Review of Prime Suspect 2

Introduction

British television has a proud history of delivering high quality serious Police drama - both in series form like the critically acclaimed (and simply brilliant) Between the Lines and in mini-series form like Cracker and Prime Suspect. The latter two ITV produced shows have recently been released on DVD, with each of the seven and ten respective episodes available as single discs or box sets. Each box set contains the same discs as the individual releases, repackaged in a fold-out slipcase. The discs themselves are identical.

After the critical acclaim lauded upon the first Prime Suspect 1991, Helen Mirren as returns as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jane Tennison to deliver a sequel that is every bit as good as the original. This time around, a skeleton is discovered buried in someone`s garden. The gruesome find immediately appears to the body of a local girl who disappeared some years ago, which, combined with the local community`s distrust of the Police, makes the investigation all the more difficult.

Video

The video is presented in the 4:3 full-frame as broadcast on British television long before the introduction of 16:9 television sets. The image is free from dirt, but a little grainy - obviously ITV`s archiving isn`t up to the standard of the BBC, who generally manage to deliver higher picture quality.

Prime Suspect always has been a series made with movie production values, and this second series is, like its predecessor, is superbly filmed with gruesome murder scenes and excellent use of locations. This second series also warrants the eighteen certificate that the disc carries, again delivering hard-hitting visuals.

Audio

The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0, which is shame because a full 5.1 channel remix would have given the soundtrack the bite to match the visuals - something that would have increased the impact of the series even further.

As it stands, the Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack is more than adequate and delivers solid vocals and a reasonable reproduction of the series` score and sound effects.

Features

Sadly, the disc is totally devoid of extras, featuring only a static menu offering "Play" and "Chapter Selection".

Conclusion

The original Prime Suspect won high praise on release, and was awarded the 1991 BAFTA for best television drama - a title that it thoroughly deserved. The second series manages to maintain the high standard, and like its predecessor is a thoroughly entertaining way to spend three hours and twenty minutes.

Once again, an excellent story-line, a superb cast delivering top-notch performances, a wide range of conflicting and interesting characters and excellent visuals combine to make Prime Suspect 2 a riveting watch.

There are no extras on the disc, but three and a half hours of high quality drama for ten pounds represents fantastic value for money - even more so when bought as part of the box set.

Recommended.