'Callan,' 'Petticoat,' 'Poirot' lead list of new DVDs

These new-to-DVD television programs are led by a classic British spy series that has never before been on U.S. home video.

"Callan: Set 1" (Acorn, 1970, three discs, $49.99). Edward Woodward ("The Liquidator") stars in this show about a conscience-stricken assassin for an unnamed secret-service agency. This was Woodward's first major showcase and he makes the most of it; the show in turn made him a star.

This set skips over the first two seasons, however, as they were black and white. This is actually Season 3, the first to be filmed in color, and it's a most satisfying exploration of spies and counterspies during the Cold War.

Let's hope those earlier shows also surface on this side of the pond, and the theatrical "Callan" feature that followed the series in 1974.

Extras: full frame, nine episodes, text trivia, text biography of Woodward

"Petticoat Junction: The Official Second Season" (CBS/Paramount, 1964-65, five discs, $42.99). More comic misadventures with Hooterville residents Kate Bradley (Bea Benaderet), her three daughters (Jeannine Riley, Pat Woodell and Linda Kaye) and rascally Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan).

Trivia alert: The well-trained dog that debuts in the first episode of this season would go on to play "Benji" four years after the show's run.

Extras: full frame, 36 episodes, intros by Pat Woodell and Linda Kaye Henning, featurette, photo gallery

"Poirot: The Movie Collection: Set 4" (Acorn, 2008/2006, three discs, $49.99). Included in this set are two more feature-length TV episodes of the British show starring David Suchet, whom many consider the definitive incarnation of Agatha Christie's beloved detective.

The first is "Mrs. McGinty's Dead," in which Poirot reteams with his old friend Ariadne Oliver (played again by Zoe Wanamaker) to save an innocent man from the hangman's noose. The second is "Cat Among the Pigeons," with the Belgian sleuth investigating a murder at a girl's school.

Extras: widescreen, two 90-minute movies, hourlong documentary

"Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes" (Docurama, 2009, $26.95). This is the documentary that recently aired on PBS's "American Masters," a delightful look at Keillor and his "Prairie Home Companion" radio show. Producer/director Peter Rosen follows Keillor's show as it goes on the road, interviewing some of those who work for him, as well as fans.

This isn't a deep or probing biography (although there are biographical snippets here and there) but it does have a lot of entertaining monologues by Keillor (both onstage and as narrator), some nice music, thoughtful conversation — and the bonus features offer even more.

Extras: widescreen, deleted scenes, extended interviews, text biography of Rosen, trailers