The Equalizer - Series 1 - Complete [DVD] [1985]

RRP: £34.99
Our Price: £7.95 (subject to change)

Very high quality show.
Review date: 2010-07-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

There are many shows out there, some more known than others. Some are certainly much more heard of than The Equalizer. So, why pick this one up?

Well, to put it short, this show is smart.

Robert McCall is a self-retired operative of "The Agency". He left because of all the suffering and killing he caused, believing he was doing good for the people (he actually was, most of the time). Deciding that on his own he would help more people and cause less harm, he walked out. Now he works for little pay to protect the lives of those who are not in position to help themselves. In New York, of all places.

Let's start with saying that Robert is not a simple one-sided "good cop" character. He lived for quite some time, did a lot, seen a lot. He has flaws, and his character is rich. And he has a piano, on which he plays from time to time. His grown up son and his ex-wife play a large role in several episodes, mainly to show that he doesn't only care for his job. He also has many friends and contacts, which he often calls for help if the going gets really tough. His clients are not simple, and they can be anyone of any age or gender. Robert does not only rescue "damsels in distress". Young boys and 30-something men need help quite frequently. The "bad guys" are also well done, being corrupt businessmen, serial killers, VERY stupid teenagers... and sometimes even women.

The acting is top-notch, as is the cinematography. The picture quality is quite good for a TV show from the 80's. The action scenes are professionally done, and the violence (where without it?) is not held back, making 15+ rating quite reasonable. There is some good fighting and... at least one death per episode (almost every one). The gunfights look like they were choreographed by those who knew the thing.

The music was composed by ex-drummer of The Police, and it suits the show extremely well, capturing action, suspense and even occasional romance.

The only downside is that there aren't any extras on this DVD set. And there are no subtitles either. But on the other hand, PAL release is completely unedited, while Reg. 1 release has many musical changes and has poorly mixed sound. If you are buying the European release, you are getting the best deal out of the 2.

So, with all that being said, why not buy yourself some good action/crime series to watch in the evening?

Reviews

Dated, but entertaining
Review date: 2010-03-04 Rating: 6 out of 10

I bought this for my husband's brithday, as we used to watch The Equalizer avidly when it was first shown in the eighties.

Not surprisingly, it's very dated, but still entertaining, and although the acting isn't the best, the plots are quite clever and Edward Woodward still manages to get his man.

Universal Playback should be ashamed.
Review date: 2010-02-09 Rating: 2 out of 10

The quality of this Universal playback DVD box set is disgraceful.!
The DVD box set cover is thin cheap card. (They^d never get away with this standard in the U.S.)
The DVD discs: Very poor dark grainy picture. Very poor quality sound, crackling and up and down.
This series was certainly not digitally remastered, as it should of been.
I found it unwatchable, the quality of the discs is so horrendously bad.
If Universal arn^t going to do the job properly, then don^t release it at all.

Back in time!!
Review date: 2010-01-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

Great present for the husband he was really pleased. Loved the series before, even more now. Very easy watching, bit of a thriller with a twist but not too scary!!!

One of those shows that don't wear well over time.
Review date: 2009-12-29 Rating: 4 out of 10

When The Equalizer was being shown on television, I looked forward to it with great anticipation each week. That was then - many moons ago.

So, of course, I was thrilled to find it on DVD and could hardly wait to see it. I told my husband how wonderful the show was. And now I'm wearing egg on my face.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why The Equalizer seemed so great at the time. Though Edward Woodward handled the part as well as anyone could have, the fact is that the stories and scripts were terrible. Trite dialog, sometimes to the point of campy. Stupid and unbelievable plots. Single dimensional characters. Predictable and utterly trite.

The Equalizer is an American fantasy world: Hero leaves "the agency" because of its corruption to help the downtrodden - for free or almost free. Hero steps up and fixes the problem of bad guys who are bereft of anything but badness. Poor victim never stood a chance, though the hero shows them how to take care of themselves.

Some old shows wear well - especially British ones that relied on story and script. Others, like The Equalizer, make you embarrassed that you'd ever watched them. Could I really have liked that show?

Product Details/Specifications

Actor(s):
Edward Woodward

Creators:
Edward Woodward (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582480757
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 6
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-04-21
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 1012 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1985
Language: English (Original Language)