Rating: 
Summary: The quality isn't great ... so what?
Review: I've read all the previous reviews here about the Sharpe series. I also saw many of them on TV. So I was prepared when I got the DVD of Sharpe's Rifles the other weekend.Yes, the quality of the DVD is no better than a VHS master. In short, who cares? Watching the movie, I quickly forgot about the quality and simply enjoyed a great telling of a great story. It would have been nice if it were a little sharper (sorry about the pun) but look at it this way - in five years, the comparable VHS master will be so much video snow, and the DVD will still look the same as it did today! I gave it 4 stars simply because I've come to expect "extras" with DVD's - cast and crew notes, bloopers, etc...none of which were present here. The presentation strikes me as a "rush it to the market" approach by the DVD maker. The original story more that makes up for it, though.
Rating:
Summary: Like Horatio Hornblower? You'll Like Sharpe Too!
Review: Sharpe's Rifles, (and the rest of the Sharpe series), is a more gritty "version" of Horatio Hornblower (series from A&E). No, Sharpe is in no way related to Horatio, just for your information, this takes place in the Army while Horatio's was at sea.) Actually made BEFORE the Hornblower series, this one will engage you and make you want to see them all! (I've seen 4 in the series now.)Although some reviews have commented badly about the video quality, I would rate it as very good. It is about a B+ in my book, above VCD or VHS quality. Set during the early 1800's, Sharpe is an enlisted man that becomes an officer after saving the life of a lord from England. This series details his adventures as an officer, following him through many battles, promotions and romances. It focuses on his inability to fit into the "officer corp," as most officer's from that period were wealthy men who bought their commissions. The ONLY problem I have had is figuring out the ORDER of the DVD's. They are technically "mini movies," so you can watch them in any order, but watching them in their true order is most enjoyable. Here's what I have so far just so you know, (in order:) Sharpe's Rifle, Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Company, and I THINK the next one is Sharp's Enemy. Hint: look on the side binder of the DVD, their are little codes, these should go in numerical hierarchy, for example, "98579-D,98580-D,98598-D". These won't necessarly be in sequence, (i.e. 1,2,3,4,5) but more like 2,7,11,14 for example. So you should be able to figure it out when you get them. Bottom line: if you like mini-series like the early 80's "Shogun," and "Horatio Hornblower," you'll like this one too.
Rating:
Summary: Watch the series then read the books...
Review: This film is the first of a great series following the career of an English soldier in the Napoleonic wars. The adventures are seen from the viewpoint of Richard Sharpe, played convincingly by Sean Bean,who is always at the fore-front of the action. This first film is mostly about getting to know the characters who will appear in the rest of the series , yet has one of the most interesting storylines , and stays faithful to the book it's based on (written by Bernard Cornwell). Action,adventure,romance - this series has the lot,and comes highly recommended. Also worth mentioning are the books - absolutely fantastic ,and strongly recommended for anyone interested in the Napoleonic period , as is the epic film "Waterloo".
Rating: 
Summary: Great stuff, let down by poor transfer
Review: Yes these are great adventures, but the transfer is poor. What concerns me more is that no longer can I rely on these reviews to tell me the true quality of the DVD. I don't understand why some people are claiming such high quality video, unless they have their own agenda. Two stars because they are great adventures.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating Historical Series
Review: I have not read the books from which this series is taken but if they are half as fascinating as these videos, they must be outstanding. The presentation of this collection of intriguing characters interacting against the background of the Napoleanic wars is completely engrossing. Richard Sharpe, the guttersnipe risen from the ranks, is brilliantly portrayed by Sean Bean and Darragh O'Malley as his faithful sidekick is also excellent. One of the most effective aspects of this series is the soundtrack, which is stirring and perfectly suited to the times depicted. All the performances are well done and in considerable depth, from Hugh Frazer as Wellington to each of the Chosen Men, and every episode is full of fascinating villains, beautiful (and, more to the point, interesting) women, fierce enemies, treacherous insiders and loyal followers, with the central focus on Sharpe, handsome, honorable and tough as nails. What more can you ask?
Rating:
Summary: A new life for Sharpe
Review: Richard Sharpe is on DVD, and better than ever! Sharpe's Rifle's, the first in the series of Sharpe films made for BBC television and aired on Masterpiece Theater in the U.S. is an exciting starting point for people who are not familiar with the brilliant series of novels by Bernard Cornwell. It is also a great showcase for the talents of Sean Bean, who we will see more of next year in The Lord of the Rings. The movie follows Lieutenant Richard Sharpe, a British soldier during the Napoleonic wars, as he takes command of a rifle company and sends whole bunches of Frenchies to their graves. Action galore and interesting period detail. Fans of the book series may be suprised at the early appearance of Teresa in "Rifles" (in the books she doesn't show up until "Sharpe's Gold") but fear not! It won't ruin the story for you. I hope these four DVD's are only the begining, as there are ten movies in all. This price is unbelieveable too!
Rating:
Summary: Sharpe's Rifles
Review: This is an awesome film based on the historical fiction novels by Bernard Cornwell. This is the first video in this series following the life and trials of Richard Sharpe, played by Sean Bean of "Patriot Games and James Bond-Goldeneye films" This starts out as Richard Sharpe a sargeant in the 95th rifles saves Lord Arthur Wellesley's (soon to be Lord Wellington) life which earns him a field commission and being promoted from the ranks to become a Lt. which begins his adventures in the service of the British Army during the Napoleonic wars. Definately A++++
Rating:
Summary: Never have been good at titles...
Review: Excellent, (and fairly accurate, I'm told) historical fiction. The action scenes are well done and exciting, but it's the humanity and the humor that makes this series so good. Probably the only time I've seen Sean Bean (one of my favorite actors) play a hero, and he really rises to the occassion... Also, high production values, & a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.
Rating:
Summary: sharpie
Review: i have read all the sharpe books and seen 7 sharpe episodes: rifles eagle company enemy regiment siege mission all are great! i particularly like the bit in... rifles - where sharpe drinks harper's brandy eagle - when the chosen men do quicktime and annoy simmerson company - when windham tells sharpe about his wife and sharpie looks confused enemy - when sharpe and the chosen men meet sweet william and his men regiment - when havercamp gets left behind siege - when sharpe tells catherine he'd rather have the gold mission - when sharpe knocks brand down the well
Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining
Review: This series is a must have for anyone who is a fan of the Bernard Cornwell series. Well acted and filled with lots of actions these movies will not disappoint. The only complaint is that they needed more extras. At times both armies seem a little short of manpower, but that is a minor flaw in an otherwise stellar production.
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