I remember back in 1995 when 'A Close Shave' was aired on BBC 2 on Christmas Eve at 7pm. At that time, I remember setting the video recorder for it whilst my family - including my dad (RIP now) - were out at Mass that evening for the Christmas Day obligation (NB: the Midnight Mass was put forward to 7.30pm because our church was situated not far from a pub and some of the more drunk punters thought it was funny to disrupt the Mass at midnight after closing time was called - that's why the priest put it forward).
When we got home, we watched the video and roared laughing every moment. Then, to our surprise and delight, the video was released the day after St Stephen's Day/Boxing Day. I was back at work and the first thing I did was buy the video.
I hope that the BBC/Aardman release the DVD or Blu-Ray at around the same time ASAP.
The only thing I can say to both the Beeb and the Aards is...DON'T LEAVE IT TOO LONG!