TV DVD Essentials: Made-for-TV Movies

Small screen is a relative term. These Essentials launched several A-list careers, afforded actors the roles of a lifetime, tackled hot-button issues theatrical releases avoided, and brought to the screen distinguished plays and books that might not have translated into big enough box office. There is nothing diminished about these towering and groundbreaking achievements that helped to remove the stigma of the tag "made for TV movie." See our list of Essential Made-for-TV Movies, including:

• Wit
• And the Band Played On
• Brian's Song

›Essential Made-for-TV Movies

TV DVD Essentials: Reality Shows

Reality TV is a producer's dream come true. With relatively frugal budgets, shows are created without having to deal with complicated storyboards, production delays (due to actors who can't memorize their lines), and A-list egos. Granted, some of what's considered reality TV is as much fabricated as scripted television, but the conceit of being "real" carries with it a certain cachet. See our list of Essential Reality TV, including:

• Survivor
• The Hills
• The Real World

›Essential Reality TV