Silver Spring, MD — Murdoch Mysteries, Season One, a new series combining the period appeal of Sherlock Holmes with the forensic fascination of CSI, debuts on DVD from Acorn Media on June 16, 2009. Based on the characters from award-winning author Maureen Jennings’ Detective Murdoch novels, the acclaimed Canadian series was nominated for 14 Geminis® in 2008 including Best Dramatic Series, Best Achievement in Casting, and Best Writing. Available to U.S. audiences for the first time with its DVD release, the 4-volume boxed set includes all 13 episodes from season one, plus episode commentary and interviews ($59.99, www.AcornOnline.com).

Cutting-edge Victorian science meets cunningly plotted mystery in this “stylish period thriller” (The Globe and Mail). In the 1890s, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye) adopts modern techniques like “finger marks” and forensics to track Toronto’s most sinister killers. Though derided by his skeptical boss (Thomas Craig, Where the Heart Is), Murdoch finds friends and allies in a lovely pathologist (Gemini®-winner Hélène Joy, Durham County) and an eager protégé (Jonny Harris, Hatching, Matching & Dispatching). Along the way they cross paths with some of the era’s most famous figures, including Arthur Conan Doyle, Nikola Tesla, and Prince Alfred.

Season One debuted in Canada on CityTV in January 2008. A second season premiered in March 2009. First season guest stars include Geraint Wyn Davies (Forever Knight) and Stephen McHattie (Watchmen). Series website: www.murdochmysteries.com

Murdoch Mysteries is based on the characters from Maureen Jennings’ Detective Murdoch novels. The first in her Murdoch series, Except for Dying, was released in 1997; followed by six more novels in the series. Jennings is a creative consultant on the television series.

Special Features: Episode commentary by stars Yannick Bisson and Jonny Harris, production designer Sandra Kybartas, and executive producer Cal Coons; interviews with the author and cast; photo gallery; cast filmographies; and character bios.

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.