarchy into the modern era.

The impressive ensemble cast also includes Felicity Kendal (Rosemary & Thyme), Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small), Francesca Annis (Reckless, Lillie), Charles Dance (Bleak House), and Sir John Gielgud.

Edward the King aired in the U.S. on public television and major network affiliates in the late 1970s.

The series was broadcast in the U.K. as Edward the Seventh in 1975.

Special Features include: Commentaries for selected episodes by Timothy West, Annette Crosbie, and director John Gorrie; two featurettes (Robert Hardy: In Depth and The Story of Edward the King); introductions for selected episodes by Robert McNeal; trailers; and photo gallery with commentary by the stars and director.

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.