Acorn Media Group: Press Releases

"If you've never seen Robbie Coltrane in ‘Cracker,’ you've really missed something."—NPR’s Fresh Air
"Smart, addictive series…a rare, savvy combination of modern psychology and suspense"—NY Times
"Dark, complex and fascinating… (Coltrane) is nothing short of magnificent."—Associated Press
"There simply is no better made-for-TV mystery or cop series: not ‘Homicide,’ not ‘NYPD Blue,’ not…’Prime Suspect’" —The Boston Globe
"Strong stories and terrific acting…excellent"—New York Daily News
"It's a beaut, driven by another volcanic performance from superb Robbie Coltrane"—Los Angeles Times
"’House’ as a cop…both the series and the portrayal were riveting."—New York Daily News
"The best drama on television"—The Daily Telegraph (U.K.)

Silver Spring, MD — Cracker: The Complete Collection, the first collection of all 11 compelling mysteries from one of British television’s most acclaimed crime dramas, arrives on DVD from Acorn Media on March 10, 2009. The series stars Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, Ocean’s Twelve, GoldenEye) in the role that made him famous: a brilliant but deeply flawed forensic psychologist. The 10-disc collector’s edition includes all three seasons (1993-1995), two stand-alone movies (1996, 2006), and a 45-minute behind-the-scenes retrospective documentary. The series broadcast in the U.S. on A&E and BBC America.

With more than 25 major awards—including two BAFTAs for best drama series and three for best actor—Cracker ranks as one of British television’s most acclaimed crime dramas. Robbie Coltrane truly inhabits his role as the brash and brilliant forensic psychologist, Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, who must analyze the twisted psyches of the worst psychopaths. For the police, Fitz’s astonishing insights into the criminal mind prove invaluable, but his arrogance and sarcasm make him barely tolerable as a colleague. For his family, Fitz’s self-destructive compulsions—scotch, sex, and gambling—bring only pain and turmoil.

Complemented by an outstanding cast, Coltrane delivers a brilliant performance as a genius who can dissect a psychopath’s motives, but can’t keep his own demons at bay. These powerful crime dramas examine the pressures and prejudices of contemporary urban life and the violence that they spawn.

Cracker also stars Christopher Eccleston (Heroes, Doctor Who), Geraldine Somerville (Harry Potter films), and Barbara Flynn (The Beiderbecke Affair), with guest star Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty). The series was produced by Granada Television for ITV in the U.K. Jimmy McGovern (The Street) created Cracker and wrote several of the episodes.

Special Features: Cracker: Behind the Scenes, an intimate, 45-minute visit with the show’s cast and creative team.

Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., Acorn Media distributes distinctive home video releases to the North American market with a special focus on the best of British television. Acorn’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn Media at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.