| Raffles: Complete Collection |  | Actors: Anthony Valentine, Christopher Strauli, Victor Brooks, Victor Carin, Trevor Ray
Studio: Acorn Media
List Price: $59.99
Buy New: $29.48
as of 9/10/2010 06:49 PDT details
You Save: $30.51 (51%)
New (26) Used (3) from $29.00
Seller: slem24
Rating:  5 reviews
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 1
Discs: 4
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Running Time: 840 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 054961838998
UPC: 054961838998
EAN: 0054961838998
Tell A Friend
Add to Wishlist
Add to Wedding Registry
Add to Baby Registry
| |
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Follows the adventures of gentleman thief, cricketer, and master of disguise A.J. Raffles and his assistant Harry "Bunny" Manders as they are pursued
Imagine a cracking-good British whodunit, in the vein of Miss Marple or Cracker--but told from the point of view of the perp. In the case of Raffles, the hero is A. J. Raffles (the talented, seasoned TV actor Anthony Valentine), a British national cricket champion and gentleman of leisure--who just happens to be a master thief. Raffles features all 14 hour-long episodes of the 1977 series adapted from the stories by E. W. Hornung (brother-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). Valentine plays Raffles as a man who can't wait to take the English aristocracy down a peg or two, diamond necklace by diamond necklace. His partner in crime is his old school chum Bunny (Christopher Strauli), who's often dragged into the muck of Raffles's capers before he realizes it's too late. Raffles is cleverly plotted and delightfully written, and the actors seem to be having the time of their lives. And while Raffles winks at the adventures of its hero, who clearly channels Cary Grant in It Takes a Thief, it also delivers a deft jab at stratified British society. It's OK to lift a few gems from the über-privileged, Raffles seems to suggest, since our hero has such a jolly good time getting away with it--and besides, there are ever so many more where those came from. The other part of the thrill is staying one step ahead of Scotland Yard's Inspector Mackenzie (Victor Carin), as situations become ever more dire, and wickets ever more sticky. The boxed set contains the series' pilot episode, which, oddly, was never broadcast, and which does an excellent job of setting up the personalities of Raffles and Bunny. It also includes an interesting bio of Hornung, and each episode begins with a text blurb that sets up the action without giving away any spoilers, so the viewer can decide just which caper suits the mood. Splendid! --A.T. Hurley
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Boring Brits September 4, 2010
Emilio E. DeTorre (New York)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
A lackluster production based on a great series. Hollywood did a much better job. In spite of some well known British actors, the series is boring and it appears that the director was bored or asleep and incapable of bringing any spark to his actors or the plots. Look for the old movies!
 Raffles August 30, 2010
James B. Moranda (Rio Dell, CA USA)
I purchased this for my wife, who in into these types of movies, she says this is GREAT! - very enjoyable!
A Victorian Robin Hood July 20, 2010
Ronald C. Phillips
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Imaginative, witty, clever and chic, here is a series which can charm everyone, unless of course one happens to be a member of the British aristocracy who drip with diamonds, rubies or pearls (preferably diamonds). Anthony Valentine (a name not too well known in North America) lends his considerable acting talents to the character of RAFFLES, a superb high-class gentleman who maintains his place in society by robbing from the very rich. However, unlike the famous Robin Hood of a much earlier era, Raffles does not redistribute the fabulous wealth to the poor; rather, he keeps it for himself and shares it with his faithful side-kick, Mr. Bunny Manders (Christopher Strauli). "After all, good fellow, there are certain standards to maintain!"
In every episode there are faces with whom those who watch BBC, or Acorn, or Ecosse Films are very familiar. It is one thing about British actors: they will take any part, no matter how small, and do a superb job of it. So, the very fact that there are so many of them means we see them again and again. And, they continue to do wonderful jobs in any part.
The plots in this series are very convoluted and one often is asea as to how Raffles comes up with some of the things he assumes, but those are part of the total charm. There are a couple of murders, but nothing the least bit gory. In fact, there is no profanity, no sex, no mad=cap chases, no blood-baths...only good clean fun. Not only that, it is SO VERY ENGLISH in every respect. The writers seem to take particular care to poke fun at British mannerisms, and in fact, all of the British stereotypes.
If you have to see blood and gore, explosions, wild adventure and the like, forget RAFFLES. But if you like to be entertained and delighted at the impossible plot-lines, droll statements, clever assumptions and plain superb acting, then RAFFLES is exactly what you want.
Including the never-before-released pilot episode June 12, 2010
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful
Raffles: The Complete Collection is the four-disc DVD set collecting the entire television adaptation of the roguish adventures of Raffles (a character originally created by E.W. Hornung, brother-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). By day, A.J. Raffles (played by Anthony Valentine) is a championship cricketer and gentleman of leisure; but when he isn't in the public eye, he pursues is other passion - surreptitiously plundering the fortunes of the wealthy! In addition to his extraordinary expertise with accents and disguises, Raffles also has the assistance of his easily perplexed friend "Bunny" Manders (played by Christopher Strauli). Their weaving through oft-deadly predicaments between a rock, a hard place, and the persistently hostile efforts of Inspector Mackenzie (played by Victor Carin) makes for a grand adventure. Raffles consists of fourteen episodes, including the never-before-released pilot episode, as well as a biography of author E.W. Hornung and production notes. An absolute treat for anyone who loves British drama! 4 DVDs, 726 min., 4:3 full screen, color.
LONDON CRIME MYSTERY SERIES WITH A FUN, COMEDY TWIST April 28, 2010
Harold Wolf (Wells, IN United States)
36 out of 36 found this review helpful
`Raffles' is a sophisticated, Victorian, aristocracy Robin Hood thief that robs from the rich and KEEPS IT. Such fun. A revolutionary form of a British crime series. Thievery is vulgar, Raffles admits, but he, when in need, feels justified. His lifestyle of the rich-&-famous makes him needy often. The London Victorian era crime is presented from the thief's point of view. Raffles considers himself a virtuous thief--only doing it to keep debts current and remain socially elite. Quite right-good show. You've never seen anything quite like it.
A.J.Raffles (Anthony Valentine-`Callan' 'Coronation Street' `The Commander') is cool, witty, and London's finest diamond thief, his favorite heist. He dresses impeccably, as does all the cast due to well earned Best Costume and Make-Up award nominations. Delightful & historical Victorian sets/props/costumes.
Costumes are lovely, from nightgowns to evening ware. Raffles has an old school chum, Bunny Manders (Christopher Strauli-`Only When I Laugh' `Full House') who is definitely not as `quick' as Raffles, a bit socially awkward, but helpful, especially when someone is needed to take a fall, or a bump or two. Poor Bunny, Raffles should treat him better. Bunny strives to do his share, make himself worthy.
This strikingly different British Crime Series is based on original writing by E.W. Hornung. His bio is included in the bonus material.
NO subtitles, but unnecessary for accent.
The 14 episodes begin with the PILOT, exclusively DVD available here.
A period series that already has a cult-like following and will live forever due to its unusual perspective to burglary.
For those liking episode details without spoilers:
1-Pilot THE AMATEUR CRACKSMAN-Raffles & Bunny head for the country cricket games (and some diamond heisting.) They have competition from other crooks plus Inspector Mackenzie (Victor Carin).
2 THE FIRST STEP-Raffles helps Bunny rob to pay off the mate's gambling debt. This episode was the launch of the series.
3 A COSTUME PIECE-Weak-nerved Bunny again joins Raffles in a rob-from-the-arrogant-rich scheme. What else are friends for?
4 THE SPOILS OF SACRILEGE-Bunny takes charge of the new caper--well, till his plans cause problems.
5 THE GOLD CUP-Raffles & Bunny steal `The Gold Cup', are tracked & suspected, leaving Raffles a need to prove coppers wrong when they're right.
6 THE CHEST OF SILVER-Raffles own silverware & Sterling heirlooms (previously stolen) is burgled from a London bank vault. Bunny's bum is bared briefly!! The only found explanation for the DVD box cover warning of partial nudity.
7 THE LAST LAUGH-Raffles & bunny take a higher step in stealing by adding a beautiful Italian girl to the jewelry booty. Dastard diplomacy.
8 A TRAP TO CATCH A CRACKSMAN-An American boxing champ's trophies is the latest test of snatching skills for the pilfering pair.
9 TO CATCH A THIEF-London has more than one gentleman thief. Our diabolical duo, ungentlemanly, goes after his heisted board. Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small) is the other thief.
10 A BAD NIGHT-Bunny attempts a one-man heist on a millionaire's home while Raffles joins the England Cricket team. Double trouble as a rival thief works the same job.
11 MR JUSTICE RAFFLES-Raffles gets involved with loan sharks and double-crosses, making him come across as the `really NICE guy.'
12 HOME AFFAIRS-Raffles takes on a political figure--goes to steal what that man owns--Bunny bungles--and Mackenzie is on their tail.
13 THE GIFT OF THE EMPEROR-Who'd over thought it? Raffles is asked by the government to steal. Help is promised from Scotland Yard & even Insp. Mackenzie (the very man who wants Raffles behind bars.)
14 AN OLD FLAME-Raffles is caught in a burgle, but by an `Old Flame', who wants rekindled. Can raffles get out of this one?
|
|
|
 | |
