Christmas in Grantchester - DVD

Content: It's very Christmassy in Grantchester. And it almost looks like young vicar Sidney Chambers (James Norton) finally has reason to be happy. The love of his life, Amanda (Morven Christie), has separated from her husband and is now living with her aunt. Whenever Sidney and the heavily pregnant Amanda see each other, it's clear how much sparks fly between them. But deep down, the vicar knows there can be no future for them together - as much as he enjoys the brief moments of happiness. But there is little time for this emotional chaos, as a groom who has been reported missing is found dead - his wedding rings placed in his mouth. Geordie Keating (Robson Green) is shocked, as the crime has clear parallels to an unsolved murder case from several years ago. The main suspect from that time is again the focus of the investigation. But this case still holds some surprises for the investigators.

From contemplative Christmas! The Christmas special of the popular British crime series Grantchester offers no homey tranquility, but in addition to a thrilling murder case for Sidney also the sad realization that there can be no happy future for him Amanda. Not in the time they live in and not in the circumstances she finds herself in. But even though that hangs over everything like a dark shadow, there is still something like Christmas spirit at the end. But that's exactly what makes this series so successful: there are often very serious, dark or suspenseful moments, but also an infectious lightness and delightful British humour. That mix just works really well.

And so does this special episode. The case itself offers classic whodunit entertainment, but is thoroughly engagingly constructed. Like Sidney and Geordie, it's all too easy to be led astray as a viewer, and as obvious as the actual resolution may be, it ultimately comes as a surprise. So if you're wondering whether it's worth it to purchase this DVD for a single, barely hour-long episode, you can be told with a clear conscience: Yes, it's worth it.

Because it's a perfectly solid episode of a very good crime series that allows its characters to develop steadily. And that's why it definitely gets a for this Christmas special, which still works very well after 12/24: Absolutely worth watching!

Picture + Sound: As with the first two season boxes, the technical realization for a TV series can also fully convince with this special. The picture is clean, the overall sharpness is on a good level and the color scheme radiates - very important for a Christmas special - a pleasant warmth. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is rather unspectacular, but transports the dialogue out of the speakers with good intelligibility. For this there is a festive: good!

Extras: Unlike the season boxes, there is unfortunately no bonus material in this special.

Conclusion: Grantchester's Christmas special doesn't come across as festive at all, as Sidney and Geordie have to solve a murder just before Christmas of all times, which has clear parallels to an unsolved case. An entertaining episode, which is a real must for all fans of the series. The DVD is technically well realized, only bonus material was omitted this time. As an attunement to the festival and to shorten the wait for season 3, this DVD is on balance but absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp