Eclipse Series from The Criterion Collection has been released sporadically since 2007 - 41 releases in total with 2014 only bringing us 2 sets - Late Ray  in January and Kinoshita and World War II being released in December. The lack of releases in this series lets us highlight worthy sets that we might have missed in the past, like Eclipse Series 25: Basil Dearden’s London Underground reviewed here. One of the drawbacks for these sets is lack of high definition presentation on disc in region 1 when they are available in HD on Hulu or released in other countries on Blu-ray, like Les Misérables in France or many Aki Kaurismäki films in Finland or Victim from this set released by Network in UK in July. Nevertheless, this set collects 4 feature films by Basil Dearden shot in and around London in late 1950's-early 1960's. All films complement each other, especially comparing the social commentary of Sapphire (1959) and Victim (1960) or interracial relationships in Sapphire and All Night Long (1962) - just three years apart, something controversial in 1959 is treated as a matter-of-fact in 1962. And finally there is a heist romp The League of Gentlemen (1960) with excellent cast and very engaging story. All around, there is really no weak link in this set.

4 films are presented in 4 slim cases, each film taking its own disc. Sapphire and All Night Long discs are single-layered while The League of Gentlemen and Victim are dual-layered. All 4 films are presented in their original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, so you get black bars on all 4 sides. Sapphire - the only color feature in the set - looks the weakest, mostly due to drab colors. The progressive transfers has little damage, but the contrast is strong. All 4 films feature mono soundtracks - no damage or distortions and jazz score of All Night Long is loud and clear. The lone extra is very informative liner notes by Michael Koresky. This set is highly recommended presentation of some of the best, but underrated British movies in one package.

  - Gregory Meshman