Life On Mars

Life on Mars Series 1 [Blu-ray]
$29.67
It's very cool going back to 1973 when you can relate to all the vintage Americana.
When your in the UK the 1973 experience isn't quite as stunning.
Good show; sadly the American version which was great, wasn't renewed and just ended unceremoniously lickity split.
Bummer man...

Life on Mars: Series 2 (UK)
$59.99
WHAT IS BETTER THAN "LIFE ON MARS: SERIES ONE"?? Easy--Series Two.
It is a crime investigation drama, action packed, Emmy winning BBC series that intentionally ended itself while on the top of it's fan base. THIS REVIEW IS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE USA, N. America playable, DVD SET.

DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) is still in a 21st-century ICU ward while simultaneously fighting London criminal life in the year 1973. Will he ever return to 2006? Will his relationship with DC Annie Cartwright (Liz White) get beyond he-cop/she-cop?

Major crime investigation continues with criminal mayhem and police illegal procedures, 1973 style, oh yes, with a bit of time-travel suspense. This is the best time-travel writing since Dorothy visited OZ & the Emerald City. Series Two, has an increase in comedy moments. It's not Police/Action/Drama turned comedy, but small moments and lines that cause LOL belly chuckles. Tension breaks at unexpected times, perfectly timed. This series, as compared to Life On Mars One, also has increased police violence toward the accused. A "By-the-Books" 1973 mindset must have came from the comic books, not today's acceptable criminal investigation rules. Sam objects to that.

This has a very real feel to a period (1973) drama piece, taking the viewer back in visuals, props, sets, costumes, speech, and music. 1970s music is a vital part of the show, and pleasant background for the nostalgic viewers. Included, but not limited to, are artists and songs: David Bowie, "Goodbye Yellow House Road", "The Sweet Hellraiser", Barclay James Harvest, "In the Shining Sun", David Cassidy, Moody Blues, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Elton John, "Rocket Man", Whiskey in the Jar, Traffic, Cream, "Crossroads", The Sweets, "Love Lies Bleeding", Israel Kamakawiwi'de, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", "Changes", and of course, "LIFE ON MARS."

episode details:
1---Casino owner & killer in '73 is the man about to pull the plug in ICU 21st-century. Can Sam change history? Annie gets promoted.
2---Safe cracker Dickie Fingers escapes prison, gets set-up, re-nicked, and fingers a cop on the inside for protection promised by Sam. Is it true?
3---Sam's sure IRA bombs & threats are a hoax. Will DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister, also of "Cranford", see my 5-star review) "rounding up" Irish solve the crisis?
4---Sam gets to go undercover as Annie's husband to investigate a social circles connection to a girl's death. Spouse key-swapping link? Tough assignment for Sam?
5---Sam helps solve a kidnapping while sick. Is a hospital overdose his illness? This episode has a twist to a twist. Packed drama.
6---Heroin, new drug on the street, is mixed up in racial bigotry. Murder raises the stakes. Then a link that topples Sam's 2 worlds.
7---DCI Hunt awakes from a drunk stupor facing a murdered body, the man Gene publicly threatened. Interim DCI Morgan finds the guilty evidence fast. Sam must find Hunt's innocence.
8---Sam finally is told his mission--what he must do to get back home (to 2006). But can he do it? There are those in 1973 he's begun to care about.

Within the USA's "Life on Mars: Series 2" 4-DVD set with 8 (approx. hour long) episodes, are Bonus Features galore.
SDH subtitles, even on some features.
documentary of "The Return of Life on Mars"
3 "Behind the Scenes" segments. #3 details the exploding car, awesome. #5 the how of a funny animation snippet. #7 deals with difficulties in an on-location period courtroom.
A tour of the set, the police headquarters, an elaborate construction
featurette on "The End of Life on Mars", a spoiler best left for after viewing all episodes.
"Tufty's Cameo" a closer look at one of the funny segments.

What a combination of drama potential, first/foremost police crime investigation, but also period excellence, a kiss of romance, outbursts of comedy, action enough to rival any contemporary film, suspense to make you jump, music to enchant but yet relevant to the story, and time travel for a twist. 3 "RIGHT ON" cheers for this USA DVD set, subtitles, and it's giant bonus package.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as is, of course, Series One (see my review on year one of this masterfully written 2-YEAR series that is concluded with LIFE ON MARS: SERIES 2.

Life on Mars Series 2 [Blu-ray]
$38.60
I purchased this video which is a great series, better than the US version. Great ending, again much better than the US version. Works well on the us Blu-ray. The order process was easy and the delivery quick and simple.

Castle: The Complete First Season
$39.99
This is the best show on TV right now. I stumbled across it mid season last year and caught up via Hulu. I now faithfully watch every week. The writers and acting for this show are top notch. You won't be disappointed.