DVD In 18th-century Ireland, the law dictated that second sons of wealthy families inherited nothing - unless they could secure an heiress of their own to marry...
Details
During the 18th century in Ireland, it was customary for the eldest son to inherit the entire family estate. Whilst this arrangement suited the firstborn perfectly well, younger siblings were left with little more than resentment. However, there was a solution: marry an heiress. Unfortunately, wealthy unmarried women were not exactly abundant, so the rather enterprising "Abduction Club" was formed to streamline the often long-winded process of courtship.
The Abduction Club sounds far more sinister than it actually is, with strict rules ensuring members do not overstep the mark. A young lady would indeed be abducted by club members, but each suitor was granted only one evening to persuade his chosen heiress to marry him. Should she agree, a priest would be conveniently on hand to perform the ceremony. If she refused, she would be returned home unharmed and with her honour intact. It's certainly not your average Friday night out.
Byrne and Strang are two such hopeful members, and it is their turn to seek a bride. Byrne sets his sights on the beautiful yet strong-willed Catherine Kennedy and sets the plan in motion. However, the abduction does not go entirely according to plan, and both Catherine and her younger sister Anne end up being taken. Whilst the adventurous Anne is surprisingly agreeable to the unfolding events, Catherine is far from impressed and proves a far more challenging prospect.
Nevertheless, Byrne begins the difficult task of winning Catherine over, while Strang is left to keep Anne suitably distracted. Matters are complicated further by John Power, a determined family friend who desires Catherine for himself and is willing to go to extreme lengths - including murder - to secure her hand. Byrne and Strang soon find themselves fighting not only for love but for their lives, just as Catherine's opinion of Byrne begins to soften.
Picture & Sound
The picture is bright and colourful, with a respectable level of detail and an above-average bit rate maintained throughout. On occasion the image can appear slightly grainy, but there are no signs of artefacting or edge enhancement. The print itself is clean and free from noticeable scratches or blemishes. Overall, the presentation is of surprisingly high quality.
Whilst the soundtrack will not put a surround system through its paces, it delivers pleasant atmospheric effects in the rear channels and clear, well-balanced dialogue in the centre channel. Expectations in this department may not be high, but the disc performs admirably all the same.
Menu & Extras
The copy supplied for review was the rental edition, which featured no extras and a static, silent menu. The retail version fares only slightly better, offering a solitary theatrical trailer. Admittedly, the supplementary material is sparse, but given the modest budget of the production, it is perhaps unsurprising that little was invested in extensive bonus content.
Overall
Overall, Abduction Club is an enjoyable Sunday-afternoon style film that can be appreciated by a broad audience. It holds together remarkably well and at times feels akin to one of the many award-winning BBC period dramas - and that should be taken as a compliment to the cast and crew rather than a criticism. The only real drawback is the limited selection of extras, though at its modest retail price there is little cause for complaint.
Perhaps most intriguing is that the story is inspired by real events from 18th-century Ireland. Now, if only I could acquire a country estate, a horse and a suitably wealthy maiden.
Special features
- Theatrical Trailer
