Grantchester - Season 1 - DVD

Content: Grantchester in 1953: Young vicar Sidney Chambers (James Norton) is given an unusual assignment by the widow of a deceased parishioner: to prove that her husband did not commit suicide, but was the victim of foul play. His investigation calls the local police commissioner Geordie Keating (Robson Green) on the plan, who actually does not see it gladly that someone interferes with him. But he soon realizes that Sidney has a real talent for tracking down murderers and other criminals. And as the unlikely duo solve one case after another, a real friendship develops between them.

Based on the novel The Shadow of Death: Sidney Chambers Investigates, Grantchester tells classic crime stories against an idyllic backdrop. It was not shot in a studio, but right in Grantchester in the English county of Cambridgeshire. With the help of a great and very detailed set and matching costumes, the village was perfectly transported into the 50s. In the authentic setting, the series tells timelessly good stories that may not be particularly surprising, but are extremely entertaining.

This is also due to the fact that the two main characters are drawn very interestingly and played great by their actors. Sidney Chambers is truly not your typical clergyman. He loves women, has a soft spot for jazz and is not averse to alcohol either. World War II has also left its mark on him - as well as Geordie Keating, which strengthens the bond between the two otherwise very different men. It is simply fun to watch the two in their investigations.

But also the secondary characters such as the resolute housekeeper Mrs Maguire (Tessa Peake-Jones) or Sidney's secret love Amanda (Morvern Christie) help to lift the series again and again well above the average of this genre. With a good mix of humour and drama and exciting character development over the episodes, this first season of Grantchester is British crime entertainment par excellence. Season 4 is now running in the UK - so replenishment is assured! Thank goodness!

Picture + Sound: The picture captures the 50s feel of the series well, showing off the many beautiful details of the set as well as the gorgeous scenery. The image is clean, the overall sharpness is at a good level and real weaknesses are hard to spot even in darker scenes. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is rather unspectacular, but can definitely score with some good surround moments here and there. Good!

Extras: On the second disc there are a few nice extras. Starting off with a very watchable Making of (approx. 12:37 min.), which despite its rather short running time offers quite a lot of info about the making of the series. In addition, there are also short behind-the-scenes insights (approx. 3:47 min.), whereby these are clips that can also be seen in a shorter form in the Making of. A last short featurette deals with the women in Sidney's life (approx. 2:55 min.). Not really much, but really worth watching!

Conclusion: The first season of Grantchester is British crime entertainment at its best, with great actors, a great set and exciting stories - spiced with a little bit of humor. Technically the first season is well realised and on the second disc there are some nice extras. All in all, there is clearly a deserved: Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp