DVD Corner

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray Review

Peter Cushing makes “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes” watchable. 

Here’s something of interest to Sherlock Holmes devotees. Back in 1965, BBC released a series titled “Sherlock Holmes” featuring Douglas Wilmer in the title role. Before series 2, he left the role and was eventually replaced by Peter Cushing. Cushing’s series (which was renamed “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes”) aired in 1968, but much like the early years of “Doctor Who,” many episodes remain missing. In fact, only 6 still exist which are included in the box set here. The episodes:  “The Hound Of The Baskervilles” (parts 1 and 2), “A Study In Scarlet,” “The Blue Carbuncle,” “The Boscombe Valley Mystery,” and “The Sign Of Fear.”

Don’t get into this series expecting the definitive takes on the classic stories on TV. This isn’t Steven Moffat’s Sherlock” or 1984’s “Sherlock Holmes.” What you will find are admirable hour-long adaptations of the murder mysteries albeit ones that are decidedly cheaply made. Thankfully, there is some legitimate location shooting here which goes a long way (although perhaps not enough). In terms of the six episodes, “The Blue Carbuncle” is perhaps the peak episode here as it offers up the most character moments between Holmes and Watson (the real strength of the series).

Really, the biggest point of interest here is Peter Cushing as the great Detective. The veteran British actor slips right into the role and commands the screen whenever he is on. Nigel Stock also fares well as Dr. Watson and has a good rapport with Cushing.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Despite being restored from BBC tape protection masters, the episodes are in rough shape due to blurred colors, flickers, lines, and numerous print defects. 

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The Mono tracks are better than the picture quality, but still deeply flawed. Expect hissing, hums, and crackles.

Extras:
* Commentary on “A Study In Scarlet” by authors Kim Newman and David Stuart Davies.
* Commentary on “The Hound Of The Baskervilles” Parts 1 and 2 by authors Barry Forshaw and David Stuart Davies.
* BBC Countdown Clocks for each episode.
* Commentary on “The Boscombe Valley Mystery” by authors Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw.
* Commentary on “The Sign Of Four” by Kim Newman and David Stauart Davies.
* Commentary on “The Blue Carbuncle” by Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw.
* 18 minute illustrated 1974 audio interview between Peter Cushing and David Stuart Davies.
* 8 ½ minutes of lost segments clips with optional commentary by author Jonathan Rigby and horror historian Kevin Lyons.

July 30, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Peter Cushing, Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes BBC Series, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes Blu-ray Review, The Hound Of The Baskervilles, TV Show