The DVD Review

WATER RATS Series One 3 Disc Set 

Kaleidoscope Film. Out now to buy. 

Kaleidoscope brings us a slice of classic Aussie TV with it’s release of season one of mid 1990’s cop show Water Rats.

The Water Rats are the coppers who are based in and around Sydney Harbour (so you can guarantee the series will look good) tracking down the crooks who use the waterways of Sydney for nefarious deeds whether it be gangland killings, drug smugglers or just simple boating accidents the Rats are there. Blessed with a very high quality cast that includes Colin Friels, Catherine McClements and Jay Laga’aia Water Rats is an entertaining series full of action and adventure.

Friels plays Detective Senior Constable Frank Hollowat, a real wharfie, a man who in the best Jack Regan style of policing acts first and thinks later, he spends much of the series at odds with his boss, divorced single mum Rachel Goldstein (Catherine McClements). Laga’Aia plays Tommy Tavita leader of the boat crew whilst others involved include Sophie Heathcote as the very rich Senior Constable Fiona Cassidy and Brett Partridge as Senior Constable Gavin Sykes, a country boy trying his luck in the city. 

Originally seen on Channel 9 and with a behind the scenes crew that includes the legendary writer Tony Morphett and producer Hal McElroy and with the series all being shot on film you know you are in for a slice of quality viewing.

Extras come in the form of commentaries on selected episodes by Catherine McClements and Peter Mochrie.