Review of Messiah

Introduction

Messiah features Ken Stott as DCI Red Metcalfe, in charge of an investigation into a series of brutal killings in London. At first, Red`s team think they have a link between the victims, but the killings continue and no clues are found at crime scene, they become increasingly frustrated. Red’s efforts are also hampered by his past...

Video

The video is presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen and is of a high standard throughout the film. There is no evidence of dirt or grain on the print, which is crisp and detailed throughout.

Despite being made for TV, the film is shot on 35mm and has movie production values and therefore looks and feels very good, with excellent locations, sets and makeup providing a very professional feel.

Visually the film is similar to many other serial-killer chases - moving from one horrific crime scene to another, coming closer and closer to the identity of the perpetrator. These scenes are very well done, and similarities with Se7en spring to mind with the look and unease that the murder scenes convey to the viewer. As the series was created for television, it has been designed to be hard hitting, but not nasty - there are certain taste considerations for broadcast after all! (the documentary says that they also wanted a worldwide edition rather than having to cut for certain countries). This policy succeeds with the crime scenes being very nasty, but not too disturbing. One scene in particular will have you cowering in anticipation of what is about to happen as the suspense builds! Great stuff!

Audio

Being made for TV, there`s not multi-channel surround sound here, just a vanilla Dolby Digital Stereo soundtrack. This is a shame, because this DVD would have really benefited from a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack - it`s creepy enough in places anyway, and a sound mix would have elevated it to the level of unease generated by films like Se7en.

Having said that, the sound is more than adequate and the dialogue is always clear and easy to understand.

Features

Many TV series that make it onto DVD don`t feature any extras so it is a nice surprise to see a half-hour behind-the-scenes documentary on this disc - especially one that is well made and interesting. There also a couple of deleted scenes - one of which would have perhaps cast suspicion in one direction - so don`t watch them until the end!

The extras are rounded off by cast/crew bios.

Conclusion

Messiah was a very enjoyable crime drama - having sat down last night to watch the first of the two 74 minute parts, I watched both and the 30 minute documentary!

The story is cleverly woven and brilliantly acted by all concerned, with Ken Stott particularly good as Red Metcalfe. Murder mysteries thrive on keeping the identity of the killer secret until the final moments, and Messiah achieves this by throwing suspicion out in all directions so the view is never quite sure whodunit.

The production is first rate and the locations and sets look excellent, with the crime scenes generating a feeling of unease at times.

Good video and sound quality are reinforced by an interesting documentary and two deleted scenes.

Recommended.