Guinness' 'Tinker' miniseries released on DVD

One of Alec Guinness' best performances highlights these TV shows that are new to DVD this week.

"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (Acorn, 1979, three discs, $49.99). A faithful, excellent adaptation of the John le Carre novel, this British TV miniseries is wonderfully crafted with a brilliant portrayal of retired spy George Smiley by the always dependable Guinness.

Smiley is in retirement when he's summoned back into action to find a mole in the agency, which forces him to confront old Cold War demons. But he dives in, putting his formidable investigative skills front and center, painstakingly probing every secret he can uncover.

Don't go into this expecting James Bond-style action. This is much more low-key and deliberate, taking its time to develop each character as the double-blind plot unfolds.

Literate and engrossing all the way. (And followed by a fine sequel, "Smiley's People," also available from Acorn, $49.99).

Extras: full frame, six episodes, interview with le Carre, text production notes, glossary, filmographies, le Carre biography/booklist

"Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms" (Athena, 2000, two discs, $49.99). Moyers interviews dozens of terminally ill patients for this moving, thoughtful documentary miniseries on end-of-life issues.

Extras: full frame, four episodes, text biography of Moyers; 16-page booklet

"Joseph Campbell: Mythos III: The Shaping of the Western Tradition" (Athena, 2011, two discs, $49.99). Susan Sarandon hosts this PBS collection of lectures given by the scholar in the final years of his life, covering myths ranging from the Arthurian romances to the Romantic philosophers.

Extras: full frame, five episodes

"Nazi Hunters" (MVD, 2010, two discs, $19.95). Documentary miniseries about secret agents and "avengers" who, after World War II, hunted down and brought to justice such elusive Nazis as Klaus Barbie and Adolf Eichmann. Well-constructed Canada-Brazil co-production consists of 45-minute episodes utilizing testimonials, black-and-white newsreels and photos, and re-creations with actors.

Extras: widescreen, eight episodes

"America: The Story of Us: Collector's Edition" (History, 2010, four discs, $59.95). The excellent documentaries in this series have been gathered here along with a gorgeous 400-page book featuring more than 200 illustrations, photos and historical documents. The perfect gift for the American history buff in your circle.