The Sullivans Season One - Volume 1   Starring: Paul Cronin, Lorraine Bayly, Andrew McFarlane and Steven Tandy Mediumrare Entertainment RRP: £39.99 FHED2916 Certificate: PG Available 12 March 2012

In 1939 the beginning of the Second World War would have a significant impact on one, small, middle class family from Melbourne. Headed by Grace Sullivan, the family's matriarch, both her husband and sons would be deeply affected by events half a world away and the differing stances which the family members took led to tensions which threatened to break the family’s ties...

The Sullivans (1976-1983) was at one time Australia’s most preeminent serial drama. Created by Crawford productions the show ran for eight seasons from the outbreak of the war to its cessation and the death of the father, Dave. As well as showcasing contemporary acting talent the show was important for giving new actors their, sometimes, first start, including Mel Gibson, Danni and Kylie Minogue and Sam Neil. The show eventually ran to a staggering one thousand one hundred and fourteen episodes.

Apart from the strong scripts, the thing which set the show apart from other soap operas was the prominence of authenticity. The show was often time locked, happening in tandem with events which would have been occurring at the time. This extended to references to real events, both relating to the war, but also with other social events. Production was also high, with the company going so far as to acquire furniture from the period for the set dressing.

The first fifty episodes have been released as a box set. Spread across seven discs the set contains episode synopsis and character biographies. Given the age of the show the 4:3 picture holds up remarkably well.

As a show it was much more an on-going story, rather than an excuse to showcase issues, depravity and general unpleasantness, a depth to which modern soap operas are all too happy to sink to. Even after such a space of time the quality of the show still shines through.

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Charles Packer