Sensitive Skin - The Complete Seasons 1 and 2 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this dvd series because I so enjoyed Joanna Lumley in AbFab and wanted to see more of her work. Two things struck me about this BBC series: First, this is a realistic telling of what it is like to be in your 60's today. We were "the me generation," it is hard to believe we are in our 60's now--we were important, we set the rules, we partied and we thought we'd go on forever. We still think of ourselves that way. Being 60 today is not like when my Grandmother turned 60. We still drive sports cars, bikes, hike, party, drink, some do drugs, and have sex. Seeing flirting and sexual appetites still strong in people in their 60's is common today--just you wait! The Second thing, I felt was that I really knew these people. Joanna's character's discussions with her halucinatory visitors is typical of someone who is trying to come to terms with getting older. How does it affect me, and how should it affect me? What are the boundaries? How should I be living my life now and how should I represent that. It's totally weird to realize that if you are still waiting for things to happen to you, you have missed most of your life! Mr. Blick, who is writer, director and producer has done an incredible job. He is either 60 or he understands that generation extremely well. This is a wonderful series. The actors are first rate, Joanna Lumley is terrific. When you remember Patsy from AbFab, and see Ms. Lumley in this, you realize what a good actor she is. If you are a fan of hers, grab it.

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Al (Denis Lawson) and Davina Jackson (Joanna Lumley)seem to have the perfect life. At 60, they both look great, enjoy their work (he's a music writer for a newspaper; she works in an art gallery) and having finally said au revoir to their son, are ready to indulge themsleves with a funky centeral London apartment and a retro 70s Silver Shadow Rolls Royce. Still, something, somewhere, somehow doesn't feel quite right. Is it that their 30-year-old son Orlando refuses to acknowledge adulthood? Or that Davina's sister Veronica and her husband Roger intimidate them with their confident grasp of life and comprehensive pension plans? And don't forget the sexual temptation, the professional jealousy and that burning question: is this the life I wanted?

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Torchwood: Children of Earth (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)For the first two series Torchwood was your standard solve the horrible situation of the week series but that all changed with series three. First and foremost, the bigggest difference is that there are only five episodes instead of the usual 12 but that is because all five episodes comprise one mini-series mega event where the BBC showed one episode each weeknight during a single week as opposed to one show a week. Those are the minor technical differences and here are the stylistic differences.
Previous incarnations of Torchwood were a mix of frivolity, political thriller, and science fiction while series three puts the political thriller aspect front and center with the jokes and scifi taking supporting roles. The tone is emotionally taut, psychologically upsetting, and decidedly dark--all perfect motifs for a show designed only for adults. If you are wanting a Dr. Who style trip into the imagination where you get a bit scared but return with a smile on your face this is not going to be to your liking at all because this time Torchwood takes us into a nightmare realm where many of the humans in charge seem more alien and threatening than the actual aliens, who are definitely scary themselves, and that insures you won't return from this journey with a smile unless you're a sadistic freak. Does the darkness overwhelm the show? Not at all! As I said the political thriller aspect is front and center and its pacing almost feels like this is Torchwood 24, especially seeing how each episode represents one day of time so that by the end of this series only five days have passed for the Torchwood crew.
Should you buy Torchwood series 3? Well if you are more of a fan of Dr. Who and only watch Torchwood because it is a Who spin-off I'd wait and watch it as it airs to make sure it isn't too realistic to be enjoyable for you. If you prefer Torchwood over Dr. Who then definitely put your order in as you're not likely to be disappointed with the direction RTD has taken the show this time. Personally, this has been the best science fiction on the small or large screen this year (I haven't seen Moon yet so that could change) and keep in mind I am a huge Trekkie and adored the new Star Trek movie! That's right, a die hard Trekkie said Torchwood series 3 was better than Star Trek the Reboot. Granted, Trek had better blockbuster visuals and space battles but Torchwood, by far, told the better story. I also think the acting was better in Torchwood than Trek although there isn't as big as a distance between the two as there was in plot quality.

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TORCHWOOD:SEASON 3 CHILDREN OF EARTH - DVD Movie

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Father Ted - The Complete Series 2 (1996) Review

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(More customer reviews)TV comedy doesn't get any better than this! Father Ted Series 2 is even better than Series 1. The laughs are unstoppable with episodes like:
...
"Hell" - Father Ted, Dougal and Father Jack go on holiday in a miniscule caravan, only to have it invaded by the hilarious screeching Father Noel (played by So Graham Norton's very own Graham Norton)and his riverdancing youth group.
"Tentacles of Doom" - The Bishops are coming to elevate the Holy Stone of Clonrichert to a level II holy relic and Ted must train Father Jack to say things other than "Feck!", "Drink! and "Girls!". The outcome is ROFL funny.
"Cigarettes And Alcohol And Rollerblading" - Lent has never been scarier! They enlist Sister Assumpta to help them hold their Lenten vows, however Sister Assumpta has different ideas about Lent which include sleeping on bricks, starvation and torture.

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Laugh along with three Irish priests exiled on a tiny island as penance for indulging in their outrageously funny vices in the second series of this comic masterpiece. Hell--It's July and that means it's time for the Fathers' annual holiday. With interesting activities like boiling water and a day trip to "Saint Kevin's Stump", the stage is set for an incredibly exciting two weeks. Think Fast, Father Ted--With the Parish House roof threatening to collapse, Ted convinces Bishop Brennan to give the parish a new car. They plan to raffle it off to raise funds, but when a bit of amateur bodywork goes badly wrong, Ted has to come up with a plan... Tentacles of Doom--The Holy Stone of Clonrichert is about to be upgraded to a class II relic, and Ted is determined that Fathers Dougal and Jack be on their best behavior. But a crisis of faith, a faulty toilet and an overbearing bishop will put them all to the test. The Old Grey Whistle Theft--Following an argument with Ted, an officious picnic area supervisor realizes that his shiny silver whistle has disappeared. As hysteria grows over the breakdown of law and order, Sergeant Hodgins begins to suspect a priest is responsible. Song for Europe--Driven on by his rivalry with Father Dick Byrne, Ted is determined to win the 1996 Eurosong Contest. To this end, he and Dougal "borrow" the music of an old Eurosong contender and enter it as their own. The Plague--Father Dougal is very excited about his new pet rabbit, but Bishop Brennan's arrival may ruin his fun. The Bishop suffers from a severe case of rabbit phobia, so when more rabbits start popping up, the Fathers have a crisis on their hands.

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MI-5, Vol. 6 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Maybe The Best Ten Hours of Spy TV I Have Ever Seen!!! (Maybe the best TV of ANY GENRE!)
I have watched every episode of MI5 available through DVD - the only way U.S. viewers should do it in order to get the whole story. Season Six was riveting beyond any TV experience, including 24, which I have ever seen for this type of show. It was hard to stop watching, and a couple of nights I stayed up way later than I should have because I had to find out what happened next. Every episode flowed into the next to make what, in effect, was a ten hour movie.
One of the major factors that make MI5 so exciting, and probably somewhat real, is that no one, no one, is safe. They may not all die, but the "service" can take its toll in so many ways.
This can be very heartbreaking because another aspect of MI5 that makes it special is the characters. We come to identify and appreciate these folks because they are humanized more than is usually seen in these types of series - warts and all! Far from shining heroes in all their affairs, these spooks make all kinds of mistakes both on and off the job, they lie, cheat, steal, behave badly and come apart at the seams as the stress eats away at their psyches. In other words, they're just like you and me, only with a much tougher job description.
As a result, these all-too-human secret agents don't always win. They get played all the time, especially by other intelligent groups who are supposed to be allies. It is truly a looking glass world. Indeed, this is a major theme of Season Six.
Sadly, as mentioned in other reviews, the relentless action and intrigue pushes the private lives of Adam, Harry, Ross, Jo and others to the side. Unlike earlier seasons, there isn't a lot of down time. They may need to get back to that in future seasons or they risk losing a vital element.
As an American, I am interested in seeing my country through the eyes of others. At first, it came as a surprise to see the anti-American thread in the show, but as the legacy of Bush-Cheney has rolled out over this decade can anyone really be surprised by this? Season Six makes sure we don't miss that point. The season finale, involving two agents facing long torture and horrible death, virtually editorializes this as one of them, not surprisingly, loses their mettle faced with the terror. Despite the agitprop - I agree but it was facile - this was a powerful moment.
This is great television, start with Season One and sleep when you can.


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he award-winning, edge-of-your-seat spy drama is back with another white-knuckle ride through the perilous world of deadly terrorists, international cover-ups and treacherous double-agents. Having survived the bombing of the Thames Barrier, Adam and Ros recover to find London facing an even greater threat. While attempting to thwart an attack that could jeopardise a historic peace accord between Britain and Iran, the team unwittingly unleash a deadly killer. But with a virus that mimics the pneumonic plague, there can be no negotiation. And when Zaf is kidnapped by armed mercenaries, the team realise that in a game of the highest stakes they hold none of the cards. As the stuff of nightmares becomes increasingly real, London faces total devastation...

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MI-5, Volume 3 (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)I had known about MI-5 for almost a year before I decided to fork over the $39.95 or whatever it was for the first season (or as the British say, first "series") box set. Honestly not knowing what to expect, I put on the first episode...and was immediately hooked. If you like your drama complex, with complicated, all-so-human characters (i.e. fallible)who confront conflicts that are never black-and-white but always gray, where the "good guys" are as prone to ethical and moral compromises as great as the "bad guys", then this is the show for you. This is indeed akin to 24 and Alias, genre-wise, but it really bears a greater resemblance to the best shows on HBO like The Sopranos and The Wire, as well as those edgy FX dramas like Rescue Me and The Shield. The series is broadcast on A&E but edited for length, language, and violence. The best way to watch this is on DVD. I bought the season one box set as Christmas presents for two great friends and it took them all of one episode to be as devoted to it as I am. So buy or rent the first two seasons, watch it as quickly as you can (and you will watch it quickly because you'll want to know what happens next to Tom and Zoe and Danny), get this third season, and devote an hour every night until you finish it. Your only regret will be you have to wait for season 4 whenever A&E broadcasts it. It's one of the best shows on television.

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Worlds collide and nothing is what it seems in the thrilling new installment of MI-5. Tom has been branded a traitor and has disappeared, while Harry is in the hospital, seriously wounded. There's dissension in the ranks as Danny and Zoe are determined to clear Tom's name and an enemy they never thought possible has put the entire service at risk. An enigmatic agent, Adam Carter (Rupert Penry-Jones) has been recruited from MI-6 to help pick up the broken pieces but with his track record nobody will be safe.

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William and Mary: Seasons 1 & 2 (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a midwife, I have no time to watch television - but I watched this series, every minute of it - and loved it. It was alternately warm, funny, silly, ridiculous, predictable, not predictable, and wonderful! In addition, with the exception of one very short segment, it portrayed the life of a midwife extraordinarily well. The writing was terrific, and the juxtaposition of Mary's work as a midwife, and William's work as an undertaker, especially in episodes 6 and 7(or was it 7 and 8?!)was brilliant. The acting is great and the characters (okay, Mary's mother is a little overdone!) engaging. The development of the relationship between William and Mary is outstanding, and her portrayal of midwifery noteworthy. I made time to see every episode, and it was well worth it each time -relaxing, fun and touching. My partner liked it, too - when it was all over, he asked if now I would sit and watch 12 episodes of something like "The Terminator" with him - of course, the answer was no! - but he actually was the one who would often say to me, "So, do you want to watch the next William and Mary tonight?"

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William Shawcross (Martin Clunes, Shakespeare in Love, Men Behaving Badly) is looking for love, but few women are excited at the prospect of dating an undertaker. William sees Mary on a dating service video and is captivated - only she's too busy bringing people into the world as a midwife to date someone whose job is to see them out. Julie Graham (Dirty Tricks, Butterfly Collectors) co-stars in this brilliantly written, quirky and often moving British TV comedy about two people tripping down the imperfect path of romance together. You'll laugh, cry and cringe with embarrassment through the six episodes of this complete set!

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MI-5, Vol. 7 Review

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(More customer reviews)MI-5 (or Spooks, its original title) is a long running, award winning British spy series that has enjoyed continued success in Britain and abroad. In the US however, A&E, PBS and BBCA have tried broadcasting the series (seasons 1-4) to universally disappointing ratings. It is no wander though: in order to accommodate commercials, each original episode was mercilessly cut down by a quarter of its running time (from 59 min to 45 min !!!), making it virtually incomprehensible. Thankfully, we have DVD's and can enjoy the series as it was intended! ;o)
Another good news is that Season 7 is the best yet and can be easily followed even without the benefit of the prior six seasons. In episode one we are introduced to a new character, Lucas North, a senior case officer released in a Russian-British spy exchange after eight years in a Russian prison. His story arcs thru entire season 7, though most episodes are self enclosed and deal with subplots relevant to today's viewer. We have nuclear attacks, bank collapse, and the thread of internal espionage (after eight years in Russia, to whom is Lucas really loyal?).
In addition to excellent writing, the series offers inspired casting in lead, supporting and visiting star roles. Mathew Macfayden (Pride and Prejudice), Rupert Penry Jones (Persuasion), Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones Diary), Hugh Laurie (House), Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) are only a few examples. In season 7, the handsome Richard Armitage (Robin Hood, North and South) is Lucas North. It is this actor's charisma as well as the return to Russians as the true and tried "bad guys" that brings new interest to the series.
Interestingly, even though the release date in the US is still uncertain, the set has been available in Australia (Region 4) since April, and will be released in the UK (Region 2) in October. If you want instant gratification (don't we all?), all you need is a region free DVD player.
Enjoy!
BTW: MI-5 is the British Security Service, the equivalent of FBI in the US, I suppose.


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MI-5 Volume Seven stays true to form as the award-winning intelligence drama returns for more highly topical stories with new castmember Richard Armitage (Robin Hood, North and South)! The BAFTA- undercover operations and double-agents, this time with an added danger… a deepening schism with Russia raising new Cold War tensions. Newly free after eight years in a Russian prison, Lucas North (Richard Armitage) is welcomed back by MI-5 supremo and old friend Harry Pearce, who was instrumental in finally securing his release. Lucas is keen to get back to work straight away and, with Section D\'s current priority operation having a strong Russian connection, he could well prove invaluable. But, after eight years with only a high ranking Russian spymaster for company, can Lucas\'s loyalty really be taken for granted?

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Gavin and Stacey: Season One (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Absolutely adore this show. The humor, characters, storyline are all top notch.
I do not think there is someone who can't relate to one of the characters on one level or another. Sitting on the edge of seat for the release of the next season. Please make it soon.

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Gavin is an ordinary boy from England, Stacey is an ordinary girl from Wales. They speak every day on the phone at work, and yet they've never met... until now. But when Gavin and Stacey finally meet and their ordinary worlds come together, we see, through their families, their friends and their differences, that there's no such thing as 'ordinary' after all.

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My Family: Seasons 3 & 4 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I watch My Family on PBS. I decided to go online to see if I could purchase this TV series on DVD from Amazon which I have. I have purchased Seasons 1 & 2 and enjoy them very much. Season 3 & 4 have the charactor Nic on them. The actor who plays this charactor is very funny and entertaining. He is the main reason I watch the series. The other actors are just as wacky and fun to watch. This is a very difuctional and funny family. I give seasons 3 & 4 a thumbs up.

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Item Name: My Family: Seasons 3 & 4; Studio:BBC Warner

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Benny Hill: The Complete Megaset - The Thames Years 1969-1989 Review

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(More customer reviews)I remember, as a kid, trying to stay up late to watch the Benny Hill show on Sunday nights, now I can watch it whenever I want. It's all here from the memorable characters, skits, and sped up action sequences. This is one collection that you will want if you enjoy British humor.

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58 FULL-LENGTH EPISODES. 585 CLASSIC SKETCHES. ON 18 DVDS.The undisputed Funniest Man on Television Benny Hill pioneered a naughty new direction for the sketch-comedy variety show and pushed TV broadcasting to new levels of rowdiness as he electrified audiences all over the world with The Benny Hill Show. This show-stopping collection on 18 DVDs captures every classic comedic moment from the Merry Master of Mirth in his hey day!BENNY HILL: THE COMPLETE MEGASET contains Bennys raucous 20-year reign over televisions-sketch variety genre, from the naughty early years to the debut of the nubile Hills Angels, through the final episodes. Witness the birth of crazy caricatures like Fred Scuttle, Chow Mein, and Pierre de Terre. Laugh out loud as Benny and his bevy of buxom babes flaunt their racy rowdiness and tongue-in-cheek satire in characteristically outrageous sketches like The Little Dimpton Street Party and The Crook Report. These 58 vintage episodes originally aired from 1969 to 1989, contain nearly 600 memorable sketches and deliver a comedy high kick that is quintessentially Benny.Never aired in the U.S. in full-length form, this complete collection of the Thames episodes of The Benny Hill Show presents a rare opportunity to view every saucy, unforgettable moment from one of the most uproarious and celebrated programs in television history.BONUS FEATURES: Bonus Documentary: The Worlds Favorite Clown; The Benny Hill Cheeky Challenge Trivia Quiz # 1-6 ; Liner Notes DVD Insert Booklets; Benny Hill: Laughter and Controversy Episode of A&Es Award-Winning Series BIOGRAPHY; Eddie in August; Featurettes: I Was A Hills Angel, Hills Angels: Off the Record and Hills Angels: In Conversation

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Red Dwarf: Series IV (1989) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I've seen these episodes a countless number of times thanks to PBS and I must say that each season is better to the one before. Although, season III is really hard to top, season IV comes really close! There really isn't much I can tell you about this show if you've already seen the first three seasons. But, I can recomend this and the three before (and two afterwards, once they become avalible) to everybody who a) loves sci-fi or b) everybody who looks British humor (the only REAL sort of humor, if you ask me)

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Boldly going where no one in their right mind would ever go, this hilarious, cult Sci Fi spoof takes you on a joyride three million years into the future.Those ubiquitous anti-heroes of space travel -Lister, Rimmer, Cat and Kryten - are following up their spectacularly successful series I & II DVD's.In series IV, Ace Rimmer arrives from an alternate dimension, Kryten falls in love and Lister's curry tries to kill him in six more slices of classic Red Dwarf chaos.

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Pulling: The Complete First Season Review

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(More customer reviews)This comedy is hilarious. Don't take my word for it. Pulling Seasons 1 and 2 were nominated for BAFTA Awards. The writing is killer, and the acting is fantastic.
It may not have the high (read: moneyed) production values of some of the more lavish American comedies (set in wealthy homes in New York and L.A.) - the world of Pulling is a gritty, realistic world - but this only adds to the brilliance of Pulling and the believability of the characters. I was completely drawn into the drama of their lives, and found myself believing all of their ridiculous, self destructive antics, which is what made it so very, very funny.
Pulling is genius. I can't wait for Season 2 to come out on DVD.

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The Complete Six-Part Season Of The BBC/Sundance Channel Comedy HitIn the tradition of THE OFFICE comes the BAFTA-nominated series that critics on both sides of the Atlantic have called the dark side of SEX & THE CITY and the sitcom for people who hated FRIENDS and everything it represented . Series creator Sharon Horgan stars as twenty-something bride-to-be Donna, who decides to ditch her dull but dependable fiancé during a disastrous bachelorette party. But when she moves in with her two best friends sluttish alcoholic schoolteacher Karen (Tanya Franks) and desperately man-hungry Louise (Rebekah Stanton) she plunges head first into the single girl s real world of public drunkenness, shameful promiscuity, crippling guilt and the tantalizing possibilities of new love. Cavan Clerkin co-stars in this BBC cult sensation that has been hailed as one of the most hilariously dark adult comedies of the decade. Special Features: Audio Commentary (Episodes 1 & 2) A Look Behind the Scenes Interviews with Cast & Crew If You Liked Pulling Interviews with Cast & crew If You Didn t Like Pulling Deleted Scenes

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MI-5, Volume 1 (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)There've been some uncommonly intelligent spy films produced by British television: TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY and SMILEY'S PEOPLE (both starring Sir Alec Guinness as the owlish George Smiley), and THE SANDBAGGERS miniseries. In all three, the agency involved is Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service (MI-6). The operatives are a tweedy lot, and the headquarters, either at the old "Circus" or the more modern Century House, are, like the remains of Empire, comfortably shabby. Thus, it was with some misgivings that I began MI-5, the ongoing glitzy miniseries featuring the SIS's less glamorous sister also known as the Security Service, which like America's FBI, deals with domestic intelligence, anti-subversion and counter-terrorism. The glitz is of Hollywood proportions - almost, for me, an instant turn-off. I'm glad I stuck with it.
The lead "spook" is Tom Quinn, played by Matthew MacFadyen. He runs an undercover operations team, the most prominent members of which are Zoe Reynolds (Keeley Hawes) and Danny Hunter (David Oyelowo). The interior of MI-5's London HQ, Thames House, is ultramodern and high tech; the CIA probably never had it so good. Tom's boss is the hardboiled and sphinx-like Harry Pearce, played by Peter Firth.
Admittedly, I didn't become engaged until episodes three and four, when I realized that the intricate scripts, fast-paced and tautly presented, transcended the glitz. I'm now hooked, and eagerly await the DVD release of the Season 2 episodes in late 2004. My only remaining complaint is the too clever lead-in to each episode which requires excessive button-pushing on the remote to navigate. I mean, just get on with it. Prince Charles will become King in a shorter time.
The storylines are contemporary: embassy take-overs by militant nationalists, insidious plots by Arab terrorists, illegal arms deals by enterprising Russians involving Whitehall cabinet officers, and the occasional appearance of IRA bombers. Gone are the good old days of KGB machinations on behalf of the Evil Empire. The episodes are slickly written with surprising plot twists. And MI-6 across the river maintains a scheming and patronizing presence.
Part of the show's attraction is that it doesn't paint its MI-5 heroes as perfect. They have relationship problems; they embezzle money from the Service; and perhaps have dark secrets in the past that invite blackmail during intra-office power struggles. Why, it sounds like any company I've ever worked for!
The end of the last episode in Series 1 is one of the best I've ever seen. It'll make you think twice before installing that elaborate security system on your house, or at least make you aware of the dangers posed by a small child when catalyzed by chocolate icing.

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Defending their country, deceiving their friends, MI-5 takes us into the secret world of the clandestine UK security service and the people who make up the elite team. This exciting, fast paced drama, full of split screens and technical wizardry, explores the passion, jeopardy and intrigue of people who have to lie for a living and deceive their loved ones about what they do. DVD Features:Audio Commentary:Commentaries on all episodes!BiographiesDeleted ScenesFeaturette:Numerous Behind-the-Scenes featurettes on the making of the programInterviews:Exclusive interviews with the cast and crew!

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Jason King (1971) Review

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(More customer reviews)Jason King was of the classic british ITC series which were popular round the world in the sixties and seventies. During that era there was an ethos within British television that broadcasters should be producing culturally parochial material which fulfilled a public service agenda- much like Hugo Chavez's current media policies in Venezuala. The results were depressing dramas about drunken parents on poor housing estates etc. Lew Grade the Director of ITC was having none of this and he brazenly set about making glossy productions with high production values, attractive actors and actresses and glamerous overseas locations (albeit with the use of stock footage). Lew Grade's aim was always to score a hit in the USA- the biggest tv market in the world. Ironically the USA was usually the country in which these shows were most poorly received.The Muppet Show, Danger Man (AKA Secret Agent), The Saint, The Prisoner and Space 1999 are familiar to many viewers who grew up in that era, but there many other ITC shows worth discovering.
Jason King is a writer who travels the world drinking Champagn, seducing pretty young women and genrally living a decadent lifesyle. The character was introduced in the earlier series Department S where his imagination was used by Interpol to help them solve bizarre crimes and strange unexplained events- much in the manner that the CIA now consult writers and filmakers to dream up potential scenarios which terrorists might use to undermine our security.
Jason was by far the most popular character in that show and when a follow up was planned the rest of the cast were dropped to focus on the life of the character himself. Peter Wyngarde was nervous about this beciuse he thought that his fabulously flamboyant and over the top character was best used in small doses. To an extent these fears were founded because Jason King lacks the pace and dynamism of the earlier show. What we are treated to is the full excesses of Wyngarde and the joys of his wit and screen presence. In one episode he is given a one-way ticket to London by two soviet agents who want him to leave Vienna straight away. King looks at the ticket and drolly remarks that he never travels economy class.
Wyngarde sports the most incredible 70's fashions much of it culled from his own wardrobe- in one episode he gets though 4 different caftans. What will surprise today's viewers is that nobody suspected that he might be gay despite his high camp manner and penchant for leather outfits. This was, however, a more innocent era. Peter Wyngarde is always a fantastic actor to watch and he brings his full charm and wit to this role.
Some episodes are played fairly seriously while others are played very much for laughs. I think it highly likely that Jason King was a major inspiration for Austin Powers.
If you like British shows,camp humour, decadent living and the 1970's then Jason King is for you- and full marks to Image for the groovy cover.

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BEFORE AUSTIN POWERS SWUNG INTO ACTION, JASON KING SET THE STANDARD FOR THE HIP CRIME-FIGHTING INTERNATIONAL PLAYBOY! THE SUAVELY SOPHISTICATED FORMER SECRET AGENT TURNED NOVELIST (PETER WYNGARDE) PURSUES ADVENTURE IN THIS CLASSIC SEVENTIES BRITISH TV SERIES, A SPIN-OFF OF THE POPULAR DEPARTMENT S. SHARE THE EXCITEMENT IN ALL 26 EPISODES OF THE COMPLETE SERIES AS KING, RECENTLY VOTED ONE OF BRITAIN'S 100 GREATEST TV CHARACTERS, TRAVELS THE WORLD SEARCHING FOR MATERIAL TO FILL HIS BOOKS, ENCOUNTERING AN ENDLESS PARADE OF GLAMOROUS WOMEN, EXOTIC LOCALES, MENACING VILLAINS AND DARING INTRIGUE! BRILLIANT ROSTER OF CULT FAVORITE GUEST STARS INCLUDING DENNIS PRICE (THEATER OF BLOOD), FREDDIE JONES (THE ELEPHANT MAN), RALPH BATES (DR. JEKYLL & SISTER HYDE), JULIAN GLOVER (FOR YOUR EYES ONLY), NIGEL GREEN (THE IPCRESS FILE), YUTTE STENSGAARD (LUST FOR A VAMPIRE), MILTON REID (THE SPY WHO LOVED ME), ME ME LAI (THE MAN FROM DEEP RIVER), MADELINE SMITH (LIVE AND LET DIE), TONY BECKLEY (WHEN A STRANGER CALLS), BRITISH TV CELEBRITY FELICITY KENDAL, CLIVE REVILL (THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE), SANDOR ELES (COUNTESS DRACULA), INGRID PITT (THE WICKER MAN), KATE O'MARA (THE VAMPIRE LOVERS), FIONA LEWIS (THE FURY), ANNA GAEL (THERESE AND ISABELLE), ANTHONY HIGGINS (THE DRAUGHTSMAN'S CONTRACT), BURT KWOUK ("KATO" FROM THE PINK PANTHER SERIES), STEPHANIE BEACHAM (TV'S DYNASTY), STUART WILSON (DEATH AND THE MAIDEN), ROY KINNEAR (HELP!), SUE LLOYD (PERCY) AND MICHELE DOTRICE (BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW)!

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Monarch of the Glen - Series Four (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)Monarch of the Glen, having finished as a series in Great Britian, is trickling out slowly on DVD to the States. I have seen the fourth series thanks to our Canadian cousins, and can assure viewers the series continues to feature clever thematic writing to go along with the outstanding cast and unsurpassed scenery. The almost effortless merging of several plot lines continues to move each Episode along. The show's writers have shown a willingness to move the story in different directions, while most of the fine cast of regulars are starting to open out their roles. Particularily impressive has been the symbolic expansion through the wolves project - one does not expect this degree of art from a television series.
Frankly one has to go back to the days of Brideshead Revisited for a television show of such richness.

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As Molly MacDonald comes to terms with becoming a widow, Lexie and the estate employees must come to terms with her new position in life as fiancee of the laird, Archie. Meanwhile, Glenbogle has a new wildlife center -- and the inevitable teething troubles when a wolf goes missing; an interesting love triangle develops between Golly, Irene and Duncan; and Molly and Archie get the shock of their lives when a young man arrives in search of his past. And did we mention that Archie's former girlfriend, Katrina, makes an appearance? This DVD includes all ten episodes from the fourth series.DVD Features:BiographiesFeaturette

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City of Vice (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Koch Vision and BBC presents "CITY OF VICE:COMPLETE FIRST SEASON" (14 January 2008) (236 mins/Color) (Dolby Digital) --- Splendidly acted this drama is unlike any other it make you feel you are part of the mystery as it tells stories of these crimes --- But also has the makings of other crime dramas such as Cracker and Prime Suspect --- Historical true crime series CITY OF VICE pits magistrate Henry Fielding (Ian McDiarmid) and his brother John (Iain Glen) against the teeming criminal underworld of 18th century London --- The five part series follows the duo's attempts to police the city and rid its streets of prostitutes, violent gangs, and bands of thieves is dark and dusty streets and basic poverty --- But this story brought to life Georgian England, it's not your usual period drama.
Under the production staff of:
Justin Hardy - Director & Executive Producer
Dan Reed - Director
Clive Bradley - Screenwriters
Peter Harness - Screenwriters
Justin Hardy - Executive Producer
Lachlan MacKinnon - Producer
Rob Pursey - Producer
Richard Blair-Oliphant - Original Music
Story line set in the late 18th century, City of Vice tells the story of London's first police force the Bow street runners lead by John (Iain Glen) and Henry Fielding (Ian McDiarmid) --- London is a centre for debauchery with pick pockets, thieves, murderers and prostitutes, plus gang warfare combines the excitement of contemporary crime drama with actual historical events, this graphic, five part series follows magistrate and author Henry Fielding, his blind half brother John and the Bow Street Runners on their quest to clean up the streets of 18th century London amidst a population of prostitutes, pimps, gangs and villains --- Was very much impressed by the filming of the streets in that three dimensional dark style, the general Gothic- feel of depressingly, stifling despair is fantastic --- A great atmosphere! --- The two brothers are great actors and fascinating figures representing morality and justice, one Anglican one catholic, one blind one seeing. Great contrasts and characterization --- BBC and Koch Vision release.
the cast includes:
Ian McDiarmid ... Henry Fielding
Iain Glen ... John Fielding
Francis Magee ... Saunders Welch
Steve Speirs ... William Pentlow
Alice O'Connell ... Mary Fielding
Sam Spruell ... Lord Newcastle
Sean Francis ... Daniel Carne
Peter McDonald ... Tom Jones
J.D. Kelleher ... Quin
Ian Peck ... Talbot
Juliet Aubrey ... Jane Fawkland
SPECIAL FEATURES
1. The Making of Vice featurette
BIOS:
1. Ian McDiarmid
Date of Birth: 11 August 1944 - Carnoustie, Tayside, Scotland, UK
Date of Death: Still Living
2. Iain Glen
Date of Birth: 24 June 1961 - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Date of Death: Still Living
Great job by Koch Vision --- looking forward to more high quality titles from the BBC Collection film market --- order your copy now from Amazon or Koch Vision where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch releases --- where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector.
Total Time: 236 mins on DVD ~ Koch Vision KOCV-6534 ~ (6/10/2008)

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In the mid-eighteenth century London's perilous streets were overrun by notorious gangs, prostitutes, pimps and corrupt night watchmen. Out of this dark underworld, emerged two Westminster magistrates - novelist Henry Fielding (Ian McDiarmid) and his blind half brother, John (Iain Glen). These unlikely crime-fighters organized the infamous Bow Street Runners and introduced law and order to the crime-riddled city. Combining the excitement of contemporary crime drama with the detail of actual historical research, this graphic, five-part series tells the true story of London's first police force.

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Fanny Hill Review

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(More customer reviews)Although John Cleland's 1748 version of "MEMOIRS OF A WOMAN OF PLEASURE" was written while in prison for debt and subsequently banned in Britain for over 200 years because of its sexual theme, it has been filmed several times since the obscenity ban in the U.S. was lifted only in 1966.
What is often overlooked because of the scandalous controversy of the source material, is the drama, wit and charm and especially the feel good ending of the episodic melodrama itself.
This new to DVD version won raves when it was originally broadcast. The Times (UK) called it "Beautiful, sensual and extremely witty."
Screenwriter Andrew Davis, lauded for his sexy adaptations of classics like "Brideshead Revisited," "Pride and Prejudice" as well as pop fiction bestseller "Bridget Jones's Diary" does not shy away from keeping the sexuality at the forefront of Britain's first erotic novel.
Fanny -- newcomer Rebecca Night -- shines in the title role. And we believe her as she relates her journey from wholesome innocent to worldly wise woman. In a nutshell, the story is her journey from orphaned country girl virgin to London prostitute under an infamous madam. In order to survive, she enthusiastically takes a series of lovers while somehow protecting her heart for her true love.
Beautifully photographed with wonderful period detail, the overt atmosphere of ever-present sensuality is still eye-brow raising but necessary for the tale. Without the nudity and strong sexual scenes the story would not be Fanny Hill's.
James Hawkes' direction is smooth and he makes Rebecca Night's transformation from dewey country girl to wise but not hard-hearted woman believable.
This fable resonates on a lot of levels -- it's not about the beauty of prostitution and [...] with a heart of gold, but rather that anyone can be redeemed.
Extras include Behind the Scenes footage, interviews, previews etc.

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A bawdy romp based on the 18th-century erotic classic Screenwriter Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bleak House) brings all of his sly, stylish wit to this adaptation of 18th-century Britain’s most notorious novel. With a mischievous glint in her eye and plenty of knowing winks, Fanny relates her journey from wholesome naïf to worldly woman. After losing her parents to smallpox, the poor country girl travels to London, where she falls into prostitution under the guidance of an infamous madam. Forced to take a series of lovers to survive, Fanny learns to relish sensual delights -- but reserves her heart for her one true love. Showing a playfulness that matches her beauty, newcomer Rebecca Night sparkles in the title role. Samantha Bond (The World Is Not Enough), Alison Steadman (Pride and Prejudice), Philip Jackson (Agatha Christie’s Poirot), and Hugo Speer (The Full Monty) join her in this unabashedly sexy tale of one woman’s appetite for independence and pleasure. DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, biography of screenwriter Andrew Davies, and program previews.

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