Barnes & Noble

The vampire legend's gothic trappings are stripped away in Ultraviolet, a six-episode British TV series that brings a distinctly modern slant to an oft-told tale. The setup is accomplished in the first episode, where homicide detective Michael Colefield (Jack Davenport) is recruited into the CIB, an elite and exceedingly covert high-tech government agency dedicated to battling vampires. Colefield's new CIB colleagues include an ex-medical researcher (Susannah Harker), an ex-military man (Idris Elba), and a Catholic priest (Philip Quast). These new comrades in arms are grim, scarred by past vampire encounters and ruthless in their persecution of the undead. While Ultraviolet's vampires eschew tradition and have no apparent fangs, they do bear a few familiar traits. They have no reflection in mirrors, they are immortal, and, of course, they drink human blood. The key to the series' unusual flavor is the absence of supernatural explanations: These vampires are biological parasites, and while the CIB fights to protect mankind from falling one rung down the food chain, the vampires are well-organized, well-funded, and use bioengineering to protect their food supply. Ultraviolet is a heady mix of quickly cut scenes and rat-a-tat dialogue, with the big picture coalescing at a gradual but enticing pace. And while each episode contains some stand-alone material, there is an overall story line that builds toward a firm resolution, making the series especially potent when viewed in order and in its entirety. The two-DVD set contains plot synopses, character profiles, and a glossary of the series' unique jargon, all of which adds greatly to an understanding of the show's complex world. And for those who are left hungry for more of Ultraviolet, there is also an interview with the series' writer-director, Joe Ahearne, who explains, among other things, why only six episodes were made. Gregory Baird

All Movie Guide

This futuristic British miniseries began when the best friend of Det. Sgt. Michael Colefield (Jack Davenport) suddenly vanished from the altar at his own wedding. Though told not to investigate, Michael unearthed evidence that his pal had transformed into a vampire. This led the hero to a secret government organization, working in cahoots with the Catholic Church to rid the world of a vampiric scourge, using SWAT team tactics and state-of-the-art computer technology (those infected with vampirism could be detected with computer-generated ultraviolet light). Somewhat perversely, the modern-day bloodsuckers tried to maintain their respectable cover by actively supporting charities and worthwhile causes, thereby coming off somewhat more sympathetically than their relentless pursuers. One of the more intriguing aspects of this six-part series was the refusal by the authorites to make any direct reference to vampires; their quarry was always described as "Code 5" or "Leeches." A fascinating blend of traditional British cop drama with Dracula-style melodramatics, Ultraviolet made its Channel 4 debut on September 15, 1998. Hal Erickson

Product Details

• UPC: 660200303426
• Source: PALM PICTURES / UMVD
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Letterbox
• Sound: Dolby Digital
• Time: 6:00:00
• Sales Rank: 8,745

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