'Santa Buddies,' other TV shows released on DVD

Here is a trio of TV shows new to DVD, led by the second season of a British favorite.

"Life on Mars: Series 2" (Acorn, 2006, four discs, $59.99). This sort-of time-travel police procedural is the original British version, not the later American remake that lasted only one season.

Here, English police detective Sam Tyler (John Simm) is still trying to figure out what it all means, as he struggles to come to terms with his having been hit by a car in the 21st century only to find himself in 1973! He's the inimitable fish out of water … or more correctly, the fish thrown back into the water of his childhood.

In this second season, Sam is adjusting to retro crime-solving as he addresses his feelings for policewoman Annie (Liz White), tries to clear his boss of a murder rap, searches for a serial killer — and ultimately is given some answers that could bring him home to his own time.

It's a satisfying wrap-up to the series and keeps the show from overstaying its welcome.

Extras: widescreen, eight episodes, featurettes, trailers

"Angels & Demons Decoded" (History, 2009, $19.95). This documentary looks into the facts surrounding Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" fiction, including comments from the director and star of the movie version, Ron Howard and Tom Hanks.

Extras: widescreen

"Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws" (Disney/Blu-ray, 2009, G, two discs, $39.99). This latest entry in the "Air Buddies" series (a spin-off of "Air Bud" and its sequels) takes on a Christmas theme as the canine heroes help Puppy Paws (son of Santa Paws, of course) regain his Christmas spirit. For small fry, of course.

Extras: widescreen, Blu-ray version, DVD version, sing-along, music video, trailers (also available in single-disc DVD version, $29.99; gift set with five plush "Buddies" dolls, $64.99; and four-pack with three other "Buddies" movies, $74.99.

e-mail: hicks@desnews.com