Aphrodite Inheritance [DVD]

This has to be up there as one of my all-time favourite series. It has everything; great scenery, great actors, a beautiful female lead (the late Alexandra Bastedo in surely her most memorable role).It’s really hard to put into words why I think it is so good. Sure it’s a little slow in places and sure there are a couple of anomalies (what happened to the girl that David Collier picks up at Hellman’s party and what about poor Maria (Morrison’s loyal girlfriend) who ends up in jail after helping the police?)I guess the appeal is the mystique of the narrative. The scene in episode 3 where Basileos (Brian Blessed) helps Collier to recover from an injury in long scenes where he utters not a word is a classic. The surreal dream scene in episode 5 (set to Jean-Michel Jarre’s ‘Oxygene Part 3’) is just so well shot. The scenes of the street Carnival in episode 7 where Collier quickly loads his camera up with film and rushes out to snap candid shots of the locals celebrating. I could go on.The denouement in episode 8 is wonderful. Some real surprises and twists which I am not going to reveal here obviously! There is a lovely piece of incidental music that kicks in at around 35 minutes in this episode which is not one of the especially composed pieces by George Kotsonis that feature throughout the story, and the opening and closing credits of each episode. I would really like to find out what this piece is as it’s very haunting, but like the aforementioned ‘Oxygene Part 3’ (which I did recognise) this is not credited.The film quality is quite good whilst not flawless. It’s not been remastered I suspect but it takes nothing away from the enjoyment and It’s certainly one I will watch again in the future.

I had not seen this since it was originally transmitted and thus could remember the story in broad outline but not in detail. There is much to enjoy and little to criticise, apart from a rather less than convincing fight scene in one episode. The plot twists and turns are generally well structured but , unlike a feature film, the budget does not stretch to many supporting actors in minor parts, and that increases the burden on the principals to carry more on their own shoulders. Inevitably this produces more "clunks" than would be the case if the load were spread across more shoulders, but exactly the same applies to much TV drama before the era of the blockbusters dawned. I enjoyed seeing it again and am intending to seek out the two other Mediterranean themed series from this era.

Having enjoyed The Lotus Eaters and Who pays the ferryman, I moved on to this, another Michael J Bird series. Firstly its very different to those two other series. The plot is contrived in such a way its not always obvious whats going on, even when giving it your fullest attention. It has a different feel, a mythical storyline not quite rooted in reality and its that strangeness that intrigues you and you want to see the conclusion. For me, every scene with Alexandra Bastedo she steals it, just her enigmatic prescence has you captivated with her incredible beauty. If anything I think the series did not make enough use of this actress. I did enjoy the last scene, which you have to suspend belief for it to work,

Absolutely stunning dvd especially the late Alexandra Bastedo at her best. I found the plot so full of red herrings that I am not ashamed to say I could not switch it off and watched all 8 episodes in one go !! The supporting actors are extremely well cast and all keep us totally intrigued as to whether they are goodies or badies. The last 30mins of Episode 8 is when all is revealed but I am not going to spoil it here. The quality of the picture and sound is excellent especially considering it's over 30yrs old. The Greek music which accompanies it is really haunting with a bit of Jean-Michelle Jare thrown in for good measure.

I saw this on TV in I think 1979. It was a fantastic suspense thriller with a very nice twist at the end. It definitely need digital re-mastering. But please do not make a re-make!

I am pleased that the Aphrodite inheritance has finally come out on DVD. I was hooked on this series from the moment i saw the first trailer, as my first overseas holiday was in December 1978 and was to Paphos. I loved the series then and having watched it again after all these years, still do. I love Greek mythology, so the story line fits in well with the myths and legends.it is very interesting to see how Paphos has changed since the series was filmed and it is fun to try and guess where some of the scenes took place, as so many of the settings look familiarFogbag

Oh my, was I thrilled to find this one. I remember watching it on TV years ago and absolutely loved it then. It has not aged well I am afraid, parts of it extremely slow-paced, could not finish. 4 stars for sentimental value.

A wonderfully atmospheric series, great story. Only down side is that Brian Blessed doesn't say 'Gordons alive' once although he does play a great part.

Just as I remembered it. Very very good!

Super-quick delivery with great packaging and message. Brilliant!