British, Australian, sci-fi series now available on DVD

British and Australian TV series have crossed the pond, as they say, along with a bevy of U.S. shows that are new to DVD — including the latest "Mystery Science Theater 3000" collection.

"The Complete Inspector Lynley Mysteries" (WGBH, 2001-07, 12 discs, $199.95). This excellent English crime show came to an end when its final two episodes (which also can be purchased separately) aired earlier this year, so now we have a box set of the entire series.

Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker), despite being an upper-crust earl, has chosen police work as a career, and his partnership with working-class Sgt. Barbara Havers (Sharon Small) is occasionally rocky. He doesn't understand the blue-collar mind-set; she despises the aristocratic sense of entitlement.

The last two respective feature-length episodes have Lynley grieving for his late wife as he becomes involved in the disappearance of his godson, and then butting heads with Havers over the identity of a young girl's killer.

Extras: widescreen, 23 episodes, featurettes, downloadable materials.

"Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition" (Shout, 1960-97, four discs, $69.99). This latest set from the MST3K gang includes four bad sci-fi/horror movies lampooned on the series, one from the second season hosted by Joel Hodgson and the other three from the Mike Nelson years. Along with robots Crow and Tom Servo, they make snarky but funny remarks throughout the (edited) screenings of "First Spaceship on Venus," "Laserblast," "Werewolf" and "Future War."

Extras: widescreen, three-part documentary (history of the show), 2008 Comic-Con reunion (with all the principals; emceed by Patton Oswald), trailers; collectible tin box, lobby cards (copies of each film's box art), collectible Crow figurine

"Rain Shadow: Series 1" (Acorn, 2007, two discs, $39.99). This six-hour Australian drama is essentially a "save-the-farm" story set in the outback, focusing on irascible veteran veterinarian Rachel Ward and her spunky young assistant Victoria Thaine as they try to help the struggling farmers in their drought-ridden area. Despite some cliches, this is a well-made production with a compelling string of stories that nicely come full circle in the end.

Extras: widescreen, six episodes, featurette, text biography of Ward