Obama documentary leads DVD releases of TV shows

These are the latest TV shows on DVD, led by a documentary overview of President Barack Obama's campaign and election.

"By the People: The Election of Barack Obama" (Sony/HBO, 2009, $24.96). The filmmakers of this HBO documentary began chronicling Obama's run for the presidency at his announcement as a candidate, interviewing the architects of the campaign, among others (including a producer of this film, actor Edward Norton). Don't expect any revelations, but as an entertaining look at recent history it makes for enjoyable viewing.

Extras: widescreen, deleted scenes, audio commentary, featurette, trailers

"March On! The Day My brother Martin Changed the World … and More Stories About African American History" (Scholastic, 2010, $14.95). Animated shorts for kids ages 5-10, led by the title story, narrated by Lynn Whitfield, and "Martin's Big Words," built on quotes from some of Martin Luther King's speeches, read by Michael Clarke Duncan. Also, "Rosa," about Rosa Parks' historic bus ride, and "Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story From the Underground Railroad."

Extras: full frame, four stories, featurettes

"The Judy Garland Show Collection" (Infinity, 1963, b/w, four discs, $29.98). This collection is pretty sparse, including only three of the 26 episodes from Garland's hourlong, single-season music-and-comedy program (which are on other DVD collections), plus a bonus disc with equally sparse material (also available elsewhere).

Included here are her first show, reuniting Garland with movie pal Mickey Rooney, as well as an episode with Bobby Darin and Bob Newhart, and another with Jack Carter, George Maharis and Leo Durocher. Series regular Jerry Van Dyke is also on all three shows.

Extras: full frame, three episodes, outtakes, bloopers; collectible postcard art

"Kathy Griffin" (Shout! 2009, $14.99). Griffin's latest uncensored standup special has a subtitle, but you won't see it in this paper. Griffin, who has made her living by ripping into show-biz icons, can be very funny, but she's also quite profane, going after Sarah Palin and the Octomom, suggesting Suze Orman run for president and skewering everyone from Cher to Judge Judy.

Extras: widescreen, deleted scenes, trailers