Rufus Wainwright & The McGarrigles: A Not So Silent Night

With just a month till Christmas (insert your choice of "Joy to the world" or "Bah humbug" here), DVD shelves are already overflowing with "gift ideas". But while Santa Claus: The Movie and Miracle On 34th Street might seem the obvious choices (despite being toothache inducing), this bizarre concert should foot the bill for those of you with more discerning and, well, cooler taste. Rufus doesn't quite outdo his Judy Garland tribute here, but his clan are with him all the way for some stirring renditions of old yuletide favourites. Guests Emmylou Harris and Lou Reed provide good work, but the stand-outs are Martha's wonderfully raspy take on Old King Wenceslas, Justin Bond (of Shortbus) joining our main man for a drag duet of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and a wacky performance from Laurie Anderson. The only snag is the fairly bare bones approach to the filmmaking, but there are some nice extras and, for fans, it's essential. [Michael Gillespie]