Heat Of The Sun (British Mystery TV)
Picture: C+
Sound: B- Extras: D Telefilms: B
Mystery literature has covered more of the world than its
TV and cinematic equivalent, but the occasional film or series surfaces to
bring us a new twist on the genre beyond shallow plot points. Heat Of The Sun (1998) offers Trevor
Eve as former Scotland Yard Detective Albert Tyler, now living in Nairobi. Like the South Africa of A Dry White
Season (1989), justice is not so simple in a far off land, but Tyler just
cannot turn off his talents. As a
matter of fact, he has been sent to Africa to continue his ace detective work.
Private Lives, Hide In Plain Site and The
Sport Of Kings are three telefilms that have been collected in this first
DVD set of these telefilms. Joined by
Emma Fitzgerald (Susannah Harker) and working closely with Police Commissioner
Ronald Burkitt, Tyler has to navigate an unsure land with more than one
language and ins and outs like nothing in a first world country. That is part of the effectiveness and
intrigue of the series, which exceeds the genre as it usually surfaces on
television, and makes for one of the more intelligent suspense shows of recent
years. It is no surprise that this one
surfaced on the PBS/WGBH series Mystery! These shows are complete with introductions and closings by host
Diana Rigg herself.
The full frame 1.33 X 1 image shows its age with some
softness form the video source, though the actual episodes look like they were
filmed. The color consistency suggests that. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has Pro Logic
surrounds and sounds good, especially with the ambiance that helps makes the
image quality more tolerable. Sadly,
there are no extras for such a good series, though there is a weblink. Still, why no more on the discs? Either way, catch Heat Of The Sun if
you enjoy mysteries.
- Nicholas Sheffo
