2 British crime series out on DVD

Two British crime series, "Life on Mars" and "Touching Evil," lead this look at TV shows new to DVD.

"Life on Mars: The Complete Collection" (Acorn, 2006-07, eight discs, $79.99). An American remake followed, but this is the two-season original, a fish-out-of-water fantasy with a twist.

John Simm stars as Manchester, England, police detective Sam Tyler, who is hit by a car and wakes up in the 1970s. Is he hallucinating while in a coma or has he somehow gone back in time? He's never quite sure. But as he works with a homicide team, he must also adjust to antiquated forensics, violent methods of interrogation and life without a cell phone.

Simm is great, equally adept at portraying both a seasoned detective and a bewildered stranger in a strange land — especially when he meets a younger version of his mother. Yes, it's sort of a crime-filled, darker version of "Back to the Future," but no less action-filled and pretty funny at times.

Extras: widescreen, 16 episodes, audio commentaries, documentaries, featurettes, outtakes, trailers

"Touching Evil: The Complete Collection" (Acorn, 1997-99, five discs, $79.99). Robson Green stars in this jet-black effort as a police detective who has been shot in the head and gains the ability to think like the serial killers he tracks down, which leads to unorthodox methods that are not exactly appreciated by the rest of the homicide team.

The entire cast is first-rate, but Green is especially good, taking the cliché of the downtrodden cop with a ruined personal life and giving it a uniquely compelling take. But the show does get creepy and includes some graphic violence and nudity.

Extras: full screen, eight episodes, trailers

"Have Gun — Will Travel: The Fourth Season, Volume Two" (CBS/Paramount, 1961, three discs, b/w, $42.99). Educated and cultured troubleshooter Paladin (Richard Boone) continues to help others as a one-of-a-kind gun for hire in this half-hour Western, which was one of TV's most popular shows during its six-season run.

As always, Paladin looks to help the downtrodden, even if it means going against those who hire him. Guests include Buddy Ebsen, George Kennedy and Western veterans Harry Carey Jr. and Royal Dano. These are also the final episodes to feature Lisa Lu as Hey Girl.

Extras: full frame, 19 episodes