SHARPE (DVD Review) - 24/11/07

This was a bit naughty because while they were flogging this in the shops as the "Sharpe Collectors Edition" {Of 15 Discs} next to it in the display case was the latest "Sharpe's Challenge" mind you the last Collectors Edition only had 14 Discs [Maybe they will add 'Complete' to the wording?] so still not 'quite' a Collectors Edition yet!

From the beginning of this boxset we get a dramatic reconstruction of the era between 1800 and 1815 with Sharpe and his "Chosen Men" ending up in one battle after another and dealing with aristocrats (Generally preening fops, cowards and idiots) who seem intent on getting themselves killed and everyone around them. Double-dealing spies, traitors and betrayal also go into the mix; with a pinch of romance, love, honour and hate and sometimes outright evil.

The cast inhabit their roles completely and the taste it gives for the whole period seems spot on. The evocation of battle and the glories of war seem a different matter when you see the wounded with missing legs as a result of cannon or musket fire. Certainly worth a watch for sheer quality viewing.