Probably the best of the BBC/PBS G&S series
929884
It is really hard to add anything to L. E. Cantrel's excellent and comprehensive review from 2008!  Really I just want to add my four stars to the overall rating.  It's not a brilliant production, but it manages to fit in almost all of the songs (and comes with a libretto, which helps when the diction or sound aren't perfect).  It's certainly better than most of the other productions in the BBC/PBS series, which are often very curtailed and embarrassingly bad. The introductions by Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. are almost superfluous, but to my surprise I found the other obligatory celebrity appearance, Keith Michell as the Grand Inquisitor, very enjoyable.
4877566
A History of Britain is an excellent series hosted by Simon Schama, one of the more erudite (if slightly uncharismatic) figures on today's BBC, but as I saw these DVD's I kept feeling as if I'd seen a longer version sometime in the past. Maybe not, but if so, I wish that one was on sale out there. As for what is what in this noteworthy showcasing of times past on northern Europe's second greatest island, I found this a comprehensive, interesting, broad-based coverage of a subject that has engrossed me for most of my life. Beginning in the pre-historic past, continuing up to near present times, and giving us the expected as well as the atypical version of the who, what, when, why, and how from England's dramatic history, Schama is throughout a likeably unintimidating presenter who makes time to discuss the impact Britain's history has had not only on the British but on their neighbors in the outer world. Schama charmingly interjects with bold comparisons and statements now and again that jolt a viewer's attention in a "Did he truly just say that?" fashion. (Some examples: "When the young Henry VIII was in the room, you could smell the testosterone in the air..." "At his funeral the mortal remains of the corpulent William the Conqueror exploded in his casket...") While the telling of the history of England has already filled miles of volumes and legions of videotape, this visually-striking inclusion in among the existing lot is a welcome one, since it entertains and educates, and does it with admirable British lan.
4440994
Still the best thing PBS has done, even in its 4th season.  The images, story lines and superb acting make it a compelling show.  Must see TV!
4190865
I have not read the Elizabeth George books, but as a big fan of PBS's Mystery! the Inspector Lynley mysteries are among my favorite.

Although these mysteries are set in the present day, the beautiful English countryside and the nature of the characters will inspire a familiar fondness for those of us who grew up reading Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes.

Season 3 brings additional depth to the characters of Lynley and Havers.  Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Smalls are perfectly cast, and the relationship of their characters keeps many viewers tuned in.  Overall I preferred the stories in season 3 to some of those in season 2; however, it is useful to view the series in order.

My main complaint with these episodes is that we only get 4 of them in a season.
1795583
This was a great series; sorry it lasted for so few years.  Except for "Oreilly Ace of Spies" It's the only video I've ordered. When this series appeared on PBS I never missed an episode. I used it as a guide for leading my curmudgon (spelling?) life.  If you could view one episode you'd buy the series.
338385
I'm a devoted "Downton Abbey" fan suffering through the hiatus and thought "The Pallisers" could help fill the gap. Oh, it did, it did - and then some. The well-written series is not only a good story about a fascinating family living in a fascinating period, it's also a good (painless) education in how the British parliament (and connected society) actually work. The production values are tops, even though it was made in 1974 - good, deep color, good sound (except when I trip up on those English accents and idioms), gorgeous costumes, fine acting. I enjoyed the series so much that I immediately watched it for a second time! The series comes with a companion pamphlet reader, and I recommend the viewer read the first 8 pages before watching the series. It's a good idea to read the Glossary of characters and terms after each episode, to reinforce your memory of each character (just read the ones you've seen to avoid spoilers). I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys and appreciates a good BBC series and likes the feeling of not only seeing a good show, but also learning something valuable at the same time. (Now I'm eager to re-read the Anthony Trollope books that are the basis for this series.) Note: I bought this series for about $42 during a special sale. I advise waiting for a similar sale.
2540151
Completely hooked on this series and MUCH more reasonably priced than PBS
1439124
Well done dvd with several extra features.  What's to say but I am as solidly hooked on the Downton Abbey series as I was on Upstairs Downstairs in the 1970's.  I've seen every episode on PBS and enjoy watching them again on dvd.  It's highbrow soap opera at it's best!  The Christmas episode with it's many open threads for next season is always anticipated.
1303656
My wife and I are fans of British mystery and drama and continue to be amazed how we can overlook for such a long time such treasures as this BBC series of Bleak House. This 15 part series which is available on three discs immediately captured our imagination as we started watching it.

The screenplay by Andrew Davies, based on Charles Dickens novel, compelling captures the dark side of London and the callous indifference to the value of human life exhibited by many during the time of the story which has been estimated to be around 1827. Mr. Davies, who also did the screenplay for BBC's version of "Pride and Prejudice" which featured Colin Firth, provides a solid foundation for excellent acting by many familiar British actors.

My wife especially found the occasional loud sounds which seemed to announce a change of scenes to be annoying; I jokingly referred to them as chapter headings in bold font. The sounds didn't bother me although they were sometimes rather jarring I'll have to admit. Other than that rather minor point I found the entire series to be captivating; we sometimes felt a driving desire to continue to the next episode and found ourselves spending more time than anticipated watching the series because we were really curious as to what would happen next.

This BBC production combines good writing and acting resulting in a powerful story. I highly recommend Bleak House to all who appreciate British mystery and drama.
568239
PBS has gifted us with some marvelous programing from England but this one, is for me, the best of them all. The changes shown as the years progress, the finely drawn characters are wonderful.

I've bought some very good programs from Amazon but none have been as enjoyable as this one. I love every episode and look forward to the next one with great anticipation.
2075617
episodes are ligh years ahead of the previous series 'Supercar', and 'Fireball XL5'. In glorious color too. Wonderful characters and marvelous stories. Great for young kiddies and middle-aged people alike. What I love the most is that they are not 'over the top' with technical gimmics (guess they did not have too many back then), like that 'groan' over-used 360 degree slow-motion pnaing the bullet through the air (enough said)--Highly enjoyable and it's flaws add to it's wonderful charms--not pristine, not clinical mega produced hype--just good clean
2373371
Poldark is one of the bbc's most popular shows ever. It's a great show set in the cornish coastal areas during the late 18 th century. The great news is that the picture quality is excellent.  In fact the show was shot as all bbc shows were on film for the outdoors footage and video tape for the indoor footage. And unlike many shows from this period the show looks fantastic. The bbc managed to perserve this one unlike many shows from this era which were wiped from tape forever.  The acting is outstanding and the shows story is very engrossing based on some fine novels. It has two series out there adapting the books and this is why you need to watch both series.  another good fact is that unlike many shows from this era that there are no distortions in the remaining prints. Many shows from then will have these video defects as the bbc had to hunt down copies after they wiped many shows made from 1935-77, before people stopped them!  So thankfully this one was saved from erasure and will live on in this fine dvd. there are some defects in the film section but hardly a problem unlike lets say some bbc shows that are just destroyed basically.  Poldark has romance and struggle and period customes galore. Men can enjoy this as much as the ladies as the dashing poldark tries to do the right thing usually in a bad world. And it was a brutal time for most people in cornwall or the uk even in the 1700's.
1963730
This mini-series is one of the best I've seen in acting, performance, music and scenery and the best version of Pride & Prejudice available.  It is well done from start to finish and every minute of the 6 hours is necessary to tell the whole story.  I recently saw the 2006 big screen version with Keira Knightley and while it was good and she did a fine job acting, the movie was very rushed.  They jammed far too much material into the 3 hours but left out parts that needed to story to flow better.  I like the A & E version much, much better and it still has fine acting and captures the essence of the book and also captures that time period in England extremely well.
2574907
It's nice to know the BBC is at least paying attention to some of the things their customers want.  Thank Heaven they've been releasing 'ALLO, 'ALLO! on a pretty regular basis.  Now, let's just hope they do the same for WAITING FOR GOD.

I'm really looking forward to series five of this show.  Whether there's going to be any bonus material included in this series remains to be seen, but even with out it, it's still a great watch.

The cover art for volume one of the series is a great tribute to the late actor Jack Haig, who sadly passed away on 4 July, 1989.

I also like the fact that the price is going to be much lower thn we first thought.

The one thing I don't like about the bonus material for the series thus far is that they include cast bios in every series.  There were nine series in all, so in my opinion they should have waited until the end of series nine to include them.

I also don't like the fact that series four had no bonus material at all.

Other than these small complaints, I think this is a fantastic addition to anyone's collection of British comedies.
34039
You can't go wrong with Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Hugh Laurie, or Kate Winslet!!! This may be the best version of "S&S" ever. Definitely a must-buy for those who love British acting!
3683949
As with all the positive reviewers mentioned, I find this TV series to be among the most intriquing and satisfying BBC mystery shows I've ever watched.  Intellectually written script, wonderful dead-on casting particularly with Shaun Evans and Roger Allam in the lead roles, great acting, and detailed period staging make this series a truly engaging masterpiece.

In my view, one of the most brilliant factors that sets this series apart from all the rest of mystery/detective series that I've seen so far is the stunningly beautiful, sensuous, and poetic cinematography that renders the tone of the stories that are infused with great Classical, 60's Pop, and funky Jazz music.  The well-integrated cinematography and music alone give this series the first-rate ART FILM quality, which draws quick attention and keep audience engaged throughout the episodes.

I am really looking forward to watching the Season 2.
2611067
My wife and I watched this excellent series on BBC 2 when we were living in London for a couple of years recently.  It's absolutely superb.  Essential viewing for anyone with an even passing interest in the British Isles (lots of Irish stuff too).  Makes you want to get up and drive, or now fly - over there and check out the amazing ports, cliffs and islands.  We will be buying this set as soon as it is available.