Product Details

• Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise Brealey
• Writers: Mark Gatiss
• Format: Color, Subtitled, NTSC
• Language: English (Stereo)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: November 9, 2010
• Run Time: 461 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,218 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B004132HZS
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #13 in Movies & TV > DVD > Mystery & Thrillers
  • #34 in Movies & TV > DVD > Drama
• Learn more about "Sherlock: Season One" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In the wake of Guy Ritchie's reimagining, the BBC puts its own stamp on Arthur Conan Doyle's sleuth--and sets him in a London filled with cell phones and laptops. In the pilot, director Paul McGuigan (a keen visual stylist) introduces Sherlock Holmes (Atonement's Benedict Cumberbatch) as a "high-functioning sociopath" and Dr. John Watson (The Office's Martin Freeman) as an army veteran with posttraumatic stress disorder. Through a mutual friend, the two become flatmates at 221B Baker Street (Una Stubbs plays their landlady). Holmes, who consults with Scotland Yard inspector Lestrade (Rupert Graves) on his trickier cases, drafts Watson to assist him.

In "Study in Pink," four people commit suicide by poison. When Holmes sets out to establish a link, he falls right into the culprit's clutches. Other cases concern a smuggling operation ("The Blind Banker") and a mad bomber ("The Great Game"). Though he doesn't make a formal entrance until episode three, an infamous figure from Sherlock's future has a hand in each mystery, while the detective's brother, Mycroft (co-creator Mark Gatiss), first appears when he tries to hire Watson for a case of his own, an offer that gives the good doctor pause. Through his job at a medical office, Watson also meets Sarah (Zoe Telford), who becomes his girlfriend.

Part of the fun of Jeremy Brett's Holmes (and Agatha Christie's Poirot) came from the period details, so this update takes a little getting used to--as does the occasional mumbled line--but Cumberbatch and Freeman share an enjoyable Odd Couple rapport, marked by flashes of deadpan wit, which compensates for the absence of deerstalker caps (Holmes favors scarves) and journals (Watson maintains a website). Extras include commentary on the finale, the original pilot, and a featurette, in which cocreator Steven Moffat (Doctor Who) notes that Cumberbatch was his only choice for the title role. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description

A contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock is a thrilling, funny, fast-paced adventure series set in present-day London. Co-created by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock stars BAFTA-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Hawking, Amazing Grace) as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman (The Office, Love Actually), as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson. Rupert Graves plays Inspector Lestrade. The iconic details from Conan Doyle's original books remain--they live at the same address, have the same names and, somewhere out there, Moriarty is waiting for them. And so across three thrilling, scary, action-packed and highly modern-day adventures, Sherlock and John navigate a maze of cryptic clues and lethal killers to get at the truth.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

605 of 621 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent, updated and engaging man for all ages September 1, 2010

By Angela G. Birt

Format:DVD

Sherlock Holmes....makes brainy sexy. Sure he's a self described "high functioning sociopath", with no people skills; but he's brilliant, driven and dresses wonderfully. Dr. John Watson is not a patsy (not a sidekick - he's a partner); sharp, wry, worldly man of action who tolerates Sherlock's idiosyncrasies because he misses the adrenaline edge of combat and seeks meaning in a life after war. They are evenly matched although Sherlock draws the attention and enmity of their foes - Watson is a good second.

The writing is engaging, cheeky, smart and fast paced. It rolls current technology into the stream of consciousness. The looks of awe when Sherlock figures it out - and his amusement when he learns he's alone are priceless. The cinematography, costumes, lighting and use of text overlays to move the story along are well placed and impressive on their own.

But the intelligence of the show is its presumption in the interest of the watcher; therefore moving with alacrity, flexibility and certain undefinable element of charm missing from many US shows (the brilliant but cancelled Life with Damian Lewis excluded). I'm a US viewer lucky enough to have a friend in the UK - but this show should gain followers worldwide with the power to draw from the past literary works and latch onto the current to slingshot us into the future of TV - for thinking people.

293 of 303 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant! September 2, 2010

By Mr. R. Price

Format:Blu-ray

As a big fan of the original stories and of the 80's Granada show with Jeremy Brett I was expecting to be disappointed by this show. I wasn't! Though it has been transplanted to modern day London it has kept the spirit of the books, and the casting is superb, especially the lead actor who plays the cold, calculated Holmes to perfection.

It's not an easy task to move this concept into a modern day setting given the advances in forensic science since the stories were first published, but focusing on Holmes' acute intelligence, observation and deduction it still gives that sense of awe that makes you feel like you're waking around with your eyes shut.

Don't hesitate... buy or rent this today if you love Holmes!

160 of 163 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Did We Really Need Another Sherlock Holmes? A Jaded Fan Gives An Unequivocal "YES!" January 25, 2011

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

I needed another adaptation featuring Sherlock Holmes about as much as I needed a full frontal lobotomy. Don't get me wrong--I love Holmes. As a boy, I read every story. Through the years, I've seen so many versions of Sherlock that I can't even begin to enumerate them all. I knew things looked bleak when everyone raved about last year's Guy Richie version and I found it only slightly amusing and greatly overproduced. I patently refused to accept this new BBC adaptation and refused to watch it--but I relented (I'm so weak willed) and now, hat in hand, I repent. This glorious updating is fast, smart, and riveting entertainment. What an idiot I would have been to miss it!

Set in contemporary London, "Sherlock" modernizes three classic mysteries. Episode One is "A Study In Pink" and, by itself, it is an absolutely perfect film. The way the murder is introduced, the stellar screenplay, the ingenious play on familiar characters, the droll humor, the emotional resonance, and the technological innovation to update this tale all work in perfect harmony to create an unforgettable re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes. Episode Two, "The Blind Banker," is solid but inevitably pales in comparison to the brilliant opening. And Episode Three, "The Great Game," caps this trio expertly. Just when I thought I had things figured out, "The Great Game" packs a huge wallop--the cliffhanger, and indeed the last 20 minutes, provide one of the most diabolically clever games of cat-and-mouse that you're likely to encounter. Absolutely riveting--it'll leave you gasping and begging for more!

Benedict Cumberbatch turns in a star making portrayal as Holmes. Cumberbatch, with his unorthodox appearance, has always stood out for me--but this is easily his most memorable performance.... But surprisingly, it is Watson who is the real revelation here. Martin Freeman brings incredible depth as a war veteran who is alternately awed and frustrated by Holmes. While the banter is devised for maximum cleverness, there are real characters in "Sherlock." While Richie's cleverness led to a "too cool for school" vibe, the BBC version has actual emotional consequence by fully fleshing out the lead characters. As the episodes, for me, would rate 5 stars, 4 stars, and 4 1/2 stars respectively--I'll round up for just how improbably good this turned out to be. Creator Steven Moffatt is on a streak with "Dr. Who," "Coupling" and the delightfully revisionist "Jekyll" and "Sherlock" ranks with the best. KGHarris, 11/10. Read more ›

175 of 189 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Series September 4, 2010

By A. Rivera

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

One of my top favorites, great acting, directing and writing.
each episode is almost 2 hours long and it gives enough time to develop the story and characters,

I hesitated when I saw the series was in modern time, but very soon after I forgot completely and accepted the change, come to think of it that made it even more enjoyable and easier for me to relate as viewer.

Excellent series, I am beyond happy to see it return next year, and I can assure you then it will end in my shopping card too.

53 of 55 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Did We Really Need Another Sherlock Holmes? A Jaded Fan Gives An Unequivocal "YES!" November 13, 2010

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:DVD

I needed another adaptation featuring Sherlock Holmes about as much as I needed a full frontal lobotomy. Don't get me wrong--I love Holmes. As a boy, I read every story. Through the years, I've seen so many versions of Sherlock that I can't even begin to enumerate them all. I knew things looked bleak when everyone raved about last year's Guy Richie version and I found it only slightly amusing and greatly overproduced. I patently refused to accept this new BBC adaptation and refused to watch it--but I relented (I'm so weak willed) and now, hat in hand, I repent. This glorious updating is fast, smart, and riveting entertainment. What an idiot I would have been to miss it!

Set in contemporary London, "Sherlock" modernizes three classic mysteries. Episode One is "A Study In Pink" and, by itself, it is an absolutely perfect film. The way the murder is introduced, the stellar screenplay, the ingenious play on familiar characters, the droll humor, the emotional resonance, and the technological innovation to update this tale all work in perfect harmony to create an unforgettable re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes. Episode Two, "The Blind Banker," is solid but inevitably pales in comparison to the brilliant opening. And Episode Three, "The Great Game," caps this trio expertly. Just when I thought I had things figured out, "The Great Game" packs a huge wallop--the cliffhanger, and indeed the last 20 minutes, provide one of the most diabolically clever games of cat-and-mouse that you're likely to encounter. Absolutely riveting--it'll leave you gasping and begging for more!

Benedict Cumberbatch turns in a star making portrayal as Holmes. Cumberbatch, with his unorthodox appearance, has always stood out for me--but this is easily his most memorable performance.... But surprisingly, it is Watson who is the real revelation here. Martin Freeman brings incredible depth as a war veteran who is alternately awed and frustrated by Holmes. While the banter is devised for maximum cleverness, there are real characters in "Sherlock." While Richie's cleverness led to a "too cool for school" vibe, the BBC version has actual emotional consequence by fully fleshing out the lead characters. As the episodes, for me, would rate 5 stars, 4 stars, and 4 1/2 stars respectively--I'll round up for just how improbably good this turned out to be. Creator Steven Moffatt is on a streak with "Dr. Who," "Coupling" and the delightfully revisionist "Jekyll" and "Sherlock" ranks with the best. KGHarris, 11/10. Read more ›