Original ‘Prime Suspect’ With Helen Mirren Coming to DVD

Coinciding with NBC’s remake of the BBC series starring the awesome Helen Mirren, Acorn Media is releasing the original Prime Suspect, Series 1 in an individual season set on August 23rd, with guest stars Ralph Fiennes and Tom Wilkinson. Starring Oscar winner Helen Mirren in her iconic, Emmy-winning television role, the original series aired on PBS to universal acclaim with more than 20 major international awards, including seven Emmys (“Outstanding Miniseries” and “Outstanding Actress”), eight BAFTAs, and a Peabody.

The new American version, starring Maria Bello, premieres on September 22, 2011 on NBC. We’re kinda looking forward to it. Although, it’s hard to believe anyone could walk in the shoiues of Ms. Mirren. However, we’re willing to give Bello a chance because, well, you know, she’s kinda hot.

Here’s all the scoop on the DVD release from the official press release:

Helen Mirren in PRIME SUSPECT, SERIES 1

On DVD August 23, 2011

The first series of the Emmy®-winning police drama is now available in an individual set;
Guest stars include Tom Wilkinson and Ralph Fiennes;
NBC remake premieres September 2011

“Superlative” —Entertainment Weekly “Powerful” —The New York Times
“A masterpiece” —USA Today “Riveting” —The Boston Globe
“Brilliant” —Los Angeles Times
“One of the great character creations of our time” —The Washington Post
“A perfect marriage of astoundingly talented actress and brilliantly conceived character” —USA Today
“Perhaps the greatest role and performance of a female police detective, ever” —San Francisco Chronicle

Starring Oscar and Emmy winner Helen Mirren in her iconic and groundbreaking television role, Prime Suspect, Series 1 arrives to DVD from Acorn Media on August 23, 2011. Dame Helen Mirren (The Queen) delivers a riveting performance as Detective Jane Tennison in this revolutionary police drama broadcast on PBS to universal acclaim and more than 20 major international awards, including seven Emmys® (“Outstanding Miniseries” and “Outstanding Actress”), eight BAFTAs, and a Peabody. The ITV series aired for seven series (1991-93, 1995-96, 2003, and 2006).

A new American version starring Maria Bello (A History of Violence) premieres on September 22, 2011 on NBC. Series 1 finds the skilled Tennison grappling with her first major murder investigation, determined to prove herself worthy of her male colleagues’ respect ($24.99, www.AcornOnline.com). Acorn Media previously released Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection in September 2010 (DVD 9-vol. boxed set, $124.99) and will simultaneously release Series 2 in an individual season set on August 23, 2011 ($24.99).

Seen on Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! from the 1990s to the present and created by crime writer Lynda La Plante (Trial & Retribution, The Commander), Prime Suspect featured some of Britain’s biggest stars, including Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient), Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) and Zoë Wanamaker (Poirot) in Series 1.

Tenacious, driven, and deeply flawed, Tennison rises through the ranks of Britain’s Metropolitan Police, solving horrific crimes while battling office sexism and her own demons. “Rare is the drama that works so well on two levels: as a crackling whodunit and as a finely tuned character study of a strong but insecure woman trying to prove herself in a man’s world” (Time).

In the opening series, DCI Tennison seizes the opportunity to head a murder investigation—something she should have done long ago, had she not been passed over by her male superiors time and again. With a suspect already identified and her own team openly hostile, she uncovers errors and conflicting facts that point to a cover-up within the force. Is this a single murder or the latest act of a serial killer? Tennison refuses to back off the investigation.

Street: Aug. 23, 2011 SRP: $24.99
DVD Single: Approx. 207 min. – 4:3 full screen – British mystery – SDH subtitles
Contains coarse language and graphic content

Prime Suspect is distributed by ITV STUDIOS Global Entertainment; one of the world’s leading international TV distribution, home-entertainment and merchandising & licensing businesses.

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Acorn Media/Athena Release Calendar (DVDs available upon request):

Last week/July 19: Reggie Perrin and Bill Moyers: God & Politics

This week/July 26: The Bretts: The Complete Collection and Wish Me Luck, Series 3

Aug. 23: Prime Suspect, Series 1 and Series 2 in individual season sets, starring Helen Mirren (NBC remake premieres Sept. 22nd)

Aug. 30: Vera starring Brenda Blethyn, Murphy’s Law Series 4 & 5 and Complete Collection, and Doc Martin: The Movies