House of Cards Trilogy

Adapted by acclaimed scripter Andrew Davies from the novels by Michael Dobbs, this compilation of three BBC miniseries' (which aired in the U.S. on Masterpiece Theatre) serves up a ferocious political satire. In all three, Ian Richardson stars as Francis Urquhart (F.U. to his friends), the Machiavellian Chief Whip of Britain's Conservative Party—a most seductively ruthless politician who entertainingly claws his way to the top. In House of Cards (1990), Urquhart declares war on everyone who stands in his way, using deceit, blackmail, murder, and even a lovely young journalist (Susannah Harker) until she becomes a liability. Having reached the pinnacle of power in To Play the King (1993), Urquhart takes on an idealistic monarch (Michael Kitchen) who is using his symbolic office to curb Urquhart's corrupt and abusive behavior. And just as Urquhart is ready to retire with his reputation and fortune assured, he finds himself the pawn in another political game in The Final Cut (1995), the juicy conclusion to the rocket rise and fitting fall of this despicably fascinating political devil. Adding to the fun is the conceit of Richardson turning to the camera for intimate asides that make viewers not just privy to his maneuverings, but practically accessories to his crimes. Released to coincide with the American remake starring Kevin Spacey now appearing on Netflix, House of Cards Trilogy is remastered for DVD and bows on Blu-ray. Extras include episode audio commentaries, and behind-the-scene featurettes. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)