Being HUMANS

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'Humans' on Blogcritics.

Just released on Blu-ray and DVD from Acorn Media is Humans (Uncut UK Edition). A British show that ran on AMC in the U.S. last year, the show plays with themes of sentience and robotics, telling the story of several individuals in a near-future world where humans co-exist with androids. The series also plays out larger arcs exploring this society as it changes and adapts. It’s a fascinating show, well made and well acted; it is definitely worth checking out.

At the heart of Humans is the Hawkins family. Father Joe (Tom Goodman-Hill, Mr. Selfridge) is feeling overworked and neglected at home, so he buys a “synth” (as the artificial beings are called) whom his family names Anita (Gemma Chan, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) to help out. His wife, Laura (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd), is perturbed, but overruled by their three children, who quickly form bonds with Anita.

What they don’t realize is that Anita is actually a self-aware synth named Mia who was captured and re-purposed. A man named Leo (Colin Morgan, Merlin) is looking for her, along with a few other self-awares. As the eight-episode season unfolds, we learn quite a bit about Leo, Mia, and their family, as they go back quite a few years together, and their history matters very much to the world at large.

Some of the supporting characters also have interesting story arcs, most prominently a retired programmer named George (William Hurt, Damages), who has formed an emotional bond to his synth, Odi (Will Tudor, Game of Thrones), a mysterious man named Hobb (Danny Webb, Valkyrie) who is hunting Leo’s group, and DS Pete Drummond (Neil Maskell, Utopia), who resents the synth taking care of his disabled wife.

There are some early connections between various players, but as the season goes on, their paths become more and more intertwined. The story becomes a complex, sweeping narrative while remaining a small-scale character story: a hard feat to accomplish.

Humans raises some important and highly relevant questions about own contemporary society, which stands at the cusp of the artificial intelligence era. These are things we’ll soon be debating among ourselves. Just as there is an anti-robot movement on Humans, I expect that in our own future, small-minded people now losing the battles over race and sexual orientation, will take up that cause.

Will we reach The Singularity? Will our machines soon be able to reproduce themselves and not need us any longer? Those are things this series touches briefly on, and will surely be tackled further when Humans returns for a second season later this year. Given the quality with which this batch was tackled, I look to the show to do it properly and am eager to see their take, so I’d recommend checking this release out before the next one airs.

I wouldn’t think there’s too much different between HD and SD in terms of audio and visual quality. Despite portraying advanced technology, there is little CGI in Humans, with the synths looking just like us and relying on their human performers to (perfectly) set them apart as different. There are some action sequences and deep blacks that’ll look better on Blu-ray, but it’s not the type of show that a huge difference will be visible. Still, I’d go Blu-ray if I were you, especially since Amazon’s price is the same for both editions.

There are just a handful of special features. A featured 30-minute batch of shooting footage isn’t all that interesting, given it’s just mainly people standing around, not talking to the camera or anything. The are interviews with the cast are a little more worth watching, but still don’t really tell us a lot about the show. The release also contains a photo gallery, a puzzling addition very common on UK releases, but not seeming all that valuable to us in the U.S.

What I did find fascinating is that the same extras appeared on both blu-ray discs I received, which was kind of cool, able to access them no matter which I had in. But despite the novelty, I’d rather have more varied and deeper features than to see them repeated.

As such, I wouldn’t recommend Humans for the extras, but it is an excellent show that I enjoyed very much, and that makes you think, in a good way. Check out Humans, available now.

Acorn Media releases massive Poirot set

Agatha Christie is regarded as one of, if not the, best mystery writers of all time. Among her popular characters is Hercule Poirot, a Belgian detective who solves cases in the early decades of the twentieth century. Keeping in the vein of Sherlock Holmes, Poirot has help, but it is he, himself, unraveling most of the crimes.

By 2013, David Suchet (The Way We Live Now), considered by many to be the definitive Poirot, will have filmed all of Christie's novels and short stories featuring this lead character. This is not a small feat, there being over thirty novels and more than fifty short stories in existence. His body of work is quite impressive.


For those who have not yet delved into this run, though, a good way to start is by checking out Acorn Media's new release, Agatha Christie's Poirot The Early Cases Collection. This thirteen disc set brings together all 45 mysteries comprising the first six series of the ITV series, which airs on PBS as part of Masterpiece Mystery in the states. The episodes have been remastered, and released on Blu-ray and DVD.

Among the cases included in this collection are: "The Adventures of Clapham Cook," the first in the series; "Four and Twenty Blackbirds," in which Poirot mixes cooking with crime solving; "The King of Clubs," where Poirot has only a playing card to go on; "Double Sin," in which Poirot comes to a decision about his career path; "The Mysterious Affair at Styles," featuring Poirot and Hastings' (Hugh Fraser) first case together; "Wasps' Next," where Hastings gets to use his love of photography to save the day; "The Mystery of the Spanish Chest," a dinner party that takes a tragic turn; "The ABC Muders," in which the culprit sends Poirot clues in letter form; "Yellow Iris," where Poirot revisits an unsolved case; "Murder of the Links," yet another vacation is interrupted when the infamous detective is asked to use his skills, this time in France; and "Dumb Witness," which brings premonition into the mix.

These are just a scant few of the many, many mysteries that Poirot is tasked with solving in these six series. Besides Hastings, the Watson to Poirot's Holmes, our lead is sometimes joined by Chief Inspector James Japp (Philip Jackson), a competent enough detective who is usually a step behind Poirot, and Miss Felicity Lemon (Pauline Moran), Poirot's nearly perfect secretary, who seems to also be brilliant, attractive, and fashionable. Sometimes these characters are placed in stories in which they didn't appear for the print versions, but they help humanize Poirot, and provide a cohesiveness to the series, each being a good addition to the overall recipe.

The bottom line here is, Poirot is a very well developed character, with a good supporting cast, which leads to many entertaining crimes being solved. Yes, it is a bit of a procedural, but the tales were developed in the days before it became a commonplace television genre. Written by one author, there is a singular vision and a detailed world in which the stories can play out. Liberties have been taken in these filmed versions, of course, most signficantly by mixing up the order, and moving some around in time by ten or twenty years. But the core of the character shines through, and Poirot proves higher quality than many of the CSI and NCISs made today that owe it dues.

Poirot The Early Cases Collection has no special features. This isn't so obvious when plowing through forty-seven hours of episodes, a huge amount by nearly any standard. Because Poirot is what it is, one likely won't miss the extras much, even if it would be interesting to get Suchet's take on what the series is, and what it means to him.

Is it necessary to buy Poirot on Blu-ray, rather than DVD? Honestly, not really. As someone who likes to get the best possible quality available, I am happy to have the Blu-ray version. But considering that these are 4:3 remastered versions with only 2.0 sound, there probably isn't a huge difference between the two. There aren't many special effects, although high definition should bring out the rich details in the costumes and settings, which are worth praising, better. That aside, te colors aren't particularly stunning, and there isn't anything I noticed that really screams for HD. The Blu-ray probably offers a bit clearer picture than the DVD, but that's about it. I do not have the DVD for comparison, but the impression I get it that Poirot can probably be enjoyed in either format almost equally.

Agatha Christie's Poirot The Early Cases Collection is available now from Acorn Media.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Agatha Christie's Poirot - The Early Cases Collection on Blogcritics.

Welcome to Waterloo Road

The BBC's answer to the long running, popular Canadian teen drama Degrassi is Waterloo Road. Premiering in 2006, Waterloo Road quick gained a following, leading to six additional seasons, with more being in production. Having been seen on BBC America in the states, now Waterloo Road Series 1 is available on DVD for the first time from Acorn Media, collecting the initial eight episodes of the series on a two disc set.

Waterloo Road takes place at a fictional school in Rochdale, England, where students ages 11 to 18 attend. The building is not doing well, its students failing and getting into trouble, and its teachers well below the average. Jack Rimmer (Jason Merrells, Emmerdale) has recently assumed the role of headmaster after the previous man, who held the position for three decades, went crazy. It is up to Rimmer to set things right, improving conditions, attendance, and performance, if the school has any hope of staying open.

Jack is aided by a deputy headmaster, Andre Trenemen (Jamie Glover, Holby City), whom Jack recruits because he is highly educated, and Kim Campbell (Angela Griffin, Mount Pleasant), the pastoral care teacher. These three must do their best to turn things around before it's too late.

This is easier said than done, of course, as the drama oozes out of every door of the school. The teachers are a problem. English professor Tom Clarkson (Jason Done, The English Patient) is living with a fellow educator, fiance Lorna Dickey (Camilla Power, The Tournament), but his eyes have strayed towards Lorna's best friend, Izzie Redpath (Jill Halfpenny, EastEnders), the drama teacher. This kind of conflict negatively affects the job, of course, not allowing the teachers to have their heads in the game.

And boy, do the students need teachers that care! Izzie's own daughter, Chlo (Katie Griffiths, Hatfields & McCoys), has fallen for bad boy, Donte (Adam Thomas, Emmerdale), who doesn't understand that life is finite, and teenagers are not invincible. Lewis Seddon (Craig Fitzpatrick, The Visit) won't leave a teacher alone. Pregnant teenagers, a limo crash, students dying or in a coma, a homework scam, bullying inflated grades, and drugs are just some of the things that come up in the first eight episodes.

As you may guess, Waterloo Road is an over-dramatized version of reality. But like many shows that fall into that category, the issues dealt with are still realistic enough, even if one doesn't expect all of them to happen in a short time span at one school. The drama, romance, and danger all contribute to a heck of an entertaining soapy serial, one sure to keep viewers engaged, even if it is a bit over the top.

The question is, considering the number of entries worldwide in the high school drama series genre, how does Waterloo Road compare with its peers? Well, for the first season, at least, it lands somewhere in the middle of the pack. The characters are great, and the tension is kept high. The pacing might go a little faster than one would like, but there are definitely a lot of moving moments. Considering its success over the last few years, it is likely the series builds upon the solid foundation of series one, and improves as time goes on, though having only viewed this first batch, I cannot say that for certain. What I can say is, if you are into this sort of program, Waterloo Road is a worthy entry, and should not waste your time.

This two disc DVD set contains no bonus features.

Waterloo Road Series 1 is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Stephen Hawking shows us a Brave New World

Sir Stephen Hawking may be the most intelligent living mind mankind has. A groundbreaking theoretical physicist, he first came on my radar after reading his book, A Brief History of Time, which explains quantum physics, black holes, and what makes up the universe to the lay person in an easily understandable, highly readable way. He is not only able to comprehend what the vast majority, if not all, of us can't, but he can also communicate this to everyone else without using his natural voice, having to speak through a computer because of a debilitating disease. Our time's Einstein, this makes him an amazing man, as well as a great scientist.

Lately, the British Doctor Hawking has taken his work to the television, translating his talent for relating to others flawlessly to a new medium, hosting a variety of specials to engage the minds of the populace, expanding what we know and how well we know it. Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking explored the cosmos, while last year, Hawking sought to disprove the existence of god using science. Now, a five part documentary called Brave New World is available on DVD in the United States from Acorn Media.

Brave New World turns the focus away from the universe around us, and looks at people themselves. We have come a very long way with our technological breakthroughs thus far, since living in caves and using simple rock tools, and Hawking examines what we might achieve tomorrow, given our current trends. He looks at what has already been done, and expounds on it in a logical way. Can we cure cancer? How will the cars of the future drive, or the cities of the future be built? What kind of power does an atom hold, and can we harness it for our benefit? These are just a few of the many questions addressed in Brave New World.

The format of the DVD is simple, broken down into five parts: "Machines, "Health," "Technology," "Environment," and "Biology." Sure, there is some overlap between the areas, but basically each of the five hours concentrates on one arena, and Hawking does his very best to give us a peek at what may be coming next in each of those fields. To say the least, the results are fascinating!

Hawking is not left to do this alone, joined by a number of experts on the various topics that he covers. From David Attenborough, the naturalist and frequent narrator of BBC nature specials, to Richard Dawkins, who knows a thing or two about evolutionary biology, to Robert Winston, a man who works with reproductive medicine, to Kathy Sykes, a renowned physicist, Hawkins has some of the leading minds of this generation, further giving weight to the theories covered. Biographies of some presenters are included on disc two as an extra.

Stephen Hawking Brave New World also comes with a sixteen page viewer's guide. This gives outlines of some of the technology discussed in the series, and provides a nice companion to the DVDs for quick reference of certain concepts.

For those interested in research and the next advances of the human race, Brave New World should prove an invaluable resource, opening up doors to new thoughts and ideas. If you are not naturally inclined to ponder such things, give Brave New World a try anyway, and confronted with the genius mind of Stephen Hawking, you may just find yourself getting excited, in spite of your reservations.

Stephen Hawking Brave New World is available now on DVD.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com!

Vexed anything but vexing to watch

Acorn Media has recently released Vexed Series 1 on DVD. Previously unavailable in the United States, this single disc set contains all three, hour long episodes of the first series. (A second series recently aired in Britain).

Vexed is the story of two police detectives, but unlike many crime dramas, it is not a procedural. There are cases in each episode that must be solved, but these by far take a back seat to the tale of the main characters. This is a show about personalities, and those personalities are entertaining and engaging. Plus, it's light-hearted, making it more a dramedy than a straight drama.

DI Kate Bishop (Lucy Punch, Ben and Kate, Bad Teacher) is new to town. She is driven and smart, but not so good with her personal life, which is why her marriage to husband Dan (Rory Kinnear, Quantum of Solace) is crumbling. While at work, she plays by the rules and follows the clues. At home, she reacts erratically and jumps to conclusions. She does her best to keep it all together, but sometimes her best just isn't enough.

Enter DI Jack Armstrong (Toby Stephens, Wired, Die Another Day), a lazy, bumbling cop who would rather charm everyone than actually listen to them. Yet, somehow he manages to get the job done. He's a good balance for Kate, doing things that she would never do during the course of their investigation, and at the end of the day, he comes to care about his partner. They make an interesting, and surprisingly effective, team.

These two leads are the reason I like Vexed a lot. Punch and Stephens have great chemistry, and the focus is always more on them than the murder or kidnapping they are looking into. Punch is more toned down than in many of other roles, which works very well here, and Stephens captures that Damian Lewis-esque character, but with a much more free-style spin to it. The bottom line is, whatever the merits of this series may be, it is genuinely fun to watch.

It is supremely disappointing that Punch's Kate has been replaced by a different character in series two, though not having seen the newer episodes, I am unable to say if the show is able to hang onto what it has without her.

The only thing that didn't really work for me was Kate and Dan's relationship. When they fight, it's great, and the way she continuously injures him is amusing. But then, as they try to make up, it feels a little hollow. It's almost like two distinctly separate couples, their interactions in those two types of scenes being so wildly different. This is an important element to Vexed, but it's not so big that it can't be overlooked in favor of the better parts.

The supporting cast includes Ronny Jhutti (Ideal) as Naz, a nerdy analyst who works the crime scenes, and Roger Griffiths (Holby City, Family Affairs) as Tony, a former cop who runs the restaurant Jack works out of, as Jack claims he doesn't like for the police station. Neither Naz nor Tony get a lot to do, but Griffiths' character is especially interesting, having a mysterious past that I'd like to learn more about, and messing with Kate in the funniest of ways. Hopefully, series two will give more insight into him.

The only bonus features are promotional trailers and a photo gallery.

I would recommend picking up Vexed just because the series doesn't really feel like something we have in America. We've done versions of this sort of thing, but watered down over dozens of episodes. The short arc and terrific cast makes Vexed worth watching, and a series I won't soon forget.

Vexed Series 1 is available now on DVD.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

The Crimson Petal and the White

Recently released on DVD by Acorn Media, The Crimson Petal and the White is a tale of love, betrayal, and insanity. Set in Victorian England, it's a character-driven drama with an impressive cast, playing out as a heartbreaking miniseries.

William Rackham (Chris O'Dowd, Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd) is heir to a perfume company, but would rather be a writer. Saddled with a father (Tom Georgeson, Bleak House) who wants William to face reality and give up on his dreams, and a wife, Agnes (Amanda Hale, Bright Star), so mentally unbalanced that she doesn't even recognize the existence of her own young daughter, Sophie (Isla Watt), William finds nothing but misery. That is, until he meets Sugar (Romola Garai, The Hour).

Sugar is a prostitute. But she, too, wants more than she has in life, working on her own novel, inspired by an equally miserable existence. Sugar is all too willing to become monogamous for William in exchange for money and a decent place to live, eventually becoming nanny and mother to Sophie. It's a position that badly needs filled, so that Sugar is less an interloper, and more a savior, to the family, deranged Agnes even believing her to be a guardian angel.

But emotions and motivations are complicated. Those who indulge their dreams often are flighty, never satisfied when they get what the want. William is controlling and Sugar is ambitious, not subservient. This is the makings of a clash, one highly entertaining in this psychological thriller.

One thing for which The Crimson Petal and the White has been routinely praised is its cast. Besides O'Dowd and Garai, who do an absolutely stupendous job in the leading roles, Hale is perfect as a madwoman, Gillian Anderson (The X-Files) is delightfully monstrous, and Richard E. Grant (The Iron Lady) brings to his character new levels of creepiness.

Visually, The Crimson Petal and the White succeeds well. It perfectly builds a specific world for which these characters to dwell, the setting every bit a part of the people in it as anything else. Costume and makeup design are also top notch, really selling the story well. There is a dark quality the world, and the people inhabiting it.

The one complaint raised by those who have read the book upon which this miniseries is based is that some of the material has been toned down. True, there is only so much nudity most television channels can show, and the violence can't really be R rated. Still, creating a masterful tone helps sell the story anyway, making these complaints insignificant when weighed against the other factors.

Sadly, the bonus features are lacking. Eleven minutes of deleted scenes, some character biographies, and interviews with a couple of the cast and crew is all you get. Yes, the discussions provide some meaningful insight, but mostly these aren't anything memorable, nor entirely necessary. More might have been included.

Overall, though, the story of The Crimson Petal and the White is well worth your time, no matter what omissions may have been made in crafting the extras. This is a wholly original, brilliantly executed drama that will delight, surprise, and creep you out, sometimes all at the same time.

The Crimson Petal and the White is available now on a two-disc DVD from Acorn Media.


If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: The Crimson Petal and the White on Blogcritics.

Holy Flying Circus alights on DVD

Now available from Acorn Media in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is the comedic docudrama, Holy Flying Circus. Is this a sketch film? Is it a Monty Python parody? Is it a retelling of historical events? Is it purposely offensive to religious people? Yes, to all of these things, and more.

The main focus of Holy Flying Circus centers around the release of the 1979 film, Monty Python's Life of Brian. For those who may not remember, Life of Brian follows a guy named Brian whose life parallels Jesus Christ, and is mistaken for the messiah, even as evidence stacks up to contradict this assertion. When the movie originally came out, it was steeped in controversy, and some Christians took offense to the themes and jokes, especially if they hadn't actually seen the movie.

What Holy Flying Circus does is to re-create those events with a very Python-esque flavor, making the movie in the style of Python's classic films and shows. This does a couple of things. One, it makes Holy Flying Circus way funnier than most documentaries. Two, it should appeal to the sensibilities of Python fans, who are most likely the target audience of this piece. Three, it sneaks messages into the silliness, providing much fodder to think about. And four, it honors the comic legends who ruled Britain's funny scene a couple of decades ago.

Now, one might argue Holy Flying Circus isn't very good, as the writing veers off in odd ways, not always the direction the viewer would like it to go, especially with the fantasy sequences. It also borrows heavily from the existing Monty Python works, meaning there's a degree of copying. These are valid arguments.

However, what saves Holy Flying Circus is the fantastic ability of the performers to mimic the real life people that they are based on. Each member of the great cast, which includes Steve Punt (Mock of the Week) as Eric Idle, Phil Nichol (The International Sexy Ladies Show) as Terry Gilliam, Rufus Jones (Mongrels) as Terry Jones, Thomas Fisher (The Illusionist) as Graham Chapman, and especially Charles Edwards (Murder Rooms) as Michael Palin, and Darren Boyd (The Jane Show) as John Cleese, deliver uncanny imitations. Jason Thorpe (Little Dorrit) as the BBC executive and Stephen Fry (Bones, Jeeves and Wooster) as God also lend much to the proceedings, making for a memorable movie.

Besides the terrific casting, there are also a number of tongue-in-cheek references to the Pythons and their various projects, including things they did after this movie, in the "future." They are numerous, and many are sly. The more you times watch it, the more you are likely to catch.

The central question at the heart of Holy Flying Circus is, is it alright to poke fun at religion? Not in a mean-spirited way, of course, but in the service of legitimate comedy. Especially in America's currently heated presidential campaign, the debate the rages on, not always in the public spotlight, but ever important to a sizable percentage of the population. It almost makes the Pythons seem ahead of their time to have tackled this back in the day, though they weren't the only ones doing so. Should the religious community have a sense of humor about themselves and their beliefs? What if the jokes come from people who believe the same things?

This is not a debate quickly settled, and as we see when Cleese and Palin appear on the British series Friday Night, Saturday Morning; this may be a debate not many are willing to actually have. The characters, much as it happened in real life, find themselves pitted against religious leaders who are not willing to budge from a stance, nor listen to logic and reason if it conflicts with this opinion. Are they justified in acting that way? This movie has a view on the subject, and it is one likely shared by many would-be watchers, though not necessarily by the population at large.

The extras are a little disappointing. The nine minutes of deleted scenes are pretty good, although the nearly 20 minutes of outtakes drag on a bit. The sole exciting featurette shows how the opening sequence was made, which is very complicated and cool. But that's it. Nothing from the Pythons themselves, which is what I would really like to be included, though it seems unlikely they would want to participate in such a project. Still, the draw is the film, and it is worth watching.

Holy Flying Circus is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Holy Flying Circus on Blogcritics.

Injustice comes to DVD

As the five-part series Injustice begins, Barrister William Travers (James Purefoy, Episodes, Rome) lives in a small village. He used to be a successful lawyer who won murder trials for his clients, whom he always believed innocent. But after one particular case, William suffered a nervous breakdown and had to step away from the more intense proceedings.

Now, a friend of his is accused of murder. William steps back up into it for the case, returning to the cutthroat world he left behind, with the caveat that he will quit if he stops believing his client's innocence. His wife, Jane (Dervla Kirwan, Ballykissangel, Blackout), is anything but pleased, having left a very successful career in London to accommodate her spouse. She is also worried about what the pressure might do to him. William ignores this, and jumps in anyway.

As with any excellent drama, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. Viewers will learn details about William's break through flashbacks, and the type of man he really is now, beneath the put-together exterior. Present events will collide with the past in a complex, interwoven story. I don't want to give anything away, but trust me, this is well worth watching,

Interestingly, a second investigator, DI Mark Wenborn (Charlie Creed-Miles, The Fifth Element), is present as a study of contrast to Travers, adding another layer to the tale. Wenborn is everything that William is not, cruel instead of kind, with virtually no moral compass to guide him on his mission. It's a wonderful study on the differing personalities of men, and how they can both survive within the same system.

The big, shocking query Injustice delivers is, can it make viewers root for the bad guy against the good guy? With the villain out to expose something that hero did, who is right? This delves into a level of ambiguity and greyness that inhabits only the best dramas, and makes all five parts incredibly compelling. And as someone who has watched the series, there is never a clear choice between which character should come out on top, which is not easy to do.

Injustice is as modern as it is timeless. The story and the characters, trying to be beacons of hope in a cruel world, holding up ideals and defending them, but limited by personal failings, could happen anywhere, anytime. Yet, the series also embraces technology and the ever-present closed circuit cameras that spy on citizens like a Big Brother. The plot is as much a comment of society and the legal system as it is on the specific circumstances portrayed. There are broad strokes, as well as the personal.

Is Injustice a police drama, or a suspense tale? Both are accurate representations. It melds the two seamlessly into a heck of a thrill ride. Both of these can deliver a good mystery, and thus a great mystery doesn't have to choose between them.

Something neat about this show is that it changes course so spectacularly in mid-stream. Twists are present in many stories, of course, but rarely does one show, especially one with such a limited number of episodes, make such a dramatic change in the middle. It's a very cool trick that, while it wouldn't work if it became overused, should set it apart in this instance.

What makes Injustice so terrific is the masterful way in which this ambitious script is executed. Not only is the writing solid, but the acting and direction is also fantastic. The world of the series is well illustrated, with a very authentic feel, especially as it delves into the murkiness. It's true that more and more productions have managed to pull this off lately, but that doesn't take away from Injustice's accomplishment, a worthy entry among its peers.

The only special feature included is a photo gallery. This is disappointing, but should not be enough to keep TV lovers away from the DVD.

Injustice is available now from Acorn Media.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Injustice on Blogcritics.

The Kent Chronicles now on DVD

Back in the 1970s, in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration on Independence, John Jake wrote a series of eight best selling novels. Collectively know as The Kent Family Chronicles, or The American Bicentennial Series, they tell the story of Phillipe Charboneau, a Frenchmen who travels through England and the New World in Revolutionary times, changing his name to Philip Kent, and interacting with a surprisingly large number of historical figures. The series continues with Philip's descendants, eventually ending in 1890.

Given the books' popularity, it should come as no surprise that they would be adapted for the screen. Or, the first three were, anyway, as television miniseries. Acorn Media has released a DVD set of these called The Kent Chronicles. This three disc edition contains the trio of films, broadcast in 1978 and 1979, and each over three hours long.

The first in the series is The Bastard. Here, Phillipe Charboneau (Andrew Stevens, Dallas, The Boondock Saints) is 17-years-old when he learns that he is the son of the Duke of Kent. The Duke is ill and won't claim his bastard child. Feuding with the legitimate family, and too poor to go home, Phillipe flees to London. There he meets Benjamin Franklin (Tom Bosley, Happy Days), who convinces Phillipe that America is the place to go.

Changing his name to Philip Kent, the protagonist is not in Boston very long before getting involved with the rebels and participating in the Boston Tea Party. Philip concurrently plays a role in the early dispute for the colonies, while haunted by the past he left in England, which follows him across the pond. The Bastard culminates in love and the Battle of Concord.

Picking up months later, The Rebels continues Philip's role in the war. This takes him away from home, leaving his wife, Anne Kent (Kim Cattrall, Sex and the City) to fend for herself, which, to make a long story short, does not go well.

The Rebels also follows Philip's friend, Judson Fletcher (Don Johnson, Miami Vice, Nash Bridges), a drunk and a womanizer. Judson's luck may even by worse than Philip's, as it's awfully hard to build a life for oneself when constantly offending others. If only Judson could give up the women and the booze, he might stand a chance.

In the third chapter, The Seekers, the Kent family has grown older. Philip's son, Abraham (Randolph Mantooth, Emergency!), is the new focus, and he's trying to build a life on the frontier. Family squabbling rears its ugly head again, resulting in some severe falling outs. Eventually the family is caught up in the War of 1812.

After watching The Kent Chronicles, it's really a shame more adaptations weren't made from the rest of the books. The Bastard and The Rebels tells Philip's tale pretty completely. But The Seekers mostly sets up his kids and grandkids for stories that never make it to screen. The books have the luxury of additional volumes. This DVD set does not, making the third installment, while still enjoyable, inferior to the first two.

On the whole though these are excellent specials, and a big draw is seeing all of the famous faces that pop up throughout the saga. William Shatner (Star Trek, Boston Legal) plays Paul Revere. Buddy Ebsen (The Beverly Hillbillies) is Benjamin Edes. Lorne Green (Bonanza) is Bishop Francis. Peter Graves (Mission: Impossible, Airplane!) plays George Washington. Harry Morgan (M*A*S*H), John de Lancie (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Jim Backus (Gilligan's Island), William Daniels (Boy Meets World), Robert Vaughn (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.), Delta Burke (Designing Women), Robert Reed (The Brady Bunch), Ed Harris (The Hours), Olivia Hussey (Romeo & Juliet), and Eric Stoltz (Caprica) also appear, among others.

The Kent Chronicles is sort of like a Roots for white people. Yes, the suffering is often brought more upon themselves in this series than the historic African-American one. But it depicts several generations of a family, showing the story of how they got to America, and what happened after. It's also a little bit like Forrest Gump in that the fictional narrative is interwoven with many important real events. It might not be quite as entertaining or renowned as either of those, but it's still a very good story, well executed here.

The Kent Chronicles is most definitely a product of the era in which it was made. More soapy than political, the budget wasn't available to get too gritty or realistic. The story frequently sways into the cheesy and melodramatic. However, if you keep in mind not only the time period in which the action is set, but also when the miniseries were made, it's easy to just enjoy this escapist television, not worrying about plot holes or historical inconsistencies.

Visually, too, The Kent Chronicles is a bit lacking by today's standards, but perfectly acceptable for the time. The quality isn't bad for the late 1970s, though one wishes a little more work would have been put into restoring it. It's presented full screen. But given that this is the only release available for these shows, most fans will just be grateful for any edition.

Sadly, there is a severe lack of bonus features. All that is included is a two minute trailer and a biography of the books' author, John Jakes. Couldn't the actors have been interviewed? Historians consulted to give perspective? Ah, well. Maybe, if The Kent Chronicles sells well enough, we'll get extras and a better restoration when it comes out on Blu-ray.

The Kent Chronicles is available now wherever DVDs are sold.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: The Kent Chronicles on Blogcritics.

Behind Washington: Behind Closed Doors

Now available from Acorn Media is the award winning miniseries, Washington: Behind Closed Doors. This six part story, spread across three discs, is the fictional tale of President Richard Monckton (Jason Robards, The Civil War, Magnolia), a paranoid and arrogant man, secretly plotting against many. Set mainly in the 1970s, Monckton comes under the influence of Frank Flaherty (Robert Vaughn, Coronation Street, Hustle), who isolates the president from his staff, and manipulates him to serve his purposes. All this, while the administration balances a Southeast Asian war and antiwar protests at home.

Wait, you say. This doesn't sound fictional? It seems to be the story of President Richard Nixon, the man who divided a country with his machinations, and engaged in covert games with those around him? That might just be because Washington: Behind Closed Doors is based on a novel by a former Nixon adviser, intended to somewhat tell a true story.

Even for those of us who didn't live through the Nixon era, this is a tale worth paying attention to. In an era where government is royally screwed up, Washington: Behind Closed Doors will spark the cynical side of viewers, imagining the worst of the man who run our country. This isn't any better or worse than the way things currently are, but shows another ineffective government at another point in history. It also reminds us that history can repeat itself, and power corrupts.

Washington: Behind Closed Doors is filled with fantastic performances. Besides Vaughn and Robards, there's Cliff Robertson (Spider-Man) as CIA director Bill Martin, who would like Monckton's ear, but instead finds a president intent on settling vendettas, rather than making America the country it should be. Andy Griffith does his take on Lyndon B. Johnson, who is almost as villainous as Monckton, in an entirely different way.

The actors that get the short end of the shaft in this miniseries are the women. Robbed of any juicy parts, or even a coherent love story, Stefanie Powers (Doctors, Hart to Hart) and Lois Nettleton (In the Heat of the Night) do the best that they can with flimsy material. They could probably hold their own against the boys, if given the chance. Sadly, they are not.

But romance aside, which isn't really needed in a piece like this, anyway, Washington: Behind Closed Doors is a stellar story of intrigue, betrayal, and deception. A highly entertaining political thriller, this will bring older viewers back to an important moment in this nation's history, and entice those who aren't so familiar to learn more.

Will America ever learn its lesson? Only time will tell. But this show will definitely spark some musings and introspection. For that reason, hopefully many of those involved in the current bickering will check it out and reconsider what they are doing with their lives.

In case you happen to be one of those who isn't well versed in the time period, an eight page booklet is included in this DVD set. It outlines reality, from Indochina conflict, to the peace movement in the U.S., to the Watergate scandal. It's sort of a cliff notes version of history, and one that provides appropriate context.

The only other bonus feature included is a set of brief biographies on a number of political figures of the time. These are nice, but one wishes there was more. Where are the interviews and commentary from the producers and stars, discussing how it felt to be part of such an important, renowned series? Ah, well. Maybe in the next edition.

At around 600 minutes in length, and given the high quality of the program and plot, there is plenty to recommend about this DVD set. Check out Washington: Behind Closed Doors, on sale now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Check out Doc Martin Series 5 on DVD

Acorn Media has recently released Doc Martin Series 5 on DVD. The series centers on Doctor Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes), a general practitioner in the scenic village or Portwenn. Grumpy by nature, it has taken a long time for the locals to warm up to the good doctor, but now that he finally has found his place, does he want to keep it? Series 5 finds him contemplating a move to London, now that he has pretty much mastered his fear of blood, making him much better at this job.

Of course, there are plenty of things to keep Martin in Portwenn. For one, he has an infant son to look after, whom he and Louisa (Caroline Catz), have yet to name. Martin's Aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins, Cranford), a doctor herself, has her share of problems, and could really use Martin being around. And she's just one of the many townspeople that could really make use of her services.

It's too bad Martin can't just be happy with what he has. The annoying aunt, crying baby in the night, estranged wife, hippie mum-in-law (Louisa Jameson, Doctor Who, EastEnders), and a brand new flaky receptionist (Jessica Ransom, The Armstrong and Miller Show) to break in pile up on top of the usual village drama and a completely inept replacement G.P. (Joanna Scanlan, The Thick Of It), making Martin as needed in town as he is anxious to escape it.

Doc Martin is a charming series, with the personality of House, minus the personal demons, and a colorful cast of support characters, much like Gilmore Girls. It's funny and light, with wacky plots and an amusing portrait of small town life. He is a thoroughly selfish character, expecting a woman who isn't even with him anymore to pack up her life and move with him for his own career. But he is also caring, wanting to be a good father. It's these opposing characteristics, as well as Martin's ability to show growth, that keep him such an intriguing character.

Series five begins with tragic change for Martin, when his Aunt Joan (Stephanie Cole) passes away from a heart attack. Might this tragedy help spur Martin to value family a bit more? It certainly seems like this might be the case, as he makes supreme efforts to make things work, even if he can't bring himself to declare his feelings or commit fully to trying to win Louisa back.

As mentioned, the townsfolk are quite colorful, and a large draw of the show. Doc Martin Series 5 serves these supporting players well. "Mother Knows Best" finds Portwenn celebrating Portwenn Fun Day, a major fundraising event which includes a culinary contest, sparking much rivalry. "Remember Me" sees Joe's (John Marquez) ex-wife, Maggie (Julie Graham, The Bill) coming into town with a case of amnesia, believing she is still married to Joe. And "Cats & Sharks" explores Bert's (Ian McNeice) severe money problems.

Everything culminates in the series fifth finale, when Martin's son is kidnapped, and two former lovers are reunited. It's a heck of a season, full of ups and downs and a lot of laughs.

Doc Martin Series 5 is presented in a two-disc DVD set, which includes about an hour of behind-the-scenes features, split evenly over the discs. All eight episodes are included, and series five will likely serve as the penultimate run of the show, making it a must-watch before things come to a close in 2013.

Buy Doc Martin Series 5, on sale now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter. Click here for all my 2012 British TV reviews on Pinterest. Article first published as Check out Doc Martin Series 5 on DVD on TheTVKing.com

Monroe Series 1 on DVD tomorrow

Already missing FOX's House? Well, then I have the series for you! Monroe, a British show about a genius, flawed, ego-driven neurosurgeon who goes by the same name as the series, comes to DVD in the United States tomorrow. Six episodes long, a second series has already been commissioned.

Monroe (James Nesbitt, Murphy's Law, Cold Feet) is a complex character. He is described by ITV as "a brilliant and unusual neurosurgeon – a flawed genius who never lets anyone forget his flaws or his genius." It's an accurate description. The man who works on brains is awfully proud of his own, but that doesn't mean that he completely understands it. He clashes with others constantly, not one to abide by the rules everyone else must follow, and has a very hard time being a good father and husband. Surely, someone as smart as Monroe realizes personal relationships are just as important as the work that he does.

Nesbitt brings a fantastic, nuanced talent to the part. In the title role, he really captures what it is that makes the lead character tick, even if it isn't always obvious to himself. A show like Monroe needs a strong actor to head it, and this one has such a man in spades. If nothing else, watch Monroe for the great performance given by Nesbitt.

Humorous and dramatic, with a fair amount of warmth as well, Monroe ventures deeper into the personal lives of those involved than most medical shows. It's clear that a career in such a demanding, competitive field would have an effect at home, as well as at work. Now, we get to see those consequences.

Susan Lynch (From Hell, Bodies) plays Monroe's wife, Anna, while Perry Millward (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) is son Nick. These two really help give a more rounded view of the doctor, showcasing what life is like for his loved ones. Unlike House, whom Monroe will be endlessly compared to, Monroe isn't a loner, exactly. He has a family. Just what kind of family man will someone like this be? Not a good one, of course, but you'll have to watch the DVD to find out the specifics!

Monroe is also surrounded by a slew of others at the hospital, too, played by some very talented actors. Of particular note is Dr. Jenny Bremner (Sarah Parish, Hatfields & McCoys, Mistresses), a heart surgeon that is a frequent subject of discord with Monroe. Not that Bremner has it all together, either. Dr. Daniel Springer (Luke Allen-Gale, The Promise) is a wonderful source of laughs, especially when battling theater nurses or losing patients, literally. Tom Riley (I Want Candy, Lost in Austen), Manjinder Virk (The Arbor), Christina Chong (Johnny English Reborn), Thomas Morrison (Brideshead Revisited), Michelle Asante (London Boulevard), and Liz Hume Dawson (4 O'Clock Club) fill out the cast, each appearing in all six episodes.

Of course, with any doctor, there are going to be patients. It won't be hard to guess that Monroe isn't exactly an easy communicator with the people who need his help. Each episode brings various guest stars across his path, with differing results. Monroe isn't heartless, but he isn't in tune with feelings, either. So the result is a complex interaction, which makes for better entertainment, and feels more realistic. The lead character is not a stereotype, but rather, a great character study of a specific type of man.

Monroe Series 1 is presented on two discs, in 16:9 widescreen ratio, with stereo sound. Considering that the show aired just last year, it's a shame that there isn't more done to pump up the visual and auditory aspects of the series. Is this the way it aired in Britain? If so, it's regrettable. There are also no bonus features, which is a real shame. It's lucky that the episodes are good and not readily available any other way in the States, because that is all the DVD has to go on. Perhaps this isn't unusual for our friends across the pond, but for an American buyer, this release feels stripped down and empty.

Still, as I said, the show is good, so check it out. Monroe Series 1 goes on sale tomorrow from Acorn Media.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Monroe Series 1 on DVD tomorrow on TheTVKing.com.

'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' sneaks onto Blu-ray

Releasing today from Acorn Media on Blu-ray is the classic British series, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Based on a book by John le Carre, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy follows George Smiley (Alec Guinness, Star Wars), the retired Deputy Head of the Service, as he hunts for a Soviet mole in the Circus, a top level spy agency within MI6. With suspicion narrowed down to four people, Smiley has to call on every one of his considerable talents to figure out which one it is. This is a Cold War tale, with the threat of war and Soviet aggression hanging over Smiley's head. When his own past comes into play, things get personal for Smiley.

Of course, this being a hero piece, Smiley triumphs. He sets an elaborate trap, and catches the mole, someone Smiley knows all too well. Before justice can be served, though, the man is killed. This is one mystery that Smiley cannot solve. Besides, he has his hands full trying to whip the Circus back into shape.

Hailed by many as brilliant, and recently remade as a cinematic release starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth, this series has garnered its fair share of praise and awards. Emmy nominated, and BAFTA winning, the subtleties of performance and story combine to make a truly memorable tale. Despite being released in 1979, there is nothing lost. All of the elements that matter don't seem dated, even if the Russian threat does. More importantly, the essence of humanity and questions of morality survive and matter as strongly as ever. Plus, this series look fantastic, filmed on location across Europe.

Guinness delivers what some consider the performance of his career. He is surrounded by a number of other talents, including Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation, American Dad), Anthony Bale (Game, Set, and Match), Bernard Hepton (The Charmer), Michael Jayston (Emmerdale Farm), Ian Richardson (Bleak House), and more. It is definitely easy to watch a cast such as this deliver an engrossing story.

The extras are light, as usual for these value releases of older series. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy has a nearly half hour interview with the books' author, his bio and booklist, production notes, and a glossary of terms and characters. New to this set, not on the previous DVD release, are eleven minutes of deleted scenes, and a half hour interview with the director of the piece, John Irvin.

Now, many will ask if it's worth buying a series more than three decades old on Blu-ray. And the answer is, that depends. The film is presented in 1080p, but not all of the extras are. While some new features are 16:9, the show itself is 4:3 full screen, as it always has been. At times, background noise doesn't quite get taken out as it should be. 2.0 Dolby Digital is included, a far cry from the surround sound in many newer movies, but better than the mono it could be. But because Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy is so dialogue heavy, that's probably good enough.

The clarity is far from perfect. There is some graininess going on, and the sound sometimes hisses and pops. The rich blacks viewers have gotten used to are absent, and shadows aren't easy to see into. Other colors, too, appear faded, and there isn't a lot of consistency from one scene to the next. But the team who is putting this out has also spent a great deal of work making the picture and sound as good as it has ever been. The Blu-ray is an improvement over previous DVD releases. So it's really a matter of personal preference, or it will come down to how much one really wants the additional bonus features.
 
In short, whether you are discovering the story for the first time, or remember fondly the original broadcasts, I highly recommend buying Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy on Blu-ray today.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy (1979) on Blogcritics.

Robin of Sherwood set 2 concludes series

Robin of Sherwood Set 2, containing all thirteen episodes of the third and final series, is now on Blu-ray and DVD. When Robin of Sherwood Set 1 ends, Robin of Loxsley (Michael Praed, Timewatch. Dynasty) is dead, leaving the characters in disarray. As Set 2 begins, a new Robin, Robert of Huntingdon (Jason Connery, Shanghai Noon), emerges. This Robin is significantly different, coming from a privileged background. But he is soon tapped by Herne the Hunter (John Abineri) to take over the legendary sword, and with it, the role of Robin of the Hood. The new Robin is reluctant, until Marion (Judi Trott) is kidnapped, and he springs into action, rousing the Merry Men back together, and resuming the noble work left undone by his predecessor.

If one is a fan of Set 1, Robin of Sherwood Set 2 has many of those same great characteristics. It is largely shot outdoors, in authentic settings. The budget may not be huge, but what there is is dedicated to the special effects of the magical elements, which are stepped up in this second set. This is a show with a lot of the supernatural, and also, a lot of sword fights, which are usually executed in a seemingly realistic manner. The acting is the same high quality as Set 1, and aside for a handful of cheesy missteps, the story, as a whole, remains among the best of the genre. Robin of Sherwood, which aired in the U.S. as Robin Hood, is worthy of being remembered, and Set 2 carries on the proud traditions of Set 1.

Connery, son of Sean, takes over the mantle well. He is physically and temperamentally very different from Praed's Robin, which is a good thing. Any imitation would have fallen short, and for Robin of Sherwood to keep going with a different lead, a new nature needed to be incorporated. Connery plays the part in a manner that does not resemble the former Robin, but it is not inferior, either. He handles the dramatic and the mystical with ease, and one wonders why his career, while respectable, did not take off further after this.

Of course, many of the other great characters from the first set return. Of particular note are Will Scarlet (Ray Winstone, the fourth Indiana Jones), Nasir (Mark Ryan, the new Transformers films), and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Nickolas Grace, Brideshead Revisited). The latter is a fantastic villain, who still chills and proves a worthy antagonist three seasons in. Another bad guy with an intriguing twist is Sir Guy of Gisburne (Robert Addie, Excalibur), who uncovers a startling secret. Unfortunately, Robin of Sherwood is canceled before all of the implications of that twist can be fully explored.

For a series so old, it is remarkable at how well Robin of Sherwood has been restored! The picture quality is quite good, if a bit soft, with clear colors, and images relatively sharp, considering. It isn't the same as today's releases, of course, but it is definitely one of the better touched up series of the past that surely needed a lot of work. That it looks as good as it does deserves high praise. The audio is pretty good, too. The episodes are not available in surround sound, but the stereo mixes are decent, and not distracting. Sound effects and music are blended well with dialogue, and it does not appear that anything gets lost in the output.

Robin of Sherwood Set 2 delivers on the bonus features. Nine of the thirteen episodes have audio commentary tracks, which use some of the principal actors and creative team. There are fun anecdotes, and some rich background information. There are also cast filmographies, a thirteen minute blooper reel, a photo gallery with over 400 images, three episodes with tracks available to listen to the music by itself, and a preview for the U.S. Showtime run.

That's far from all. A 76 minute documentary called "Nothing's Forgotten: The Making of Robin of Sherwood) tells a comprehensive story of the series, with many of the central acting and backstage team involved. The band Clannard, which won awards for scoring the show, gives a twelve minute interview about what they bring to the table. Performer Mark Ryan talks about the swordplay techniques used in an eight minute feature. And Esta Charkham, a producer, presents a four minute retrospective through photographs.
Robin of Sherwood Set 2 is a solid collection, well worth the purchase price. For fans of British television of the fantasy genre, this is a must-have for any comprehensive collection. Buy Robin of Sherwood Set 2 on sale now on Blu-ray and DVD.

Northern Lights The Complete Collection now available

As of today, Northern Lights The Complete Collection is now out on DVD from Acorn Media. This set includes the original 90-minute Christmas special, Christmas Lights, the six-episode followup series, Northern Lights, a six-part sequel series called City Lights, and another Christmas special, Clash of the Santas. Though it may sound like four different shows, each features the same characters, and are all part of the (somewhat) same story. Don't ask why the title for this collection is taken from just one of the four, because that isn't clear.

It begins with Christmas Lights in 2004, the story of two best friends and rivals at Christmas. Colin (Robson Green, Wire in the Blood, Being Human) and Howie (Mark Benton, Scoop, Land Girls) care very much for each other, and couldn't be closer pals. Their wives, Jackie (Nicola Stephenson, The Chase, Holby City) and Pauline (Maxine Peake, Little Dorrit, Shameless), are sisters. They are all neighbors. The guys even work for the same company. Which could be why they are driven to out do each other, whether it be in competition for a promotion, which Howie wins, or in decorating their homes for the holidays, which could be Colin's attempt to even the score. Too bad they don't notice that their single-minded focus on one-upmanship is hurting their lives, both personal and professional.

Northern Lights continues the story. Colin is fired from his job. Finding work as a taxi driver, he tries to replace Howie with a new co-worker, but just doesn't find the same chemistry. Colin is offered his job back, but strives for more. Meanwhile, family drama is paramount, as kids begin dating, fathers die, affairs occur, and secrets come to light.

Unlike Christmas Lights, Northern Lights stops itself from making Howie and Colin's relationship the focal point. This is probably a good thing, as what works for one special isn't as easily drawn out over six episodes. The characters and their relationship are still central to the heart of the story, of course, but there's more going on than that, too, which allows the series to be funnier and more sincere in portraying the lives involved. Well rounded plots lead to better character development.

City Lights goes in a different direction entirely. After witnessing a crime, Howie, Colin, and their families are put into Witness Protection, and move to London. They suddenly have to build new lives under new names, a task easier said than done. But Colin's past comes out, and Howie's marriage crumbles, leading to a pretty serious batch of episodes. In the end, they can't hide forever, and the bad men catch up with them for a final showdown.

City Lights almost feels like another series. Sure, the characters are the same, but the situation is so different, that it bears only a casual resemblance to Northern Lights. There is a much darker feel. Some of the themes, such as infidelity, recur, and the tone doesn't undergo a complete transformation, surprisingly. City Lights is definitely more Psych than Southland. However, much respect must be given to the writers for taking such a bold step for the second batch of episodes, which is likely why it carries a different title.

Finally, in 2008's Clash of the Santas, things get even more surreal. Howie, who hates Christmas, is sent to represent the UK in a Santa convention in Lithuania. Colin, insanely jealous, tags along as Howie's elf. But while there, the pair uncover a German terrorist cell who would like to stop the commercialism of Christmas by making a big statement in the form of death and destruction. With no other choice, Colin and Howie must put their differences aside and try to take down the evil Santa once and for all.

Clash of the Santas is the goofiest and most outrageous of the bunch. While these characters go toe to toe with criminals in City Lights, adding an international and holiday flair back into the mix really makes for a very funny special. Again, the overall tone is kept similar to previous incarnations, but the plot is different enough to really set this story apart.

In short, Northern Lights The Complete Collection brings together an inspired, humorous run from two actors who obviously really enjoy the characters that they play. They make a lot of unexpected choices, especially in the set ups, which keeps things interesting, and the flow is smooth. While not the best of British comedy, it's originality should earn it a spot on any sitcom fan's shelf.

There is only one special feature included. Entitled "Behind the Scenes of Northern Lights," it goes, you guessed it, behind the camera as the show is filmed. It originally aired just before City Lights premiered, so it does not include a look at the entire set. Rather, it focuses on just Northern Lights. It's a relatively standard featurette, with nothing particularly surprising or insightful. But it is interesting enough.

Other than the lack of extras, the biggest complaint about Northern Lights The Complete Collection will be about audio and visual quality. It clearly isn't made with the highest resolution, and little effort appears to have been expended to correct that. As such, one gets what is likely the same stuff that aired, just transferred to another format. This isn't necessarily a terrible thing, but with all the remastered and cleaned up shows being released, it's a bit of a disappointment. It's not horrible, but it's nothing great, either.

Still, this DVD set is worth a look, and thankfully, it's priced rather modestly. There is enough here to justify the purchase. Buy Northern Lights The Complete Collection, on sale today.

Article first published as DVD Review: Northern Lights – The Complete Collection on Blogcritics.

Dr. Willoughby debuts on DVD for the first time tomorrow

     Dr. Willoughby is a six episode sitcom that ran on ITV in Britain just once in November and December of 1999. Having never before been rerun or released on VHS or DVD (at least, according to Wikipedia), Acorn Media's new DVD is the first chance anyone will get to see the show in more than a decade. Starring Absolutely Fabulous's Joanna Lumley, Dr. Willoughby is about the making of a soap opera, and follows the antics both on screen and off.

     Lumley shines both as Dr. Willoughby, a character that her character plays on the soap within a sitcom, and as Donna Sinclair, the actress who portrays the good doc. The two personalities are startlingly different. Willoughby is a brilliant, compassionate, confident, charming surgeon who can heal the sick. Sinclair is a conniving, manipulative, thieving, vain diva in the strain of many a stereotype. Yet Lumley, whose comedy chops are unquestionable, handles both with ease. It looks easy, swapping the two characters back and forth, but surely, it cannot be. Lumley, who has a soap background herself, may even be drawing on familiarity. However she captures the part, though, it's clear that she owns the series. Which makes it a shame it only ran for six episodes.

     The fault is in allowing anyone else to share the screen. Lumley is excellent, and carries the full weight of each episode on her own. Whenever she is not on screen, however, the production falters. It isn't that Dr. Willoughby is bad. It's just that Lumley is so good she outshines everything and everyone else. It's a series tailor made for her, but when focusing on the central character, the quality of the rest is dropped.

     Not that one should necessarily blame the supporting cast, who seem to do their best. Ralph Whatman (Brian Protheroe, Holby City, 55 Degrees North) is the male lead of Dr. Willoughby, a wannabe star who will not hesitate to take the spotlight from Sinclair if she falters in the slightest. He has other worries, though, such as being caught for not paying spousal maintenance, or even being left out of a script. Crystal Reynolds (Paula Bacon, Life After Birth) is the popular new actress, already getting more fan mail then anyone, which, of course, peaks Sinclair's jealousy. Emma Goodlife (Isobel Middleton, EastEnders) is the producer who would rather be anywhere else other than at her job, but finds herself overqualified for other opportunities, like say, working in a supermarket. Middleton is arguably the "best of the rest" in Dr. Willoughby, capturing a hilarious brand of neurotic.

     There are no special features in this Dr. Willoughby release. Then again, it's a series that got absolutely no attention since it first aired, and anyone who enjoys the show should just be grateful to get a copy at long last. It is presented in widescreen, which is curious, because it doesn't seem like ITV would have been doing widescreen sitcoms in 1999. It is unknown whether the top and bottom of the picture is cut to make this work, or it was originally filmed in widescreen and restored for this release. The sound is in stereo.

     It is hard not to recommend buying Dr. Willoughby, especially with Absolutely Fabulous returning. Fans of the latter series cannot get enough of Lumley, and this is the perfect opportunity to see her in another light. In that regard, Acorn Media picks the perfect time to dust off this old relic, and many will consider it a treasure brought to light.

     Dr. Willoughby goes on sale tomorrow, January 3rd.

   If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!