DVDs in Review

James May's Toy Stories

Title: James May's Toy Stories (2009)

Release date: December 7 2009

Certificate: PG

Format: DVD

DVD RRP: £19.99

Rating: 4/5

'James May's Toy Stories' is a brilliant, life-filled little series from the mind of the Top Gear stalwart. Forever being deemed as the most immature and overpaid trio on the box, May here investigates the toys that shaped his childhood, but more importantly how they inspired the rest of the world in the process.

May argues that toys aren't just playthings - they have staying power, stories of their own and true production genius behind their origins. But in exploring these themes, May falls back into his Top Gear ways and makes them all as big and brash as possible.

This results in May and members of the general public creating a life-size house made of Lego, a Plastacine garden and Meccano bridge and more to prove just durable these oft-neglected toys really are.

Without a charismatic presenter, this show may've been interesting but it's May's genuine passion towards these creations that drive the series into something really memorable. Couple that with his biting wit and he makes for a fantastic host to a truly original series that aims (and succeeds in bringing out the big kids in the general public).

This is a perfect gift for Top Gear or general toy lovers. The DVD (in addition to containing all six episodes) has some deleted footage and an exclusive interview with May sat on a sofa with a cup of tea resting on the arm, as is to be expected.