Sharpe (Special Edition) (Box Set) (DVD)

.../> 1. '''Sharpe's Rifles:''' In 1809 Sharpe saves Lord Wellesley's life, later known as the Duke of Wellington. He receives a field commission and is sent on his first mission with his rough band of chosen men, but finds it difficult because he is not seen as a "proper officer". (Certificate: 15)

2. '''Sharpe's Eagle:''' Sharpe fights to keep his promotion and goes after an imperial Eagle at the Battle of Talavera. (Certificate: ...
...of deserters and calls for Sharpe to bring the ransom to rescue an English Colonels wife. (Certificate: 12)

5. '''Sharpe's Honour:''' Sharpe is accused of adultery and called out for a Dual. His Spanish opponent is found dead and Sharpe is put on trial. Sharpe must work to clear his name. (Certificate: PG)

6. '''Sharpe's Gold:''' Sharpe has to go in search of the young Ellie Nugent and her mother who themselves are determined ... more

Brilliant TV drama adaptation of Bernard Cornwall's novel series based on the events of the Napoleonic Wars, at the start of the 19th Century, following the career of our hero, Richard Sharpe.

Episodes

1. '''Sharpe's Rifles:''' In 1809 Sharpe saves Lord Wellesley's life, later known as the Duke of Wellington. He receives a field commission and is sent on his first mission with his rough band of chosen men, but finds it difficult because he is not seen as a "proper officer". (Certificate: 15)

2. '''Sharpe's Eagle:''' Sharpe fights to keep his promotion and goes after an imperial Eagle at the Battle of Talavera. (Certificate: 15)

3. '''Sharpe's Company:''' The English prepare to go into Badajoz, Sharpe's captaincy is refused and his enemy Sergeant Hakeswill is out to get him and his wife Teresa. (Certificate: PG)

4. '''Sharpe's Enemy:''' Hakeswill leads a band of deserters and calls for Sharpe to bring the ransom to rescue an English Colonels wife. (Certificate: 12)

5. '''Sharpe's Honour:''' Sharpe is accused of adultery and called out for a Dual. His Spanish opponent is found dead and Sharpe is put on trial. Sharpe must work to clear his name. (Certificate: PG)

6. '''Sharpe's Gold:''' Sharpe has to go in search of the young Ellie Nugent and her mother who themselves are determined to find her father, who went missing while looking for Aztec Gold. (Certificate: 12)

7. '''Sharpe's Battle:''' Sharpe is put in charge of a Ceremonial Unit and with his own men has to make them into a fighting force, in order to stop Loup and his pillaging French bandits. (Certificate: 12)

8. '''Sharpe's Sword:''' One of Wellington's agents is at risk and Sharpe is assigned to stop his assassin, but a fierce Battle leaves him left for dead. (Certificate: 12)

9. '''Sharpe's Regiment:''' Sharpe is sent to England and ends up going under cover in search of men to stop the South Essex from being disbanded. (Certificate: 12)

10. '''Sharpe's Siege:''' Sharpe is to capture a fort in France, but trickery is afoot. Meanwhile he fears that his new wife may not survive, even if he survives. (Certificate: 12)

11. '''Sharpe's Mission:''' Sharpe is ordered deep behind enemy lines following the heroic Colonel Brand, however finds out Brand is not as he appears. (Certificate: 15)

12. '''Sharpe's Revenge:''' The Peninsula war is over. But Sharpe is accused, by his enemy Ducos, of stealing Napoleon's treasurers and is forced to clear his name and seek revenge. (Certificate: 12)

13. '''Sharpe's Justice:''' Sharpe returns home to England and is put in a difficult position as he is ordered to deal with the unrest that is mounting in his home town, where poverty and hunger has driven many to revolt. (Certificate: 12)

14. '''Sharpe's Waterloo:''' Sharpe retakes his role in the army, as Napoleon returns from exile, but is confronted with foolish superiors during the infamous battle of Waterloo. (Certificate: 15)

15. '''Sharpe The Legend:''' Rifleman Cooper and chosen man recounts Sharpe's story. It is a nice recap but does not really add anything substantial to the box set, in away it is something out of nothing.

Main Characters

Sharpe: played by Sean Bean. Our hero, a rogue officer raised from the ranks.

Harper: played by Daragn O'Malley. A loyal sergeant and friend to Sharpe.

Harris: played by Jason Salkey. The brains behind the chosen men.

Hagman: played by John Tams. Old but reliable member of Sharpe's men.

My Opinion

When I was young I first watched Sharpe, when it was shown on TV in the Mid-90s. I fell in love with it then and have longed to own the set. Now I do I have watched these episodes again and again. I highly recommend Sharpe, whether you're a fan of War and action films, or of Sean Bean, with Sharpe as perhaps one of his greatest roles. It is a bit rough round the edges, as the special effects are not amazing, but the story lines are brilliant and it keeps you wanting more. However, the Sharpe series is regularly repeated on TV, such as UK History on Freeview. The box set has a few extra pieces. Sharpe the Legend for instance is only in the box set, but as I said above it is hardly worth it. There are a few other special features such as photo galleries, fact files and one bit of behind the scenes. It also comes with a map and a collector's edition booklet. The disks are stored in double DVD cases, with well-presented covers and the whole thing is then put in a nice cardboard box. I personally enjoy watching the series as and when I please, without parts being cut out or adverts in the middle or whatever. But as much as I would recommend the Sharpe Series you need to ask yourself whether you wish to purchase the box set or just wait for it to come round on the TV again. 

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