Incredibly Well Done Television!
face-garak | 06/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's too bad that so few people know of this series, for it is one of the most well put-together television series I've ever seen. The series as a whole gets an easy 5-stars from me, but I plan to rate every episode so this particular box set gets its own score of 4-stars. Here are my thoughts on the individual episodes.The Disappearence of Mr. Davenheim - Decent, but not great this one seems way to similar to Conan Doyle's "The Man With The Twisted Lip" to me, but not as good. - 3 starsThe Veiled Lady - Better than the first, but somewhat silly all throughout with a strange, but minor, flaw in the solution. Also the chase scene near the end was too drawn out. - 3.5 starsThe Lost Mine - Perhaps a glimpse of the greater future of the Poirot series, this one shines with a more interesting case and a more interesting solution. Also, watching Poirot and Hastings play Monopoly is priceless - 4 starsBox Set Overall score (Not an Average) - 4 stars"
Magnifique, n'est-ce pas?
ANT | Crofton, MD USA | 04/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Agatha Christie's quirky Belgian detective Hercule Poirot has come to life in the form of David Suchet. The most watched series on PBS Mystery! and a huge hit on A&E, Poirot retells the tales, short stories, and novels written in the 1930s and 40s by Dame Agatha Christie, mother of the modern mystery. David Suchet plays the part perfectly, with some outstanding acting and chemistry from the supporting cast: Hugh Fraser as Captain Hastings, Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp, and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemmon. All play off of each other beautifully and most often with hilarious side effects.One of the most endearing features about this series as well as the others that follow is the humor value that is omnipresent throughout most of the series. Not only are the mysteries difficult to solve (most of them anyways), but the Christie's writing shines through giving the characters lovely quirks that spark laughter often during the episodes. You might find yourself distracted from the mystery itself by getting caught up in the comedy. The nuances come out perfectly and brilliant acting all around leads to one of the best shows ever produced for television.I can't find anything at fault with the series. AcornMedia is not known for their superior picture quality, but this first in the series is actually a great transfer. If you enjoy a bit of British comedy, a good mystery, and all around outstanding entertainment, you should start collecting the series. You won't be disappointed!"
Brilliant as usual
Paul Dsouza | Seattle, WA | 11/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is something just so lovable about this Belgian detective and his little gray cells. What is incredible about this entire series is the attention to detail on costumes, settings and ensuring that the art-deco feel of parts of England can be recreated. I have always been a great fan of Agatha Christie and, in particular, the character of Hercule Poirot (I have found Miss Marple to be rather annoying). But David Suchet has resulted in a fan following for this character that has little to do with the original character. Each and every little flaw, trait, quirk, is played to great effect. This added to the already-flawless plots of Agatha Christie make this entire series a jewel in the crown."