The Chief – The Complete First Series (1990/Network U.K./PAL Region 2 DVD Import)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: D     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 ordered from our friends at Network U.K. at the website address provided at the end of the review.

 

 

Tim Pigott-Smith is one of the best actors of his generation and most enduring, with a body of work that always impresses.  He was the #1 reason I wanted to see The Chief – The Complete First Series and though he is good and the show is consistently serious, he is one of the only good things in what turns out to be somewhat of a formulaic disappointment.  He plays new Chief Constable John Stafford, but actually stays and does not allow himself to be bored into quitting.

 

This two-DVD set has all six hour-long episodes made for 1990 and was created by the writer Jeffrey Caine, who later co-wrote the James Bond revival film GoldenEye.  This is yet another of the “serious” police dramas spawned by The Sweeney that usually do not work well or age well and Pigott-Smith left after a few seasons n which he made it a hit.  Guess he wanted to avoid stereotyping.  For the “very seriously” interested only.

 

The 1.33 X 1 color image is shot on PAL videotape and shows its age somewhat, but has good color and decent shots at times, while the Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono is also in good shape for a production from its time.  There are no extras.

 

 

As noted above, you can order this DVD import exclusively from Network U.K. at:

 

http://www.networkdvd.net/

 

or

 

www.networkdvd.co.uk

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo