Acorn Media has released a Blu-ray edition of the 2004 TV adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile". The feature film-length episode ran as part of the popular British series, "Poirot" and stars David Suchet as the legendary Belgian detective. Numerous actors have portrayed the sleuth on the big screen and television. They include Peter Ustinov, Albert Finney, Kenneth Branagh and even Tony Randall. However, Suchet takes the prize for playing Poirot the most times, having done so in 70 episodes spread out over a 24 year period commencing in 1989. The role also fits him like a glove, as he keeps intact the basis persona of the character. He's very much a dandy, who dresses to the nines. He enjoys fine dining in opulent settings and pays an inordinate amount of time tending to his trademark mustache. He also possesses a dry wit and calm nature even in the midst of murderous goings-on.
In "Death on the Nile", which had been filmed previously with Ustinov and an all-star cast as a theatrical feature film in 1978, Poirot finds himself on holiday aboard a cruise down the Nile. The plot takes place in the mid-1930s before the outbreak of WWII. (We know this because of a single reference to concerns over Hitler's rising power in Germany.) On board are the usual assortment of eccentrics, snobs, losers and charmers. The plot opens with penniless British lovers Simon Doyle (JJ Feild) and Jackie De Bellfort (Emma Griffiths Malin) paying a visit to Jacqueline's best friend, Linnet Ridgeway (Emily Blunt), an heiress who is one of the richest young women in England- and also one of the most selfish and detested. (It isn't explained how such different people would have forged such a strong friendship and why Linnet allows her friend to suffer in poverty instead of offering her some financial assistance.) Simon and Jackie have come to visit to introduce Johanna to Simon and to announce their engagement. Once Linnet's eyes set upon the hunky Simon, we know there's going to be some trouble. The scene cuts to a few months later with Simon, having been seduced by Linnet, having ditched Jackie. He and Linnet are now happily married and are aboard the same Nile cruiser that Poirot has booked a room on. Their honeymoon is less than blissful due to Jackie having stalked them across Europe (it isn't explained how the poor woman can afford to do this, which is a plot hole.) She is also on the Nile cruise, much to the couple's disdain. She quietly but sarcastically confronts them at every opportunity. Poirot and the other passengers are aware of the spectacle, which Jackie causes in order to shame the newlyweds. Poirot is joined on board by an good friend, Colonel Race (James Fox) but their hopes of having an enjoyable holiday are dashed when a sensational murder occurs.
In reviewing any Agatha Christie mystery, the less said, the better. Suffice it to say that Poirot and Race are investigating the murder when two more occur within the tight group of suspects he has been acquainted with. The three murders are clearly connected and, in true Christie tradition, examination of the passengers reveals that each member of the disparate group had a motive for carrying out the killings. The fun of it all always culminates in the "A ha!" moment in which Poirot announces he has cracked the case. This version of "Death on the Nile", being a television production, has a more restrained budget than the Ustinov big screen feature, but the fact that key scenes were shot on location elevates it to a posh level. The explanation for the mysterious murders is clever enough, even if the execution that supposedly enabled them seems a bit of a stretch. The cast is first rate and includes David Soul as Linnet's rather grungy American financial adviser who joins the cruise with some pressing business to discuss. Director Andy Wilson keeps the pace brisk but never too hurried and remains true to the spirit of the traditional Poirot mysteries. Acorn Media's Blu-ray edition boasts a terrific transfer but no bonus extras. Christie fans will want to experience this impressive version of "Death on the Nile" before yet another version comes to the screen next year, this time from director/star Kenneth Branagh. Recommended.