Edge of Darkness, the original BBC miniseries that inspired the Mel Gibson thriller (which recently released in theaters) is now available on DVD.

Release Date: November 3, 2009
Rating: NR
Run Time: 314 minutes

A father’s worst fears come true in this apocalyptic political thriller, one of the best and most influential British TV series ever made. Investigating his daughter’s murder, a Yorkshire police officer follows clues into a murky world of nuclear espionage and cover-ups. Part crime drama, part science fiction, and 100% terrifying. Winner of six BAFTA® Awards, including best drama series.

If you thought Edge of Darkness the movie was good, check out the original BBC mini series which is definitely a must see classic thriller. The content is so incredibly rich as the writing is smart and clever and complex…quite gripping indeed. Viewers will have no problem watching the mini series in one sitting as Bob Peck captivates viewers with his fabulous performance as the lead. Don’t think that a 1985 made mini series is something to pass on, because you will truly regret missing out on this thriller which is psychologically intriguing as well. In fact, this is probably the best mini series of its time. Though it could have used some remastering, viewers will quickly get past this and enjoy the film for the story and the fantastic quality of the storytelling. Though the US film featuring Mel Gibson is compelling and fantastic, it does not capture all of the depth that this series has, so make sure to pick up your copy today. Chances are, you will be watching this mini series over and over again, finding something new to appreciate each and every time.

Special Features:

Did You See…? (8:05) – This feature shares a panel reviewing the film, which the original BBC broadcast back in the day. Interestingly enough, everything that is said can be very much appreciated watching this mini series today. This will make fans definitely want to take a look at this feature, as it is quite a wonder to have such early on positive reviews captured on film forever.

Breakfast Time (6:48) – This is an interview with Bob Peck from the BBC’s morning program and since here in America, we usually don’t get interviews from talk shows appearing as special bonus features on a DVD…it was quite fun to look at since I was not alive in 1985 and missed the initial Edge of Darkness craze. Though I wonder if this was put on the DVD as a special feature so that Edge of Darkness fans can have an interview related to the film to hold onto from Peck, since he passed away in 1999. No matter the reason, thanks for this great addition to the DVD.

The Broadcasting Press Guild Awards 1986(6:03) and BAFTA Awards(7:31)- If there is any feature that should appear on DVDs more, it is when films and actors of those films are acknowledged for their work at award shows. Needless to say, these features are very much appreciated and I encourage viewers to take a look. In the first, the BPG Chairman discusses the point of acknowledging the film and later Peck and one of the producers talk in a post BPG interview, which was a thrill to see. In the second, viewers watch the BAFTA winning moment, the red carpet interview with Peck, and another interview, with Peck in a more intimate and yet very appropriate setting, a dressing room. One crew member in the Visual Effects department also has a lot to say about shooting some scenes, which is hilarious to watch in a sense considering how far visual effects have come since the 1980s. Though it seems in every interview there is something new to soak up about this mini series, so these features are not to be missed.

Alternate Ending – There is not much to the alternate ending, simply the black screen appears sooner in the ending credits. Don’t waste your time viewing this, you aren’t missing a thing. You are just gaining more darkness.

Magnox: The Secrets of Edge of Darkness (34:54) – This is a fantastic feature full of interviews with the cast and crew about the making of the film from the very beginning stages (writing the screenplay) to discussing how timeless the mini series is even today. If there is one special feature to watch out of all of the features on both discs, it would be this one.

Photo Gallery – There are over 50 photos in the gallery, including movie stills and photos taken in between shots though the gallery is simple as there is no background music and it is not automatic, so you must press, “Next” for each photo. Talk about old school.

Own Edge of Darkness on DVD today.