Silver Spring, MD; August 12, 2008 — Coming to DVD for the first time, Acorn Media announces the September 30, 2008 release of Trial & Retribution, Set 1. With all the mesmerizing realism and emotional depth that characterized Prime Suspect, Lynda La Plante created, produced, and wrote this long-running, ongoing, smash hit British crime drama.

Like Law & Order, each episode of Trial & Retribution follows a single case from the police investigation to the final, often surprising courtroom verdict. In her suspense-packed scripts, La Plante examines grueling, pressure-packed police investigations in all their gritty detail—the sudden insight that can crack a case and the careless mistake that can jeopardize justice. Going behind closed doors, she reveals the strategies of both prosecution and defense as they maneuver towards a final verdict.

The first-rate cast features David Hayman (Hope and Glory, Sid & Nancy) as the intense, hot-tempered chief investigator and Kate Buffery (Wish Me Luck) as his cool, competent second in command. Set 1 guest stars include Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral), Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill), James Wilby (Bertie and Elizabeth), Iain Glen (Adam Bede), and Richard E. Grant (The Scarlet Pimpernel).

With its first-rate cast, innovative direction, and daring storytelling, Trial & Retribution ratchets up suspense at every turn. No emotions are spared, and no characters emerge unscathed in this unflinching detective drama.

Trial & Retribution, Set 1 includes the first four two-part episodes (1997-2000), which are approximately 200 minutes each. The series premiered in the U.K. in 1997 and new episodes are still in production.

Special Features: Interview with creator Lynda La Plante, biography of Lynda La Plante, and glossary of terms.

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.