Classic TV fans, we have exciting news! The first series of the classic cop show, The Sweeney, will be released in a 50th anniversary Blu-ray box set on June 2nd.
Series One has been meticulously restored for an incredible five-disc Blu-ray Collector’s Edition. This edition features all the episodes from the groundbreaking inaugural year, two versions of Regan, the original pilot of the show, and a variety of extras and commentaries. It also includes a booklet and comes in lavish packaging.Â
The iconic police series, created by Ian Kennedy Martin, premiered on UK television in 1975 and quickly became a ratings success. It ran for four seasons and turned John Thaw and Dennis Waterman into household names as Detectives Regan and Carter, with the talented Garfield Morgan playing their long-suffering boss. The show forever changed the landscape of TV cop dramas with its no-nonsense approach to crime-fighting, sharp and quotable dialogue, frequent brawls (including Carter often getting beaten up in each episode), thrilling car chases, and some truly formidable villains.
The beautifully restored episodes are presented in the original 4:3 TV format, complete with ad breaks, and they look fantastic. If it weren’t for the smoking, lack of seatbelts, and vintage Jaguars racing around gravel pits, you might think it was filmed just yesterday. If you’re a fan of The Sweeney, this definitive Series One box set is a must-have for your collection—no arguments!
The Sweeney features guest appearances from some of the finest British acting talent, including Prunella Gee (Never Say Never Again), Dudley Sutton (The Devils), Billy Murray (The Bill), Warren Mitchell (In Sickness and In Health), and Wanda Ventham (UFO). The series also showcases the directing skills of David Wickes (The Professionals) and Tom Clegg (McVicar). This gritty, action-packed cop drama is a must-have for anyone who appreciates classic, old-school narratives.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Option to view episodes in original Mono, 5.1 surround sound, or isolated music tracks
- Armchair Cinema: Regan (original and 50 minute cut-down versions)
- Interview with series creator Ian Kennedy Martin
- Restoring The Sweeney
- Reconstructed titles from Original Stills
- Vintage Thames Trailer for Jackpot
- Introduction to Queen’s Pawn by Tony Selby
- Introduction to The Placer by John Forgeham
- Introduction to Cover Story by Prunella Gee
- Introduction to Golden Boy by Dudley Sutton
- Introduction to Stoppo Driver by Billy Murray
- Introduction to Big Spender by Warren Mitchell
- Introduction to Abduction by Wanda Ventham
- Audio Commentary on Armchair Cinema: Regan by actor Dennis Waterman, producer Ted Childs & director Tom Clegg
- Audio Commentary on Ringer with actors Dennis Waterman, Garfield Morgan, writer Trevor Preston & editor Chris Burt
- Audio Commentary on Jackpot with authors of “The Sweeney The Official Companion” Robert Fairclough & Mike Kenwood
- Audio Commentary on Thin Ice with Producer Ted Childs, writer Troy Kennedy Martin & director Tom Clegg
- Audio Commentary on Night Out with director David Wickes & assistant director Bill Westley
- Additional Audio Commentary on Night Out with producer Ted Childs & writer Troy Kennedy Martin
- Audio Commentary on Stoppo Driver with actors Dennis Waterman & Garfield Morgan
- Audio Commentary on Abduction with actors Dennis Waterman, Garfield Morgan, writer Trevor Preston & director Tom Clegg
- Booklet featuring an essay by Dennis Waterman
The Sweeney Season One is newly restored on Blu-ray to celebrate the iconic series’ 50th Anniversary. Season One releases next Monday, 2nd June 2025, and is available to pre-order now.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
