Search - Sherlock: Season One on DVD

Vicki H. (WNCadventurer)
Reviewed on 3/2/2023...

Excellent (still) modern version of Sherlock with spot on casting. The narrative/ plot are very engaging and seamlessly share the quick wit of Sherlock. So good, I bought the series. The BBC style of filming makes this extra enjoyable.

John J. (jdj) from BONIFAY, FL
Reviewed on 8/10/2013...

Maybe the most interesting characters to ever play the great crime solver and his associate.

A Study in Classic Interpretation: A Modern Sherlock That Wo

rachel | Toronto | 10/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I am a huge fan of the Holmes "canon." And, a relative purist at that. Thus, I am one of those Sherlockians addled by the Basil Rathbone adaptations: loosely based on Doyle's work ( sometimes straying altogether) and featuring a Watson so removed from my imaginings that he became almost unrecognizable in all of his befuddled tomfoolery.



I was a little skeptical of the new Sherlock when I first heard of its conception. A longtime fan of the Moffatt Dr. Who age, I was fairly certain that the writing would be up to snuff and that Moffatt and Gatiss would live up to their self-proclaimed status of Holmes aficionado. However, the casting, at first glance, seemed awkward.



Was I ever wrong! I think next to Brett, Benedict Cumberbatch has solidly secured his place as the definitive Sherlock Holmes. While those who subscribe to the iconical version of Holmes ( more of the Rathbone and William Gillette and less the Sidney Paget ), will be at first surprised by the look of Benedict Cumberbatch: his physiognomy, facial structure, almost ethereally penetrating glance and quick, languid movements are rooted in source material.





In turn, Martin Freeman perfectly fits the smart, stoic and patient role of Dr. Watson.





The chemistry between the two actors, as explored in the novels and short stories, is palpable and a joy to watch. In fact, it is their burgeoning relationship and their individual growths that dictate the series' success.



That and the fact that it is a perfect symbiosis of classic text with modern technology and setting. Drawing on The Adventure of the Dancing Men, the Sign of Four, the Final Problem, the Bruce Partington Plans, etc., Holmesians will revel in the winks and nudges toward original stories and relish each carefully construed piece fabricating the world of Holmes and Watson.





Lestrade, Mycroft and Mrs. Hudson flesh out the Holmes and Watson stories with intricate skill. The inevitable appearance of Moriarty ( as well as his carefully whispered name infusing each story ) is climactic, intense and downright finger-biting fun.





Like the Holmes stories of yore, London is a brilliantly rendered character: hansom cabs have been replaced for taxis and Simpsons (Sherlock's favourite restaurant) with a snappy Italian in Westminster) ; but the inspiration is acute.



I was especially dazzled by the scenes in St. Bart's ---perfectly mirroring the famous meeting of Holmes and Watson in A Study in Scarlet. From Sherlock's extraordinarily violent experiment on a fresh cadaver to his immediate recognition of Watson's return from war-torn Afghanistan, this is the epitome of strong and stunning adaptation.



Like the best literary adaptations ( think the gargantuan task of re-imagining Patrick O'Brian's 21 volume Aubrey and Maturin canon into the exceptional Master and Commander) , the BBC Sherlock captures the essence and spark of source material.



We could spend hours dissecting each and every ounce of minutiae and how it does/doesn't translate to a modern audience.... But the brilliance of Sherlock's mind; his method and his relationship with Watson are all century agnostic.



True devotees will revel in the style and tribute to Holmes and, moreover, in the series' ultimate proof that literary genius is timeless: regardless of medium, setting and century
"

One of the BEST adaptations of Sherlock Holmes

Amberland382 | 10/10/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After the "Sherlock Holmes" movie in which Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law respectively played Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, I've been obsessed with anything Sherlock related. When I heard that BBC was doing a contemporary adaptation of everyone's favorite detective, I knew it was a must see. I was not disappointed.

Benedict Cumberbatch makes one of the most intriguing Holmes I have ever seen. He is impatient, rude, childish, and absolutely brilliant. Martin Freeman makes a perfect foil as Dr. John Watson, a wounded veteran looking for a flatmate. The interaction between these two is just priceless. The dialogue is witty, hysterical, and the situations and mysteries are complex and intriguing. It is a perfect blend of the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories with a contemporary and modern twist. I was utterly hooked, and eagerly watched each episode online. Imagine my disappointment when I only found out three episodes had been created.

This is definitely a gold mine in TV series and now one of my favorites. I am waiting with anticipation for the day that it is shipped to me. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you will not be disappointed with this series."