Sharpe
on Video: The Sharpe box set contains all 14 of the full-length
television films based on the novels by Bernard Cornwell.
Originally
broadcast between 1993 and 97, they follow the adventures of the
titular soldier during the later years of the Napoleonic Wars,
through Wellington's Peninsular campaign up to and including Waterloo.
The programmes represent an outstanding achievement for the small
screen, dominated by Sean Bean's central performance as the heroic,
troubled outsider who turns out to be a resourceful and loyal leader.
Bolstered by a strong supporting cast, particularly Daragh O'Malley
as Harper and (in later episodes) Abigail Cruttenden as Jane, Sharpe
is often visually striking, the action tense and gripping.
Consistency
is maintained by all episodes being directed by Tom Clegg.