On the cover of this DVD, it calls these "episodes", but I think
it's more like two movies. There are two disks, and each one has two "episodes".
Each disk is a separate movie. The two episodes are halves of the movie and are
movie-length. In the U.S., we would never call this a series. It would be more
like those Jesse Stone TV movies that Tom Selleck stars in periodically.
Anyway, the star of this series is Dennis Waterman, who had a hit series in
Britain called "Minder" from 1979-1989. He has a sort of ruggedly handsome
quality, but in this later series, which aired in 1993, he is a bit too old to
be a believable spy or action hero. At least, to me....you may feel differently.
The first movie is the better of the two by far. Both movies seem like
throwbacks to an earlier era in that they are kind of slow moving and talky. The
first movie has a lot more action and interesting story, and even a romance. It
is very good and well worth watching. The second one was really boring. Also, he
has a beard in the second one, and I don't much like bears. In the first one,
since he has a romance and is pretending to be an Irishman coming home, he is
much more fun, smiling, and nice (even though he is tortured by his past a bit).
In the second one, he is very grouchy and rarely smiles, so it is just a downer
all the way around. Both movies end in death and destruction, so don't expect a
good ending either time.
The acting is fine from everyone, and you will see many familiar faces. The
writing definitely needed work, especially on the second series. Not only is it
slow and boring, but it just doesn't seem to have a very exciting story. There
are not featuers on the disks, either, so that's a shame. I love watching the
"behind the scenes" features.
According to IMDB.com, there are three other Circle of Deceit movies that aired
in 1995 and 1996. Dennis Waterman starred in another series "New Tricks"
2003-2010. That one looks pretty interesting, actually...
If you don't mind really slow-paced shows, or you are a big fan of spy shows, or
British series, check this out, but otherwise, I wouldn't bother.
Press Release info:
Following the critically-acclaimed release of Upstairs, Downstairs: 40th
Anniversary Edition, Acorn Media's upcoming DVD release calendar features
several highly entertaining British series previously unavailable to U.S.
audiences, including Identity, a slick identity theft series with
Upstairs, Downstairs revival star Keeley Hawes and The Wire's Aidan
Gillen; and the inspiration for the star-studded American remake in
development at ABC. Additionally, the U.S. debuts of the third season of
Murdoch Mysteries (DVD and Blu-ray) - the critically-acclaimed Sherlock
Holmes meets CSI series; The Feathered Serpent Complete Series, the cult
classic set in ancient Mexico featuring Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who, The
Omen); Circles of Deceit, riveting spy thrillers featuring Dennis Waterman
(New Tricks) and guest stars Derek Jacobi, Corin Redgrave, John Hannah,
and Leo McKern; and Genius of Britain: The Scientists Who Changed the
World a new documentary featuring Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, James
Dyson, and David Attenborough discussing the legacies of their heroes.
Circles of Deceit (U.S. Debut) - Riveting spy thriller, featuring an
outstanding ensemble cast makes its U.S. debut. Dennis Waterman (New
Tricks) stars as an ex-SAS operative freelancing for the British
government in these four, tightly plotted and suspenseful, full-length
dramas. Circles of Deceit features several top British actors, including
guest stars Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius, Cadfael, Discovering Hamlet), Corin
Redgrave, John Hannah (The Mummy), and Leo McKern (Rumpole of the Bailey)
as well as Peter Vaughan (The Remains of the Day) Kate Buffery (Trial &
Retribution), and Clare Higgins (Silent Witness), and Susan Jameson (New
Tricks). The episodes aired in the U.K. from 1993-96, but the complete
series is available to U.S. audiences for the first time with this DVD
release.
CIRCLES OF DECEIT
North American DVD Debut on May 17, 2011
"Superb." -The Mirror
Silver Spring, MD - A gritty, realistic spy thriller in the vein of
Callan, Circles of Deceit makes its North American DVD debut from Acorn
Media on May 17, 2011 (www.AcornOnline.com, $49.99). Dennis Waterman (New
Tricks) stars as an ex-SAS operative freelancing for the British
government in these four, tightly plotted and suspenseful, full-length
dramas from ITV Studios Limited. Circles of Deceit features several top
British actors, including guest stars Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius, Cadfael,
Discovering Hamlet), Corin Redgrave, John Hannah (The Mummy), and Leo
McKern (Rumpole of the Bailey) as well as Peter Vaughan (The Remains of
the Day) Kate Buffery (Trial & Retribution), and Clare Higgins (Silent
Witness), and Susan Jameson (New Tricks). The episodes aired in the U.K.
from 1993-96, but the complete series is available to U.S. audiences for
the first time with this DVD release.
Former special-forces operative John Neil (Dennis Waterman) remains on
call for the brass at Britain's security services. Whether taking on Irish
terrorists, tracking down professional assassins, or pitting his wits
against ruthless drug dealers, the ex-SAS man harbors no illusions about
the work he's doing-or the people he serves. He faces down deadly
adversaries as well as devious bosses who keep him on a need-to-know
basis, forcing Neil to rely on his instincts and his training in a world
of betrayal, danger, and deceit.
Episodes: The Wolves Are Howling, Dark Secret, Kalon, and Sleeping Dogs
Street: May 17, 2011 SRP: $49.99
DVD 2-Disc Set: 4 episodes - Approx. 394 min. - SDH subtitles
Circles of Deceit is distributed by ITV STUDIOS Global Entertainment; one
of the world's leading international TV distribution, home-entertainment,
merchandising and licensing businesses.
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