Reilly - Ace of Spies (1983)

Reilly-Ace of Spies

If I had to choose bond over Reilly. I choose Reilly. This is a wonderful box set and it comes in 4 discs. It's a wonderful and timely gift set. I will enjoy this for years to come. August 21, 2008

just as wonderful as the first time around

I loved this series when it first came out. Sam Neil is amazing. It was the first time I ever saw him. this is as exciting and well directed as I remember it. If you love espionage and suspense this is your series. You will not be disappointed July 26, 2008

Reilly - Ace of Spies

The content of this DVD set has been described by others, so all I have to add is that I enjoyed it immensely. I intended to watch the 10 episodes plus the 30 min biography over 5 nights at 2 episodes a night. Instead I watched over 3 nights and was disappointed when it was over. I will be watching the whole thing again in perhaps another month or so.

Perhaps the one episode where a British spy (not Reilly) is discovered in the German docks is a little weaker than the rest; it is also apparent from the biography that some episodes are severely artistically licensed. Nevertheless, for anyone who enjoys historical dramas made as only the Brits can this set is all around good value, great fun and time spent well entertained. Sam Neill fans can only be delighted.
July 2, 2008

Great Television

One of the best Television (mini) series of all time, Sam Neill has never been better, the stories are engaging, one wonders exactly how much is fact and how much fiction, could the map of the 20th century really have been that close to being that different? The image quality is unfortunately not much better than the VHS version but it is still worth the upgrade. June 19, 2008

Reilly Ace of Espionage Changes History

Just watched the entire box set. Had seen bits and pieces 20+ years ago when it aired on PBS. Much better watching it on DVD, especially in series.

Other reviews will tell you Reilly was a more than interesting character and that Sam Neill played him well. Both are understatements. The series is as fascinating as it is well acted and produced. Tight early 1980's made for TV budgets do show through from time to time. This story is worth making again.

In his time, Reilly brought down a British Government, helped create a dangerous war machine in Germany as Hitler was coming to power, came close to brining down the bolsheviks, single-handedly destroyed one of history's most powerful political and espionage agencies and in so doing showed Stalin to be the mad man he was.

On the fourth disc is a brief history of Reilly. Its worth watching after seeing the first episode or two. Your eyes will be opened and intellect will be challenged. Reilly has some of Schindler's greatness and weaknesses albeit in a different setting.
May 21, 2008

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