I’m not much of a DVD collector, but I like to get a few shows that I really like, especially if they are hard to come by on TV. I’m happy to see that series 2 of Twin Peaks is finally due for a (region 4) release in a couple of weeks but it reminds me of pretty much the only other shows that I could think of right now that I’d like to get (apart from Vol 3 of Harvey Birdman when it turns up) – those are two fantastic dramas which the ABC made in the early 90’s: Phoenix & Janus. Each consisted of two series of something like 13 episodes (rough guess, it was a long time ago). Phoenix series one followed an investigation by the Major Crimes Squad into a bombing that killed a police officer, and series 2 saw the same squad (with a few cast changes) investigate a violent armed robbery and sexual assault. One of the main characters was Sgt Peter Faithfull played by Simon Westaway. I remember it as being essential viewing. Each season had one long story arc and the whole thing was fantastically written and acted, and had a gritty realistic atmosphere that really made it stand out at the time and I have no doubt that it would still stand up today.
Sgt Faithfull returned in Janus which was centred on the court system rather than the police, with most of the action taking place in the courtroom as various members of the Hennessy family were put on trial. I recall not quite being into Janus as much as Phoenix but it was still really top class drama.

I was quite surprised when I did a bit of a search around the ABC & online DVD stores and found that these are not available (well, except for ABC program sales where you can get them for $1100 per season). Have you seen what is available? There are some pretty obscure things easily available these days – I find it amazing that the ABC can’t manage to release a couple of landmark shows in Australian drama. I also find it disappointing since I’d love to watch them again.

So does anyone remember these shows? Would you buy either or both of them?

UPDATE: Some good comments here and here on these series.