Rated 7/10. These three movies are okay in their own right, especially if there had never been a series to compare them to. In the series that came later, they've had years to flesh out and develop the characters.

I too am more accustomed to and quite fond of the Yannick Bisson series (having watched eight seasons), but found these three two-hour episodes to be very good in their own right. Much darker. Peter Outerbridge shined as Murdoch, as did Keeley Hawes as Dr. Ogden, but the Crabtree comparison is not even close -- Jonny Harris owns that, as does Thomas Craig over Colm Meaney's Brackenreid any day of the week. It was odd seeing a young(er) Helene Joy in the third episode here as a character other than Julia.
I wonder why this Murdoch attempt tanked, and its successor... succeeded...

Kajata, I know your comment is 2 years old and I am sure you have worked this out since then, but for the assistance of anyone who reads this now, this item is the collection of 3 movies made before the TV series with Yannick Bisson was created.

Set in Victorian Toronto, William Murdoch, one of the first investigating detectives, brings technology and compassion to investigating crimes among the marginalized, including the mentally disabled,orphans, prostitutes, and poor, single mothers. I found the last case, about the murder of an abortionist and the plight of women dealing with the plight of having their babies taken from them, the most moving. One character, who starts as a prostitute whose friend is murdered and moves through different career incarnations, was a bit puzzling as she was far too healthy for the hardships of her character's role. But overall, an entertaining watch, and I hope there will be more.

much more gritty and realistic than the TV series -- now I need to read the book(s)

I understand that there are 4 dvds. I'm requesting Season 3 and Season 4. Please advise.

Thank you.

Surprisingly graphic yet very interesting mysteries.