VERA: Sets 1-7 Collection

The smash hit British detective drama VERA: Sets 1-7 Collection makes its DVD debut from Acorn on October 23, 2018. Inspired by the novels of best-selling author Ann Cleeves, Oscar® nominee Brenda Blethyn (Pride & Prejudice, Atonement) plays Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, a cantankerous, but brilliant detective who solves unthinkable crimes in northeast England. This collection of the first seven seasons delivers suspenseful mysteries, compelling characters, and superb performances. This DVD 28-Disc Collection features 28 feature-length mysteries, plus bonus ($219.99, Amazon.com). Five seasons of Vera are also available on Acorn TV. Called a “glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” (The Hollywood Reporter), Acorn TV is North America’s most popular streaming service focused on British and international television from RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE).

Two-time Oscar® nominee Brenda Blethyn is “excellent” (The Guardian) in this fan-favorite mystery series as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, a caustic but brilliant detective solving chilling crimes in the remote corners of rural Northumberland.

Aided by right-hand man DS Joe Ashworth (David Leon, RocknRolla) and later by brash DS Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty, Love, Lies & Records), Vera contends with the untamed evil that lurks below the surface and exposes the demons that plague even those who dedicate their lives to good.

Guest stars include Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey, Girlfriends), Rose Leslie (The Good Fight), Julie Graham (The Bletchley Circle),John Lynch (The Fall), Gina McKee (Notting Hill), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), and Judy Parfitt (Call the Midwife).

Street Date: October 23, 2018                                         SRP: $219.99

DVD 28-Disc Set: 28 feature-length episodes – Approx. 43 hours, plus bonus – SDH Subtitles – UPC 054961268597

Bonus: Photo galleries and text interviews with Brenda Blethyn and David Leon

Contains violence and disturbing images

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 all seven seasons in one fantastic set. There are too many episodes to list them all, but here are a few highlights.

The Crow Trap -A large corporation is starting construction on an old quarry, but many local residents aren't happy about it. One woman refuses to turn over her land, and she turns up dead not long after they break ground. Now Vera must figure out who is willing to kill for this project and why.

Little Lazaru- This was an especially touching episode. After a woman is brutally murdered,Vera takes her son under her wig. The little boy has many disturbing memories, and Vera must break through in order to bring this mother's killer to justice. It was interesting to see the normally standoffish Vera reaching out to the child.

The Deer Hunters - Two poachers are set aflame in their own truck at the same time that another man is shot with a hunting rifle. Vera and the gang find themselves in a town with rural traditions and people who don't want to talk.

Death of a Family Man - A successful businessman drowns in what looks like a suicide. But Vera learns there was more to his simple life than met the eye when she discovers he was a wanted man.

Muddy Waters - A body is discovered in a farm waste pit. The farmer, his farm hand, and the traveling gypsies are all suspects.

Shadows in the Sky- A man falls from a parking garage. It looks like it might be a suicide until a long list of family and enemies become suspects.

 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.

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

I absolutely love this series. These were just a few of my favorites, but there are hours of additional thrillers to sink your teeth into.   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, Sets 1-7 on DVD for only $169.99 at Acorn Media. You can also find it on Amazon.