Network Releasing has announces the UK DVD release of the Oscar-winning The Private Life of Henry VIII starring Charles Laughton in April. This enormous, critically acclaimed and popular feature established Alexander Korda's reputation as a film-maker and was the first British film to be a major success at the US box office.

The Private Life of Henry VIII focuses on the notorious marriages of the eponymous monarch as it opens with the execution of Anne Boleyn, which happens at the same time that Jane Seymour selects her bridal gown. The dark, tongue-in-cheek sense of humour that is plainly evident here sets the tone for the rest of the film. Henry VIII's ever-changing heart as far as the ladies are concerned legendary: after his marriage to Jane Seymour fails, he develops an all-consuming infatuation with Katharine Howard whilst awaiting the arrival of his new bride, Anne of Cleves (Elsa Lanchester – The Bride of Frankenstein and Laughton's wife); we then encounter he and his divorce from Anne followed by his marriage to Katharine Howard; and almost inevitably, that marriage fails too in spite of such passionate obsession and Katherine was executed as a result of her affair with courtier Thomas Culpeper...

Charles Laughton won a well-deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Henry VIII; he is a flamboyant womaniser as well as a henpecked glutton, all the while being the King of an empire at the same time. The film also earned Korda an Oscar nomination for Best Picture.

The Private Life of Henry VIII will be released on UK DVD on 27th April 2009 at the RRP of £12.99. No extras have been listed.