Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection Blu-ray Review

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

Starring Oscar® winner Helen Mirren in her iconic, Emmy®-winning role, Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection debuts on Blu-ray on August 27, 2013 from Acorn. Dame Helen Mirren (The Queen) stars as Detective Jane Tennison, “one of the great character creations of our time” (The Washington Post), in this revolutionary police drama broadcast on PBS to universal acclaim and more than 20 major international awards, including seven Emmys® (three-time winner of "Outstanding Miniseries"), eight BAFTAs, and a Peabody. The Blu-ray 7-Disc set includes nine feature-length mysteries in stunning high-definition as well as a 50-minute behind-the-scenes special, featurette, and more ($119.99, AcornOnline.com). Acorn previously released The Complete Collection on DVD in 2010 ($124.99).

Tenacious, driven, and deeply flawed, Tennison rises through the ranks of Britain’s Metropolitan Police, solving horrific crimes while battling office sexism and her own demons. “Rare is the drama that works so well on two levels: as a crackling whodunit and as a finely tuned character study of a strong but insecure woman trying to prove herself in a man’s world” (Time).

Seen on Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! from the 1990s to the present and created by crime writer Lynda La Plante (Trial & Retribution, The Commander, Above Suspicion), Prime Suspect features some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient), Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton), David Thewlis (Harry Potter), Ciarán Hinds (Jane Eyre), Zoë Wanamaker (Poirot), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes, Zero Dark Thirty), Tom Bell (Reilly: Ace of Spies), and Jonny Lee Miller (Elementary). The ITV series aired for seven series (1991-93, 1995-96, 2003, and 2006).

Prime Suspect begins with DCI Tennison seizing the opportunity to head a murder investigation—something she should have done long ago, had she not been passed over by her male superiors time and again. With a suspect already identified and her own team openly hostile, she uncovers errors and conflicting facts that point to a cover-up within the force. The following series include: a murder inquiry in the African Caribbean community; a 17-year-old rent boy murder; an abducted toddler; the manager of an exclusive country club murdered; a shooting case of a young drug dealer; new murders casting doubt on a case she solved previously; and the torture and murder of a young Bosnian refugee. In the final series, alcohol, loneliness, and the job have taken their toll, but she is determined to end her exemplary career by solving one more case: the brutal murder of a schoolgirl.

Bonus Features: Prime Suspect behind-the-scenes special (50 min.), Series 6 behind-the-scenes featurette (23 min.), and photo gallery

Street: Aug. 27, 2013                                                SRP: $119.99                         UPC: 054961206490

Blu-ray 7-Disc Boxed Set: 9 mysteries on 7 discs; approx. 25 hours, plus bonus; SDH subtitles 

My Thoughts

The only thing better than a great crime drama series is a crime drama series that features a strong female lead. Tennison, played by the very talented Helen Mirran, is a woman that could be a role model for many. Not only does she battle her way to the top of the British Metropolitan Police, she deals with some terrifying crime scenes and a few of her own secrets. Time and time again, she overcomes her own demons and the brutal sexism she faces on a daily basis. 

The series starts off with Tennison getting a big promotion and finds herself in the middle of a botched investigation. After she straightens things out, she gets most of her staff's approval, but that doesn't mean it's going to be an easy ride. The show takes you through baby abductions, bad cops, and some really gruesome murder scenes. Later in the series, you get to see some more personal aspects of Tennison's life. Her father loses his battle with cancer and this seems to be a catalyst for her drinking. All in all, a realistic look at British crime that leaves you on the edge of your seat through every episode.

If you watch one season, you'll want to watch them all. This fantastic box set is a great value for your money and a wonderful way to get all seven years worth of episodes for one low price. You can get your copy of Prime Suspect: The Complete Addition on Acorn Media for the low price of only $119.99.