DVD/Blu-Ray Explosion: Catch Up On Hot TV Hits Before Fall Season Strikes!

TV Fanatics, are you holding on tight? Because while we wait anxiously for all our favorite shows to return with new episodes starting next month, that only means that the home entertainment collection is exploding with releases from previous seasons of your favorite shows.

So, I'm going to make things easy for you and give you a genre-based listing of all the must-haves and must-buys of the latest releases of your TV shows as well as some notable movies/miniseries and a few classic TV releases that also deserve some attention. So, without further adieu, let's dive in!

DRAMA:

Once Upon A Time: Season 4: Whether it dove into the world of Frozen or the Queens of Darkness (Maleficent, Ursula and Cruella de Vil), the fourth season of the fantastical drama did not disappoint and is worth reliving before the fifth season kicks off next month. Great guest star roles from Kristin Bauer and, of course, the return of Rebecca Mader as Zelena! Bonus features include 'Defrosting Frozen' and 'Behind the Magic Tour.' It's a must-get season of the beloved ABC series.

Kingdom: Season 1: Who'd have thought a drama about a family of MMA fighters could be so compelling but if DirecTV keeps cranking out series like this one, they'll be a contender in the TV market. A solid, capable cast including Frank Grillo, Matt Lauria, Jonathan Tucker, Joanna Going, Kiele Sanchez and, yes, Nick Jonas will pull you in and keep you coming back for more. Season 1 is now available on Itunes.

The Affair: Season 1: Love a good character drama? The Showtime series told a story from two different perspectives but took us deep into a scandalous relationship and also marriages to show the good, the bad and the ugly side of people when lives get intertwined. While I loved seeing Josh Jackson in a heavier dramatic role and Dominic West and Maura Tierney were incredible, Ruth Wilson says more with her face than just about any other actor out there. Catch up on Season 1 before the new season kicks off this fall.

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe: The LIfetime TV movie impressed not only with stars like Susan Sarandon, Kelli Garner, Jack Noseworthy, Emily Watson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan but also presented a side of the still-popular starlet that we hadn't seen before. From Joe DiMaggio to Arthur Miller to her own relationship with her mother (Sarandon), you'll be blown away by what you learn and what you see. 

The Dovekeepers Miniseries: Let's see - a miniseries from the powerhouse producing team of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, a cast that boasts Cote de Pablo, Rachel Brosnahan and Sam Neil; and an inspiring story of strong, determined women and you have The Dovekeepers. Based on the Alice Hoffman novel, this CBS miniseries was a big ratings bonanza and will keep anyone with a taste for historical drama engaged.

Hell On Wheels: Season 4: The fourth season of the AMC drama still shows just how thrilling the putting together of the railroad can be. And the home video release comes with a slew of great extras with set tours by cast members and a retrospective on series star (and resident hunk) Anson Mount. 

SHONDA RHIMES DRAMAS:

Scandal: Fourth Season: Between Olivia's kidnapping, Mellie's run for office and the President deciding once and for all who he wants with him in the White House, the fourth season of the ABC hit took us yet another crazy rollercoaster ride. The fourth season DVD includes all 22 episodes as well as fun extras that will keep you gasping for breath! Add this one tolines your library, Gladiators!!

How To Get Away With Murder: Season 1: The biggest scandal last season was that the new entry from Shondaland (Shonda-show vet Pete Nowalk created and ran the series) was as engrossing, intoxicating and full of the kinds of twists and turns and shocks we can't live without. Viola Davis as the flawed ruler fo the roost gave a jaw-dropping performance week after week so it's time to catch up on the stellar first season of HTGAWM.

Grey's Anatomy: Season 11: With so many storylines with cast members old and new, this will always be the season where McDreamy died. Love it or hate it, Dempsey's swan song was an emotional gut punch that may see the show rebound from or maybe jump the shark. Regardless, for fans who have stuck with the show for more than a decade, the show still got us talking. 

GOOD GUYS VS BAD GUYS:

NCIS: Season 12, NCIS: LA Season 6 & NCIS: New Orleans first season are all available this week so relive each of the thrilling, dramatic and exciting seasons of each show. And, just looking over each of the series in the franchise, it's a testament to a group of series that fall under the same umbrella but each have their own distinct tone and flavor.  

The Blacklist: Season 2: The intrigue only grew deeper as Lizzy and Red continued working together while Red wove his own web that was both exciting and kept us guessing more and more. James Spader continue to be a presence in the show even when he's not in a scene and that's proof of just how amazing he still is to watch. 

Person of Interest: Season 4: One of the most compelling shows out there, Person of Interest even defies convention and is a great hybrid of crime drama, investigations and character like no other show. Even when you're not sure what's going on with the characters and the world they're in, the show never disappoints and is one of the most underrated series on the air today

COMEDY:

Mike & Molly: Season 5: Molly may now be a real writer with a fat book advance but don't expect life to get easy for her or hubby Mike. In-law issues continue and if Molly doesn't finish her book, all that advance money needs to get repaid. As heavy as this sounds, there are laughs upon laughs in the CBS sitcom and the Season 5 release has all 22 episodes for you to watch before Season 6 kicks off this fall.

2 Broke Girls: Season 4: The two broke girls start out the season looking like they may finally have hit onto something big but with this sitcom's title, you know it won't last long, right? But they'll have Kim Kardashian and Sandra Bernhard stopping by in the latest season of the CBS comedy starring Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs.

The Royals: Complete First Season: There's never been a sexier Queen than Elizabeth Hurley and this royal family in the new E scripted comedy is way sexier than any real life royals. Catch all 10-episodes of the hit series and you'll never look at The Royals the same again!

CLASSIC TV:

I Love Lucy: Season 2: The classic Lucille Ball sitcom may be from the 1950s but the second season blu-ray has given the comedy a high-def makeover like no other! Besides the 31 episodes of the second season, you'll get the origial sponsor openings and closings and viewers also have the option to watch the show with the more traditional 'heart' openings and closings without commercial interruptions. A terrific repackaging of a classic series.

Man From U.N.C.L.E. Complete First Season: Just in time for the big screen version with Henry Cavill to hit theaters, revisit the series that started it all in the 1960s starring David McCallum and featured Leo G. Carroll, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy in roles, as well. 29 one-hour episodes are included in this release.

Jim Halterman is the West Coast Editor of TV Fanatic and the owner of JimHalterman.com. Follow him on Twitter.