Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24378 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-10-28
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 14
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: English, French, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish, Yiddish
• Number of discs: 14
• Running time: 999 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
This Sharpe box set contains all 14 of the full-length television films based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell. Originally broadcast between 1993 and 97, they follow the adventures of the titular soldier during the later years of the Napoleonic Wars, through Wellington's Peninsular campaign up to and including Waterloo. The programmes represent an outstanding achievement for the small screen, dominated by Sean Bean's central performance as the heroic, troubled outsider who turns out to be a resourceful and loyal leader. Bolstered by a strong supporting cast, particularly Daragh O'Malley as Harper and (in later episodes) Abigail Cruttenden as Jane, Sharpe is often visually striking, the action tense and gripping. Consistency is maintained by all episodes being directed by Tom Clegg.

On the DVD: Sharpe the complete series is a 14-disc set of all 14 episodes. The sound is full-bodied stereo while the very "sharp" picture has been transferred slightly letterboxed at 14:9. Though looking much better than the original TV transmissions the occasionally cropped framing makes it apparent the films were shot in 16:9 widescreen, so it is regrettable they have not been transferred to DVD in that format. Otherwise these are first-rate releases. --Gary S Dalkin

Special Features
Sharpes Stills Gallery
Sharpe Fact File
Sharpe's Shooting- an excusive 25min documentary
Volume 1: Sharpe's Rifles & Sharpe's Eagle
Volume 2: Sharpe's Company & Sharpe's Enemy
Volume 3: Sharpe's Honor & Sharpe's Gold
Volume 4: Sharpe's Battle & Sharpe's Sword
Volume 5: Sharpe's Regiment & Sharpe's Siege
Volume 6: Sharpe's Mission & Sharpe's Revenge
Volume 7: Sharpe's Justice & Sharpe's Waterloo

Synopsis
Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) is a brash young commander in the Napoleonic Wars who finds himself in charge of an inexperienced battalion. This collection, based on the novels of Bernard Cornwell, contains all 14 SHARPE adventures, covering all of Sharpe's battles, both personal and professional.

Customer Reviews

Err...
I'd suggest getting the newer one, as it's cheeper and you get more! Don't know whether it's worth waiting to see if there's gonna be a new set with the recent "Sharpe's Challenge"....

"You Irish scum!"
In every single episode Sharpe gets given a stupidly difficult mission, argues with superior officers, has ladies thow themselves at him, get cuts up, kills all the French, and then gets promoted. Don't you just love it!

The Bulldog of British Television
Ever since Sharpe's Rifles was first broadcast at 8pm one night (wednesday i think), i was engrossed! For someone who usually hated period dramas, especially at 8 years old, I loved Sharpe and followed it to the end. The central character is ultimately the driving force; an honest soldier who has some of the hardest situations to deal with along his travels including traitors, false heroics, upper-class stupidity and of course, that crazy thing called love.

Basically, Sharpe is a soldier (but not a "gentleman") who is promoted by Wellington himself and given the task of leading a small task force of sharpshooters. After winning the respect of his men, he goes on to fight in many epic battles against teh odds. What makes Sharpe so great is that it is well-written and directed but also the enemble cast that all have their idiosyncrasies and suchlike.

Each episode usually consists of at least one spy, a buxom woman that Sharpe protects and a small village/outpost that needs holding. But this format always always works and more often than not, the action itself is wonderfully shot. Few British shows have the same epic scale as this series does - making top use of Europe's scenary.

The only criticism i would have of this series is how later on towards the end, the camaraderie is not so great because the chosen men have been disbanded. However, the series goes out on a tremendous high with plenty of moving moments and pounding action at Waterloo.

I haven't bought this set only because i have them all (almost) taped, but i would recommend this to anyone who needs reminding that Brits can still make quality TV!