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New BBC Mystery on DVD

     Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
  • Language: English (Stereo)
  • Number of discs: 2
  • Rated: NR (Not Rated)
  • Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
  • Run Time: 270 minutes




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    DCI Banks: Season Two

     

            Based on the Inspector Banks novels by Peter Robinson, “DCI Banks” follows title character Detective Chief Inspector Banks (Stephen Tompkinson) in his pursuit of justice. This begins with a mystery involving Inspector Banks’ estranged brother and a murder, a case which he inadvertently becomes involved in. Using his no-nonsense methods of investigation, Banks sets out to prove his brother’s innocence in one of three two-part mysteries that make up season two.

     


            While season one only included one two-part episode, the second season had three mysteries in six episodes. For some reason these two first seasons have been lumped together in the past, and the third season included here is actually listed as the second. Whatever the reason for this mix-up of seasons, this one also includes three two-episode mysteries. This season also marks a shift in the cast, with Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbott (Andrea Lowe) leaving the job to have a child. She is replaced by Helen Morton (Caroline Catz), who has a difficult time fitting in, despite her efforts and obvious capabilities on the job.

     

    Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
    Language: English (Stereo)
    Subtitles: English
    Number of discs: 2
    Rated: NR (Not Rated)
    Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
    DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
    Run Time: 466 minutes


     
     

    Death in Paradise: Season Two

     

            One of the more lighthearted murder mystery shows, “Death in Paradise,” offers a setting so beautiful that it adds a natural levity to the bleak material. Ironically, a majority of the humor also seems to come from Scotland Yard Detective Richard Poole (Ben Miller), and his unwillingness to relax in the tropical environment of his newest posting. Though many would consider the Caribbean island he is forced to work on a paradise, Poole dislikes nearly everything about it. He is straight-laced, always in a suit, and has a surprising distaste for sun, sand and seafood.

     

            Along with the ‘fish-out-of-water’ narrative, “Death in Paradise” has a bit of the buddy detective elements, although Poole’s partner is a local named Camille Bordey (Sara Martins), whose job is to ridicule the uncomfortable English detective as much as help him solve the mysteries. There are eight hour-long episodes in the second season, with each taking on a self-contained mystery to be solved. Season two lets the sun disappear from paradise temporarily when a hurricane threatens the residents of the island, along with mysteries involving murdered nuns and superstitions about a pirate curse.

     


         Format: Multiple Formats, NTSC, Subtitled
  • Language: English (Stereo)
  • Subtitles: English
  • Number of discs: 4
  • Rated: NR (Not Rated)
  • Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
  • Run Time: 450 minutes

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    Father Brown: Season One

     

            “Father Brown” was a mystery series that first aired in 1974, based on G.K. Chesterton’s stories of a clerical detective. While this newest reincarnation is loosely adapted from the characters created by Chesterton, fans of old-school detective shows along the lines of Miss Marple will find themselves engaged by the period mysteries. Though it is mostly mild-mannered and lighthearted in the approach, there is still a proclivity towards death in the narrative.

            Each of the ten hour-long episodes from season one are included in this four-disc set, along with bonus features. The pilot episode sets up the mood and the pacing of the series perfectly, showing the clever and mild-mannered personality of Father Brown (Mark Williams), a priest in the village of Kembleford during the 1950s with a gift for solving mysteries. There is rarely a need for action or hunting down the culprits, because Father Brown merely uses intellect and compassion to solve the crimes. The special features include a featurette, behind-the-scenes footage, and cast/crew interviews.

     


         Format: Multiple Formats, Color, NTSC
  • Language: English (Stereo)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
  • Number of discs: 2
  • Rated: NR (Not Rated)
  • Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: September 16, 2014
  • Run Time: 360 minutes

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    Scott & Bailey: Season Two

           

            In America we have “Rizzoli & Isles,” and “Scott & Bailey” is a slightly more serious British series with many similarities in plot. DC Janet Scott (Lesley Sharp) is a responsible and mothering detective, partnered up with the DC Rachel Bailey (Suranne Jones), who is remarkably less mature but no less capable of solving crimes. Together they are able to balance each other out, partnering to help with cases and their own personal crisis.

     

            This season gives personal obstacles to both women, with Rachel forced to care for her screw-up brother and Janet splitting with her husband. At the same time, they face challenges at work, whether working with each other or boss DCI Gill Murray (Amelia Bullmore). There are eight episodes in season two, and they often continue the storyline rather than having stand-alone mysteries each episode. All eight episodes are included on two discs, along with a behind-the-scenes featurette in the extras.   

     

    Entertainment Value: 6.5/10

    Quality of Filmmaking: 7/10

    Historical Significance:  7/10

    Special Features: 4.5/10



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