At first glance it’s really not surprising that the Rolling Stones suppressed the release of their Rock and Roll Circus (1968, see Saturday, BBC Three, 11.40pm) television special for so long. They were at their ostentatious peak, but Brian Jones looked half-dead (it was his final performance with the band before he died) and Mick Jagger looked ridiculous. The setting couldn’t have been more over the top, either — the circus featured trapeze artists, fire-eaters, clowns and a line-up that would convene these days only in support of Band Aid.

The Stones play six songs, including ripsnorting takes on You Can’t Always Get What You Want (clearly aimed at the onlooking Marianne Faithfull) and Jumping Jack Flash, while the likes of Jethro Tull and Taj Mahal provide mini-sets. But the mosst fascinating moment is when the Dirty Mac, a super group featuring John Lennon, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, play a cover of the Beatles’ Yer Blues. The DVD extras are unmissable, too. A must buy.

Elton John’s Dream Ticket is an essential DVD box set for the committed Dwight-ite. It includes a greatest hits show from 2000, featuring duets with Billy Joel and Mary J. Blige; a symphonic gala in London two years later; a solo piano performance in the ruins of the Ephesus amphitheatre in Turkey; and a superb 90-minute documentary that includes unseen footage from the grand dame’s four decades in music. Younger Captain Fantastic devotees might also want to consider the Scissor Sisters’ We Are Scissor Sisters and So Are You, featuring a live set from the New York dolls as well as a short film by Julien Temple.

Finally, the Norah Jones and the Handsome Band: Live in 2004 DVD sees Jones and her band plough their way through a comprehensive array of tunes from artists such as Tom Waits and the Band. The duet with the wonderful Dolly Parton on Creepin’ In will warm anyone’s cockles on a bleak December Sunday. (PAUL CONNOLLY)

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