Coming from Manchester, you will have at least one transfer, whether it is LHR or another European airport. Given the shambles at LHR, I would recommend the latter at the moment. For direct out of LHR, there is also Eva Air, who are not bad. Otherwise, connecting direct into Manchester via the continent, there is also KLM and SAS. I recommend go for one of those, who both fly daily and the transfer experience will be FAR better. You need to check out the IFE options for these via their websites, as I am afraid I don't usually sit with the cattle on that route
Al, if you are, as your moniker suggests, "big", then I would also recommend checking out the airlines, such as Eva Air, who offer premium economy, i.e. a bigger seat at less than C class cost.
Good luck and have a great trip!