Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries DVD Review

  ***Complimentary copy received in exchange for an honest review***

 Based on the popular detective novels by Kerry Greenwood, the gorgeously costumed and evocatively shot Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 1 makes its North American debut on Blu-ray and DVD from Acorn on March 26, 2013. Essie Davis (Girl with a Pearl Earring, Cloudstreet) stars as the Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher, a thoroughly modern woman of the late 1920s operating in a mostly male world. The glamorous “lady detective” goes about her work with a pistol close at hand—and, more often than not, a male admirer even closer. Produced for ABC Australia and filmed on location in Melbourne with stellar production values, Miss Fisher’s DVD release coincides with its premiere on select public television stations starting in April 2013. The Blu-ray 3-Disc set and DVD 4-Disc set include all 13 episodes (approx. 50 min. each), plus a bonus behind-the-scenes featurette, meet the creators, set tour, and cast interviews ($59.99 each, AcornOnline.com).

In 1920s Melbourne, the Honorable Phryne Fisher is making a way for herself as a sly and stylish sleuth in the male-dominated detective world. To the dismay of Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page, The Secret Life of Us), Phryne’s investigations take her through back alleys, jazz clubs, and shady neighborhoods. Ignoring the dangers all around her, she glides through life determined to enjoy every moment. But beneath her devil-may-care attitude, Phryne hides ghosts from the past that continue to haunt her.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries also stars Hugo Johnstone-Burt (Cloudstreet), Ashleigh Cummings (Tomorrow, When the War Began), Miriam Margolyes (Little Dorrit), and Nicholas Bell (Shine). Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings) guest stars.

BONUS: The look of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (19 min.), meet the creators (5 min.), set tour (4 min.), cast interviews (8 min.), and more

Street Date: March 26, 2013 – 13 episodes, approx. 706 min., plus bonus - SDH subtitles

Blu-ray 3-Disc Set (SRP: $59.99)/DVD 4-Disc Set (SRP: $59.99)

Contains violence, coarse language, nudity, sexual situations, and drug use

An RLJ Entertainment, Inc. brand (NASDAQ: RLJE), Acorn specializes in the best of British television on DVD and Blu-ray. 2013 releases include: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Dirk Gently, Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime: The Tommy & Tuppence Mysteries, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Maigret, Doc Martin Special Collection, Jack Taylor, and more episodes from Foyle’s War, Case Histories, New Tricks, Murdoch Mysteries, Midsomer Murders, Above Suspicion, George Gently, Vexed and Vera. Acorn’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or AcornOnline.com. Select series are streaming at Acorn TV, the first British TV-focused streaming service, at AcornOnline.com/TV

 

 My Thoughts

 I think  Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is my favorite series from Acorn to date. I love a good historical mystery and the roaring twenties in one of my favorite time periods. The costumes are stunning and each episode has a surprising ending. The settings are realistic and even the jazz club music helps to set the scene.  But what I love most about this series is Miss Fisher herself. She holds a place of respect in a male-dominated world and it is a spot that is well-earned. Yet, she loses none of her femininity.  Her style is flawless, her personality spunky, and her wits incredibly sharp. Follow Miss Fischer as she investigates clubs during prohibition and slinks fearlessly through dark alleyways. Not only does she come across as an amazing sleuth, she does it a carefree way that will leave you smiling once the danger has passed. If you enjoy shows with strong women, this is one you simply can't miss.

If you want to take advantage a whole set of great mysteries, this is the series for you. You can order Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on DVD for only $47.99 at Acorn Media.

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***