Overview: A contemporary take on the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories, Sherlock is a thrilling, funny, fast-paced adventure series set in present-day London. Co-created by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock stars BAFTA-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement, The Last Enemy) as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman (The Office, Love Actually), as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson.

DVD Verdict: Clever turns, witty dialogue - loved it. I am a big fan of all things Holmes but I don't like change. It took me a while to get used to Brett's over the top portrayal after Rathbone's rather crisp Holmes, but he was so droll and on point how could you not love it! I sat down prepared to completely hate this new take but after an hour - hooked all over again!

Cumberbatch's face when he has an ephipany is priceless. His chemistry with Martin Freeman is solid and believable and this show would be worthless without it. I mean, as you'd expect, the characters wouldn't work as well as if the actor didn't do such an exceptional job. Cumberbatch is immediatly acceptable as Holmes, and while probably won't make you forget Jeremy Brett or Basil Rathbone he's 100 percent believable and convincing as this modern man who despite his brilliant mind has a hard time understanding people.

Martin Freeman is superb as John Watson, portraying someone haunted by his war injuries but sticking to his human principals and provides an empathetic personality to Holmes' sometimes cold methods. Rupert Graves is excellently cast as Inspector Lestrade, a dedicated cop who, despite his better judgment is willing to let Sherlock into an investigation if it means saving lives.

The others were, well, ... dreary!

I think that the Holmes from the original stories is a diva, is rather a spoiled brat, but someone who operates on a far different level the most folks so it's merely very exasperating. He needs a sane and wry Dr Watson to keep him tethered to the real world, grounded in whatever century that world and its sun happen to turn in.

I loved the first episode, Study in Pink, but not the Blind Banker. I watched it several times but there were many "and ok yeah but what was that supposed to mean" on my side of the screen. And it's not an Brit/American translation problem, it's a plot thing. Doubtless more erudite people then myself will state it more clearly.

The last episode, The Great Game made up for it all. And how. The last 15 minutes had me literally yelling NO WAY! Moriarty saying "I will burn the heart out of you" was just so perfectly evil. He's wonderfully nasty in this series. I can't get enough Mycroft either, isn't he perfect? Too much fun indeed. It's been a long time since anything on TV has involved me that much.

I do love how they throw many bits of the stories in where you don't expect it, like Rache and the Vermeer painting, really added to the fun for me.

You know, sure, it's got holes and flaws (and the best Dr. Watson and Mycroft EVER) but you know what? When you watch anything like this, you have to suspend disbelief for a bit and just have fun. I surely did and I can't ask more then that.

As for the Special Features, the pilot included is a great take on Study in Pink, but the 90 minute version is far superior. Still, it's lots of fun. I just love that cabbie! The "Making of" episodes were also very enjoyable as too were the Audio Commentaries.

I am really glad I bought this DVD! I'm such a big Sherlock Holmes fan and this adaptation is just wonderful. [MD] This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Episode 1 Commentary featuring: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat, Sue Vertue
Episode 3 Commentary featuring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss
Exclusive Pilot Episode: Sherlock - A Study in Pink
Unlocking Sherlock - The making of