'Acceptable Risk' DVD Review

Sarah Manning (Elaine Cassidy) was simply living a reasonably comfortable married life. Her husband Lee worked for a International pharmaceutical firm and traveled from time to time. It was in Montreal that Lee was killed. There were many questions left unanswered about his death the police kept a Detective by the name of Emer Byrne (Angeline Ball) on the case.  The evidence that concerned the case was very conflicting. It turns out that there was much that Sarah didn’t know about her husband. There seems to be a multitude of lies that are coming to the surface and it’s causing Sarah to question just what her husband was involved in. From Montreal to Dublin a conspiracy of corporate as well as police and political interests that are overshadowing this murder.

Detective Byrne is getting a lot of heat from her superiors to close the case, but she refuses. There is another twist to this story and that is Sarah’s first husband also died under mysterious circumstances and the two deaths could be connected. This conspiracy thriller will keep you glued to your TV set for the duration of the disc. In other words you will want to watch six episodes one right after another. Morten Suurballe and Lisa Dwyer Hogg also star in this fight for the truth at all costs.

Acorn is bringing the his fantastic series to DVD on December 26th, 2017. The quality of the  DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are equally impressive. For some of us we couldn’t go to the extremes that it takes Sarah to find out the truth of the death of her husband. The life she had with Lee was a comedy of lies or was it just a matter for circumstance to answer. Enjoy this series to start the New Year off in a good enjoyable way. You know starting off the New Year with a thriller searching for the truth makes me want to watch this series again. This could be an enjoyable Sunday afternoon. Happy New Year.

'George Gently, Series 8' DVD Review

Detective George Gently (Martin Shaw) is coming close to retirement. He has had a stellar career and has been assisted by his trusted partner Detective Inspector John Bacchus (Lee Ingleby) for much of his career. Joining Gently and Bacchus is Detective Sergeant Rachel Coles (Lisa McGrillis) to round out the team.

The year is 1970 and a new decade is starting, but a brilliant career is ending. Gently is not looking forward to retirement but what can you do. Eventually we all get to that point in our lives when we must hang it up and relax. Gently is not going to like retirement at all. The team is facing two homicides perhaps the last two of Gently's career. Gently and Bacchus are at odds as to what the legacy of Gently's career will be. A woman has been serving eight years for the murder of her husband. The husband's body has finally been discovered thus forcing the case to be reopened against the wants and wishes of Bacchus. The junior of the team does not want to reopen the case since he was part of the team that handled the original case against the wife.

Gently later investigates a cold case that involves a politician that is so charismatic that it is believed he may once become Prime Minister. The three detectives are pushed into a world of political intrigue and shadows. To uncover the truth of the case it may cost one or all their lives.

Acorn brings series 8 to DVD on December 12th, 2017. The quality of the DVD set is excellent and the sights and sounds are exquisite. This will make a wonderful addition to that personal library and will make a fantastic gift for that special someone this holiday season. Gently has entertained us for many years and it will be sad to see him go. Don’t let this one slip by and pick it up today. It will be enjoyable to see the show and even better if you pick up the first series. Enjoy.

'Doc Martin, Series 8' DVD Review

Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) has been living and practicing in Portwenn for some time now. He came to this beautiful seaside village several years ago after having to give up working as a surgeon. You see the Doc has one little problem. He can’t stand the sight of blood. It makes him sick to his stomach. Now, don’t get me wrong the Doc is a top notch Doctor. He just can’t get over his revulsion of blood.

The Doc settled in and eventually fell in love with the local school marm. Louisa (Caroline Catz) had her work cut out for her when she fell in love with the Doc. The relationship blossomed and they were married. Louisa had a son but all was not right with the marriage. As a couple they had some rocky points but eventually they survived. Series 8 has the Doc and Louisa back together raising their son and still living in Portwenn. Their son James Henry is attached to their dog Buddy but this drives the Doc up the wall.

Louisa has herself been pulled in many directions and must find a new nanny. It’s either that or she will have to switch jobs. This does not set well with the Doc. Portwenn is preparing for a wedding and the Larges are hoping to cash in on the joyous festivities. The Doc's Aunt Ruth (Eileen Atkins) was to sell the family farm which brings troubles for all involved.

Doc Martin has to be one of the best shows ever to come out of the British Isles. This show has been a hit in the states for many years and it’s a joy to watch. Acorn is bringing Series 8 to DVD on December 12th, 2017. The quality of the DVD set is excellent and the sights and sounds are perfect. This will make a wonderful addition to the family DVD library. It would also make a fantastic gift to that special person. This is one show you will want to watch and if you have missed any of the first seven series then you just might want to go pick them all up so you can catch up on the adventures of the Doc and all the other inhabitants of Portwenn.

'Midsomer Murders: John Barnaby’s First Cases' DVD Review

DCI Tom Barnaby is gone and his cousin DCI John Barnaby(Neil Dudgeon) has moved in and taken over. At first he and DS Ben Jones(Jason Hughes) have not gotten along. I guess you could say they needed time to warm up to each other. John is definitely different from his cousin but is just as sharp and equally capable to do the job. Fiona Dolman plays his wife Sarah and the chemistry between the two is wonderful to take in. What is truly amazing is their dog Sykes who is simply adorable. The inventive crimes and charming scenery make this a favorite of many of us who watch each week. The list of guests each week include such notables as Samantha Bond, Edward Fox, Pam Ferris, Warren Clarke, James Callis, Julie Graham, Sinead Cusack, Kevin Doyle, and Harriet Walter just to name a few.

The cases revolve around what’s happening in the villages. For instance, some of the murders take place at car shows, beer festivals, or the local private school or priory. Series 14 will get you aware of the change of Barnaby's from Tom to John, and Series 15 says goodbye to DS Ben Jones. For 15 Series we have been watching the comings and goings of this group of small villages. We spent 13 Series with Tom Barnaby and at first it does take a little while to get use to John Barnaby but  you will see that the show itself is still fantastic to watch.

Acorn brings these two series 14 and 15 to DVD on December 5th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is wonderful and the sights and sounds are excellent as always. This will make a wonderful addition to your personal library and will also make a beautiful gift this holiday season. Enjoy.

'The Fall: Complete Collection' DVD Review

Belfast, a beautiful somewhat subdued city that is erupting like a volcano since the murders began. DSI Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) has been brought into the case of the serial killer that is terrorizing this beautiful Irish Capital. A serial killer is on the loose and has committed some horrible murders. The killer methodically kills at random but kills just the same. His name is Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). A grief councilor by trade Paul suffers from vicious compulsions that when out of control will kill at random. This is a story broken up into three series that takes a look inside the mind of a sociopath.

Gibson must get inside the mind of this demented killer and catch him before he can kill again. The problem is the cat and mouse games that takes place between the hunted and the hunter. This psychological thriller will keep you enthralled for the entire 18 hours. As I stated you have three separate series altogether and you will want to watch it continuously until the bitter end. Gibson probes deep into the psyche of Jamie and finds out answers that most people would be terrified to understand.

Acorn brings this fantastic story to DVD on November 21st, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are perfect. This will make a wonderful addition to that personal library. Now that it is the holidays this would make a wonderful gift to that special someone. So pick this one up and enjoy the games.

It is funny because of the way that each city is made up and how for many of us we have been subjected to a serial killer living among us. This looks at the worst and if your very careful you might even see some traits that might coincide with people you may know. So in other words,'The Fall: Complete Collection' could be right around the corner. Enjoy.

'The Best Of Agatha Christie, Volume 2' DVD Review

Agatha Christie has been called the queen of crime novels but what is great for some of us is when they make the TV adaptations. In 'The Best Of Agatha Christie, Volume 2' three of her best stories are brought to us from TV adaptations that are truly amazing.

In 'The Witness for the Prosecution' Kim  Cattrall stars as the heiress who is murdered in such a brutal fashion it will make your head swim. All of the evidence points to her young lover played  by Billy Howie. He of course claims that he is innocent of the violent crime. He even speaks to his attorney that he can prove his innocence. He claims his wife played by Andrea Riseborough will confirm that he didn’t kill the heiress. The drama overflows in this story.

In the 'Three Act Tragedy' the guests seem to begin dyeing off so Detective Poirot (David Suchet) is brought in to investigating the case. Poirot teams up with an old friend to try and solve the case. Finally, in the third story titled 'Hallowe’en Party' Detective Poirot (David Suchet) is called in to investigate a murder that takes place at a children’s costume party. Crime Novelist Ariadne Oliver (Zoe Wanamaker) is the person who wants Poirot to solve this case. The crime is brutal and it seems Poirot is the only one to solve it.

Acorn brings these wonderful stories to us on DVD on November 14th, 2017. The quality of the DVD’s are fantastic and the sights and sounds are excellent. Agatha Christie is the greatest of all the crime drama novelist over the past 100 years. Watching these stories on DVD will entertain you for years to come. This will make a wonderful addition to your personal library. If you buy both volumes of 'The Best Of Agatha Christie, Volume 2'  you will make someone very happy this holiday season as a special gift. Enjoy.

'The Best Of Agatha Christie, Volume 1' DVD Review

Agatha Christie has to be the best crime drama writer in the last 150 years. Her books and stories have sold millions. Her stories have been made into television dramas and films. She has to be one of the most read writers of all time. This compilation of stories made for TV coincides with the release of Kenneth Branagh’s release of 'The Murder on the Orient Express' which was released on November 10th, 2017.

In volume 1, the first story is titled 'And Then There Were None'. The story takes place on an isolated island right before the beginnings of WWII. Ten strangers gather for what will become a very interesting time. You see by morning a death will have taken place and no one knows who is the murderer. It stars Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, Charles Dance, and Aiden Turner. This is an excellent crime drama to watch.

Our second story is titled 'Five Little Pigs'. The story is about a woman named Lucy Cracle asking Hercule Poirot to prove the innocence of one Caroline Cracle. Now, the problem is that Caroline was executed for the murder of her husband 14 years ago. Lucy her daughter believes her mother was innocent of the murder. It stars David Suchet, Rachel Stirling, Toby Stephens, and Aiden Gillen. Our third story is Death on the Nile. It involves Hercule Poirot trying to intervene between a woman who was jilted and a honeymoon couple. All this takes place on a river cruise but murder is eventually the subject at hand. It stars David Suchet, Emily Blunt, JJ Field  and Judy Parfitt.

Acorn is releasing this compilation of stories to DVD on November 14th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are wonderful. This will make a great addition to that personal library and you will go back and watch these stories over and over. Enjoy.

'Vera, Set 7' DVD Review

Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) works an area of rural Northumberland solving crimes that most would simply give up on. She is a brilliant but very moody sort of person. Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty) is her assistant and is as hard working as Stanhope. They both will not give up on a case once they have begun working on it. You wouldn’t think the northeast part of England could be so vicious but it can be.

In the case of 'The Natural Selection Stanhope' investigates the death of a wildlife officer. The body of the officer is found on the shore of an island off the coast of Northumberland with little to go on.
In another case DCI Stanhope has to deal with the death of a drug addict who has been found face down in a nearby river. Stanhope must look back at a former case to solve this murder and bring the killer to justice. In a third case DCI Stanhope must solve the murder of a college student. The victim is a promising student who has fallen to their death in questionable circumstances.

In a fourth and final case DCI Stanhope must solve the murder of a young 18 year old victim. The body was discovered buried in the moors but it’s the approach in solving this murder that makes it so compelling. Stanhope must look at the life and the secrets the young 18 year old was living. DCI Stanhope is not the easiest person to work with let alone live with. She has some peculiar ways but makes some of hardest cases look like an easy chore.

Acorn TV is bringing this wonderful Set 7 to DVD on October 24th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is fantastic and the sights and sounds are a wonder. This will make a great addition to the personal library and you will find yourself going back to watch it over and over. Enjoy.

'Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express' DVD Review

This is probably one of the best television adapted versions of this great novel ever made. It stars David Suchet as the great Hercule Poirot. Poirot is traveling on the train when it becomes snowbound. He will meet a man by the name Samuel Ratchett (Toby Jones). Ratchett is a business man who has an unsavory past. Ratchett is in fear for his life and asks Poirot for protection. Poirot doesn’t want anything to do with the man and turns him down. Not long after this Ratchett turns up dead. He has been stabbed. Knowing Poirot he can’t turn down the mystery and wants to catch the killer.

The suspects are as follows, a pushy American (Barbara Hershey). Another suspect is an army colonel played by David Morrissey. The princess is played by Eileen Atkins. Ratchetts servant is also a suspect and is played by Hugh Bonneville. Finally, the meek governess is played by Jessica Chastain. Poirot works through all the clues but is frazzled to the core to solve this mystery Acorn aired this adaptation back in July 2010. It is being rereleased now as Fox is debuting a theatrical adaptation of this great mystery on November 10th, 2017 starring Kenneth Branagh.

Acorn's release of this TV adaptation is being released onto DVD on November 14th, 2017. The DVD quality is excellent and the sights and sounds are perfect. This has to be the best of Agatha Christie’s works. David Suchet is fantastic as Poirot and the cast is top notch. This is going to be a keeper for that personal library and you don’t want to waste any time in picking one up. If Fox can do half as good then it will be worth watching also. I’m here to tell you though the TV adaptation is right on. Enjoy.

'Rake, Series 4' DVD Review

Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh)is an extraordinary lawyer. It could be said that he is a brilliant lawyer. Unfortunately, he battles some self-destructive ways that always get in the way. His clients are mostly people who for any other words are hopeless and mostly guilty of the crimes they are charged. Some of his clients are bigamists, murderers, and even a cannibal or two. In most circles Cleaver would be called a rogue. Cleaver is a charming and at times very witty person. That has helped him win cases.

In Series 4, Cleaver has some very challenging cases that once again put his career and his life in jeopardy. The last we saw of Cleaver was him dangling from a hot-air balloon. Cleaver ends up crashing into a nasty little criminal by the name of Edgar Thompson (John Waters). Now, Edgar was at the time of the crash trying to keep a low profile or truthfully he was hiding out. Once out of hiding Edgar causes a huge corruption scandal that involves many of the politicians of Sydney. Cleaver's crash disturbs all of Edgar’s plans so he wants to take out his frustration on Cleaver and vows revenge.

Cleaver simply try’s to run for his life and stay away from Edgar. In the meantime the wife of one his friends has to explain her new relationship to her kids but Scarlet (Danielle Cormack) finds this very difficult. Melissa (Adrienne Pickering) returns to Australia but comes home in disgrace. She is now a celebrity writer but has a dark past. She is a former prostitute and has a serious addiction that she must deal with to come clean. All the while Cleaver is still on the run from Edgar.

'Rake' is a wonderful show and Acorn is releasing Series 4 DVD on November 14th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are exquisite. This is definitely one for the personal library. So take the time and pick this one up as soon it is released. Enjoy.

'The Good Karma Hospital Series 1' DVD Review

Dr. Ruby Walker (Amrita Acharia) is an accomplished doctor living in England. She’s a little off on herself as she has just had a terrible break-up and she’s finding that her work is getting the better of her. Her career is very stressful but is also very rewarding and she hates the way she has been feeling. She decides a change is scenery is needed and decides to go work for a modern clinic in India. The true problem arises that she ends up in an underfunded and overcrowded hospital called Good Karma. The hospital is run by Dr. Lydia Fonseca (Amanda Redman) and she is a formidable boss to say the least.

Ruby is overwhelmed with culture shock and a horrific demanding schedule. The inhabitants of the area are very eccentric and can be a handful. Along with all this Ruby must learn to get along with a new colleague named Dr. Gabriel Varma (James Floyd). The best part of all this commotion is that all the problems of her recent break-up along with her life back in England become a distant memory. Ruby actually begins to accept her new life and realizes that it was the best thing she could have done for herself.

Rural India is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of modern day England. In a remote sense a person could feel as if they took a step back in time. Ruby looks at her surroundings and in a sense begins to relish her job once again.

Acorn brings this wonderful look at life to DVD on November 7th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are terrific. This is definitely one of those shows that brings a good feeling out of you. This is the first series and the second is being filmed as we speak. So get ready for some wonderful entertainment coming our way. This series will make a good addition to that personal library. Don’t waste any time and get out and pick this heartwarming story up this week and sit back and be entertained. Enjoy.

'19-2 Season 4 (The Final Season)' DVD Review

The death of Amelie (Tattiawna Jones) has station 19 of the Montreal Police Department very upset. Most of all partners Ben Chartier (Jared Keeso) and Nick Barron (Adrian Holmes) are taking her death very badly. The two men are fighting to believe in the system they’ve been working to defend. Nick has begun to move on but with a determined approach to expose any and all corruption in the police force. Ben's approach to her death is to doubt his continued abilities of working as a police officer. In other words, both men are taking different ways to deal with the death of a colleague. The problem is all this is taking away from the job at hand.

The Montreal streets are beginning to look like a war zone due to the gang fighting that is taking place. The men and women of the Montreal Police Department need each other more than in any other time in recent memory. In this last season we the viewer will see more clearly the faults and the good that each officer has inside. This drama has always been able to show us just how human an officer of the law actually is. We look at each episode of this final season and admire them more and more. The bond between police partners goes beyond simple life and death. It brings them closer sometimes than most families. This is one of the best cop dramas to ever hit the TV screen.

Acorn brings this wonderful show to DVD on November 7th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is excellent and the sights and sounds are exquisite. This is definitely one for that personal library. '19-2' is one show that you will want to get in it’s entirety let alone its final season. Yes, you must get all four seasons to truly enjoy this show. I guarantee you will come back to watch it over and over.  again Watch Nick Barron and Ben Chartier come to grips with the death of their friend as well as how they come to grips with the tragedy happening on the Montreal streets. Watch the personal triumph of what it truly means to be a police officer. Sit back and truly enjoy being entertained by one of the best police dramas ever written.

'Humans 2.0' DVD Review

As computers and synthetic humans begin to merge into one being there will come a time when synthetics and humans will become one. In 'Humans 2.0' man begins to take notice of the evolved synthetic population. The Hawkins family had such a busy life that the need to acquire a synthetic human seemed the way to go to lesson the burden of living. Their synthetic named Mia (Gemma Chan) had left the household and the family had been trying to have some normalcy. Laura and Joe Hawkins (Katherine Parkinson and Tom Goodman-Hill ) have been attending marriage counseling to help with their concerns about their lives. The Hawkins have been worried about their daughters seriously strange behavior.

It’s not until a synth named Niska (Emily Berrington) comes to their home unannounced that the Hawkins really begin to take notice of what synths are becoming. As technology continues to grow synths have begun to obtain a form of consciousness. Man begins to fear the rise of the synths and a mysterious organization begins to track the synths and destroy them. Leo (Colin Morgan) and Max (Ivanno Jeremiah) are not sure about what to do with synths that have begun to have consciousness. Other humans like scientists involved in the artificial intelligence field keep coming up with new products that will influence the emergence of consciousness among the synths.

Acorn brings this first rate look at our possible future to DVD on October 31th, 2017. The quality of the DVD is unbelievable and the sights and sounds are the best. This futuristic thriller opens up a world so turned upside down that the possibility of it actually occurring is scary. This is definitely one of those DVDs that has to be in your personal library. So don’t waste any time and pick one up this Halloween and take a peek at our possible future.

'Red Christmas' Blu-Ray Review

It's Christmas time again or at least it’s coming soon, and thoughts of stocking stuffers are on some of our minds. This DVD is definitely one for the stockings this coming Christmas. Diane (Dee Wallace) is the matriarch over one truly dysfunctional family. When the time comes for the clan to gather for the holiday one would think that they would be happy to see each other. The gathering would be full of what has gone on for the past year. The ups and downs should be topics of conversation. Instead this family gathers to squabble and argue among each other. They come together in the outback of Australia on one of the family estates. Their pettiness and the dramas that ensue begin to ruin this Christmas Eve.

The fun, if you wish to call it that, is disturbed by a knock on the door. A stranger stands there at the door seeking help, at first. It’s not until he is invited in that the true meaning of his holiday message is revealed. This deformed stranger wants to bring terror to close knit family. As limbs are severed and vengeance is taken Diane steps into the role of trying to save the family. It’s funny, secrets are revealed and discussions are held on numerous topics such as religion, feminism, abortion just to name a few. But, when the time comes Diane does her best to save the family but you must watch to find out the ending.

Artsploitation brings this horror to us on Blu-ray on October 17th, 2017. The quality of the Blu-ray is excellent and the sights and sounds are exquisite. This will definitely be one nice addition to your personal library but it will also be a great stocking stuffer for the horror aficionado of your family or friends. Enjoy.

'Midsomer Murders, Series 19 Part 2' DVD Review

Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) is back at it solving those sinister murders of this quaint little village. Barnaby and his newest sidekick DS Jaime Winter (Nick Hendrix) look into the eccentric citizenry of the village.

'Death by Persuasion' is our first mystery that we have to look at. Our story begins with the stabbing of a woman with a quill. The woman is involved with a Georgian reenactment of an event celebrating Jane Austen. The twist and turns are of the usual high quality of suspense that we are accustomed to with a 'Midsomer Murder' mystery. Our second choice of mysteries is 'The Curse of The Ninth'. The winner of a music competition, a rather prestigious one at that, is found strangled just moments before a show. What makes this such a questionable investigation is that the victim was strangled with a violin string.

The village of Midsomer is such a beautiful place and it is so quaint to boot, but they really do have some mysterious caring ons. Barnaby has been a member of the community for some time and for the most part always seems to get his criminal. These two cases though take on a new air of mystery with the arrival of the new partner. Winter is a competent Detective but one must take into consideration that what if the two men simply don’t get along. On the surface the appearance of congeniality allows for the viewer to believe all is right in the world.

Guest stars are as follows Claire Skinner, George Glen, James Fleet and Simon Callow. Acorn brings this entertaining DVD to us on October 24th, 2017. The DVD quality is superb and the sights and sounds are excellent. This will make a wonderful addition to that personal library. Along with the feature length stories you are going to get a behind the scenes feature that will simply entertain you. Changes have been made but the show is still as entertaining as always. So sit back and enjoy mystery at its best with 'Midsomer Murders'. Enjoy.