The last goodbye

DVD: Last Orders (Prism Leisure, 15, £5.99)

A warm and thoughtful tale of old friends gathering for a funeral (or, rather, an ash-scattering) that deftly avoids cliche - largely because it stars the best of the middle-aged British acting world, and is based on Graham Swift's Booker prize-winning novel.

Michael Caine, an East End butcher, has died, and his oldest chums, together with his son, meet to fulfil his last request. But why does he want his ashes scattered off Margate pier? And why won't his wife (Helen Mirren) come with them?

Director Fred Schepisi handles a complex flashback structure adroitly, and Mirren, Caine, Bob Hoskins and co relish the chance to really use their skills. No extras on this edition, though.