DVD Review: Harry

Appealing to fans of Prime Suspect, Cracker, and The Wire, Harry makes its DVD and Blu-ray debut on August 25, 2015 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Set in Auckland, New Zealand, Harry stars Oscar Kightley (Samoan Wedding) as DS Harry Anglesea, an officer returning from bereavement leave after the death of his wife. While struggling with his own grief and that of his teenage daughter, Harry begins to investigate a brutal homicide under the watchful eye of his boss DSS, Jim “Stocks” Stockton (Sam Neill, Jurassic Park, Peaky Blinders). Harry’s investigation takes him deep into the seedy world of gangs and drug dealing, threatening what little peace he had managed to recover. Harry originally aired on New Zealand’s TV3 and, in June 2015, the series made its U.S. premiere on Acorn TV, the premier British and international television streaming channel in North America. The DVD and Blu-ray 2-disc sets each feature six episodes ($39.99 each, AcornOnline.com).

Still grieving his wife’s suicide, Detective Harry Anglesea (Oscar Kightley) returns to Auckland’s Major Crime Unit after bereavement leave in his native Samoa. Although he’s eager to jump back into the job, his self-destructive behavior hints that he may not be ready. His 13-year-old daughter, Mele, is even less ready for life as usual and desperately needs her father’s attention. But Harry and his boss, DSS Jim “Stocks” Stockton (Sam Neill), soon become engrossed in a high-profile case.

After a series of violent robberies turns fatal, the city clamors for the police to catch the killer. Harry traces the crime from a drug-crazed gunman to the street gangs that peddle methamphetamine, though there may be larger forces at play. But the investigation leads him on a downward spiral that could destroy his career and what remains of his family. Gritty and suspenseful, this award-winning drama probes the narcotics underworld of New Zealand’s largest city and the toll it takes on those caught in its grip.

Street Date: August 25, 2015                                   SRP: $39.99 each     

DVD 2-Disc Set: 6 episodes – Approx. 271 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 0-54961-2428-9-4                                  ISBN 978-1-62172-428-5

Blu-ray 2-Disc Set: 6 episodes – Approx. 271 min. – SDH Subtitles

UPC 0-54961-2429-9-3                                  ISBN 978-1-62172-429-2

Contains graphic violence, strong language, drug use, nudity, and sexual situations

My Thoughts

Harry is an excellent crime drama that centers around Detective Harry Angelsea.  He's just returning to work after his wife's suicide and is also coping with a grieving teenage daughter. In the midst of his personal issues, he works to solve gruesome homicides, gang violence, and drug rings. There are six episodes in this series including: 

THIS IS PERSONAL - While still coping with his own grief, Harry and his partner try to predict a murderer's next move before he kills again.

HE'S VERY IMPORTANT, THIS BOY  - A young boy confesses to a shooting and tries to help Harry bring down a gang.

HE'S THE WEAK LINK- Harry is working to bust a Chinese meth ring.

PLAY WITH FIRE - While Harry is struggling in his personal life, at work he has a informant that could help him bust the meth ring.

YOU LIED TO ME- Police Professional Standards Dept investigates Harry, but that doesn't stop him from tying an influential Chinese businessman into the drug ring.

GOD BLESS BRUTUS - Harry helps find the killer of a dog, but some of his secrets are revealed, leading to an exciting double climax.

This is a great series filled with excellent mysteries, but I like how it also gives you a more personal look into the main detective's life. It allows you to become more personally invested.  I hope that they continue this show for another season. If you'd like to grab a copy of Harry for yourself, it's available online at Acorn media and on Amazon.