The Mind Of Mr. J.G. Reeder – The Complete Series (1969 - 1971/Network U.K./PAL Region 2 DVD Import
Set)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: C Episodes: C+
PLEASE NOTE: This DVD set can only be operated
on machines capable of playing back DVDs that can handle Region Two/2 PAL
format software and can be only be ordered from our friends at Network U.K. at
the website address provided at the end of the review.
Edgar
Wallace is a prolific writer who wrote many classic novels and more in the
horror, mystery, monster and action/adventure genres. Along with King Kong and Mighty Joe
Young, he created the detective J.G. Reeder, who has only been reenacted
occasionally in about 65 years of his existence. Aside from a few feature films, including an
attempt to create a movie series in 1939/40, the most successful version to
date was in the lone TV series The Mind
Of Mr. J.G. Reeder.
This
series lasted two seasons and all eight episodes survive, but some barely in
the new Network U.K. DVD set The
Complete Series. This is because
some of the color episodes have only survived in black and white copies, but
they are all here and the show is not bad.
Hugh Burden is the title character, an employee of the Public
Prosecutor’s office in London
known for his ability to solve crimes and think like criminals. A timid man easy to underestimate, he has
made a few enemies, but will not stop solving crimes no matter what. He will not be deterred.
However,
the mysteries may be good, but not great and the resulting shows can be too
laid back like the current cycle of police procedurals on British TV that I
have not been impressed with. However,
the shows are intelligent and diehard mystery fans will want to see the show. Burden is good too.
Eventually,
the episodes wanted to have openings in The
Avengers mode and the shows include:
1) The Treasure Hunt
2) The Green Mamba
3) The Strange Case
4) The Troupe
5) The Duke
6) The Shadow Man
7) The Willing Victim
8) The First Lady
Don’t be
surprised if Reeder returns. If so,
we’ll see how any new version compares to this.
The 1.33
X 1 image was shot in analog PAL videotape (with limited outdoor 16mm) and can
be soft and limited in depth. The color
shows that are now black and white have poor, awkward grey scale as you would
expect, while we also get aliasing, some video noise, video banding, some tape
scratching, PAL cross color and tape damage.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono is also a generation down throughout and can
be distorted or too low in volume, so be careful of playback levels and volume
switching. Extras include stills on all
DVDs.
As noted
above, you can order this DVD import set exclusively from Network U.K.
at:
http://www.networkdvd.net/
or
www.networkdvd.co.uk
- Nicholas Sheffo
