Department S - Series 1-2 - Complete [DVD]

Department S is based in the backwaters of the Interpol organization in Paris and it specializes in solving the apparently insoluble and the downright strange case. It features iconic later 1960s phrases, brands and images in abundance. All the episodes are in colour. If you appreciate series like The Saint, The Champions et al, then you're almost bound to enjoy this box set.

Imitating an already established ITC formulaic trend of 2 male and 1 female member, this series was the first to feature the debonair novelist, Jason King (played by Peter Wyngarde) whose own fertile imagination and 'droll wit' combine to extricate and disentangle even the most intricate and sublime cases.

Far more than simply being King's sidekick, American Stewart Sullivan (played by Joel Fabiani) is a down to earth problem solver who likes to 'cut to the quick'. He and King are assisted by the attractive and incisive Annabelle Hurst (played by Rosemary Nicols), an expert in computer statistics. Both of these actors are among those interviewed in the plethora of 'Extras' listed below.

Department S was created in 1968 by Monty Berman and Dennis Spooner in sound ITC tradition, It proved to be the catalyst for Peter Wyngarde's subsequent stardom. In each of the 28 episodes the team members are confronted by the most baffling and inscrutable of problems; empty planes, dead 'dummies' et al. They deal with these difficulties with a characteristic cocktail of panache, verve, wit and charm!
The box set is very well presented and although the integrity of the originals vary - especially the quality of the soundtrack - the overall product bears up rather well. The extensive list of extras can be found below. By the way, in this case, these extras really are worth investigating, especially the commentary by Peter Bowles, the music, and the comments of the actors and crew!
DVD SET EXTRAS INCLUDE:

Wanna Watch a Televison Series? - Chapter One: Variations on a Theme: A recently released documentary on the making of Department S, narrated by Peter Bowles and featuring contributions from, amongst others, Joel Fabiani, Rosemary Nicols, Cyril Frankel and Kate O'Mara.
Commentary on 'Six Days' with Cyril Frankel and Ken Baker.
Commentary on 'The Double Death of Charlie Crippen' with writer Leslie Darbon.
Extensive image gallery (including many behind the scenes and coverage of the inaugural press party) accompanied by a suite of incidental music from the series.
'The Mysterious Man in the Flying Machine' is a 25 minute long international version
Extensive episodic image gallery (mute).
Commercial break bumper !
Extensive PDF materials, including original press pack information, UK and US brochures, quick facts, press information - these are interesting and well worth viewing!
Man in a Suitcase - 'Day of Execution' starring Rosemary Nicols, who also contributes a short introduction

All in all, this DVD set has proven to be well worth the wait!

Michael Calum Jacques (author of '1st Century Radical')

"Department S" is a specialist Interpol unit under the command of Sir Seretse Curtis (played by the highly talented coloured actor Dennis Alba Peters) tasked with solving mysteries that have baffled all other agencies.

The incredibly well chosen and successful tight knit team are Stewart Sullivan (Joel Fabiani) tough, serious and in charge of Jason King (Peter Wyngarde) the flamboyant womaniser and writer of Mark Cain novels, finally the cool attractive computer expert and analyst Annabelle Hurst (Rosemary Nicols) with very long legs and incredibly short skirts.

Peter Wyngarde as Jason King quickly established himself as the star of the show, driving his own maroon 1958 Bentley, immaculate in Saville Road suits and apparently a lot of his own clothes. King added a unique piquancy to the series.

Every episode is first class, but unfortunately the quest for perplexing mysteries resulted in a number of similar plotlines: aeroplanes landing empty or arriving six days late with the passengers unaware of the fact, a character waking up and finding herself in a deserted village, cars driven by dummies, etc.

Containing all 28 episodes well transferred with a whole DVD of bonus items including the episode from "Man in a Suitcase" that resulted in Rosemary Nicols being chosen to play Annabelle Hurst.

"Department S" is one of the very best entertainment crime series of the late 1960s.

A seminal series, spawning the character of flamboyant novelist, playboy and gerealy fop Jason King (who enjoyed his own series in 1971, possibly the most potent example of early 70s kitchness ever committed to film) and the template for later offerings such as the X Files and even some of the more whimsical Torchwood episodes. Any case too weird for the Police or Interpol is forwarded onto the dests of Department S. Crazy late-60s drama thus ensues. Set in several different areas of Europe (but achieves its best when in swinging London) this is brightly coloured and great fun from start to finish. Released a while back in other areas of the globe, it is good to have it now in the hands of Network who always put out excellent products for us lucky people to buy. This is no different. If you have a love of cult tv, The Avengers, The Saint or any other period pieces for the late 60s, you will absolutely adore this!