On September 28, Acorn Media brings US fans the sixteenth(?!) set of the highly popular Midsomer Murders. You may have seen it on A&E or Biography Channel, but these four episodes have never been broadcast in America. Let’s take a look at the newest volume of this series which has been going strong since March 1997.
The Show
Color me impressed. Midsomer Murders has turned out more than seventy-five episodes since its debut, and is still in production – a feat considering most British series can produce as few as four episodes per series (compared to the US standard of somewhere between thirteen and twenty-two). The cast has remarkably remained almost the same since its 1997 debut, except for the addition of Jason Hughes (best known as Warren in the groundbreaking series This Life) in 2005. What American show would be so lucky as to have the same cast for thirteen years?
As the title implies, the action takes place in the rural Midsomer County, where crimes are investigated by the veteran DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) and his protege Ben Jones (Jason Hughes). The show also stars Jane Wymark as Barnaby’s wife Joyce, and is “inspired” by the novels of Caroline Graham.
Midsomer Murders is a unique series in that it takes place in a rural environment rather than an urban one, and almost takes a kind of glee in being out in the country – especially when it’s as beautiful as the country is in the United Kingdom. It’s got a very light, fun feel to it at times despite the fact that the show is still dealing with crime, and the three main cast members have an excellent banter with one another. I enjoyed it as a way to spend a few hours on a hot afternoon, and found myself more amused and relaxed than hanging onto the edge of my seat.
The DVDs
I much prefer Midsomer Murders to Taggart as far as DVD cases go. Midsomer has the standard cardboard slipcase, but it loads from the side instead of sliding over the disc cases where it can snag. Rather than one plastic disc case, each volume gets its own, which means the back of each case can be used for an episode synopsis and other pertinent information that Taggart lacked until you actually put the DVD in the player. It’s much easier with this set to find which episode you’re looking for, or one that might interest you, although there are only four episodes in this set. It’s not so much a letdown, though, considering that each episode runs about an hour and forty minutes, or longer than twice an average US drama episode once the commercials are taken out.
Presentation is fairly standard, in 16:9 widescreen with a stereo track and subtitles. There is chapter selection for each installment. Video and audio are viewable without any complaints, though the score did occasionally get on my nerves, as if it was trying too hard.
The Special Features
There are two special features included here: production notes on the first disc, and a commentary with series stars John Nettles and Jane Wymark on The Magician’s Nephew. The commentary track is a delight to listen to, as the two have a strong rapport from years of working together, and insight on the series that comes with their long tenure. It’s a very welcome addition. In fact, I’d be happy if they could do more, and drag Jason Hughes along with them.
The Bottom Line
If it were just on the show alone, I’d recommend Midsomer Murders as a fun diversion. Is it worth spending $50 for four episodes? I’m not sure I’d spend that much on four episodes of anything, but if it comes down in price, this one is worth adding to your collection.
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