Description

One of the best comedy series ever to emerge from England, Black Adder traces the deeply cynical and self-serving lineage of various Edmund Blackadders from the muck of the Middle Ages to the frontline of World War I. In his pre-Bean triumph, British comic actor Rowan Atkinson played all five versions of Edmund, beginning with the villainous and cowardly Duke of Edinburgh, whose scheming mind and awful haircut seem to stand him in good stead to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury--a deadly occupation if ever there was one. Among tales of royal dethronings, Black Death, witch smellers (who root out spell makers with their noses), and ghosts, Edmund is a perennial survivor who never quite gets ahead in multiple episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (110)

"Or Else I'll Cut off Your Head..."
I have for many years been a fan of British television comedy. Among one of my favorites is the hilarious historical series, featuring the Black Adder. I don't think there has ever been on television such a cunningly nasty, yet funny character, as the Black Adder. The series, created by Richard Curtis, (director and writer of Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, etc.) has concieved a brilliant concept of taking one main character and showing us his family tree in a variety of historical lifetimes.This character is brought to life by Rowan Atkinson ("Mr.Bean", "The Thin Blue Line") probably one of the funniest comedians in all of British televison.I don't think there has ever been a character on TV, who is so cunningly clever and nasty, yet so gut breakingly funny.In the four incarnations of the series, we see various Black Adders, as a cowardly Duke in the Dark Ages, a Lord trying to curry favor in the court of Queen Bess, a butler during the Regency era and finally as a career soldier during WWI. In each series, Atkinson gives the Adder his nefarious qualities, yet changes him slightly pesonality wise, to make him somewhat different from the previous ancestor.Atkinson is backed up in all the series's titles by a variety of superb, actors (who have also made thier mark in other films and TV) such as Tony Robinson, Miranda Richardson, Hugh Laurie, Tim McInnerny and Stephen Fry. These actors bring to life a group of nutty characters who are constantly bedeviling the Black Adder by either driving him crazy or putting him in some sort of hilarious, life threatening situation. My favorites include Tony Robinson's brain dead, Baldrick ("I have a cunning plan...") and also Miranda Richardson's maniaclly insane, Queen Bess ("I'll cut off your head..").These four series, plus a 1999 movie ("Black Adder Back & Forth"), have now been put together in a five DVD box set entitled, "Black Adder - The Complete Collector's Set". It also includes a variety of special features including, extra episodes not part of the original series ("Black Adder's Christmas Carol") plus interviews, silly sing-a-longs and character information. If you are a Black Adder addict or aficionado, then this box set is well worth the expense and will give you hours of fun, as you re-experience this luney history lesson.

Black, cynical and absolutely deliciously funny
This DVD series contains the complete collection of Black Adder TV episodes, made by the BBC. Black Adder aired as four individual series of six episodes each: The Black Adder, Black Adder II, Black Adder the Third and Black Adder Goes Forth.

Black Adder stars Rowan Atkinson, an absolute comic genius who is also the star of Mr. Bean. The screenplays were written by Richard Curtis (Mr. Bean, Not the nine o'clock news) and Ben Elton - possibly one of the funniest modern writers.

In the first series, Rowan Atkinson plays a weak chinned, effeminate heir to Richard, Duke of York. Set in medieval England, we are introduced to two of the most often recurring characters in Black Adders live(s) - Percy and Baldrick. Lord Percy is an eager to please, high strung dolt. Baldrick, an filthy peasant that is under qualified to be the village idiot, acts as Black Adder's golfer. Although funny, the first series may miss an American audience with some of it's historical references.

In the second series, Black Adder's next descendant is no longer heir to the throne but remains one of Queen's dearest friends. Set in Elizabethan England, we get to follow Black Adder as he plots to carouse, fornicate and steal his way to pleasure. Even funnier than the first series, Black Adder gets far more clever. We are also introduced to two additional, recurring characters - Melchett and Flash. Melchett is a pompous, over bearing palace sycophant and Flash is fast moving ladies man with more than just a sword hanging between his legs.

Black Adder's fortunes have considerably fallen by the Third Series, where he is now serving a butler to the Price Regent of England, the stupidest man in the land. Again, the clever Black Adder schemes to raise himself at the expense of everyone around him. Other great English comedic actors Hue Laurie, Robbie Coltrane and Tim McInnery all make appearances.

In the fourth and final series, Black Adder finds himself caught on the front lines of World War I. Trying to eke out a comfortable existence without being sent out on a suicidal charge against the Kaiser, Black Adder's fourth series is somewhat reminiscent of Mash. Without all the nice doctor's off course. This series has the "crudest" humour of all.

Black Adder is undoubtedly one of the funniest English comedy series ever made and well worth owning.

As funny as a very funny thing
The series takes you on a tour through british history in the company of the Edmund Blackadder line. The first series around the time of Macbeth upon which it based. This is the most slapstick of series. In the next series we are brought forward to the court of Elizabeth I. The addition of Ben Elton to the writing team moves the scripts toward more verbal word play and humour thereafter.

A couple of specials are included in the collcetion. A brilliant lampoon of "A Christmas Carol" and a rather weak "Time Machine" spoof "Back and Forth", where they revert to slapstick and the writing is not as keen. This is a minor wrinkle as overall the series is a comic masterpiece. Well worth it.

One of the Best
I once asked the writer Douglas Adams ("Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy") if he had anything to do with these series, and his response was, "No, but they're all friends of mine." That explains a lot right there.

I first saw this series on PBS, and it absolutely floored me. The humor is razor sharp, the dialog fast and funny. The first series is a little weaker in this regard, but very, very funny in a way different than the later series. The fourth, in my opinion, is the weakest of the bunch, too ofter falling back on gross out jokes, but even that is better than a lot of other stuff coming out of the BBC. The Christmas Special is outstanding.

Keep an eye out for an appearance by Tom "Dr. Who" Baker as an insane legless ship captain in the second series. It was a testament to his performance that I, a big fan of his best known role, did not recognize him after having watched the episode about five times... until someone pointed him out to me. The Blackadder series are graced with a great supporting cast, including Brian Blessed, Miranda Richardson, and a number of other actors of whom you may never have heard, but should get to know.

If you are turned off by cynical humor, this show is not for you; but for anyone else, it is absolutely worth checking out.

A must have collection for any Black Adder fan
It's all here. Not only the four full seasons, but the Black Adder Christmas Carol, the Cavalier Years and the Black Adder Back and Forth special.
Rowan Atkinson is perhaps best known as Mr. Bean, which is a shame because this is far and away his best work. The Black Adder character gives full expression to his comedic timing, subtle mannerisms and comic voice. Much, much credit must go to writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton for putting a situation comedy in historical eras and including some of the cleverest put-downs you'll ever hear. They also create some of the most engaging characters ever to grace the small screen. Besides Edmund Black Adder himself, there is the unforgettable Baldrick played by Tony Robinson, always in the subservient role, always the
butt of innumerable jokes, always lovable. Other memorable characters include Miranda Richardson as Queen Elizabeth I in Black Adder II and Stephen Fry as General Sir Anthony Cecil Hogmanay Melchett in Black Adder Goes Forth and Tim McInnerny in a variety of roles.
With just six episodes each season there was no fear of the series ever getting stale, indeed therein lies the only complaint I have about the Black Adder series, there should have been more.
The DVDs have a few particularly worthwhile special features. My favorite is the historical guide in which narrator Robinson explains some of the obscure historical references or fills viewers in on the real people and events depicted, even owing up to the shows exaggerations or slights. One of my favorite aspects of the Black Adder series is that along with many hearty good laughs I feel I'm getting a history lesson in the bargain.
Thank goodness a DVD collection worthy of the great show is available. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

The best of one of Britain's best comedies
"Black Adder VI: Black Adder goes forth" is the best of the British comedy that takes satirical swipes at various epochs of history; Medieval (I), Elizabethan (II), Georgian/Regency (III), and finally, in this fourth series, World War I. In each series stars Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson, in what is possibly his best performance), who is sharp of intellect, corrupt and conniving. In each "resurrection" through these ages, he is accompanied by the dimwitted Baldrick (Tony Robinson).

While the first series is weak, the ensuing three are excellent, and the fourth is my particular favorite. Accompanied by his incompetent subordinates, the eternal Baldrick and the good-natured and stupid, although surprisingly talented George (Hugh Laurie), Blackadder spends most of his time attempting to evade going out into the field against the Germans (as it meant certain death). Thwarting Blackadder's goal are the loud, dimwitted General Melchett (Stephen Fry) and his "office boy", the waffly Captain Darling (Tim McInnerny), who is Blackadder's enemy. The anti-war message in this particular series is clear and poignant, exposing the futility and inefficiency of the first world war.

The series is absolutely hilarious, and each episode is excellent. Rowan Atkinson is stellar as always, but I particularly enjoyed the performance of Hugh Laurie as George. The actor is most-often cited for his performance as the prince regent in Blackadder III, but in my opinion his George in Blackadder IV is his best moments. His bumbling character, a foolish young man related to the aristocracy who clearly could not profit from attending even the best schools in Britain, is both amusing and endearing, with many little touches (such as his talents in painting and acting) which lend him more depth and personality than the prince regent character. Also of special note is Tim McInnerny's performance as the nervous, semi-neurotic Captain Darling. The ongoing hostility and verbal bickering between him and Blackadder provide for many amusing moments, and his incompetence and frustrated attempts to get the upper hand on Blackadder ultimately results in an odd sort of sympathy for him. One senses that his life never amounts to more than the dry, petty details of his officework, and like the rest of the characters he appears to be somehow trapped and powerless against a monstrous, inescapable situation greater than himself. Finally, for the persons familiar with the second series (Elizabethan era), there is the gratifying return of "Bob" and the indomitable Captain Flasheart, in a longer and even funnier appearance than his role in the second series.

In summary: Highly recommended series- A+

Simply wonderful
The 'Blackadder' series is without a doubt the most wonderful comedy series of all time, in my opinion. Captain Edmund Blackadder joined the army before any wars were fought in his time, never dreaming that he would go to war. Now, he's stuck in the trenches with the intellectual Baldrick (Lowest of the animal kingdom) and George, who wants nothing more to jumps over the top and get shot to death by machine-gun fire. Featuring a few guest stars, the most memorable of which is the very cool Lord Flasheart. Wuff-wuff! Very nice. Blackadder is not very keen on going over the top and dying, and so in each episode he attempts to escape going over the top, not very well aided by George. Kevin Darling, Blackadder's enemy, is determined to stop him, and walrus-face General Melchett is no help either, sending Blackadder to go into the middle of battle and paint the Germans, and his grand plan is to kill everyone except for General Melchett, lady Melchett and their pet Tortoise, Alan.

But the best thing about Blackadder is the message that it was utter suicide, sending people over the top to meet their doom, and the pointless slaughter of so many men was because of simple foolishness. In the last episode, Blackadder, Baldrick, George and even Darling go over the top. There are touching moments, such as Darling wishing he'd have made it, wishing he'd marry Doris and settle, Baldrick just wanting to say no, and George wanting to go over the top, but changing his mind, and being scared that he is about to be killed. Blackadder, who has been bitter and cruel and sarcastic to Baldrick and George, reveals that he does, very deep down, like them, saying a very memorable line the second before they go over the top, 'Good luck, everyone'

The screen fades to a field of poppies, and the Blackadder series, along with all it's characters, disappear forever.

"We're in a field of mushrooms?"
As a long time fan of the Blackadder series, I feel confident to rank "Goes Forth" as second only to the third series. The comedy is more visceral rather than cerebral in "Goes Forth", which is not necessarily a bad thing, but over time, some jokes do tend to wear as thin as the canned laughter.

The Western Front 1917 - Blackadder has been reduced to the ranks of Captain in the British Army. Of course, he joined when it was little more than a travel agency for men with overactive libidos, and when the type of enemy favoured were peace-loving pygmies armed only with sharp fruit. He really does not care for this soldering business anymore since everyone seems to get killed in the first fifteen seconds of battle by machine gun fire. Yes, he's not all that keen on going over the top. So with a cunning plan or two from his batsman Baldrick and the assistance of the quite possibly inbred Lieutenant George, each episode he desperately attempts to avoid yet another offer to have his brains blow out for Britain courtesy of General "Insanity" Melchett. Naturally, hilarity ensues, with trials of treason (for shooting Melchett's own carrier pigeon, Speckled Jim), flights of fancy which turn quickly into distinctly boring situations (i.e. landing behind enemy lines), and a chance to get to know a pretty nurse are just some of the stickiest situations Blackadder finds himself in since Sticky the stick-insect got stuck on a sticky bun.

Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, and Stephen Fry all reprise their roles from previous seasons (Baldrick, George, Melchett respectively). Tim McInnery returns once again to the series, though not as Percy, but as the equally annoying Captain Darling. Miranda Richardson (fondly remembered as the egregious Queenie from the second series) makes a guest appearance in General Hospital, where Blackadder finally wins her heart only to have their affair end in tragically comic circumstances! Keep an eye out too for Gabrielle "Bob" Glaister, Adrian Edmonson, Rik Mayall, and Geoffrey Palmer who also appear in guest roles. And if you couldn't guess by the fact his face and name are on the cover, Rowan Atkinson returns to his greatest role as that Black-something-a-rather-guy.

My only complaint about this DVD, is the distinct lack of special features - no commentary, no biographies, no interviews, no...anything actually. Unless of course, you, like the BBC, consider scene selection a special feature, you won't find enough special features to cover a small water biscuit. Quite a shame really, as I'm sure all fans would like at least some insight into the making of the show, the writing process, rehearsals. I can only assume that either none of the team was interested in talking about the show, or that perhaps they had no say as to the production of the DVD.

That aside, this DVD is essential viewing and purchasing for any fan of the series. As highly recommended as a highly recommended thing that's been highly recommended.

Wonderful British Comedy at its Best!
This is a hilairious series! Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Laurie and Tony Robinson are great in the lead roles. Their quirky adventures with Captain Darling and "Walrus Face" Melchett are wonderfully funny! There is a bit of a weak episode when they learn to fly, but "General Hospital" is undoubtedly the best of the series and more than makes up for it.

Terrible Canned Laughter
This was a wonderful series, but the canned laughter on this DVD is not the same as when broadcast and absulutely awful. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
When I watch BlackAdder I, I say this is the Best of the BA series. Then I watch BlackAdder II, and I say this is the Best of the BA series!

So I once again say, this is the best of the BA series! And I REALLY mean that! I think III is just a cut above the rest, because not only is Rowan Atkinson at his best, Hugh Laurie as the Prince Regent is an equal match so you have the two of them pushing each other.

In Dish and Dishonesty - Edmund see his chance to make the move from Prince's Butler to a MP by staging the elections. The episode is sidesplitting.

Ink and Incapability - Edmund wants to become a writer, but runs afoul of the first English dictionary

Nob and Nobility - The French are revolting - no they ARE really revolting and it sets the Stage for of lot of master of disguises

Sense and Senility - The Prince regent becomes enthralled of acting and pulls the whole household into it, having Edmund to recruit two actors to be the Prince's coach.

Aim and Amiability - the Prince Regent has over spent again, so Edmund must play matchmaker to find the prince a rich bride, only both sides are hiding things

Duel and Duality - The Price makes a mistake of romancing the Duke of Wellington's daughter and now it's 20 paces at dawn...unless Edmund can think of something to stop it.

Baldrick is back and Edmund's dogsbody and manage to steal the scenes! Look out for the Turnip!

The Heart of the Blackadder Series
As very much not a fan of Rowan Atkinson, I am always surprised how incredibly hilarious this series is. Black Adder III, however, is the cream of the crop for only one reason: Hugh Laurie. The man is a genius; I can say no more, watch an episode and see. From squirrel-hating transvestites to a puerile adolescent Prime Minister, there's something strangely believable about the absurdities in this Black Adder. And for anyone who knows English history and literature, there are tons of little jokes that you can will enjoy understanding when no one else does.

Screamingly funny
One of the funniest things I have ever seen on the screen. Taking place in a more recent historical context and having been a history major helped me "get" some of the jokes that only those in the UK might have appreciated in the earlier series'. Much better than Blackadder 1 and the equal of Blackadder II in that Rowan Atkinson's wit is honed to a razor sharp edge throughout all the episodes. I leant this to a friend of mine and she literally threw up laughing. It's too bad most American still think British humor ended with Monty Python and quote it ad nauseum when Blackadder lurks in the corridors.
"Look behind you, Mr. Caesar!!!"

"Sod off."
I have only seen episodes from this and the first Black Adder series. I must say that I think this is much funnier and more light-hearted than the first series. The first series (1983) does have it's moments but suffers from unfunny serious moments and an ultimately unlikeable and annoyingly voiced Black Adder (Rowan Atkinson). It does grow on you though, especially if you love British humor. You may want to own the entire series; if not for the consistent laughs, then for the originality. Anyway, this, the third series (1987), set in England (1768-1815) finds Edmund Black Adder as the butler of George, the Prince Regent. Baldrick again plays servant to Black Adder. This series, like the other three, consists of 6 episodes. The episodes you get here are "Dish & Dishonesty", "Ink and Incapability", "Nob & Nobility", "Sense & Senility", "Amy & Amiability", and "Duel & Duality". DVD is the best way to own this collection (but you already knew that, right?). The set of 4 DVDs can be bought individually or as part of a 5 DVD set including a special, "Black Adder: Back & Forth" (aired in 2000), interviews, and other goodies. I am not sure if "Black Adder's Christmas Carol" (1987) is included on this DVD, but it is in the boxed set. One of my favorite episodes in this volume is "Ink & Incapability" where the Prince decides to "partonize" Dr. Johnson's dictionary, which took him 10 years to complete. Baldrick accidentally uses it as kindling and Black Adder feels he must try to rewrite it all in one night. One of the best aspects of this series is the witty dialogue. This is from the aforementioned episode:

Black Adder: "Baldrick, believe me, eternity in the company of Beezlebub and all his instruments of death will be a picnic compared to five minutes with me - and this pencil..."

At your service
Black Adder stars Rowan Atkinson, an absolute comic genius who is also the star of Mr. Bean. The screenplays were written by Richard Curtis (Mr. Bean, Not the nine o'clock news) and Ben Elton - possibly one of the funniest modern writers.

In the third series, Rowan Atkinson plays a bitter, frustrated butler to the stupidest man in England - which is saying a lot since Baldrick is still around.

The six episodes in the series are:

1. Dish and Dishonesty - Edmund proves that politicians don't have to rely on issues when the lone voter can tragically cut his head off while shaving

2. Ink and Incapability - Black Adder is forced to re author the first English dictionary over the week end to avoid being skewered by a man whose sword is as mighty as his pen

3. Nob and Nobility - the French revolution is on and Mrs Miggins is busy serving suspiciously shaped sausages

4. Sense and Senility - the Prince Regent decides to be an actor, but Edmund pulls the curtain on his plans

5. Aim and Amiability - in order to keep his master, and thereby himself, in the lifestyle to which they have been born, Black Adder tries to secure his boorish boss a new, wealthy bride.

6. Duel and Duality - after a brief tryst with the Duke of Wellington's daughters, the prince regent may have finally gone too far

Series II and III are definitely the best of Black Adder. The others are funny, but these truly shine ... Read more

Reviews (4)

THE FIRST SEASON WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST......
The original "Black Adder" is one of the marvels of contemporary TV comedy (actually, it's now 21 years old). Brimming with imagination, intellect, and that irresistible grotesqueness known as British humor, it has everything going for it. For whatever reason, star Rowan Atkinson decided to quit writing his own material after this series (he relinquished that chore to upstart Ben Elton, whose name--at least in my book--will live in infamy as the man whose scathing 1986 critique of the great Benny Hill helped trigger the demise of the latter's classic sketch series.....it's never good form for one comic to criticize another).

But the present DVD's a wholly different ballgame. The premiere episode in particular is itself worth the price: apart from the title character here being almost as mentally inept as his erstwhile assistant Baldrick, it features the incomparable Peter Cook as a murdered nobleman whose severed head comes back to haunt the twerpish Edmund Blackadder; many series fans are turned off by the visual unbearability of the gory humor. MY constitution's robust enough to withstand it. Indeed, it's an awful pity those cheapos at the BBC cut the series' budget after the first year, forcing all episodes to be videotaped on the same set, episode after episode. Here the combination of interior AND exterior shots provide the necessary variety. (Funny thing--great as British comedy is to many of us Americans, it was ironically their style of TV comedy that led to stateside TV comedy's artistic downfall, with loads of visually stagnant fare.)

Never mind: Here's one of the supreme treasures of boob-tube comedy.

He has a cunning Medieval Plan
Rowan Atkinson is one of Britain's most beloved comedians, but it is with the tales of the BlackAdder he shines most. This is the first series of tales that start in Medieval times and correct the "mistaken point of history", such as who really killed Richard III. This is the complete Medieval arc with all 6 tales.

The Foretelling tells how Richard III did not really die on Bosworth field, and Edmund Blackadder's father rising to be King. However, three witches mistakenly tell Edmund he will one day be King, so he set off to make this happen.

In the second episode - Born to be King - he plots to expose his brother Harry as being born out of wedlock, believing his father is already dead and he will then be crowned king. Instead, of exposing his brother, he finds out there is a question about his own birth.

In Episode 3 (one of the most hilarious) - The Archbishop - the King decides he need someone as Archbishop to stop people from leaving their worldly wealth to the church. He figures Edmund is just the person to be his handpuppet. Only, two Knights Templar over hear a conversation about Becket and think the King was Edmund killed.

Episode 4 - another riot called - The Queen of Spain's Beard - The king decides Edmund, no longer of use as ex-archbishop, he can marry a foreign princess in order to strengthen England's alliance. She is far from idea in Edmunds eyes and he goes to various extremes trying to rid himself of her.

Episode 5 is called - Witchmeller Pursuivant - The plague is start to rear it's head, and with it the Burning Times. And Edmund instead of being closer to the throne is suddenly accused of witchcraft - and his horse, too.

The series closes with the last episode - The Black Seal - In a last determined effort, Edmund does what he must to be crown king....

They are so funny with a super supporting cast. They are British Comedy at it's best.

At last! At last!
Finaly its made it to region 1 dvd, after getting a sneak preview of this title from a friend with a region 4 version of this disk i couldnt wait to order the complete set on DVD. Perhaps the funniest, wittiest and blackest comedy to ever hit television in the world!! watch and fall for the charactors who get funnier and funnier with every episode and series (maybe not the last millenium show though!). For all those who havent seen this series. Watch it!! The best thing to come from Britian since fried chips!!

Black Adder gets medieval
Black Adder stars Rowan Atkinson, an absolute comic genius who is also the star of Mr. Bean. The screenplays were written by Richard Curtis (Mr. Bean, Not the nine o'clock news) and Ben Elton - possibly one of the funniest modern writers.

In the first series, Rowan Atkinson plays a weak chinned, effeminate heir to Richard, Duke of York. Set in medieval England, we are introduced to two of the most often recurring characters in Black Adders live(s) - Percy and Baldrick. Lord Percy is an eager to please, high strung dolt. Baldrick, an filthy peasant that is under qualified to be the village idiot, acts as Black Adder's golfer.

There are six episodes in the first series:

1. The Foretelling - a lone horseman, cursed with a bad haircut and a large codpiece, races to battle after sleeping in. After three cases of mistaken identity, the wrong king is crowned, the enemy escapes and three witches fortell of Black Adder's rise to the crown.

2. Born to be a King - the cowardly Black Adder must plot against a barbaric Scottish cousin in order to keep his holdings amidst a cast of leaping rabbi's, a eunch's feast and the death of a pharaoh.

3. The Archbishop - Archbishops die fast and often in Medieval England. So it is perfect obvious to Black Adder that his pious brother, and rival to the throne, desparately needs the job

4. The Queen of Spain's Beard - international treachery gives Black Adder a chance to press his shriveled little body against some of Europe's most eligible princesses.

5. Witchmeller Pursuivant - a bit of black death is in the air, but that's not what is threatening to kill Edmund Black Adder

6. The Black Seal - thwarted for the last time, Edmund sets forth to find seven evil men and fulfill the witches prophecy ... Read more

Reviews (6)

better than Blackadder I - and is no small feat!
This series of episodes has the decedent of the first Edmund Blackadder in Elizabethan times. Atkinson, quite dapper in his beard, is still plotting with a lot of cunning plans to further his lot in life with the decedent of his friend Percy and his Dogsbody Baldrick. This time Edmund is up against Queen Baby who borders on nutso, with nursey at her side.

These episodes 1 - Bells finds Edmund employing a new servant named BOB - much to Baldrick's distress. Just as things seems to turn out all right in comes FLASH his best man and complicates all.

Episode 2 - Head - Queenie appoints Edmund Lord High Executioner and she keep his hopping with "off with their heads" only Edmund gets a little ahead of himself and lops one head too many

In Episode 3 - Potato - Edmund is furious that Sir Raleigh has returned and curries favour with Queenie, so he Percy and Baldrick set out to find the new world...but they bring back something rather different!

Episode 4. Money - has the Bishop of Barton Wells after Edmunds for money owed, only Edmund does not have it and is dashing about madly to get it before the Bishop gets out his hot pokers

Episode 5 - Beer - is one of the best of the series - Edmund has
his uncle and aunt - religious people - coming for supper. But the Queen has Edmund in a drinking contest with her PM. Add an oddly shape turnip in to the mix and the Goblin song and it is riot!

Episode 6 - Chains - has a mad German master of disguise trying to rule the world. He kidnaps Edmund and the PM, and the Queen can only ransom one....

A side-splitting great time!

The Best of the Black Adder Series.
"I am the Queen of England. I may have the body of a weak and feable woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a concrete elephant." "Prove it!" "I most certainly will. First, I am going to have a little drinky-winky and then in the morning I'm going to have you all executed." Miranda Richardson as Elizabeth I is in my opinion the best part of all of Black Adder. At first I though she was being a bit annoying but when she came the lines above, the only thing to keep me applauding her was the fact I was in the room alone. Black Adder is one of Britain's best and this is certainly its best season (though one of the best parts of the series is the way they rewrite history and I think season one probably did the best with that aspect). The only thing I found disappointing was that Queeny didn't actually behead everyone in the last episode.

Great Series...Great Extras!"
It's all been said before...this IS one of the funniest series ever to come out of Britain....FAWLTY TOWERS is probably the best. The second and third seasons are truly hillarious with "...Goes Forth" close behind. The first season, I thought, was pretty flat...and Brian Blessed's infernal screeching voice was headache inducing. It is worth noting that the Black Adder II DVD has some neat extra features including a thing I had never seen before called "Black Adder, The Cavalier Years" which has Edmund Blackadder protecting Charles I from Oliver Cromwell's men only to end up as his executioner instead....despite Baldrick's "cunning plan". It's a slightly shorter episode then the rest but very funny. Highly recommended.

Best British series EVER!!!!!!
Black Adder is without a doubt the funniest series to have ever come from England - yes - funnier than Monty Phython!!! Although I have never been a fan of Mr Bean - Rowan Atkinson proves his comedic genius in this, the best of the Adder seasons. However, it does help to have SOME knowledge of the time period in which this series takes place.If you are new to the Black Adder, I recommend this series as a great starting point.

Black Adder meets Elizabeth (the virgin?)
Black Adder stars Rowan Atkinson, an absolute comic genius who is also the star of Mr. Bean. The screenplays were written by Richard Curtis (Mr. Bean, Not the nine o'clock news) and Ben Elton - possibly one of the funniest modern writers.

In the second series, Rowan Atkinson plays a clever palace courtier in Elizabethan England. Sometimes favourite of queen and scourge of his rivals, Edmond parties in merry olde England.

The six episodes in the second series:

1. Bells - Served by a dungball in a dress and accompanied by a dimwit that he can't seem to shake, Black Adder finds himself strangely attracted to his new servant - Bob

2. Head - Newly appointed Lord High Executioner - Edmund Black Adder - finds himself in a bit of pickle when his decides to cut short on his chores and executes the wrong man.

3. Potato - Not to be outdone by the pompous and boring Sir Raleigh, Black Adder sets out to find the new world and ends up drinking his own urine

4. Money - An angry bishop with a red hot poker tries to collect on Edmunds debts

5. Beer - Juggling dinner with his puritan relatives while conducting a drinking game works fine for Edmund, until someone discovers an oddly shaped turnip

6. Chains - A crazed master of disguise, with an awful german accent, threatens to ruin Black Adder's whole life ... Read more

Description

Episodes: Dear Sexy Knickers, Our Figures Are Slipping, Camping In. The incredibly popular misadventures of the Grace Brothers department store begin with three classic episodes: Dear Sexy Knickers, Our Figures Are Slipping, and Camping In. ... Read more

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Attention shoppers! Your favorite dysfunctional sales staff is back with more mischief, more hilarity and more hair colors! Join Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Lucas and the rest of the gang as they make shopping at Grace Brothers the comic experience of a lifetime. The staff has been hard-at-work polishing and pressing these six classic episodes: The Junior - Strong Stuff this Insurance - The Apartment - Mrs. Slocombe, Senior Person - The Hero - Anything You Can Do ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"once used by a lot of soldiers"
--Mr. Harmon's perceived reading of Mrs. Slocombe's medical report.

Of the DVDs in the Season 6-10 boxed set of the AYBS? series, volume 9 is the best. It contains six episodes--and all six are winners. In The Junior, the staff must choose an applicant to fill the space left by Mr. Tebbs' retirement (at first, a junior position as Mr. Humphries and Mr. Lucas were to be promoted). The funniest part of this episode is when one of the applicants bears a little too strong a resemblance to Mr. Humphries who remarks "We don't want people like that working here." In this episode, Alfie Bass as Mr. Goldberg is introduced. Of the three characters who tried to replace Mr. Grainger as the senior salesman, Goldberg was the only one that worked. Mr. Tebbs seemed like a cheap imitation of Grainger and Mr. Klein was so unmemorable, you almost forget he was there. Goldberg, however, provided a spark and, right away, gets "up the nose" of Col. (oops, Capt.) Peacock with memories of their army days.

In Strong Stuff This Insurance, the staff must undergo medical exams for a pension bonus plan. The guys get caught with their pants (and everything else) down and the staff mistake Mr. Harmon's reading of appraisals of Young Mr. Grace's antique furniture for their medical reports. In The Apartment, Mrs. Slocombe finds squatters in her new house and must spend the night in the store. Due to a transport strike, she gets many visitors, including Mr. Humphries who she tries to put the moves on! Mrs. Slocombe takes over Mr. Rumbold's position in Mrs. Slocombe, Senior Person (the temporary promotion does not go to her head as much as it did Mr. Grainger, when he once got the position). In The Hero, the staff (and the store) find out Capt. Peacock has a boil on his "bum." They try not to be "cheeky" about it but, when word spreads, Peacock finds himself scheduled to box Mr. Franco in sports who first revealed the "misfortune" (played by wrestler Jackie "Mr. TV" Pallo). Finally, the staff takes over the canteen for a day in Anything You Can Do and, for once, seem to work well together. If you are unsure about getting the Season 6-10 boxed set, volume 9 represents the best of the last half of the series. ... Read more

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Episodes: Big Brother, His and Hers, Cold Comfort. A choice selection of three episodes: the staff puts on a show when security cameras are installed, sales plummet when the pretty perfume girl gives away too much, and the fuel crisis has staff relations heating up. ... Read more

Description

Attention shoppers! Your favorite dysfunctional sales staff is back with more mischief, more hilarity and more hair colors! Join Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Lucas and the rest of the gang as they make shopping at Grace Brothers the comic experience of a lifetime. The staff has been hard-at-work polishing and pressing these six classic episodes: The Agent - The Punch and Judy Affair - Is it Catching? - A Personal Problem - Front Page Story - Sit Out ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"We haven't taken one solitary P"--Capt. Peacock on sales
Volume 10 of the Are You Being Served? set (also available in the Seasons 6-10 boxed set which any fan should own) is an interesting set of episodes. It includes the last two shows with Mr. Lucas and Mr. Goldberg (The Agent and The Punch and Judy Affair), the first episode with Mr. Grossman and Mr. Spooner and the only episode featuring both Young Mr. Grace and Old Mr. Grace (Is It Catching?). The episodes, however, are mediocre at best.

"The Agent" is good as it features Mr. Goldberg (the best of the Mr. Grainger replacements) as an employment agent who works to find new jobs for Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries at one of Grace Brothers' biggest competitors. Although I find it repetitive, "The Punch and Judy Affair" is a fan favorite (it is also Trevor Bannister's favorite). The staff put on a life size Punch and Judy show as a way to make amends for crossing the company picket line. In "Is It Catching?" Mr. Humphries contracts Marine's disease and the staff is forced into quarantine. This episode is rather silly. "A Personal Problem" has Mrs. Peacock working as Mr. Rumbold's secretary to make Capt. Peacock jealous. Peacock must find out if she is playing games or is really attracted to that "bald-headed, jug-eared twit" and ends up on the ledge of Rumbold's office window to find out what's going on (or off). "Front Page Story" had interesting possibilities as Mr. Humphries becomes editor of a company gossip paper, but the opportunity for a controversial story on the store's canceled bonuses turns into a beauty contest to try to swindle money out of Old Mr. Grace. Miss Brahms refuses to compete so Mrs. Slocombe represents the department in sexy attire causing Capt. Slocombe to ask, "Would you like to tell the judges your name and what planet you come from?" Of course, it will be someone else from the ladies and gents department winning a weekend on Old Mr. Grace's boat due to an innovative ploy. Finally, in "Sit Out" threats to relegate the ladies and gents department to the basement cause a protest on the roof.

This DVD is not the best of AYBS? If you are a big fan of the series, get the boxed set so that you have everything. If you are a casual fan, I recommend volumes 2 and 1 in that order and, for the latter half of the series, volumes 9 and 11. ... Read more

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Episodes: 50 Years On, Oh What a Tangled Web, Forward Mr. Grainger. Three favorite episodes: Mrs. Slocombe hints it's her birthday and everyone's guessing which one, Captain Peacock's acting very strange around Mr. Rumbold's secretary, and a promotion for Mr. Grainger goes right to his head. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Happy Birthday Dear Er Er"
As relatively weak volume 4 in the AYBS? set is, volume 5 makes up for it big time! Fifty Years On is hilarious. It is Mrs. Slocombe's birthday, and the staff must find out her age and first name. The scene where Mr. Rumbold gets the staff together to rehearse their rendition of "Happy Birthday" is one of the funniest of this long-running series. Some of my favorite episodes of AYBS? are the ones that feature Capt. Peacock's womanizing reputation, and Oh What a Tangled Web has tales of Peacock's "blow tickler" and Mr. Rumbold's secretary flying around. The ending of this episode is rather weak, but, as a whole, it is still one of the best.

In Mrs. Slocombe Expects, the staff try a new sales technique suggested by Young Mr. Grace where they pretend to be customers to attract sales. And then there is the "expectant mother." Mrs. Slocombe can find homes for 6 but "anymore than that will have to be drowned in a bucket." The staff find themselves in the toy department in A Change is as Good as a Rest. It is refreshing to see the gang on a new "sales floor." The one episode of this set that is a little dicey is The Father Christmas Affair. Here, Mr. Grainger, Mr. Humphries, and Mr. Lucas rehearse an Al Jolson "Mammy" minstrel. There is also a surprise at the end which may offend some people. Still, this episode has one of my favorite AYBS? lines. Mrs. Slocombe tries out for the Father Christmas job by stating: "I will ask you to remember that Parliament has passed the sexual relations act which states that women are just as good at it as men and, what's more, they should be paid the same for doing it."

This excellent volume, as well as the other volumes in this series, are also available in two boxed sets, both of which I highly recommend. ... Read more

Description

Attention shoppers! Your favorite dysfunctional sales staff is back with more mischief, more hilarity and more hair colors! Join Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Lucas and the rest of the gang as they make shopping at Grace Brothers the comic experience of a lifetime. The staff has been hard-at-work polishing and pressing these six classic episodes: Memories are Made of This - Calling all Customers - Monkey Business - Lost and Found- Goodbye Mrs. Slocombe - Grounds for Divorce ... Read more

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Includes episodes: New Look, Christmas Crackers, No Sale, Top Hat and tails, Forward Mr. Grainger and Fire Practice ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Weak as water, the whole lot of you"
The editorial description above is actually listing the episodes in volume 11 which can also be found in the AYBS? Seasons 6-10 boxed set. Volume 4 is also available in the Seasons 1-5 boxed set--both sets I highly recommend.

AYBS? is one of my favorite sitcoms, but this particular volume does not showcase the best this long-running series had to offer. Of the six episodes in volume 4, the best, by far, is Forward Mr. Grainger where Mr. Grainger takes over for Mr. Rumbold and all the power goes to his head to the point where he fires his long-time nemesis Mrs. Slocombe. Rarely has the Grace Brothers staff seemed so happy to see Mr. Rumbold than when he returned to relieve them of Grainger's reign of terror. The rest of the episodes are mediocre at best.

We never see the "Great Gatsby" promotion in New Look. It ends with just a silly dance routine. There are more dance routines in Christmas Crackers and Top Hat and Tails, the latter of which seems a pointless show where the staff learns to ballroom dance for a company competition. The scene where the staff suffers through the customary company Christmas lunch and the funny costumes they wear makes Christmas Crackers worth the time. No Sale is one of the better episodes in this set. Here, Mr. Rumbold has the staff opening earlier (8:30 am, which doesn't seem THAT early) to improve sales. Seeing that the strategy is working, the staff sabotage their sales techniques so the early opening will not continue. The worst of this set, though, is Fire Practice. The first part of this episode has the staff trying to accommodate a group of Arabs. I find this scene to be in very poor taste for its racist undertones. AYBS? was an excellent series, but this batch of episodes makes for a poor sampling. If, by rare chance, you have not seen this British comedy before and want to give it a try, opt for volume 1 or 2. ... Read more

Description

The Blackadder cast returns after a 10 year absence for this special.The new 21st century Lord Blackadder and his scabby, but loyal, servant Baldrick wreak havoc as they tumble through the past in a time machine, with disastrous consequences. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Cute, But Is It Worth the Price....?
Being a longtime fan of Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder, I snapped up this DVD as soon as it was released. Considering the vast amounts of extras most DVD's have, I generally avoid buying ones that aren't loaded with hours of viewing material. However, seeing that the box said the program was 55 minutes long, and knowing it would NEVER show up on TV, I figured what the hell.....

The actual content itself is about 31 minutes long, with an 18 minute long "Baldrick's Diary" (Which is really a making-of featurette), some witty "Who's who in Blackadder" Bios narrated by Actor Tony Robinson, and 5 minutes of Historical tidbits touching on spots visited by Blackadder & Baldrick during the "Film", also narrated by Robinson. There's also some trailers for other BBC DVD's.

The Film itself is more like an episode of the series writ somewhat larger; A modern-day Blackadder and his manservent Baldrick use a home-made time machine to visit various spots in history. The usual suspects return, including Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Miranda Richardson. There were a few chuckles, but no real laughs until the end-credits song. Hardly worth the price, especially since the description on the box seems to imply that the actual movie is an hour long, not that EVERTHING on the disc equals an hour. Blackadder completists will certainly buy it, and enjoy it, but it should have had either more content or a lower price point....

Flogging servants: once just a hobby, now a motion picture
Don't be teased: BACK AND FORTH isn't a fifth series of BLACK ADDER. It might be CALLED "BLACK ADDER V", but it's no such animal. It's a special, one-off film, much in the tradition of BLACK ADDER'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Like that predecessor, it takes the basic BLACK ADDER elements and uses them to its own purposes.

If this were truly the fifth series of BLACK ADDER, we'd expect to see the familiar cast of characters put in a single time period for a few episodes of mirth in the context of that time. Instead, perhaps inspired by Rowan Atkinson's own trip in the TARDIS, this is BLACK ADDER meets DOCTOR WHO.

The comedy, here, comes from sending Blackadder and Baldrick on a search for historical artifacts in a faulty time machine. As might be expected, they can't quite work the controls, so they go through the titular "back and forth" movements through time, meeting up with familiar faces from the series' (and Britain's) past.

It's great fun--much, much better than A CHRISTMAS CAROL at making multiple time zones work. Heeding the rampant criticism of A CHRISTMAS CAROL's "future" scene, writers Curtis and Elton have Blackadder only barely venturing into the future, here. Happily, they place Blackadder firmly in the past, with a wider range of actual historical (or at least legendary) figures than ever before. Blackadder's sharp criticism of historical greats like Shakespeare, Wellington, and Robin Hood will leave you laughing. But the best part is perhaps the ending, which holds unique satisfaction for long-time BLACK ADDER fans

Still, it's not a five-star effort. Just as in BLACK ADDER'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the need to visit all these time zones means that the characters along the way don't get the attention they deserve. Writers Curtis and Elton are guilty here of taking the easy historical joke from each time period and then running like hell. It's not a HUGE sin, because the jokes are very, very good--but there's nevertheless a sense that Curtis and Elton would've done better by simply choosing one epoch and staying there.

Also, I think that while this filmed production has higher production values than its siblings, it's not necessarily the better for it. In particular, I would've traded all the sumptuous location shots for a studio audience. As a television series, BLACK ADDER had a very syncopated, rhythmic prose; as a film, it's missing the punctuation of a studio audience's laughter. It's not just that it's minimally less enjoyable to watch without the laughter, it also affects the actors somewhat. In some scenes, the actors just slightly lack the timing and the energy they've had on other BLACK ADDER projects.

Laying these two objections to one side, however, you really should get this film. While I think some of its humor is vastly improved by having seen the television series--and even better enhanced by knowing some British history ---converts to the cult of The Black Adder could certainly do worse than to start here.

Black Humor - Masterful "Spoof" of Britain's Bad Ol' Days
This is not another compiation of Black Adder TV Shows, but rather a special, one-off film, much in the tradition of BLACK ADDER'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Like the former, it takes the basic BLACK ADDER elements and uses them to its own purposes.

If this were truly yet another set in the series of BLACK ADDER, we'd expect to see the familiar cast of characters put in a single time period for a few episodes of mirth in the context of that time. Instead, perhaps inspired by Rowan Atkinson's own trip in the Tardis, this is "Black Adder meets Doctor Who".

The comedy, here, comes from sending Blackadder and Baldrick on a search for historical artifacts in a faulty time machine. As might be expected, they can't quite work the controls, so they go through the titular "back and forth" movements through time, meeting up with familiar faces from the series' (and Britain's) past.

It's great fun--much, much better than A CHRISTMAS CAROL at making multiple time zones work. Heeding the rampant criticism of A CHRISTMAS CAROL's "future" scene, writers Curtis and Elton have Blackadder only barely venturing into the future, here. Happily, they place Blackadder firmly in the past, with a wider range of actual historical (or at least legendary) figures than ever before. Blackadder's sharp criticism of historical greats like Shakespeare, Wellington, and Robin Hood will leave you laughing. But the best part is perhaps the ending, which holds unique satisfaction for long-time BLACK ADDER fans

Still, it's not a five-star effort. Just as in BLACK ADDER'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the need to visit all these time zones means that the characters along the way don't get the attention they deserve. Writers Curtis and Elton are guilty here of taking the easy historical joke from each time period and then running like hell. It's not a HUGE sin, because the jokes are very, very good--but there's nevertheless a sense that Curtis and Elton would've done better by simply choosing one epoch and staying there.

Also, I think that while this filmed production has higher production values than its siblings, it's not necessarily the better for it. In particular, I would've traded all the sumptuous location shots for a studio audience. As a television series, Black Adder had a very syncopated, rhythmic prose; as a film, it's missing the punctuation of a studio audience's laughter. It's not just that it's minimally less enjoyable to watch without the laughter, it also affects the actors somewhat. In some scenes, the actors just slightly lack the timing and the energy they've had on other Black Adder projects.

Laying these two objections to one side, however, you really should get this film. While I think some of its humor is vastly improved by having seen the television series--and even better enhanced by knowing some British history ---converts to the cult of The Black Adder could certainly do worse than to start here.

Mr. Bean -- eeehm, Rowen Atkinson has done it again! A visual feast sure to keep your belly shaking with harty laughs! A five star delight!*****

Not the Place to Begin With Black Adder
While a total stranger to the Black Adder corpus can appreciate it, a lot of this lovely little poison valentine's fun comes from being familiar with the setup and the characters so that one can ALMOST predict the next line or situation... and then being delighted when the writers and cast give it some twist you hadn't predicted.

I must agree with another reviewer that the return to the court of Elizabeth I really doesn't work; it does indeed seem forced as if the actors no longer inhabit the characters, but rather are pretending to be their younger selves inhabiting the characters. (Does that make sense?)

On the other hand, one of the funniest sequences in the production is in the Elizabethean time frame but without any of the series regulars save Blackadder himself, meeting up with Shakespeare, getting his autograph and then... Well, it's Very Funny. Even funnier if you thought Branagh's uncut "Hamlet" was a touch long.

The Waterloo sequence is lovely, with a neat little "Wizard of Oz" reference.

And, of course, the ending(s) -- particularly the end ending,a it were -- an absolute delight for the Black Adder fan, with, of course, an appropriate version of the theme song vocal for the end credits.

The "extras" on the disc, though a bit sparse, are appreciated, including a short "making of" documentary piece, with the writer director and actors all expressing themselves with wonderful clarity, and also including a couple of bits that were (mostly for the better, i think, funny as they are) edited out of the episode.

ALso under the "Special Features" menu are cast biographies, recited, in character, by "Baldrick". Unfortunately (and i don't know if it's a defect in the disc, itself, or in my APEX DVD player with the hacked firmware, or a combination), after the first few bios have played, the last few syllables or words of each bio were cut off as it skipped to the next.

Strictly for Ardent fans
I am the biggest fan of the blackadder there is (including three email addresses entitled blackadder), but this video is for the fan who waxes nostalgic. If you have every thing else by all means purchase this if you (like myself) always crave more of Lord Blackadder. On the other hand, this is not the place to start, in fact it is rather disappointing, better to get the complete collection and the Christmas special first. ... Read more

Description

Attention shoppers! Your favorite dysfunctional sales staff is back with more mischief, more hilarity and more hair colors! Join Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Lucas and the rest of the gang as they make shopping at Grace Brothers the comic experience of a lifetime. The staff has been hard-at-work polishing and pressing these six classic episodes: By Appointment - The Club - Do You Take This Man - Shedding the Load - A Bliss Girl - Happy Returns. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"I'd marry her meself but I think she's got enough trouble"
---Mr. Humphries in Do You Take This Man?
This volume offers the first episodes without Mr. Grainger. Mr. Tebbs is featured here as the first successor. Grainger is definitely missed, but Tebbs did have more personality than Mr. Klein of later episodes. The six episodes here range from good to mediocre. By Appointment has the staff preparing for a possible visit from the royal family. The Club has the staff trying to put up wallpaper in a dismal cellar that is to serve as their social club. Do You Take This Man? is an interesting episode. Mrs. Slocombe is engaged to marry a Greek and, as a result, receive a house from her rich uncle. However, the union is objected to by a family member of the groom (his wife). For once, the staff show some compassion for the senior saleswoman with the changing hair color and do what they can to assure she receives her wedding gift anyway.

Shedding the Load is one of the better episodes offered here. Sales are down (what else is new) and the staff is asked to decide who should get the ax. This episode also has a reference to President Jimmy Carter. One of the reasons Mr. Rumbold gives to Young Mr. Grace to explain the falling figures is that "Carter has not come up to expectations." In A Bliss Girl, Capt. Peacock is demoted to the sales staff while Mr. Humphries takes over a new perfume counter. This temporary demotion happens after Peacock had run-ins with Mr. Tebbs and Mrs. Slocombe followed by Mr. Rumbold's funny misinterpretations. Happy Returns is the weakest episode in this volume. The staff put on a cabaret for Young Mr. Grace's birthday. The costumes are cute (they include Little Miss Muffet and a teddy bear) but the plot is very weak. Mr. Lucas arguing with Mr. Humphries about Mr. Rumbold's piano-playing Humpty Dumpty seems pointless and out of character. This volume is the first in the Season 6-10 boxed set, which I highly recommend. Each DVD has a clever menu page where a lift conductor's voice takes you to each episode. There are also rotating photos of the "Employee of the Month"--in this case, Mr. Humphries. ... Read more

Description

Episodes: German Week, No Sale, New Look. On sale this week! A few less than stellar ideas for perking up sales. In these three episodes, Grace Brother's tries a German Week (Mr. Humphries in lederhosen), the Great Gatsby look, and Opening Early! ... Read more

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Episodes: Happy Returns, Founder's Day,The Old Order Changes. Young Mr. Grace in two birthday episodes plus what happens when Mr. Grace tries a more casual American approach to customers. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Goodbye, Mr. Grainger
This group of episodes are the last starring Arthur Brough as Mr. Grainger and the last set of episodes in the season 1-5 boxed set (volume 7 in the set is a bonus disc of interviews). These shows are not as solid as the earlier episodes in this long running series, but are still very good. In Founder's Day, the staff puts on a "This Is Your Life" presentation for Young Mr. Grace's 80th birthday with mildly amusing stories and even a guest appearance by Mother Humphries. The Old Order Changes has the staff trying out a new casual approach Young Mr. Grace observed while visiting the United States. Things get very 1970s at Grace Brothers. Mr. Lucas' first name also changes from "James" to "Dick" ostensibly to accommodate one joke. Mr. Harmon gets a bigger role in Takeover, impersonating a shareholder to help Young Mr. Grace keep control of the company. For once, Capt. Peacock is not in charge and is relegated to the kitchen.

The best episode of this collection is Goodbye, Mr. Grainger, where the senior salesman is in a foul mood and the rest of the staff want him out. Mr. Harmon informs Grainger of his colleagues' comments and encourages him to write his letter of resignation. A misunderstanding about a lottery ticket cause a change of heart from the staff, and efforts are made to retrieve the letter from Young Mr. Grace's desk. Wait until they hear what Grainger wrote in the letter! In It Pays to Advertise, the staff act in a commercial for Grace Brothers. The funniest part of this episode is at the end when Young Mr. Grace says his lines while trying to pour champagne into a glass. Like all the AYBS? DVDs, this one has very creative menu pages. A lift conductor's voice takes you to each episode and there are rotating photos of the Employee of the Month (in this case, Mr. Lucas-it must have been a very slow month). I highly recommend both boxed sets of this series

This DVD is also contained in the boxed set of AYBS
When I purchased the boxed set of the first 5 series of "Are You Being Served?" Amazon.com suggested this DVD as well. It seemed only natural, since it's labeled "Volume 6" -- but note that this is a duplicate of the Volume 6 disc in the 7-DVD boxed set!

So despite Amazon.com's suggestion, don't buy this if you're also buying the boxed set. :^>

(I didn't intend to review the disc itself, only to make this information available ... but this DVD is one of the best, and it includes a somewhat rare episode that isn't often shown in on U.S. PBS stations: "Founder's Day," in which the staff put on a "This Is Your Life"-type presentation for Mr. Grace.) ... Read more

Description

Attention shoppers! Your favorite dysfunctional sales staff is back with more mischief, more hilarity and more hair colors! Join Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Lucas and the rest of the gang as they make shopping at Grace Brothers the comic experience of a lifetime. The staff has been hard-at-work polishing and pressing these six classic episodes: Heir Apparent - Closed Circuit - The Erotic Dreams of Mrs. Slocombe - Roots? - Sweet Smell of Success - Conduct Unbecoming ... Read more

Description

Attention shoppers! Your favorite dysfunctional sales staff is back with more mischief, more hilarity and more hair colors! Join Mr. Humphries, Mrs. Slocombe, Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Lucas and the rest of the gang as they make shopping at Grace Brothers the comic experience of a lifetime. The staff has been hard-at-work polishing and pressing these five classic episodes: The Hold-Up - Gambling Fever - The Night Club - Friends and Neighbors - The Pop Star ... Read more