Agatha Christie's Poirot, Series 12

Before I purchased this DVD, specifically to watch "Murder on the Orient Express," I read many of the "less than stellar" reviews. I noted, in many reviews, that this production was being compared to the 1974 feature length film of the same name. I am disappointed that so many viewers seek to make a comparison of two completely different interpretations of the novel by Dame Agatha Christie. In doing so, they are attempting to compare "apples to oranges," to coin a very old phrase. Personally, I generally do not like to see films "remade;" particularly when the first version was done "perfectly." To name a couple of examples of this, I would name "True Grit" and "The Pink Panther" films. They were done right the first time and the attempt to "modernize" the original for a younger viewer is misguided, in my opinion. Show them the original. However, in the case of this story, I cannot honestly say that the 1974 film was perfectly done right the first time.At this point, I will note that my further review may contain a few "spoilers" for those who have not seen either the 1974 film, this television feature length version, or read the novel as written by Dame Christie. If you have not done ALL of the above, please discontinue reading this review now and read the book, then watch BOTH versions. Only then would I request that you return to this review and read on. Thank you.I have read all of the Agatha Christie "Hercule Poirot" novels and short stories, and have watched both film productions. To fully understand this review, you must have an understanding of the characters and plot AS WRITTEN by Dame Christie.in order to note the differences between both productions.The 1974 film production of "Murder on the Orient Express" was cast with extremely well known, famous, and outstanding actors. Portraying the lead character was Albert Finney. The supporting cast included names such as Academy Award recipient for Best Supporting Actress (for her role in this film), Ingrid Bergman, Lauren Bacall, Sean Connery, Richard Widmark, Sir John Gilgud, et.al. The budget was a lavish 1.5 million BPS, considering the year of production. It was well received and is, in my opinion, a very good film; if you want to see performances of famous actors, expensive costumes, set design, and bright lights. That being said, this is not the story as written by Dame Christie. Finney's portrayal of Poirot was too tense, too tall, too loud, and too stiff. In my opinion, he was not right for the role (that is not to say that I think Mr. Finney is a bad actor...he's had some fine roles in which he was wonderful to watch; most recently "Erin Brockovich"). The lighting was too bright and the costumes too perfect, even lovely gowns worn by the "beneath the stairs" class of character (lady's maid, missionary, personal secretary, etc). There was no real guesswork in this film because all of the clues necessary to solve the "crime" were given before the film ever started. Newspaper clippings of the kidnapping of the Armstrong baby, Daisy, pictures of key individuals, the "route" the getaway car took, and so forth, are flashed during the opening credits. When Sean Connery delivers the line, "...by a jury of 12 good men...," even the sound level of the dialogue has been edited noticeably, like putting that line in bold type. The decision of Poirot to "let them off of the hook" shows no moral conflict for him. It was performed as what is often termed as a "throwaway." In other words, it was as if Poirot said, I don't care what you decide to tell the police...you can all go. This is contrary to the very soul of the Poirot character and did not ring true for me.In the ITV production, contained on this DVD, the circumstances are much different. David Suchet has a very deep understanding of the Poirot character AS WRITTEN BY CHRISTIE. I bet those who have never touched an Agatha Christie novel with this character, but left a negative review of Suchet's performance, didn't know that Poirot was Catholic, did you? Once the climatic "second solution" is calmly, and brilliantly underplayed in its presentation to the passengers (and viewer), does Suchet allow Poirot to become verbally and physically frustrated; angry with the passengers who are trying to justify their actions, which are a violation of Poirot's firm conviction of upholding the law. His portrayal of Poirot's moral conflict is so true vs being contrived or overplayed. Christie writes that "Poirot does not approve of murder." That characteristic is emphasized throughout every story with Poirot, up to and including the final novel, "Curtain." Additional material is added, related to further moral choices, to show that the basic nature of the passengers as "good people." As Suchet makes his exit, after having a "private" discussion with the Yugoslavian authorities, he pulls his rosary from his pocket, and is holding back the tears as he prays for forgiveness for his "choice." THIS is the Poirot Dame Christie shows us in her novels; not a clown or buffoon, not a man who tends to yell and scream. He is eccentric, fussy, organized, always looking for proof and fact-order and method; yet he is a very moral character with a deep seated Catholic belief (regardless of anyone's personal views on religion) in God and the forgiveness of sin, through confession and prayer. Other characters do not share the Catholic view of "absolution" for certain sins. Addressing previous comments regarding the darkness of this production. It is winter in Yugoslavia, overcast...the train becomes unexpectedly stuck in a snowdrift...the power goes off. The very nature of the subject is dark. The train is a confined space (anyone who has actually been on one knows this). Why would anyone attempt (or expect) the train to be brightly lit? The darkness, cold, and confinement shown in this production is the only possible way to properly set the tone for the story. It's not a party, folks, it's a murder crime scene where the best laid plans have gone astray. The "murderer(s)" did not make alternative plans to account for the possibility of the train to become snowbound (delayed from reaching a destination where the "perpetrator(s)" could leave the train; it is stated in the dialogue that this train has been snowbound on previous occasions), or the presence of the master detective, Poirot. I cannot conclude my "review" without mentioning other notable actors in this production. Included in the cast are Toby Jones (whose credits include:"Hunger Games", "Harry Potter" (voice of Dobby), "Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy", "The Painted Veil") and Barbara Hershey (an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award nominated actress whose credits include: "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "Portrait of a Lady"), both of whom are outstanding actors. The entire cast for this production was extremely well chosen. My only criticism would be in some of the dialects effected by a couple of the actors, but that is very minor and does not detract from the overall excellence of the story.In conclusion, for those of you who left poor reviews of the ITV version of "Murder on the Orient Express," I would suggest that first, you read an Agatha Christie short story, or novel, with the Hercule Poirot character featured. Then, re-visit the DVD without trying to compare it to the 1974 movie. Watch it with an open mind, remembering the nature of Poirot (additional "characteristics" portrayed by David Suchet are noted in his novel, "Poirot and me"), the setting for the story, and the moral conflicts every character must show us, the viewer. I think you may find it much more enjoyable if you give it another chance.

The box set had 8 mysteries plus one additional recording of supporting material. No defects with the recordings.

If you haven't already bought the "Poirot: The Movie Collection Set 6" and/or the separate Blu-Ray of "Poirot: Murder On The Orient Express," and instead have started your collection with the AGATHA CHRISTIE'S POIROT SERIES like I did, then you should definitely pickup POIROT SERIES 12.Fellow Amazon reviewer Paul J. Mular does a pretty good job explaining the differences between the Poirot "Movie Collection" set and the Poirot "Series" sets, which really confused me when I started buying the "SERIES" Blurays since many of the more recent episodes weren't available on Blu-Ray and I started finding the "movie collection set" DVDs, but they both contain the same movies/shows that were broadcast, just not in the same order. As long as you started with POIROT SERIES 1 and have continued in sequential order ending with "SERIES 13" you will have all of the episodes; there is no difference between the shows on the "Poirot The Movie Collection" and the ones on the "Poirot Series."This is the second to the last set of AGATHA CHRISTIE'S POIROT: SERIES starring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot.I had originally bought the stand alone Blu-Ray of POIROT: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (http://www.amazon.com/review/R3NPJE6U1T0O9W/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B003L80FLC - here's the link to my review for that disc) and was surprised by the different characterization of "Poirot" by Suchet, which was really dark and short tempered. I can't remember which "Series" I had finished I think 4 or 5, while waiting for the Blu-Ray release of the subsequent ones and maybe that's why I was taken aback. I've never watched the shows while they were on the air, so I had to wait for home viewing and would watch back-to-back. When I bought the stand alone "Orient Express" Poirot was very different from what I was used to. According to IMDb the show started in 1989 and "Murder On The Orient Express" aired in 2010, so the show has been on for quite some time with obvious breaks/gaps in between, and during that time the show morphed from a sequential type series to more feature length films.Interestingly enough as I was able to go forward and watch the episodes in broadcast order, I was not as off-put by the change in character once I got to MOTOE. Perhaps as the show went on subtle changes in characterization was happening and so it wasn't so stark once you get to that episode, but when you watch from the earlier shows and jump to this one it's very different.Anyway, this includes the special of Suchet on the real Orient Express.Definitely pick this up if you don't already have the "movie collection" set. If you haven't started with any of the "Poirot" series, you don't need to have seen any of the previous ones to enjoy each of these episodes since they work as stand-alone shows. Also, I don't know if they follow the Christie stories to the letter so I can't comment on that but I enjoyed watching the entire series.*** SPECIAL FEATURES *** "David Suchet on the Orient Express" (2009) - 47-minutes:01-secondFollow the actor as he goes on board the real Orient Express, going from the UK to Venice to Prague. You get to see the compartments, the dining car/bar, the porters, and there's wonderful historic footage included as well, and Suchet interviews the train's experts, and real passengers riding on board the iconic train. Suchet even gets to drive the Orient Express on one stretch of track. And you also get to see some beautiful scenes of Venice as David gets to spend some sightseeing time on a quick stop before heading off to Prague.* Photo Gallery*

Excellent!

Ce sont les 4 épisodes que je préfère à tous les autres tant les adaptations sont super

Brilliant stuff! David Suchet is, indeed, the definitive Poirot. I would say "keep up the good work, David" - but he's completed the entire range of Poirot stories now. There'll never be other stuff to compete.

I love David Suchet as Poirot!!!!! I really wish this series was still going, but at least I can re-watch all of them whenever I want. Such a good series!

This was a a present and she loves it! Speedy delivery thanks.