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

Doc Martin The Movies comes out on DVD

     Acorn Media will release Doc Martin: The Movies this week. For those already familiar with the British television series Doc Martin, these made-for-TV films may be a bit surprising. Predating the regular show, they follow Dr. Martin Bamford (Martin Clunes), not Martin Ellingham, an obstetrician (not a surgeon) as he goes to the small village of Port Isaac (and not Portwenn). Actually, it's the same village; it just has a different name. And if you want to get technical, the character of Doc Martin was created for the film Saving Grace, which came even before these films, so this isn't even the start of it.

     There aren't a lot of familiar faces in Port Isaac. In fact, only one actor besides Clunes appears in both versions, and that's Tristan Sturrock, though he plays a different character in the movies. The townspeople in these films are more fully developed people, which makes them less distinctive characters from those in the series.

     The Doc Martin from these movies is grumpy and anti-social, but only a bit. He has no problem smiling, and seems to enjoy the local villagers. As long as they don't break into his house, answer his phone, and read his mail. Which, of course, they do. Still, Bamford is not on the same level of unpleasantness that Ellingham is. Also, his reasons for fleeing the city and winding up in this setting are very different. But it's neat to see the origin of a character before fully developed.

     The first movie on the two-disc set is simply called Doc Martin. In the beginning, Martin discovers his wife, Petronella (Lynsey Baxter, Peak Practice), has been cheating on him with three of his best friends. Not sure what else to do, Martin clears his schedule and flees to the small hamlet, winding up on a fishing boat. Enjoying getting away from his busy life, and the town soon needing a general practitioner, Martin decides to stay. It's quite a sad story, creating a different tone than Doc Martin usually exudes.

     In the second installment, Doc Martin and the Legend of the Cloutie, Martin begins to become annoyed with his neighbors and seeks to buy a farm house a couple of miles outside town. Unfortunately, an unpleasant family gets to it first. Martin is willing to resort to anything, including calling upon the local residents' superstitious "magic," to win the estate. This is a more recognizable Doc Martin, in that his negative attitude begins to come out. But he still has friends whose company he enjoys, so it's not a total switch. Also, the supernatural elements, while not totally explicit, give the tone a very odd feel.

     There are no bonus features. Both movies are presented in 16:9 widescreen with stereo sound.

     If you are a fan of the series Doc Martin, I do recommend checking out the movies. If you haven't seen the show, watch the movies first, and you'll get to see the evolution of a character.

     Click here to buy Doc Martin The Movies on DVD.
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Article first published as DVD Review: Doc Martin - The Movies on Blogcritics.

Reggie Perrin Set 1 coming to DVD

     On July 19th, Acorn Media will release Reggie Perrin Set 1 on DVD. From original series and book creator David Nobbs, Reggie Perrin is an update by the author of a story told before both on screen and in print. Simon Nye (Men Behaving Badly) assists in this newest version. However, a quick browse of Wikipedia exposes major differences between Reggie Perrin and the earlier incarnations, so whether you enjoyed the original, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, or are discovering the character for the first time, Reggie Perrin offers an enjoyable, unpredictable time.

     Reggin Perrin is a funny sitcom about a man who is dissatisfied with his life, after ten years working as Head of Disposable Razors for a grooming products company. Every day he rides the same train full of the same crowded people, and is always 27 minutes late to work, for various reasons. Once there, he deals with the same droll people and tasks. Reggie determines it is time to attempt to do something about the boredom, but his efforts begin randomly and without a plan, so they fail.

     Martin Clunes (Doc Martin, Demob, Kipper) stars as the titular character, and, as usual, he is brilliant. Clunes is a master of comedy, usually achieved by acting grumpily and smarmily towards everyone around him, who he considers less intelligent. They often are, but that doesn't mean they deserve his treatment of them. It's hard to pull off this superior attitude without being unlikeable, but Clunes does it again here. The entire series rises and falls on his performance, as the sole star, and he handles it more than capably. After viewing Reggie Perrin, one may want to see Clunes in anything else he chooses to do.

     The focus of series one is to introduce the characters, and set up the situation. Reggie is tired of the banality of his job, and frustrated by his co-workers. He seeks to shake things up, but doesn't quite know how. He frequently fantasizes about things he'd like to do, and those fantasy moments are shown on screen, but doesn't act on them. He considers having an affair with interested co-worker Jasmine (Lucy Liemann, Moving Wallpaper, The Bourne Ultimatum), but the love Reggie still has for his wife, Nicola (Fay Ripley, Cold Feet, Meg and Meg), proves an obstacle. Reggie soon realizes the only thing he can do is create waves at his job, which, of course, doesn't quite go according to the way he'd like it to.

     Series two kicks things up a notch, as Reggie becomes more and more involved in things he doesn't enjoy. He searches for his passion, and how to make his life better. Unfortunately, his new obsessions lead Nicola to feel lonely, and she considers straying herself with new neighbor, David (Alexander Armstrong, The Sarah Jane Adventures). There are some really interesting, deeply impacting twists, which I will not spoil, but it's a really strong series, and definitely worth watching.

     Besides Clunes, Liemann, and Ripley, the cast is supported by Reggie's employees, Anthony (Jim Howick, The Armstrong and Miller Show) and Steve (Nick Mohammed, Horne & Corden), Reggie's secretary, Vicky (Kerry Howard, Him & Her), boss Chris (Neil Stuke, The Bill), and wellness expert Sue (Susan Earl, Hardware). Although each is dim in a different way, the actors make their characters sympathetic and unique, rather than being interchangeable drones. Nicola's father, William (Geoffrey Whitehead, The Worst Week of My Life), and Reggie's mother, Marion (Wendy Craig, The Royal), assure the main man finds no peace at home, either, with their own antics.

     Set 1 may actually contain the complete run of Reggie Perrin, as no third series has been ordered as of yet, and ratings have not been high. This would be quite a shame, as not only is there some very funny material present, but the second series adds a layer of deep emotional drama to raise the level several notches. Reggie Perrin is finding its stride, and it would be gratifying to see what happens next to the character.

     The DVD release includes two discs, featuring all twelve episodes of Series 1 and Series 2, as well as a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, the lone bonus feature on the set. Reggie Perrin Set 1 will be released on July 19th. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.

     Please click here to buy Reggie Perrin Set 1 now.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Reggie Perrin Set 1 on Blogcritics.

Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4 on DVD

     Acorn Media recently released Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4 on DVD. While parts of this set have previously been available separately, this is the first time the whole series (thus far) has been released in one collection. In the set are nine discs with thirty episodes, including the feature-length Christmas special that aired after Series 2. This show is on ITV in the UK and airs on PBS in the states.

     Doc Martin stars Martin Clunes (Demob, British Men Behaving Badly) as the titular character, a surgeon who finally sees his patients as people, not just bodies, and can no longer stomach the sight of blood. As such, he packs up and moves to the small seaside town where his Auntie Joan (Stephanie Cole, Coronation Street, Tenko) resides, Portwenn, and becomes their local general practitioner. Doctor Martin Ellingham has a few chips on his shoulder, and thus clashes with the colorful locals, finding their personable ways annoying. He especially doesn't not like the nickname Doc Martin, which they bestow on him immediately upon arrival.

     Clunes handles the comedy beautifully, both physical and subtle. The character is a little like [H]ouse, M.D., though not quite as abusive, and a little more accepting of his flaws. No drug addictions here. A particularly funny recurring gag is the dog that seems to come with the house and practice that Martin does not want.

     In the first series, Martin repeatedly makes mistakes that alienates all of the locals, who in a group mentality, cut him off and refuse to deal with him. Once he solves the medical conundrum and saves some lives, they realize he's not so bad, and open back up to him. This becomes less drastic as the series goes on, and it appears the townspeople are accepting him and ribbing him as one of their own.

     The town itself is a bit like Stars Hallow from Gilmore Girls, with each recurring character having their own eccentricities and position within the larger group. They treat their town as their own, self-sustaining world, with many having little use to travel beyond its borders, as there is plenty to get out of life staying right here. That being said, it's also realistic, and the younger people do like popular music and actors, so it's not completely isolated. And the scenery is beautiful.

     Among the denizens of Portwenn are Louisa (Caroline Catz, The Vice), a school teacher who is a love interest for Martin, Bert (Ian McNeice, Doctor Who, Rome), a handyman for all occasions, Al (Joe Absolom, EastEnders), Bert's computer savvy son, Mark (Stewart Wright), the eager and sweet local cop, and Elaine (Lucy Punch, The Class, Dinner for Schmucks), his inept assistant who he cannot fire without risking being running out of town on a rail, should a rail be found. Some of these people leave, and new ones arrive, but I won't elaborate further, as I wouldn't want to spoil anything.

     It's honestly a very charming series. There is comedy, and also some heart. "Delightfully quirky" is how the Los Angeles Times describes it, and it would be hard to find a better adjective. Confident in what it does, Doc Martin is a refined formula that provides much enjoyment. The humor isn't very edgy, nor the drama too melodramatic, but it is definitely an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

     As for bonus features, there are none to speak of. Just a few photo galleries, cast trivia, and filmographies, things easily found online, that don't really add anything to the experience. But, like many releases from overseas, it's nice enough to have the episodes to watch, that anything else isn't really necessary anyway.

     Doc Martin will return to ITV and PBS soon, but in the meantime, be sure to buy Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4, on sale now.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Doc Martin Collection: Series 1-4 on Blogcritics.

Demob out on DVD

     Acorn Media is currently releasing a number of British television shows on DVD in the United States. One of the latest releases, which went on sale this past week, is Demob. The title refers to Demobilized, meaning, it is about a couple of soldiers who have just gotten home from World War II and are released back into the general population. Both have a hard time coping with their new life, and suffer a number of setbacks. While set in the 1940's, the show aired in the fall of 1993, and the DVD release contains all six episodes.

     The two discharged soldiers are Ian Deasey (Griff Rhys Jones, Alas Smith and Jones) and Dick Dobson (Martin Clunes, Doc Martin). Deasey has a job and a family to come home to, while Dobson would like to avoid going back to his father's farm, and does, for awhile. Deasey and Dobson were entertainers in the army, often delivering jokes and songs for the men. Once home, Deasey has little desire to continue to work his boring job, while Dobson is a roll-with-the-punches kind of guy, floating along. Both have a hard time adjusting, and end up going through a series of adventures together while they seek a life post-war.

     The series raises a number of issues about those demobbed boys. They are now used to a very different life than the one they have at home, and so struggle to fit into society. What happens is a restlessness. Dobson gets involved in shady deals, mainly at the behest of Rudy (James Faulkner, Bridget Jones's Diary), who is, more than anyone, the villain of the show. Dobson drags Deasey into the messes with him. Deasey, meanwhile, seeks a career in show business, of a sort, whether it be theater or radio. They are often joined in these endeavors by the lovely Hedda (Samantha Womack, EastEnders), who has a delightful voice, and is eventually a love interest for Deasey.

     Each episode finds the trio in a slightly different line of work, as they bounce from job to job. There are some really interesting twists, including a big one for one of the leads at the end of episode five, that is unexpected and changes the entire game. I will not spoil the surprises, even though the series aired nearly two decades ago, but the ending is realistic, not contrived, and not at all what is expected.

     Also in the cast are Deasey's wife, Janet (Amanda Redman, New Trick, Little Dorrit). She is not at all pleased with Ian's mid-life crisis, expecting the same man she fell in love with to return. When he doesn't, she throws him out of the house and seeks comfort in an engaged doctor's arms. Both Janet and Ian are different people from when they parted, and there is definitely the need to get to know each other all over again after years spent separate.

     The DVD set has no extras at all, but that should not discourage you from purchasing it. Unlike more modern shows, and those that were made in the U.S., Demob is not readily available in reruns, so this DVD may be the best chance you have to watch it. And watch it, you should. There is humor and heart, and a large dose of authenticity that makes it a special treat, well worth the time and money.

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     Buy Demob, now available on DVD.

Article first published as DVD Review: Demob on Blogcritics.