Agatha Christie's Marple: Complete Series 5

I'm starting in reverse with this series, buying the AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MARPLE SEASON 5 BLU-RAY first. I've seen some of the series that starred Joan Hickson Miss Marple - 3 Feature Length Mysteries (The Body in the Library / A Murder Is Announced / A Pocketful of Rye) , which I enjoyed, and so I figured I give the newer series a try. The reason I started with Season 5 is because I read that Joanna Lumley ( Absolutely Fabulous: Complete Series 1 ) was in one of the episodes and I adore her, so I figured I'd start here. Also, Seasons 1-4 are not available on Blu-Ray. And there was an actress change from Geraldine McEwan to Julia McKenzie in the role of Miss Jane Marple, but I don't know why. Anyway, I enjoyed watching Season 5 and since I really haven't read any of the books, except for "The Blue Geranium," which I thought was from Sherlock Holmes -- I read it in high school -- and it was another reason I started with this season, I can't really say whether or not substantial changes have been made to characters or story-lines. I can say that each episode, they're actually like feature length movies, are fun, riveting, and the scenery is exquisite. The cinematography is fantastic and each mystery will have you guessing up until the last minute. Julia McKenzie does a great job in the role of "Miss Jane Marple," as she's a little more sprightlier than Joan Hickson (whom many believe to be the definitive "Marple"), and has slightly more elegance than the disheveled (but endearing) portrayal by Geraldine McEwan. Joanna Lumley is fabulous as "Dolly Bantry" and she's also featured in Season 1 (I just got the Season 1-3 McEwan MARPLE on DVD) as the same character. I'm not sure why but the DVD version of MARPLE SERIES (SEASON) 5 doesn't include "The Pale Horse." I almost bought it accidentally when I was ordering the previous seasons since it's available as a separate DVD Agatha Christie's Marple: The Pale Horse , but luckily I checked because the MARPLE SERIES 5 BLU-RAY includes The Pale Horse! Here's the specials on the Blu-Rays: *** SPECIAL FEATURES *** *** THE MIRROR CRACK'D FROM SIDE TO SIDE *** "Agatha Christie's Garden" - 01-hour:09-seconds This hour long featurette hosted by Pam Ferris shows the wonderful garden that was Christie's sanctuary. "Greenway Garden" - 03-minutes:06-seconds The history of the Greenway Garden, which is on the property that Christie and her husband lived on the "Greenway Estate." "Remembering Agatha" - 03-minutes:18-seconds Grandson Mathew Prichard talks about his famous grandmother. "Agatha's Writing" - 02-minutes:56-seconds Various writers discuss Christie's writing style and why it was so beloved by many. *** THE PALE HORSE (this has the new version with McKenzie too)*** "The Pale Horse" - 1996 Version - 01-hour:41-minutes:27-seconds This earlier adaptation has a different plot twist and Miss Marple isn't the crime solver (in fact, she's not in it at all). In this version, a friend of one of the victims, a suspect, and a budding investigator/police aide come together to solve the crime. I'm not sure why this was not included on the DVD set, but it is here on the Blu-Ray. Picture and sound quality is outstanding. If you enjoy mysteries than I would definitely recommend MARPLE SERIES (SEASON) 5 BLURAY, since you get "The Pale Horse" movie as well.

Over the years, I have read all of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries and watched all of the modern film iterations of Miss Marple, played by everyone from the marvelous Joan Hickson to the latest grand dame, Julia McKenzie. Not surprisingly, my enjoyment of the series varied somewhat as each actress brought a different interpretation to the lead character and each production had its own atmosphere and style. The quality of the acting has never faltered, however, and many of Britain's finest actors have appeared in these mysteries. Series 5 with Julia McKenzie is a special delight. I was surprised at how lavish and rich the production quality is, how perfect the period details are -- especially in "The Mirror Crack'd." Joanna Lumley figured prominently in this episode and she is picture-perfect as Miss Marple's slightly ditsy and delightfully nosy friend, Dolly. Just to watch these two marvelous actresses interact is a joy. Lindsay Duncan also gives a first-rate performance. As the series moves on, the style and feel of each episode changes a bit and real injections of menace, tension, and fear are palpable. These are contrasted with the down-to-earth, determined and practical calm of McKenzie's Miss Marple. In essence, then, Series 5 is a wonderful collection -- rich, nuanced, and rather splendid.

It was great to get to see these things unctu. We wqere not even aware that they were cut on PBS, but they were. They weren't different, but they were more complete by a bit. The blue ray made them also come alive. Her performance we enjoyed much more this time around. Thanks

Four mysteries and a bonus copy of The Pale Horse circa 1996 starring Jean Marsh as a witch with deadly powers ("Death is the great ecstasy."). The production values are still top notch, the acting is excellent, but the adaptations are still loose to say the least. Julia McKenzie makes a passable Miss Marple. There are two versions of The Pale Horse, one with her, one without. My favorite of the bunch is The Secret of Chimneys. My least favorite is The Blue Geranium. And they managed to make the oft-filmed The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side fresh and fun, thanks to a truly daffy performance by Joanna Lumley ("She always did have that ripe look. Like a piece of fruit about to go off."). A welcome addition to my Agatha Christie collection. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of Marple 6.

These oldtime murder series are a must for dvd movie-collectors as they do illustrate that old movies are better than those violent, drug induced and idiotic movies that are created today by ill-educated producers & actors alike. Whereever you are, to enjoy good clean entertainments always rely on Amazon-com and get your copies there.

it did not play at all, it must have been a faulty blu ray disc, and l went out to buy a brand new blu ray player that plays all regions, and even then it did not work. l want to send it back but threw out the address taking it for granted that it will be in working order. Not happy with the supplier at all and would love to be refunded so amazon if you receive this please refund my credit card. l have never had any other problems with any dvds that l have bought from amazon, but now l am looking for a refund. UNHAPPY CUSTOMER!!

My favorite is "The Chimneys", a good old fashioned murder mystery. I wish the other seasons would be put out in blu-ray.

Agatha Christie fan. Great.

Llego en perfecto estado y antes de lo esperado. Buena definicion. Estoy encantada. Viene con todos los dvds. Recomendadisimo sibretodo para los amantes de Miss Marple