The Equalizer: Series 3 [DVD]

It is simply fantastic to finally have season 3 of The Equalizer, the previous two seasons have just got better and better and its a relief to have this third volume just a few months after the second one, the wait of about four years between the release of seasons 1 and 2 was inexcusable really.It was during the production of this third season that Edward Woodward suffered a massive heart attack, so the storylines were re-worked to introduce actor Richard Jordan as a former colleague of Robert McCall who is now retired and is also working as some form of 'equalizer'.The producers of the show also bought in the legendary Robert Mitchum, he plays a character called Richard Dyson, another ex-colleague and friend.Although it is disappointing that Edward Woodward has less screen time in this season it is cleverly written into the stories and on viewing now I didn't really notice any major difference, his absence in some episodes actually feels like a very natural development in the overall story.Along with Richard Jordan and Robert Mitchum this season also has guest appearances by an eight-year-old Macaulay Culkin, Telly Savalas, William Atherton, the television debut for a young Sam Rockwell, and a return by Vincent D'Onofrio (albeit as a different character to the one he played in season 2).The soundtrack of the show remains wonderfully atmospheric, with much of the music being once more heavily influenced by Stewart Copeland, the composer of the infamous theme tune.For anyone who particualarly enjoys this music I recommend trying out the album: Equalizer & Other Cliff Hangers, amongst its tracks is an really good extended version of the aforementioned main theme tune titled 'The Equalizer Busy Equalizing'.There are 22 Episodes episodes in this boxset and they are:03-01 - Blood and Wine: Part 103-02 - Blood and Wine: Part 203-03 - Suspicion of Innocence03-04 - In the Money03-05 - Encounter in a Closed Room03-06 - Mission: McCall; Part 103-07 - Mission: McCall; Part 203-08 - Shadow Play03-09 - Inner View03-10 - The Rehearsal03-11 - Christmas Presence03-12 - A Dance on the Dark Side03-13 - The Child Broker03-14 Video Games03-15 - Something Green03-16 - The Mystery of Manon: Part 103-17 - The Mystery of Manon: Part 203-18 - No Place Like Home03-19 - Last Call03-20 - Regrets Only03-21 - Target of Choice03-22 - Always a LadyThe total running time is 1007 minutes and it is once again across 6 discs; included on the final DVD are an Original Series Concept, Original Cast Biographies and an Image Gallery.There is a booklet, as with the previous season, and it features a detailed breakdown of the cast and story for each episode.The quality of the picture is good, certainly on a par of that on season 2 and better than many of the season 1 episodes, it is important to remember though that these are episodes of televison from over 25 years ago.The Equalizer is one of the very best television shows from the 80's, I have very fond memories of watching them when I was younger and it is wonderful to own them now on DVD to watch over and over again.The fourth and final season of this wonderful series is available on the 29th October 2012, exactly 4 weeks to the day from the official release of season three!It is available for pre-order on the Amazon site, Oh Happy days!

Just thought I'd share my thoughts on this latest release after receiving it a few days back.Firstly it's great to watch season 3 of my all-time favourite show on DVD; after many years of waiting for the 2nd and 3rd seasons to be released, apparently due to legal issues with some of the music. So kudos to Fabulous films for resolving whatever issues there were and bringing out the final seasons.(season 4 is out on 29/10) why Universal failed to capitalise on their goldmine of a TV archive earlier I can't imagine.What Is great about the Equalizer is that its one of the few TV series along with Law and order, that is filmed on location in pre-disneyfied New York City so you see some really gritty locations. Theres none of this phoney green screen business like with NYPD blue or CSI NY which are filmed on a lot in LA. And episodes aside from a couple of two-part episodes, are single storylines. - no multiple season story arcs that drag on.This season like the other 3, consists of 22 episodes , including a couple of two parters, and theres a huge number of famous guest stars in this season such as Telly savalas, Robert Mitchum, John Heard, Macaulay Culkin, Vincent donofrio, Jaimie Sheridan, Michael Moriarty: all from law and order, and Richard Jordan plus regulars Zabka, Margolis and scarabajka.This was the season where Edward unfortunately suffered a Heart attack during filming, so some of the episodes he doesn't feature as much- Richard jordan takes over the mantle as another old colleague of mCcalls to do his equalizing for him, and does a pretty good job, Inner view , featuring Jordan is one of my favourite episodes.The Picture and sound overall is pretty good, but there is some fuzzyness and washed out colours on some of the episodes - I have all 4 seasons recorded about 12 years ago in excellent quality on VHS from the superb and now sadly defunct Granada plus channel to compare with, but overall there is some improvement with the picture on a few episodes , and sound quality is excellent.The box is still the same fat vhs size plastic case as the previous season release and you get 22 x 45 minute episodes plus the episode guide booklet- which is a simple but nice touch and is sadly lacking in other releases. So overall another great job from fabulous films and keep up the good work with season 4.

Just watching. I am excited about getting season 4.

An excellect season 3 starring Queen Latifah & a great supporting cast. Exciting & thrilling

Very good season looking forward to the next season

Now I have always been a fan of Edward Woodward and was lucky enough to meet him at his home between Banbury and Stratford upon Avon many years ago!I decided to order this as a taste of what I remembered from tv. I was not disappointed, on the contrary it was amazing how it has stood the test of time and felt like it could have been made recently.Needless to say I will now collect all the series of this I can get.It is suitable for all the family to watch whilst still being an engaging and interesting series.

If you are an Equalizer fan (and Callan) then you will want this series anyway but be warned - Edward Woodward was recovering from a heart attack and in many of the episodes could hardly be considered more than a cameo. Robert Mitchum and Richard Jordan are great in the roles they play but at times it feels as if you are watching a different programme altogether albeit a good one!

Many thanks to Fabulous Films for releasing this tv series, I usually don't take the time to write reviews but I felt it was important to show gratitude to Fabulous Films for making this DVD set a reality for retro tv fans everywhere. I hope that the rest of the series will be released, many thanks!

I had missed this season on tv so i was happy to buy it. Arrived on time and well... watched it all in a few days.. I Could'nt wait.. one episode after another and then .. sadness cause i had watched them all. Now i have to wait for next season.. but very good and DVD in good conditions, packed well and loved it. Thank you

I hope they make more season of these just got done watching them

There is only one Equalizer and that is Edward Woodward , sorry Denzel . If you can find this series , it is usually expensive but this purchase was new condition at a great price . Fast delivery . Thank you Amazon .

Neice very happy she received just in time for her birthday

very good