DVDs

Sharpe's Honour
Sharpe's Gold

Full review of Sharpe's Honour
Full review of Sharpe's Gold
Video Diaries of Rifleman Harris
Buy Region 1 Sharpe's Honour DVD
Buy Sharpe's Gold on Region 1 DVD

By Richard Moore

Sharpe's Honour happens to be one of this fellow's favourite episodes of the series and it is filled with plenty of plots, subplots, action, twists and turns.

It is the fifth of the TV movies and centres on Sharpe's efforts to posthumously clear his name of murder. If you don't know the story then check the full review out.

Another of the plusses of this episode is the fact that Pierre Ducos seems, initially, to be having the time of his life. He even gets to clobber Sharpe and by the look on his face he really enjoyed it.

Of course he is behind Sharpe's woes and Feodor Atkine's performance just exudes delight at being so sneaky and nasty.

So, how does Sharpe's Honour rate as a DVD? Very well is the answer.

The video transfer is very good with lots of detail in the shadows and, while not razor-sharp, has a wonderful depth of colour. The richness of the colour in the uniforms is eye-catching and the clarity of the dialogue make you realise just how much you miss out on watching it on video.

Sharpe's Gold also benefits from hearing the characters much more clearly than on the vid, although the video transfer is not quite of the same very-high standards set by the overall series. It is a bit soft and the contrast is low.

It has to be said that this movie is my least liked of the 14 Sharpe films. It has a silly storyline and some good characters and situations get overwhelmed by the mumbo-jumbo.

Fans of Sharpe will get Gold anyway - after all, what's a collection if it is missing parts? - but there are much better ones to get first.

Those interested in entering Sharpe's world should not judge the other very fine movies by Gold.

Conclusion: Sharpe's Honour is terrific, Sharpe's Gold is weak.