John Wyndham's seminal science fiction novel The Day of the Triffids is one of those books that reads almost like a blueprint for a movie, a blueprint the dismal 1962 film adaptation woefully disregarded. In 1981 the BBC did better by the novel in a TV serial adaptation, but lacked the budget to realise the scale of key scenes in the novel. Now they've had a second stab, due to be screened this Christmas. Can they get it right or is this going to go the way of their ill-judged Survivors remake? When the press reelase uses terms like "fast paced," "action packed" and "CGI extravaganza" I do tend to get just a wee bit nervous. We've not long to wait, and if you miss it at Christmas then worry not, as it's coming to UK DVD and Blu-ray in February from Showbox Entertainment.

With traditional global fuel sources dwindling, mankind's search for an alternative has led to the cultivation and harvesting of the Triffid, a relatively newly discovered plant rich in oil extracts. Capable of seemingly intelligent behaviour and able to move around on their leg-like roots, these dangerously carnivorous plants possess a poisonous sting enabling them to kill and feed on their victims.

When a highly anticipated, worldwide solar storm results in the billions of spectators who witness it being rendered totally blind, civilized society begins to collapse leaving those few sighted survivors to watch helplessly as disorder unfolds. Amidst the chaos, the once-captive Triffids find freedom and, with a voracious appetite for human flesh, begin roaming the planet, evolving and breeding rapidly as they descend upon towns and cities in search of food. With mankind facing imminent annihilation, it is left to a select few people to take a stand against the Triffids' reign of terror and fight an epic battle to save the future of the human race.

This brand new, contemporary adaptation produced for BBC One by Power, producer of the Emmy-nominated Virgin Queen (also for the BBC), the hit ITV mini-series Flood and The Devil's Whore for Channel 4 (with Company Pictures). The star-studded cast includes Dougray Scott (Desperate Housewives), Joely Richardson (Nip/Tuck), comedian, actor and marathon runner Eddie Izzard, Brian Cox (still be best Hinnibal Lector), Vanessa Redgrave, Jason Priestley (My Name Is Earl; Medium), Shane Taylor (Band Of Brothers) and Ewen Bremner (Hallam Foe), was written by Patrick Harbinson (Law And Order: Special Victims Unit; E.R.) and directed by Nick Copus (The 4400; Eastenders).

The Day of the Triffids will be released on 2-disc DVD on the 1st February 2010 and single disc Blu-ray on 22nd February 2010 by Showbox Entertainment at the RRP of £19.99 (DVD) and £24.99 (Blu-ray). Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo audio options are included, with an optional DTS HD MA 5.1 audio track on the Blu-ray only. The following extras will be included on both:

• "Making of" featurette;
• VFX progress;
• Behind the Scenes featurette;
• Interview Gallery containing 18 interviews.