On The Other Hand, Death (2008/Liberation DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Telefilm: C

 

 

Though not shown on film much, there have been decades of Detective literature that has been explicit about homosexuality, even featuring gay and lesbian detectives, but now there is finally a DVD of one that was made live action.  Ron Oliver’s On The Other Hand, Death (2008) is swelling itself as a “Donald Strachey Mystery” as if it were both a book series and franchise.

 

It just may become a TV movie series of some kind, but if not, it will be an interesting attempt that played it too safe.  Chad Allen is the title character, openly gay and out to solve a murder.  Not only is this too safe when it comes to making sure all the gay males are safe as in passively sexual, but the murder is as lite as an episode of Murder, She Wrote.  It also is under the delusion that if you explain gayness to bigots, they’ll eventually capitulate and accept it, which is a myth.  The cast is fairly good, but Margot Kidder is the standout as a teacher and lesbian who is targeted because of the way she lives and lives with her longtime companion.

 

Made for the Here! Network, it is competent corporate product at best, but nothing groundbreaking and a disappointment.  Next time, make sure there is more death (as well as suspense) if you are going to put that words in your title.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 is a little soft throughout, likely an HD shoot, but we have seen worse, especially from TV and the straight-to-DVD market, while the Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 mixes are nothing special with little difference.  Extras include some previews.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo