The Staircase

I watched all 6ish hours of this documentary in one day. There went that Sunday. The thing I found fascinating is how often my allegiance switched to/from the defendant, Michael Peterson. I can't even think of a person in my real life who comes even close to this man's personality.Peterson's team gave the documentary crew unrestrained access to Peterson, his legal team, Peterson's home (the crime scene), his family and all points in between. The Prosecution also gave access but, as the case wore on, the access to the prosecution became less and less.Michael Peterson is the proverbial onion. Layer upon layer and, as each is peeled away, you're either for him or against him, it's fascinating. He comes across as thoughtful, intelligent, homely but, you can't help feeling there's something bubbling under in there, almost sociopathic. The kind of person who believes their own lies and lacks empathy for others. Maybe I'm being harsh but ...His wife was discovered, by him, lay in a pool of blood at the bottom of the stairs. She's still barely alive as Peterson calls 911 and by the time help arrives she's dead. Pretty straightforward right? Well, no. Way too much blood, way too many lacerations to the head. Something doesn't add up and the state files a murder charge. So starts the investigation and the trial.More and more elements about Peterson come into play as his defense team prepare their defense. How about Peterson, while based in Germany, was the only other person and, therefore, the last person to see alive, another female found dead at the bottom of a staircase? Coincidence ? Tough one to swallow. This is just part of the astounding nature of this case. One after another after another curve balls thrown at the defense that they bat away as best they can.You'll find yourself riveted for the duration and switching allegiance just as I did. There's something about Peterson that you just can't put your finger on. I keep using the word fascinating as that truly is the best way to describe this documentary and Peterson himself.

If you like this kind of thing, you'll love this. By "this kind of thing," I mean true crime stories. This is an 8-part documentary of an actual murder case, largely seen through the point of view of the defense team, but including significant excerpts from the trial as well. All done with no narration, and no sensationalist reenactments-- you're just watching actual footage of the participants. Including, in the 8th and final episode, the actual verdict. If you're used to fast-paced American cable TV type true crime stories, you'll find some of this slow going. But if you're like me, you'll find it riveting. If you watch it, I strongly suggest not reading anything else about it -- most certainly, don't "Google" or "Wiki" the case to find out what happens. There are a number of surprise revelations throughout the episodes that kept me engaged. AFTER (but only after) you see all 8 episodes, it is quite intriguing to search the 'net for further info on the case, alternative theories, etc.

A careful and patient unfolding of the story that parallels what it would have been like for the participants in real time. This results in some jaw dropping twists so watching 'The Staircase' you realise why the producers saw the potential for the story to be made into a serial. I love the artful storytelling, I'd seen this years ago on TV and loved it but hunted the DVD up as I'm now showing it one episode a week when our family get together for Sunday dinner == it's a big hit.I'm very grateful I saw this version first. I've seen it told several times since in the more traditional 1hr format e.g. on Dominick Dunne's "Power, Privilege, and Justice" but like with "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" the slow reveal style is far better.

I came here from the MFM podcast because I was interested in learning more about this case. This documentary is pretty long and filled superfluous details. It's also pretty clearly leaning towards the idea that Michael didn't do it and it feels like it's pushing that pretty hard.Overall not terrible, but I did get bored several times.I think I was hoping it would be a bit more like forensic files. Oh well.

Not a huge "true crime" fan , but this is an eye opening look into a court case with amazing access to the defendant, the lawyers and the family as they though the entire court process. You get to see their feelings as all the "twists" come out and how they need to prepare a defense in the face of all the evidence. I finished the 8 part series in 2 days. It's about 6 hours total (8, 45 min episodes).

Wish it had the last episode where he got his new trial! Only disappoint, but it was a big one. Great documentary otherwise

I found this eight-part series intriguing. As the story unfolds, mainly through the eyes of the accused, author Michael Peterson and his defense team, the more fascinating it becomes. Did his wife fall down the stairs or did he kill her? As more and more information is uncovered, fact really does seem stranger than fiction. I couldn't wait for each episode on TV.

A good documentary series. I didn't think it was quite as good as some of my friends who recommended it, but if you like documentaries, like me, you'll enjoy it.

Excellent DVD et très bon prix. Envoyé très rapidement à l'Espagne. Merci.Je ne sais pas pourquoi je dois mettre autant de mots. J'ai dit tout ce que j'ai à dire, mais je ne peux pas évaluer ce produit à moins que j'écris ces mots - fou!

Love this series. A "true crime" mystery of the highest order. The only difficulty is that "staircase 2", episodes 9 and 10 are presently hard to get. Hopefully all 13 episodes will be available soon. This set only has episodes 1-8. You'll love it.

A must see

Exactly as promised and delivered quickly.

Un documentaire de tout premier ordre pour une histoire époustouflante...On assiste à des rebondissements qui nous tiennent en haleine...Quand la réalité dépasse la fiction...