Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Outlander - Season 4 [Blu-ray] [2018]

Great Scottish history portrayed in this series

Welcome here an exceptionally well stocked box set. Thirteen episodes of 50+ minutes. Commentaries on each. Not only a generous collection of bonus features, but four extra scenes especially created for DVD. (These give an extra dimension to certain subsidiary characters who had so impressed the makers. All four work out extremely well, "Tea for Two" a particular delight.)It is over twenty years since the adventures of Claire and Jamie began, the two now convincingly aged. In North Carolina, Jamie has purchased ten thousand acres of land - setting for a home built by themselves, crops hopefully to render them self-sufficient, the aim in due course to be surrounded by tenant farmers similarly inclined. Much is to happen, including encounters with Cherokees and Mohawks (their traditions and ways of life interestingly depicted).From 1970, Claire's daughter Brianna and her suitor, historian Roger, separately come seeking - both have discovered an archive newspaper article with grim news indeed about her parents....Although greatly enjoyed, Season 4 proves somewhat uneven. Arguably it is at its best when concentrated on Claire and Jamie (Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan as ever excellent). Also with impact are those playing blind Aunt Jocasta, Murtagh, and infectiously enthusiastic young Ian (complete with hound Rollo). Working less well are some of the sequences concerning Brianna and Roger. How they arrive from the future seems rather loosely contrived, as do some of what happens when here. It takes a while to warm to Brianna, she at times intensely irritating - especially in her treatment of Roger. In fact it seems Roger who is destined this season to suffer most, he perhaps the one with whom many viewers will empathize most of all. (Full marks to Richard Rankin for his portrayal.)Much to applaud. An evocative recreation of the times (Scotland doubling for North Carolina), ominous hints of future major conflict. Unfair taxes are an invitation to rebellion, the stage set for America's War of Independence, this no doubt to dominate the next season.This is one of those shows where people so inclined may find much to ridicule. It is also one of those shows where others will find much to admire. Despite certain reservations, Season 4 well deserves these five stars.

Gripping tale based on historical truth with poetic licence (18+)

Wife loves these series and watches them repeatedly.

Fantastic

Although I enjoyed watching Outlander s4, I was also disappointed by some aspects of the production. One of the extras provided with the DVD concerning the production of this series mentioned that they wanted to make the Native Americans as authenticated as they could. However, particularly they do not seem to have gone very far, even to correct the errors in Diane Gabaldon’s book, also poorly researched in this respect.For example, the Mohawk village was portrayed as a collection of bark dwellings, including an very odd leafy shelter in which Roger is installed, amongst trees at the edge of lake. In reality at this period Mohawk village were surrounded by extensive corn fields and the houses were log cabins, stated to be of better quality than those of colonial neighbours. As well as a retained longhouse for social and ceremonial use they also supported a church. The New York Mohawk were subject to Anglican Protestant missionaries not Catholic from the beginning of the 18th century. The whole episode with the Catholic priest and Roger is pure nonsense. The result of the gauntlet which both Roger and Ian run would not have been decided by a man but by the women of the town. The Mohawks also spoke English with a thick American accent. In the eighteenth century it was said the accent was akin to an English West Country accent. The actors playing characters of Scottish origin spoke with a Scots accent so why not the Mohawk with the appropriate accent.Other annoyances include, although a better than most effort by the designer, costumes that are only partially accurate. It was good to see a lot of silver ornaments but why did not the Mohawk characters not change or remove items of their dress, especially items with ceremonial or ritual meaning whilst ‘at home’, European coats had diplomatic meaning as do headdresses. The colourful roach headdress worn by a few of the men are modern powwow roaches and stick out a mile. Traditionally these were red and smaller at this period. The tattoos were also clumsy and chunky compared the fine line work of the originals. And whats with the black eye make up! The 1992 Last of the Mohicans movie has still not been bettered for costume design and that was not totally accurate.The other issue with series 4 is the decision to shoot it in Scotland. Whatever was said in the extras Forestry Commission plantation of Norwegian spruce does not look like North Carolina woodland except perhaps for a passing resemblance at a distance. Even so the ‘atmosphere’ is not the same. Clare would have difficulty in finding any diversity of herbs in such an environment. In addition the Fraser’s cabin would not be surrounded by trees. These would have been cleared not less because of the actual or imagined fear of Indian attack, not only to allow a clear field of fire from the cabin built for gardens, extending to fields.I hope that these ‘annoyances’ can be corrected for the next series, which I am looking forward to.

Don't expect everything from the books.If you like a good historical drama with murder, intrigue and strong female leads. Enjoy.Sam, Cait and supporting cast are brilliant

As with earlier seasons, the start of this season continue to be a good and sound adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's excellent series of Outlander books. Having read all eight books, I am fortunate in knowing the background to all of the events depicted.I can understand why those who have not read the books may feel that everything is happening too fast.Unfortunately to adapt this fantastic storyline in its entirety would result in seasons of at least twenty or many more episodes.Thanks to the beautiful acting and chemistry of Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. Plus all the other exceptional actors, this storey is brought to life on screen.The essence of outlander is the powerful, enduring and inspiring love between Jamie and Claire. It chronicles their lives over many decades. The books also cover much of the ordinary day to day, life with all its joys, hardships and sorrows in a way that makes it feel so real. After reading them I feel I know all the main characters intimately.I hope that after watching Outlander you will be persuaded to read the books. They will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the Outlander adaptations if you watch them again.