DVD Review: Vera, Set 6

Inspired by Ann Cleeves’ bestselling crime fiction mystery series, Vera, Set 6 makes its DVD debut on June 28, 2016 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Two-time Oscar® nominee Brenda Blethyn (Pride & Prejudice, Secrets & Lies) returns as cantankerous but brilliant DCI Vera Stanhope in four all-new, feature-length mysteries. From the death of a woman found on the Northumberland cliffs to the body of a fisherman pulled out of the sea, these cases prove to be some of the most difficult and emotional in Vera’s career. The third episode is based on Ann Cleeves’ September 2015 novel, The Moth Catcher – the seventh book in the Vera Stanhope series. The series also stars Kenny Doughty (Stella, Snowpiercer, Black Work), Kingsley Ben-Adir (Midsomer Murders), and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife) in her final tense episode. This DVD 4-disc set features the four feature-length mysteries of Series 6 ($59.99,AcornOnline.com), which made its U.S. Premiere in March 2016 on Acorn TV, the premier streaming service for world class television from Britain and beyond. On June 28th, Acorn is also releasing Vera, Sets 1-5 Collection (20-Disc, $149.99, Series 1-5).

Award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn delivers a “powerhouse performance” (Mail on Sunday) as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in this fan-favorite mystery series inspired by the novels of Ann Cleeves. Amidst the sweeping landscapes of rural Northumberland, Vera and her assistant, Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty), confront brutal crimes that challenge even Vera’s genius for solving cases.

This season Vera and Aiden investigate the deaths of a woman found on the moors, a young man who worked at a traveling fairground, a fisherman pulled from the sea, and a mysterious double murder. Despite the rough edges to her personality and her unconventional methods, Vera has proved to be “nothing less than a TV institution” (Mail on Sunday). Series 6 guest stars includeJason Done (Waterloo Road), Sean Gilder (Shameless), Dorothy Atkinson (Call the Midwife), Tanya Franks (EastEnders, Broadchurch), and David Calder (The World Is Not Enough).

Street Date: June 28, 2016                                               SRP: $59.99                          Contains violence and disturbing images

DVD 4-Disc Set: 4 feature-length mysteries – Approx. 370 min. – SDH Subtitles - UPC 054961250295

My Thoughts

Vera is an exiting series that features a strong female lead in the role of detective Vera Stanhope. The mysteries are always unique and original and every episode is brimming over with suspense and subtle British humor. This set includes four fantastic feature-length episodes.

1. Dark Road - A young girl finds the body of a middle aged woman out on the  moors. Could a family member be to blame for her untimely death?

2. Tuesday's Child - A body is found in a cave by a group of teenagers. Vera learns that he worked at a  travelling fairground and had troubles at home, so there are a lot of suspects.

3. The Moth Catcher - A woman dies as a result of a hit-and run. While searching for clues in that case, another body is discovered.

4. The Sea Glass - The body of a missing fisherman is located tangled in fishing nets, and Vera suspects someone in the fisherman community is to blame. 

I absolutely love this series.   However, there is a lot of violence and graphic imagery, so this series is definitely for mature audience only. If you want to take advantage a whole set of great mysteries, this is the series for you. You can order Vera, Set 6 on DVD for only $59.99 at Acorn Media. You can also find it on Amazon.