The final episode here, "Before the Frost," pits our tortured hero against what initially looks like a murderous pyromaniac, but which soon unravels to be something much more frightening. Interestingly, the source novel for this episode — from the original Wallander author himself, Henning Mankell — cast Wallander's daughter Linda as the protagonist. Linda does appear here (played by Jeany Spark, who reprises her role as Kurt's estranged daughter) just so we're all clear, though as a secondary character in this instance.
Freely adapted storytelling aside, Wallander 3 hits DVD via BBC Home Video in a two-disc set boasting a truly stunning transfer overall — and this is a Standard-Def release, mind you. The 1.78:1 widescreen video presentation is a joy to behold, and brings out the best the shot-on-Red-One-cameras series has to offer. Likewise, the Dolby Digital Surround audio track delivers admirably. The biggest disappointment in this set without a doubt, however, is the complete and utter lack of any special features whatsoever. Still, though, it's nice to see more of this series, so I won't throw the book at Wallander just yet.
Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Igor
The Branagh Wallander is OK, but I still prefer the Swedish actor, Krister Henriksson. For one, he's a little less hopeless, and while his personality is a little sunnier, the stark photography of the Swedish sets is startlingly real. I guess we have Bergman to thank for the wonderfully evocative camera work.
Anyway, Wallander is a great series and it's always a peculiar pleasure to view an episode. It always makes me glad that my predecessors left Sweden so I don't have to live the misery.