Product Details

• Actors: Jeremy Brett, Edward Hardwicke, Rosalie Williams, Colin Jeavons, Denis Lill
• Producers: John Hawkesworth, Rebecca Eaton
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Mpi Home Video
• DVD Release Date: June 24, 2003
• Run Time: 110 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00007G1WI
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,618 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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• This is item 1 in The Return of Sherlock Holmes DVD Series.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
"The Empty House"
Did Sherlock Holmes survive his apparent demise at the hands of Professor Moriarty in "The Final Problem"? Clearly so, as his resurrection three years later in this story is a dramatic and happy event--though it causes his old friend Dr. Watson (Edward Hardwicke) to faint at the sight of him. Jeremy Brett is outstanding as the famed sleuth, whose return from what Sherlockians call the Great Hiatus is challenged by one of Moriarty's most murderous lieutenants (Patrick Allen), already a killer on the run in London. The action is swift and exciting, and the colorful reentrance of Holmes into the life of Dr. Watson is a highly memorable event. With Rosalie Williams in a more extensive part than usual as the wonderful Mrs. Hudson, Holmes's Baker Street landlady.

"The Abbey Grange"
"We have not yet met our Waterloo, Watson, but this is our Marengo, for it begins in defeat and ends in victory," says Sherlock Holmes, in the midst of a bloody mystery with significant moral and ethical implications. Holmes and Watson are summoned to the Abbey Grange, where Sir Eustace Brackenstall has been brutally murdered, apparently by a local gang of thieves. But the case proves much more complex, and ends with one of Holmes's rare but decisive and personal interpretations of justice. An early episode in the new onscreen association of Brett and Hardwicke (who ably replaced the departed David Burke), the two actors seem as perfectly meshed as their allied characters. This fine production is as enjoyable for the casual viewer as it is for the most dedicated Sherlockian. --Tom Keogh

Product Description
THE EMPTY HOUSE: It is three years after Sherlock Holmes plunged to his death at Reichenbach Falls while fighting with his fiendish adversary Professor Moriarty. Watson and Lestrade take a crack at the unsolved murder of Ronald Adair, yet their efforts produce nothing but a shocking inquest. Lost without Holmes' talents to help them, Watson spots a mysterious visitor in court listening to testimony about the murdered man. Could it be the return of Sherlock Holmes? THE ABBEY GRANGE: Sir Eustace Brackenstall, one of the richest men in Kent and the last of the Brackenstall line, is found murdered. A notorious gang of thieves is suspected of the crime, until Holmes and Watson make some startling discoveries, including a charred dog collar. Holmes and Watson must piece together a strange puzzle of love, violence, and deceit to solve the case of The Abbey Grange.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like the Terminator, he is back!, June 13, 2001

By	"avrilyn" (Rohan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Return of Sherlock Holmes - The Empty House [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Please ignore the "oversentimental" review below. It is totally erroneous. It could only be agreed upon if you are a disgruntled Rathbone fan, angry that Brett has replaced Basil on the pedastal.

This was a wondeful episode. Hardwicke has replaced David Burke, and, though Burke was wonderful, I must hold that Hardwicke is the best Watson ever. The pair makes very believable friends. We first see Brett as the book seller (which is hilarious, I might add. He was obviously enjoying his role). His return scene is perfect, not overdone or underdone. Watson is shocked and pleased, and Holmes is glad to be back. He tells how he was never in the ravine, etc, etc. The next notable part is the capture of Moran. When Scotland Yard comes, Holmes yells at his atatcker! Watch for this: when one of the men tries to quiet Holmes after his tirade, he snarls! Truly snarls! Wonderful.

The final scene, which I will call "Back at Baker Street" was excellent. The real life Brett/Hardwicke frienship shines through their dialogue, and Mrs. Hudson is basking in her glory. It can only be described as classic.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent adaptation, true to Doyle's story, June 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Return of Sherlock Holmes - The Empty House [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Please ignore the review by the ignoramus above. The dialogue between Holmes and Moran in THE EMPTY HOUSE is a faithful transcription of what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle actually wrote. The first three years of this series produced some outstanding episodes and THE EMPTY HOUSE is one of the best. It's beautifully directed and well written. Edward Hardwicke is excellent as the new Watson and Jeremy Brett is fascinating to watch, and even more fascinating to listen to. There is an amusing pastiche sequence at the start which takes place in the coroner's court. It nicely rounds out this story without padding it. The supporting players, particularly the excellent Colin Jeavons and Rosalie Williams, work well as an ensemble. You will want to watch this directly after viewing THE FINAL PROBLEM, another terrific episode; the two should really be sold as a set!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sherlock Holmes is back!!, January 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Return of Sherlock Holmes - The Empty House [VHS] (VHS Tape)

When Conan Doyle wrote the "Final Problem" it was supposed to be his last chronicle as he was tired of the character. But through public pressure he brought back the first Consulting Detective. In this adventure we find out that Sherlock Holmes didn't die with his "evil counterpart" but had to stay in hiding in order to evade Dr Moraity's accomplices. When the story starts, years has gone bye since the "death" of Mr Holmes and a crime gets the attention of Holmes old cohort, Dr Watson. A murderer is afoot, and nobody knows who he is and why he kills. You can guess who comes a calling. The scene where Sherlock reveals himself alive to Dr Watson is right out of the book and brought off in great fation. This is an exellent sequel to the "Final Problem" where Sherlock Holmes retakes his place in London as it's most famous Detective and ties off any loose leed left in the earlier story. As per usual Granada Television rendition of this story is visually astonishing in the period details and scenes and Mr Brett depiction of Holmes is right out of the book. If you saw "Final Problem" this a must see. If you haven't, get both