Guest Author - Christine Blachford

It's that time of year again, when the question often arises: "What can we get them for Christmas?" If you know a Formula 1 fan, then this set of articles may be for you. Perhaps you're stuck for ideas, you might want a hint, or maybe you just want to buy an early gift for yourself, these guides should help.

Bernie Ecclestone doesn't make things easy for television and DVD producers these days. The rights to any footage of races is highly expensive and locked down. However, there's always the official access, and plenty of history to take a closer look at.

F1 2008 Season Review
The official edited view of the 2008 season from start to finish. I can't imagine a greater season to take away a record of, with so much action, lows and highs for every driver, and great races at every turn. There are DVD extras including Ross Brawn's return, and Force India's debut.

Life Behind Lewis
A documentary that actually focuses on Anthony Davidson, despite the title. It compares the debut season for two rookies - with one flying high and the other struggling at the back of the field. Well made and an insightful look at the quieter end of the grid, but the DVD is constrained by the lack of racing footage.

Monaco Grand Prix - Race of Kings
This DVD delves into the glitz and glamour of Monaco, with "previously unseen action footage." Monaco is a highlight on the Formula 1 calendar, and whether the race lives up to the hype or not, it's unlikely to move off the entry list for a long time.

World's Greatest F1 Cars
A ride through some of the best cars that have ever been featured in the championship, plus short biographies of the drivers who were lucky enough to drive them. This DVD is a nice timeline from the racing before the Championship was formed right up to some more of the recent technological advancements.

There are so many of the official season review dvds available, it would be quite fun to start collecting them up. A quick search on Amazon shows just how far back you can go.