Last year, MPI Home Video released a DVD set of the 13 episodes that made up the initial run of “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” starring the magnificent Jeremy Brett as Holmes and David Burke as Mr. Watson. With episodes like “A Scandal in Bohemia”, “The Crooked Man”, and “The Red Headed League” this series takes you deep into the world of Sherlock Holmes to witness his triumphs as well as his failures, his strengths and his weaknesses like none other has done before. Jeremy Brett has long been heralded as the definitive Sherlock Holmes, which is not to discount Basil Rathbone, whose name has long been synonymous with that of Holmes. “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” was produced between 1984-1985, and due to its popularity and faithfulness to the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was brought back in the hopes of eventually filming all 60 of the canon. Unfortunately, this was not to be.

After filming 45 episodes, poor health, brought on by severe depression due to the death of his wife, prohibited him from making any more. In 1995 Brett passed away.

The legacy lives on however, and now MPI has released a new 5-disc set, featuring the next 11 episodes that make up “The Return of Sherlock Holmes.” Once again we are given the opportunity to see how terrific Brett was in the role.

This new set of episodes also delivers a new Dr. Watson in the form of Edward Hardwicke. Taking over for David Burke, Hardwicke, who is featured in an interview on this set, does a magnificent job as Watson and makes the role his own.

“The Return of Sherlock Holmes” takes up where we left off, and continues with same quality that had already started in earlier episodes. Along with the great performances, the production’s attention to detail as far as sets and costumes make this series a must watch. This new set also includes a couple of extras, one being the aforementioned interview, and the other some commentary by director John Madden.

This DVD set is a must for Jeremy Brett and Sherlock Holmes fans, as well as fans of whodunits in general. I’d also like to issue a challenge to viewers. See if you can find one of the future stars of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

Episodes:
The Empty House
The Abbey Grange
The Second Stain
The Six Napoleons
The Priory School
Wisteria Lodge
The Devil’s Foot
Silver Blaze
The Bruce Partington Plans
The Musgrave Ritual
The Man with the Twisted Lip.

Starring: Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke
Extras: Interview with Edward Hardwicke, Commentary by director John Madden
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: MPI
Release Date: 9/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Return of Sherlok Homes a B.