![The Hound Of The Baskervilles [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/314qmZOnaiL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
This is a story about a Canadian, Sir Henry Baskerville, who inherits a valuable and huge estate on Dartmoor, a dreary and forbidding environment. A family curse, (manifested by an incredibly huge, vicious, and horrific hound), has apparently caused his ancestors' demise and it looks as if Sir Henry is similarly doomed.
The characters who surround Sir Henry at his ancestral home are a nefarious lot and it's near impossible to decide who is behind which of the many mysterious goings-on around Baskerville Hall. A sub-plot is that an escaped murderous lunatic has escaped from a nearby prison and is running amuk in the neighborhood. In the end, the buck stops with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to prevent Sir Henry's death.
To attempt to compare this adaptation of Doyle's Magnum opus to the previous releases would be a futile endeavor indeed. While all the other "Hound" versions fall into the mystery genre, this one clearly fits into that of "suspense".
Here, we have a serious, non-traditional look at "The Hound of the Baskervilles," perhaps more true to Doyle's tale (in its approach and rendering) than all of the others. However, if you are one of those rabid Sherlock Holmes movie fans who has viewed, re-viewed, and savored the numerous other renditions, you are hereby advised that this film might possibly not be your cup of tea, perhaps due to pre-conceived notions of what the film's general ambiance and casting should be. I can best describe it by saying that this is how a writer-director might have completed the film if they had simply read the story (having never read any other Doyle works), and having never previously seen any other Sherlock Holmes films.
Don't get me wrong, this is a superb movie but it's best to first clear your mind of any prior stereotypes which you've developed about Sherlock Holmes. Both the casting and the filmscore also contribute to this actuality.
Some observations: if you like films with rain, ("It was a dark and rainy night...") then you'll be really wild about this one. My second-favorite "now-British" actor, (Richard Burton still holds my No. 1 spot), Richard E. Grant plays "Stapleton," carrying off this unique role with unparalleled excellence. He's actually Swiss but you'd never know it by seeing him in his traditional roles. I first saw him in "Gosford Park," (2001) the finest tongue-in-cheek British mystery ever produced,...
Gosford Park
...where he played "George," the hubristic and surreptitious sub-butler.
The scenes, sets, and cinematography in this film are just terrific. The original music, by Rob Lane, is subtle, appropriate, and very dark, which of course adds to the movie's considerable appeal to suspense fans. I particularly enjoyed the séance scene which comes to an abrupt end, and which will help to generate your white knuckles.
"The Hound of the Baskervilles" (2002) is a BBC production, shot in letterbox format, and runs for 100 minutes. The 5.1 Surround Sound is great (love that thunder!) and there is a "making of" facet to the DVD. There are also interviews with the cast and the crew.
Beyond all those comments, all I can say is that I hope you enjoy viewing this fine film as much as I did.
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Top reviews from other countries
mechbodger
Favourite Hound of the Baskervilles DVD
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2022P. W. Taylor
A fine 'alternative' version in which Richard E Grant is scarier than the Hound!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2007