Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov July 11, 2025

"Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series" (1969-1970) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Australian label Imprint Films. The supplemental features on the release include various recent and archival audio commentaries and cast and crew members; recent and archival programs with cast and crew members; promotional and publicity materials; and a lot more. In English, without optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

Note: The text below was first used in our review of British label Network Releasing's release of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series in 2017.

My introduction to Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] occurred only because a couple of years ago I picked up Network’s set of Department S. I had seen different episodes of the latter and liked it, so when the folks at Network put the newly restored episodes of the show’s two seasons in a box set, I ordered it. I had a great time with it. It blends elements from a couple of different genres and has a very heavy retro vibe that I find most attractive in these types of vintage shows. At the same time, Network had also restored Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased], but I was completely unfamiliar with it. I had not seen a single episode of this show, and I did not know if it would be something that I would like. (I have very limited time to view any TV content, so my decision to skip it was very easy to make). However, earlier this year, a friend visited my place, somehow noticed the Department S set, and casually mentioned Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. As soon as I told him that I didn’t know anything about it, he offered to loan me his set, and I accepted. However, I must confess that I wasn’t planning to spend a lot of time with it. At best, I was going to test a few episodes and then return the set to him. On the night when I viewed the first episode, which was so strange that I was instantly convinced I had to see more, I ordered my set of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. This happened in July. It is September now, and last week, I finished the last episode in the set.

Here’s a summation of my experience with Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]:

The first episode, which introduces private detectives Jeff Randall (Mike Pratt) and Marty Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope), and then the latter gets killed, wasn’t a one-off head-scratcher. (And I mean this in the most complimentary way). So, Marty comes back as a ghost and then resumes his working relationship with Jeff, who is the only one with the ability to see him. Not even Marty’s heartbroken -- well, actually not really that heartbroken -- wife Jeannie (Annette Andre) can see her dead husband when he pops up. Much later, efforts are made to reconnect her with Marty, but the entire experiment turns out a lot more complicated than initially advertised, and Jeff remains the main beneficiary of his partner’s surprising resurrection. Needless to say, I quite liked what I was seeing, because each new episode was essentially another wild story with plenty of odd twists and turns.

The crimes that are at the center of most episodes are not just necessary distractions, either, which is why the show maintains a pretty good balance between the supernatural and natural material. I hesitate to say that it remains grounded in reality because of Marty’s presence, but he is basically what skews everything. In other words, there are plenty of legitimate new characters and authentic relationships that prevent the show from entering the same territory that the likes of The Twilight Zone: and The X-Files visit.

How about the quality of the comedy material? I think that it has a ‘swinging’ flavor at times, but anyone expecting it to match the wit and playfulness of the humor that legitimized the likes of Bedazzled and The Party as timeless classics will be seriously underwhelmed. The humor is just one of many layers that give the show its identity.

The twenty-six episodes of the show were directed by Cyril Frankel, Ray Austin, Jeremy Summers, Leslie Norman, Paul Dickson, Roy Ward Baker, and Robert Tronson.

BOX SET CONTENT

DISC ONE

1. My Late Lamented Friend and Partner
2. But a Sweet Little Room
3. For the Girl Who Has Everything
4. A Sentimental Journey

DISC TWO

5. You Can Always Find a Fall Guy
6. Who Killed Cock Robin?
7. The Smile Behind the Veil
8. It's Supposed to be Thicker Than Water

DISC THREE

9. The Trouble with Women
10. Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying?
11. That's How Murder Snowballs

DISC FOUR

12. All Work and No Pay
13. When The Spirit Moves You
14. Never Trust a Ghost
15. Money to Burn

DISC FIVE

16. The Man From Nowhere
17. Vendetta for a Dead Man
18. When Did You Start to Stop Seeing Things?
19. Just for the Record

DISC SIX

20. Could You Recognize the Man Again?
21. A Disturbing Case
22. The House on Haunted Hill
23. The Ghost Who Saved the Bank at Monte Carlo

DISC SEVEN

24. Murder Ain't What it Used to Be!
25. Somebody Just Walked Over My Grave
26. The Ghost Talks

Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films.

In 2017, we reviewed this release of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series which introduced the then-new restoration of the show completed on behalf of Network Releasing. This release brings the same restoration to Australia.

I still think that the entire show looks rather strikingly healthy and vibrant, clearly the best it has ever looked. On this release, its episodes are organized and presented slightly differently -- the original release had only six discs, while this release has seven; plus, each episode can be viewed with original titles, UK broadcast titles, and U.S. broadcast titles -- but I did not see any meaningful discrepancies to highlight in our review. I still feel that grain exposure could have been managed slightly better. However, all episodes still have the same very pleasing organic appearance. Color balance is excellent. All primaries are lush, healthy, and wonderfully balanced with equally impressive ranges of supporting nuances. All episodes look spotless, too. My score is 4.25/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Each episode of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] is presented with an LPCM 2.0 track. Optional English SDH subtitles are not provided.

The overall quality of the audio is very good. However, in a few episodes, like in My Late Lamented Friend and Partner, small traces of aging anomalies can be noticed. The most obvious one is a slight raspiness in the dialog, which I never found distracting. I mentioned in our review of the first British release of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] that this is almost certainly an inherited limitation, and I still believe this to be the case. Dynamic intensity is very good for TV material from the early 1970s. The jazzy music score sounds terrific, too.

Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

NOTE: All supplemental features are perfectly playable on North American 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray players.

DISC ONE

• Commentary One - this audio commentary for My Late Lamented Friend and Partner was recorded by actors Kenneth Cope, Annette Andre, and director Cyril Frankel in 2007.

• Commentary Two - this audio commentary for For the Girl Who Has Everything was recorded by director Cyril Frankel, assistant director Ken Baker, and production supervisor Malcolm Christopher in 2007.

• Mike Pratt Remembered - in this archival program, various people who knew well and worked with Mike Pratt recall their past experiences with him before and behind the camera. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• "The Man in Room 17: How to Rob a Bank and Get Away with It" (1967) - presented in standard definition and featuring guest star Mike Pratt. In English, not subtitled. (50 min).

• Textless Titles - a UK broadcast version.In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Production Footage - presented here is a mute production footage from My Late Lamented Friend and Partner. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. My Late Lamented Friend and Partner
  2. But What a Sweet Little Room
  3. For the Girl Who Has Everything
  4. A Sentimental Journey

DISC TWO

• Commentary Three - this audio commentary for Who Killed Cock Robin? was recorded by director Roy Ward Baker in 2005.

• "Whoever Heard of a Definitive Episode Order?" - this program takes a closer look at the different broadcast anomalies that impacted Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. In English, not subtitled. (14 min).

• "Be My Guest" - presented here is a recent interview with guest actress Jane Merrow (Who Killed Cock Robin?. The interview was conducted in 2024. In English, not subtitled. (8 min).

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. You Can Always Find a Fall Guy
  2. Who Killed Cock Robin?
  3. The SmileBhind the Veil
  4. It's Supposed to be Thicker Than Water
  5. Mike Pratt Gallery

DISC THREE

• Commentary Four - this audio commentary for That's How Murder Snowballs was recorded by writer Raymond Austin and Brian Clemens in 2007.

• "Kenneth Cope: The Ghost Talks" - in this archival program, Kenneth Cope recalls his contribution to Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. There are some particularly interesting observations about Cope's interactions with Mike Pratt and director Cyril Frankel. The program was produced in 2005. In English, not subtitled. (35 min).

• "The Edgar Wallace Mysteries: Change Partners" (1965) - presented here is the complete film with Kenneth Cope. In standard definition. In English, not subtitled. (63 min).

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. The Trouble with Women
  2. Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying?
  3. That's How Murder Snowballs
  4. Kenneth Cope Gallery

DISC FOUR

• Commentary Five - this audio commentary for When the Spirit Moves You was recorded by creator Dennis Spooner's daughter, Elaine Spooner, and television historian Henry Holland in 2024.

• "Titles By... The Story of Chambers & Partners" - this exclusive new video essay was created by ITC Historian Jaz Wiseman. In English, not subtitled. (39 min).

• UK Commercial Break Bumper - music only. (1 min).

• Production Footage - presented without sound.
  
  1. All Work and No Pay
  2. When the Spirit Moves You
  3. Never Trust a Ghost
  4. Money to Burn

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. All Work and No Pay
  2. When the Spirit Moves You
  3. Never Trust a Ghost
  4. Money to Burn
  5. Memorabilia Gallery

DISC FIVE

• Commentary Six - this audio commentary for Vendetta For a Dead Man was recorded by director Cyril Frankel and guest actor George Sewell in 2005.

• "Annette Andre: A Sentimental Journey" - in this archival program, actress Annette Andre discusses her background, career, and involvement with Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. Andre also shares a lot of interesting information about her work with Roger Moore. The program was produced in 2005. In English, not subtitled. (16 min).

• "Gideon's Way: The Nightlifers" - this archival's episode of Gideon's Way features guest star Annette Andre. In English, not subtitled. (59 min).

• Production Footage - presented without sound.
  
  1. When Did You Start to Stop Seeing Things?
  2. Just for the Record

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. The Man From Nowhere
  2. Vendetta for a Dead Man
  3. When Did You Start to Stop Seeing Things
  4. Just for the Record
  5. Annette Andre Gallery

DISC SIX

• Commentary Seven - this audio commentary for Could You Recognize the Man Again? was recorded by assistant director Ken Baker and production supervisor Malcolm Christopher in 2005.

• Commentary Eight - this audio commentary for A Disturbing Case was recorded by actress Annette Andre in 2005.

• Commentary Nine - this audio commentary for A Disturbing Case was recorded by actors Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre and Mike Pratt's son, Guy Pratt, in 2007.

• Commentary Ten - this audio commentary for A Disturbing Case was recorded by director Raymond Austin and Brian Clemens in 2007.

• "Jeannie's Fashions" - this new program with actress Annette Andre was produced in 2024. Andre discusses the various outfits she wore in Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased], as well as the fashion company Cojana that offered to assist her. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• Production Footage - presented without sound.
  
  1. A Disturbing Case
  2. The House on Haunted Hill

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. Could You Recognize the Man Again?
  2. A Disturbing Case
  3. The House on Haunted Hill
  4. The Ghost Who Saved the Bank at Monte Carlo

DISC SEVEN

• Introduction - presented here is a filmed introduction by Kenneth Cope for the final episode of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased], The Ghost Talks. The introduction was filmed in 2005. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Commentary Eleven - this audio commentary for The Ghost Talks was recorded by assistant director Cyril Frankel, assistant director Ken Baker, and production supervisor Malcolm Christopher in 2007.

• "Randall and Hopkirk (Revisited)" - this archival documentary about the production and success of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] was produced in 2007. In English, not subtitled. (40 min).

• "High Definition Apparitions" - a short but very informative recent program about the complete restoration of Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. Before-and-after comparisons are provided. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• ITC Home Video Trailer - a vintage trailer for Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).

• Restoration Teaser - this restoration teaser trailer for Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] was cut in 2017.. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).

• Production Footage - presented without sound.
  
  1. Murder Ain't What It Used to Be!
  2. Somebody Just Walked Over My Grave

• Photo Galleries -
  
  1. Murder Ain't What It Used to Be!
  2. Somebody Just Walked Over My Grave
  3. The Ghost Talks
  4. Publicity
  5. Production Wrap Party

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Book - a 120-page illustrated book featuring an essay by television writer/historian Andrew Pixley and publicity information from the original studio files.

Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Had British label Network Releasing not restored and released Department S: The Complete Series on Blu-ray, I would not have discovered Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series. I like both shows quite a lot, but the latter is so strange that most of the time it is quite simply impossible to predict the antics of its hilarious characters, which is very refreshing to see in a show from the early 1970s. This recent box set from Imprint Films presents the restored Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased]: The Complete Series with hours of excellent recent and archival bonus features, and most likely will remain the last and best home video release of the show. It is Region-Free. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.