Kessler (3 Discs)

Ever wondered what happened to Standartenfuhrer Ludwig Kessler at the end of the "Secret Army" televised Second World War. Well all is revealed in this excellent suitably suspenseful six part sequel story that delves into the background of a certain German businessman whom it seems bears an uncanny likeness to the former SS Commanding Officer of the Belgian low country. There are some great impassioned performances on offer like the resolute determined stance of Ingrid Dorf and the haunted deeply frightened persona of Dr Josef Mengele and despite the fluctuating locations which typifies the pursuit nature of the series it all hangs together remarkably well. For it's DVD release I was initially a bit surprised to see this being a three disc set however watching "Kessler" it becomes clear why this approach has been taken. Disc one has the first three parts set around the European locations of Germany and London and you'll also find the self selection 'Dorf Family Album', 63 images that convincingly establish an effective chronology to bridge the intervening years gap between "Secret Army" and "Kessler". If you are not familiar with this sequel series then the sudden switch in location to Paraguay for the second half of episodes can seem a tad jarring but if anything part's four and five are even stronger than their predecessors as the narrative story intensifies. This episodic paring is joined on the second disc by 54 self-selective 'BBC Stills Gallery' images. Although only fielding the sixth and final part of "Kessler" disc three holds its head up well by providing one of the best television series commentaries I've heard for some time with series lead (Clifford) Rose and director (Michael E) Briant on top informative and entertaining form. Rounding out the offerings for this disc is the exclusive 28 ½ min 'Kessler Uncovered' exclusive documentary which further embellishes the commentary discussions. As to packaging and design and in the safe hands of enthusiast Andy Priestner this is another highly polished glossy and appealing title emulating the painstaking attention to detail we've come to expect from his previous "Secret Army" and "Survivors" DVD box set releases. Inside the appropriately dark covered slip case you'll unfurl a four panel fold out sleeve with left hand flap where the extremely insightful professionally crafted 32 page 'viewing notes' booklet can be found. In summary a beautifully designed title both in packaging and disc content that is definitely well worth buying!

A disappointing sequel to Secret Army. The series is somewhat hampered by the fact that many of the original SA characters are not given more than a cursory supporting role in the opening episode.

The storyline struck me as being a little slow paced and drawn out, perhaps the series could have done with being shortened by at least one episode.

Worth a look but not a patch on Secret Army.