JS:NP should have been filmed first, but it wasn't, so we'll have to deal with it. I recommend watching this first, and then JS:SC. One of the reasons, is the character of Abby explained, and it seemed awkward with her demise in the first movie, while I was watching her in the second.

Another big bonus about Jesse Stone: Night Passage, is the abundance of well-known and proven actors. This made for a pretty good second installment. Actors such as Saul Rubinek, Stephen McHattie, Mike Starr, and Stephen Baldwin make for a solid television performance.

There's a scene where Luther 'Suitcase' Simpson (Kohl Sudduth) is fine-tuning his rifle with Jesse Stone at a firing range. In this scene, they seem more comfortable around each other than the first film. This is yet another paradox with a prequel movie using actors from the first, because you get inconsistencies. In the prequel, everyone interacts better, but in Jesse Stone: Stone Cold, they don't blend as well.

Overall, I give Jesse Stone: Night Passage a higher rating than the first film. It was tough because of the serious issues with a prequel movie and a major character who was killed off, but as state above, watch this movie first, then Jesse Stone: Stone Cold. The performances were significantly better for all the characters, and this will make each Jesse Stone installment, more enjoyable.

The Audio

• Dolby Digital 5.1 seemed typical for a drama, and was mostly beneficial during musical passages within the movie. Once again, I really like the theme music which is carried over from the first film. For those who live in other countries or are fluent in French, Portuguese, or Thai, you also have Dolby Digital 5.1 available to you. This is a nice addition to a DVD, and I rarely see such an offering.