The Sweeney: Series Two

50 years after The Sweeney first appeared on our TV screens Old Gold Media is releasing an anniversary edition of this iconic, and now newly restored police drama. The first instalment, on Blu-ray, dropped earlier this year. Now it's time for the second to be released.

The first two series of The Sweeney both ran in their entirety during 1975. The two series are in terms of tone, production values, and writing and acting quality virtually identical. It makes sense that the second volume of discs is similar in content and design to the first. The artwork on both boxes is very much in keeping with the TV show, and the excellent wide screen recreation of The Sweeney's opening titles is used as a backdrop for the disc menu system.

The quality of the restoration here is as good as the first series, you won't be disappointed by it. There are a similar number of commentaries and episode introductions, which are both factual and interesting. The standouts are by the late Lynda Bellingham. There are a couple of interviews and a featurette. The most interesting is the stunt arranger Peter Brayham.

There is one problem with the menu system on both sets of discs. It is still easy to miss the introductions and commentaries. They are accessed from the episode's menu entry after you have chosen play. If you look for them in the extras section you won't find them.

When you think back to your childhood some things - confectionary, TV shows - are remembered with a reverence that maybe they didn't deserve: flying saucers and Charlie's Angels. If you go back to The Sweeney you won't be wrecking any childhood memories. The nostalgia is justified.

Reviewed on: 01 Sep 2025