Dick Francis Mysteries (Koch/Lance/DLT)
Picture: C
Sound: C+ Extras: C- Telefilms: C+
Of the last generation of major Mystery novel series, the Dick
Francis Mysteries are among the most successful and all set at racetracks
with horses. Three telefilms were made
in 1989 and this new 2 DVD set from Koch and Lance. In The Frame involves big rich homes being robbed of
everything, with the first blown-up as the wife/owner shows up in shock.
Patrick Macnee plays a supporting role in the other two
films, but is not in either production enough, though they fare better than the
first. Blood Sport involves a
missing horse worth $6 Million, though the animal is not bionic! Twice Shy involves a young dead male
computer kid who may have had a special project going worth killing for. Can the 5.5” old PC floppy be found before
more murder takes place?
They do get better as they go along, but only worked out
so well, so the series did not continue.
Ian McShane is very good as David Cleveland and fans of Deadwood
may be interested in seeing him in another solid role. Canadian TV co-produced these works and they
have their moments. The results of the
telefilms fall somewhere between police procedurals and mysteries. I just wanted more Macnee and mystery.
The 1.33 X 1 image is color poor, detail-challenged and
with the stretched-out look, suggests a second or third generation
transfer. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
is good, but does not survive the Pro Logic treatment very well. Extras on the second DVD includes text on
McShane, guest star Patrick Macnee and four trailers for other Koch/Lance
releases.
- Nicholas Sheffo
