Intelligent, off-beat scripts, realistic location shooting and of course the sublime laid back charm of James Garner which keeps it all together.

Shame the region 2 version doesn't include the Garner interview available on region 1, maybe with season 2 ?

Rockford Files - Season 1
Review date: 2005-09-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

Jim Rockford was fallible, vulnerable, got hurt and often ended up on the losing end of the deal - so different from most American cop and private eye shows. Intelligent scripting and quality acting won this series a clutch of Emmys over several years and James Garner gave the role of Jim Rockford his own persona. Great to see Season 1 on DVD (roll on Season 2). And check out the different answering machine message in the opening credits of each episode - very clever and very funny. Incidentally, the boxset claims to have 22 episodes - there are in fact 25 in the boxset, including the two-part pilot.

THE COOLEST DETECTIVE ON THE BLOCK
Review date: 2005-09-14 Rating: 8 out of 10

I am thrilled that the Rockford Files has made it's way to DVD at long last. James Garner was and still is a fantastic actor who played Rockford for around ten years.There where seven series spanning the 1970's to the early 1980's with some tv movies. James Garner quit the role after a bout of ill health and back problems.Rockford was an ex-con framed for a crime he didn't commit and then he decides to take to being a private eye.The reason isn't given in the series or why he lives in a caravan by the beach. He is layed back and has a strong sense of duty to his clients and a respect for the police.He drives a gold Pontiac Trans-am which as a car nut is a bonus for me alone.On the DVD we have 22 episodes uncut but there are no extras which is a real shame.I hope this set sells well so Universal Pictures will issue the rest of the series soon.There is also a brilliant book published in the USA all about the series which is worth a look.

Shame on Amazon Marketplace seller.
Review date: 2005-09-12 Rating: 8 out of 10

At the time of writing an Amazon Marketplace seller called "videomania" has the cheek to list this DVD for sale at £89.99. Don't be conned. Why Amazon is choosing not to sell this DVD new is a mystery but it is available elsewhere for less than £35 tops. 'The Rockford Files' is easily one of the best American detective shows shown on British TV and the mixture of car chases, interesting stories and James Garner's perfect performances mean the programme still holds up today. Just don't pay extortionate prices from Amazon Marketplace chancers.

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