The Ruth Rendell Mysteries – Set Four (Inspector Wexford Mysteries/British TV/Acorn DVD)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Episodes: C

 

 

The Ruth Rendell Mysteries has switched from being an outright anthology series back on Set One to a focus on the character Inspector Wexford.  You can read the changes in our coverage of previous DVDs issued by Acorn Media at these links:

 

Telefilm

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/2872/Ruth+Rendell+Mysteries

 

One

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4910/The+Ruth+Rendell+Mysteries

 

Two

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6109/The+Ruth+Rendell+Mysteries,+Set+2

 

Three

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7099/The+Ruth+Rendell+Mysteries

 

 

We get two tales on Set Four and though they are not bad, they are also not overwhelming in the Mystery genre department.  The two separate tales here are:

 

1)     Simisola – Wexford’s personal physician needs his help when his 22-year-old daughter suddenly disappears.  I am sick of child in jeopardy stories, but this on is not too exploitive.

2)     Road Rage – Environmental activists protesting what they see as more destructive excavating takes a bizarre twist when a dead tourist turns up, then people start to be kidnapped.  More ambitious and interesting, it is more like what you would expect from such a series.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is soft and for a mid—to-late 1990s production is odd.  It has a slightly dark look, which might be from old analog masters, but need HD masters and restoration.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 is simple stereo at best and is cleanly recorded, but is still weak and I expected it would improve by now, but has not.  Extras only include text on Rendell and 16 X 9/1.78 X 1 anamorphically enhanced documentary Super Sleuths: Inspector Wexford.  Not bad, it will make fans happy.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo