DVD Corner

George Gently Collection Series 1-4 Blu-ray Review

“George Gently” is a well made detective series.

Based on the books by Alan Hunter, “George Gently” is a British detective series set in the 1960’s. Throughout the 11 90 minute episodes (from seasons 1-4), viewers are introduced to the smart, gruff, but depressed detective who is haunted by the fact that his wife was murdered by a gangster (Joe Webster). Inititally, he wanted to retire after the horrible tragedy, but he gets roped back into duty in Northumberland after finding out that Joe Webster may be involved in another crime. While on duty, he becomes paired with a young, go-getter detective named John Bacchus. He’s serious about his job and wants to advance his career, but he has much to learn. From there on out, the two team up to investigate such things as a murdered biker who may have been killed by Joe Webster, a burnt body and missing guns, a dead German businessman, a murdered old man, a murder potentially motivated by religion, murder and gang conflicts, an alleged suicide case, a woman possibly murdered by a family member, the murder of a university professor, a murdered schoolgirl, and the murder of a friend of George.

I know you’re probably thinking to yourself, ANOTHER detective series? Usually that would be my reaction too, but thankfully, British TV producers prove time and time again that they know how to make a crackling detective drama as evidenced by “George Gently.” While ‘Gently’ certainly has a formula that it sticks to, the series stands out in a rather crowded genre for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Martin Shaw and Lee Ingleby simply have great chemistry together as George and John. I like the fact that the characters aren’t  just clashing, bickering detectives like we so often see these days. It’s deeper than that as they have a different working relationship.  John knows he has much to prove to himself and to George and, as a result, George tries to guide him as a mentor of sorts while also giving him the space to work using his own methods and style. It’s a complex relationship to be sure and it’s one of the most engaging aspects of the show.

Of course, the show is much more than just the two characters getting along and solving crimes. As I mentioned above, the character of George is rather layered and several of these episodes explore his own life. In some episodes, like “Goodbye China,” cases can even be personal for Gently. It’s these type of episodes that I found myself more compelled by as opposed to the more routine murder of the week material.

Another aspect that stood out to me about ‘Gently’ is the time period that the series takes place in. I like that the writers infuse elements of the 60’s time period into the story ala the “Peace and Love” episode which features politics and an upcoming World Cup match as the backdrop for the story. It made the series feel more realistic and probable.

Video/Audio:

Presented in widescreen 1080i, the show predictably looks better in the later seasons. With that said, the early seasons still look solid despite the fact that the night scenes (for any season) look a bit iffy.

The PCM 2.0 audio track is a little soft but, it’s adequate overall.

Extras:
* A small booklet historical information about the years 1964 and 1966 in Britain.
* Acorn trailers.
*  2 text interviews with Martin Shaw, Lee Ingleby, and one with Peter Flannery.
* Textual 1964 historical facts.
* Producer Johann Knobel notes.
* “Behind The Scenes”- A featurette that contains set footage, cast/crew interviews, information about set design and period recreation, etc.

Summary: Cheesy music aside, “George Gently” is a detective series that is well worth watching. Also, in case you find yourself wanting more of this show, it should be noted that season 5 is also available separately on Blu-ray or DVD as well.

September 1, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | George Gently Collection Series 1-4 Blu-ray Review, Inspector George Gently TV Series Review