Reviews (291)

'The Rocky Horror Show' Movie
There is one reason why everyone should see "The Rocky Horror Picture Show": it is the best cult film ever made. There are also three reasons why everyone should want to watch it: 1) It is one of the only 'R' rated musicals in existence. 2) It has strong science-fiction overtones. 3) It is very funny. The movie starts Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon (before they were stars) as the recently engaged Brad and Janet. However, they are upstaged in nearly every scene by Tim Curry who plays Frank N. Furter, the mad doctor. The cast delightfully performs many memorable songs including "Over at the Frankenstein Place" and, of course, the "Time Warp". To fully enjoy RHPS, one must not be closed minded or the picture could prove to be quite offensive. Don't think it's gratuitously violent- it isn't. Merely, the situations the characters find themselves in could shock or appall overly sensitive viewers. If you think you won't enjoy RHPS, going to a midnight screening might be your best bet. The live audience participation will guarantee you a good time, despite your opinion of the actual film. So overall, RHPS is quite a good adaptation of Richard O'Brien's original concept, which always honors its roots on the stage.

DVD = Perfect format to truly experience "Rocky" at home
I loved going to "Rocky Horror" when I was in college, but watching on home video just wasn't the same. I'm probably committing heresy but there's a reason why this sci-fi, horror, B-movie satire, rock musical didn't really make it big until theaters started showing it as a midnight movie and fans started attending in costume and talking back to the screen. The 25th anniversary DVD, with several audience participation options, really is the next best thing to being there.

For the uninitiated, "Rocky Horror" tells the story of two clean-cut American youths, uptight Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick of "Spin City") and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon of "Dead Man Walking") whose car breaks down on a dark, deserted road in the middle of a storm--the classic beginning to many horror movies--and who seek help at a nearby castle. Castles, as Rocky fans know, don't have phones! What this castle has instead is a cross-dressing mad scientist Frank-N-Furter Tim Curry, in perhaps his finest performance), two very creepy servants, Riff-Raff (Richard O'Brien, who wrote the musical) and Magenta (Patricia Quinn), and various other hangers-on, including lovers Columbia (Little Nell) and biker Eddie (Meat Loaf). Brad and Janet walk in on a party celebrating the creation of Frank-N-Furter's muscle-bound boy-toy "Rocky." Bed-hopping chaos soon ensues, until the servants reveal their true identities and take control.

Punctuating this wacky plot are some of the wildest rock-musical songs ever written. In addition to the classic "Time Warp," there's O'Brien's salute to cult-classic B-movies, "Science Fiction Double Feature," Meat Loaf's "Hot Patootie," and Sarandon ode to sexual self-discovery, "Toucha Toucha Touch Me!"

So much for the "Rocky virgin" portion of the review... What makes the DVD so exceptional is the chance to experience "Rocky Horror" at home nearly like you would in the theater. The DVD has the option of turning on the audience screen comments as well as another option for viewing members of the Rocky Horror Fan Club performing select scenes before returning to the main movie. For those less familiar with audience participation, the DVD can prompt when to throw toast, toilet paper, rice, etc., light a match, put your newspaper on your head, etc.

The second disc contains fascinating interviews with cast members, where fans can find out about their reaction to starring in this cult classic. Meat Loaf's description of not realizing what "Rocky Horror" was going to be about and running out of the theater when Tim Curry entered wearing fishnet stockings, spiked heels, a merry widow, and a leather jacket and singing "Sweet Transvestite" is hysterical. Patricia Quinn talks about how her fondness for the opening song, "Science Fiction Double Feature" made her want to take the role even though she hadn't read the rest of the script. What? Don't remember Quinn singing that number? In the stage versions she did, but the song got reassigned in the film version--and Quinn makes her feelings about that QUITE clear. Sarandon makes the interesting observation that "Rocky Horror" probably kept a lot of art house theaters in business over the years, since they could count on good revenue from the midnight movie, even if the latest regular-hours offering flopped. In Bostwick's interview, however, the actor sounds a bit like William Shatner giving his anti-Trekkie diatribe on "Saturday Night Live."

The only disappointments on the DVD are that the outtakes really aren't that interesting and actor bios aren't provided. I would have liked to see what else the "minor" cast members did after Rocky, but that information is limited to a few lines in the companion booklet. Also, some of the audience-participation comments are nearly impossible to understand because fans are talking over each other. But then that's part of the modern-day theater experience. Even Sarandon noted in her interview that talking back to the screen has gone from the more unison catechism approach to a loud free-for-all.

What seemed so risqué and shocking a few decades ago seems much more innocent today, but it was great when it all began and it's still great! If you've never ventured into the theater to experience "Rocky Horror," this is the best way to experience it at home.

Mesmerizing film.
This is a very outrageous movie. The rock is the background to tell us a horror movie but also spiced with sex , ransvestism and above all a splendid tribute to the movies specially King Kong .
One couple strands in an old house full of weirdos . This movie (here between you and me)could have inspired for Tim Burton in Beetle juice .
In this decade there were great visuals films too . Sherman built a magnificent story absolutely free , intelligent and sarcastic, irreverent and bitter . You might state that Fellini's influence (dressed of english manners and clothes) is present all along the film .
Inmediatly after its release this one acquired the status of cult movie.

The original is still the best!
Don't bother with the play, or the music from the play. The original is still the best. Nobody can fill the shoes of Sarandon, Curry, etc. They originated the roles and have been associated with them for far too long for anyone else to come in try to change them so many years later and attempt to redo them. Stay with the best.

Those Gold Shorts!
Ahhhhh...Rocky had such a lovely outline showing in his gold lame shorts. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Television, nay America, needs more men like Hank Hill, a stalwart, decent "fella" who, he proudly proclaims in the episode, "Movin' On Up," "keeps his yard free of debris and pays his bills on time." But a world that just ain't right keeps testing his moral fiber. In the two-parter "Hanky Panky"/"High Anxiety," Hank finds himself embroiled in a scandalous case of sex, drugs, and murder. In "Little Horrors of Shop," Hank is outraged to learn that his son Bobby's school has turned shop class into a study hall ("All parents care about these days is zero tolerance, drug policies, and literacy," the dejected principal tells him). In "Transnational Amusements Presents: Peggy's Magic Sex Feet," his unwitting wife Peggy's 16 ½-inch feet become the featured attraction on an Internet fetish sight. Biology, too, continues to vex the buttoned-up Hank, as witness one of the season's best episodes, "Aisle 8-A," in which Connie, the daughter of Hank's contemptuous Laotian neighbor, Kahn, is left in the Hills' care, and Hank must deal solo with her first period. Hank has somewhat come to terms with his misfit, but well-adjusted son's desire to be a comedian. He can get behind Bobby's comedy troupe, "The Propaniacs," but he is mortified when he learns that Bobby is secretly performing as a rodeo clown in "Rodeo Days." Hank does, however, breathe a sigh of relief that Bobby likes girls after Bobby and Connie are caught in a compromising situation by Connie's strict and over-protective parents in "Naked Ambition."

In its fourth season, King of the Hill is really cooking with propane, I'll tell you what, as Peggy rebounds from her skydiving accident to win her third Substitute Teacher of the Year Award, pathetic Bill Dautereive reclaims his high school football record, and clueless Dale's wife Nancy ends her decades-long affair with John Redcorn.The guest voices this season are particularly impressive: Meryl Streep , Reese Witherspoon, Drew Carey, Don Meredith, Kathleen Turner, Heather Locklear, and, in "Peggy's Fan Fair," a stellar roster of country artists, including Vince Gil, Clint Black, Randy Travis, and, um, Tony Danza. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A kids eye view
I really liked the episodes, however, they need to include special features.I'd like any season of King of the Hill, butthe fourth season along with the third season might be King of the Hill's best. The episodes were outstanding. I love Mike Judge,I love Beavis and Butthead,I loved Office Space even though the language was pretty foul and I really don't care for the rap soundtrack. King of the Hill is just another notch on Mike Judge's list of successes.

Another great season, but no special features!
I received King of the Hill The Complete Fourth Season a few days early.This is one of those "what you see is what you get box sets" in that there are 24 KOTH episodes and nothing more.The series has gotten better with each new season, so this is another must have for your TV on DVD collection.

Disc One (Cover = Dale riding his lawn mower):

Side 1
1.Peggy Hill: Decline and Fall
2.Cotton's Plot
3.Bills Are Made To Be Broken
4.Little Horrors of Shop

Side 2
5.Aisle 8A
6.A Beer Can Named Desire
7.The Hank's Giving Episode
8.Not In My Back-Hoe
-----------------------

Disc Two (Cover = Bill riding his lawn mower):

Side 1
9. To Kill a Ladybird
10.Hillennium
11.Old Glory
12.Rodeo Days

Side 2
13.Hanky Panky (Part 1)
14.High Anxiety (Part 2)
15.Naked Ambition
16.Movin' On Up
-----------------------

Disc Three (Boomhauer riding his lawn mower)

Side 1
17.Bill Of Sales
18.Won't You Pimai Neighbor?
19.Hank's Bad Hair Day
20.Meet The Propainiacs

Side 2
21.Nancy Boys
22.Flush With Power
23.Transnational Amusements Presents:Peggy's Magic Sex Feet
24.Peggy's Fan Fair

The best season
Peggy falls out of a plane, debbie is shot and killed by a shotgun, cotton picks a burial plot, toilets don't flush right and on and on and on. This is by far the strongest season that king of the hill has had thus far. I am very much looking foward to this season coming out next week, if you are at all a fan of King of the hill, definately pick up this season.

Animated blue collar TV...
Initially aired following the 1997 Super Bowl, King of the Hill discovered an instant audience niche that has the followed the show loyally ever since. The brainchild of Beavis and Butthead creator Mike Judge (also known for the hit movie Office Space), King of the Hill is a unique animated series in that it doesn't rely on "cartoon" suspension of reality or outlandish antics. In fact, the show would arguably be just as successful if it were not animated at all. Nevertheless, it's Mike Judge (voice of Hank Hill) and his unique brand of humor that make King of the Hill a must-see TV series...

Set in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas, King of the Hill follows the life and exploits of Hank Hill and his traditional nuclear family. Hank is a red-state propane salesman who loves beer and apple pie, but he's constantly inundated with modern liberalism and grapples with the demands of political correctness. Hank is joined by his wife Peggy (a substitute teacher), his son Bobby (an awkward pre-pubescent youth), and a trailer park-like live-in niece named Luanne... Providing added comic relief to the series are Hank's off-the-wall friends Bill, Boomhauer (who is inaudible), and Dale (who believes everything is a government conspiracy)... Hank's Laotian neighbor Kahn (whose daughter Bobby is quite fond of) and his family live next door, providing Hank with a continuing dose of culture shock...

The King of the Hill (Season 4) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere "Peggy Hill: The Decline and Fall" in which Peggy survives falling out of an airplane, but is nevertheless left in a full body cast. Meanwhile, Cotton and Didi have a baby, but rather than care for the child themselves, they push the task onto Bobby... Other notable episodes from Season 4 include "Bills are Made to be Broken" in which Hank convinces the local high school football coach to let Bill play one more game so that he can get back his old school record for touchdowns, and "Naked Ambition" in which Bobby accidentally sees Luanne naked, causing Joseph to eagerly seek his own peek...

Below is a list of episodes included on the King of the Hill (Season 4) DVD:

Episode 61 (Peggy Hill: The Decline and Fall)
Episode 62 (Cotton's Plan)
Episode 63 (Bills are Made to be Broken)
Episode 64 (Little Horrors of Shop)
Episode 65 (Aisle 8A)
Episode 66 (A Beer Can Named Desire)
Episode 67 (The Hank's Giving Episode)
Episode 68 (Not in My Back Hoe)
Episode 69 (To Kill a Ladybird)
Episode 70 (Hillennium)
Episode 71 (Old Glory)
Episode 72 (Rodeo Days)
Episode 73 (Hanky Panky)
Episode 74 (High Anxiety)
Episode 75 (Naked Ambition)
Episode 76 (Movin' On Up)
Episode 77 (Bill of Sales)
Episode 78 (Won't You Pimai Neighbor?)
Episode 79 (Hank's Bad Hair Day)
Episode 80 (Meet the Propaniacs)
Episode 81 (Nancy Boys)
Episode 82 (Flush with Power)
Episode 83 (Transnational Amusements Present: Peggy's Magic Sex Feet)
Episode 84 (Peggy's Fan Fair)

The DVD Report

"I have never poured out beer, even to put out a grass fire"
Whew!From some rumors I heard, I was afraid season four of King of the Hill would not be released on DVD.What a relief to see it on my Amazon home page with its cool cover (a great improvement from previous covers; especially season three-who wants to see Hank, Bill, Boomhauer, and Dale's bulging bellies?).It looks like the powers-that-be for KOTH are also making up for lost time by releasing season four much more quickly than prior seasons.Of course, season 3 was released way behind schedule (I think about 6 months later than advertised!) so KOTH fans are due!The main reason I am looking forward to this release so much is for my second favorite KOTH episode of all-time right behind (so to speak) Hank's Unmentionable Problem from season one; a.k.a. the constipation episode.It is Flushed With Power.In this show, the residents of Arlen are frustrated by the restricted water usage caused by a draught.New low flow toilets are supposed to be the answer, but Hank discovers they actually use more water because they require more flushes to "thoroughly dispose of solid waste" (in Peggy's case, six flushes).What follows is so much like the absurd reality of life it is brilliant.I sell paint in California for a living and it is a similar situation.We know a product is better but we cannot sell it due to govt. regulations.When Hank goes to the home improvement store and asks the clerk if they "have any of the good toilets?" and the older and wiser clerk replies, "Nope, we don't offer the good toilets, only the low flows, and even if I had a good toilet, it is illegal to sell it in this county," it hits hilariously close to home.

Season four also moves KOTH into some serious territory. In the two-parter Hanky Panky/High Anxiety, Hank's boss Buck Strickland finds himself in some heavy trouble when he is kicked out of the house by his wife who is finally fed up with his cheating and then his mistress is found dead.Hank is dragged into Buck's sordid life style.For an animated comedy series, these episodes are pretty heavy.The first two-parter Peggy Hill The Decline and Fall/Cotton's Plot that continues the cliff hanger from season three where Peggy's parachute fails while sky diving is also pretty intense.The always over-confident Peggy thinks her rehab after spending time in a body cast will be a snap, but then she finds she is too weak to accomplish the easiest of tasks.She needs motivation and requests the services of her father-in-law: the misogynist, drill sergeant Cotton.Seeing her suffer as Cotton ridicules her is alittle difficult to watch (even though I am not fond of the conceited Peggy).Her respect for Cotton is challenged when she discovers he has been lying about his war record.Hank then explains why he still respects his father even though he is a cruel son-of-a-gun.It is an interesting episode.

Other episodes include the following:
Bills are Made to be Broken: Bill doesn't have much, but he does hold the Arlen High football record for TDs in a season which is close to being broken.
Little Horrors of Shop: Hank is laid off and becomes a substitute shop teacher at Bobby's school.Will his popularity challenge Peggy's streak of Substitute of the Year trophies?
Aisle 8A: Connie stays at the Hills while her parents are away and males Hank confront some, well, feminine issues.
A Beer Can Named Desire:Hank can win a million dollars if can throw a football through a hole in a giant novelty beer can.He is torn between making the throw himself or choosing former NFL quarterback Don Meredith to do it for him.Meanwhile, The Hills and Bill stop at the Dauterive manor in New Orleans where Bill has a chance to get lucky with his, um, cousins and Bobby chooses [again] the wrong role model in the eyes of Hank.Great line: "I need a window seat because this flower is wilting."
The Hank's Giving Episode: The Hills and their neighbors become stranded at the airport.Highlight: Hank's prized turkey is taken for a bomb by airport security.
Not in My Back Hoe: Hank makes friends with a guy who shares a lot of his interests, habits, and moods [Drew Carey]much to the chagrin of Bill and Dale.
To Kill a Ladybird: Bobby finds a new friend in a raccoon he names "Bandit."
Hillennium: Great episode!Hank is as paranoid about Y2K as Dale.Unwilling to move into the New Millennium (well, actually 2001 marked the new millennium), Hank freaks out buying toilet paper and a grandfather clock to avoid the technological holocaust to come.His dream of being a mole in a mole-whacker where he gets advice from Tom Landry is brilliant..
Old Glory: Peggy and Bobby find themselves in a heap of trouble at school involving plagiarism and the destruction of Bill's prized American flag.Shows what a little display of patriotism can do.
Rodeo Days:Hank always wanted Bobby to be in the rodeo...but not as a clown!
Naked Ambition:Bobby accidentally sees Luanne naked and hormonal-charged Joseph wants a similar experience.While trying to help Joseph get a peak, Connie accuses Bobby of being a pervert.
Movin' On Up: Luanne moves in with some rowdy college students.
Bill of Sales:Peggy gets involved in a pyramid scheme and discovers Bill's knack as a salesman and, as one would expect, abuses Bill's skills to heighten her already-inflated self esteem.
Won't You Pimai Neighbor?: Buddhists come to Arlen searching for a Lama and Bobby passes the test.I love the ending to this one.
Hank's Bad Hair Day:Hank's long-time barber has gone completely senile and, reluctantly, Hank allows friend and Army barber Bill to cut his hair.All's well until he receives the govt-issued bill.
Meet the Propaniacs:Bobby encourages Strickland Propane to start a propane-related comedy act to promote its business.
Nancy Boys:Continuing the storyline Peggy's Headache from season three, Nancy starts to confront her affair with John Redcorn.
Transnational Amusements Presents: Peggy's Magic Sex Feet:Well, Peggy's big feet must be good for something!
Peggy's Fan Fair:Peggy insists Randy Travis stole her song "That's the Way God Made Me" and the story that went with it.Hank is skeptical of his egomaniacal wife who insists on calling her dish "spa-peggy and meat balls." ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Dieting, Lucy's Play, the Lease, Gossip & Vitametavegamin!
Over 50 years ago during the early years of broadcast television, the very inspired talents of Lucille Ball (1911-1989) and her then husband Desi Arnaz (1917-1986) were showcased on their hilarious television show "I Love Lucy". TV execs had initially rejected the plausibility of the show because of Desi and because they intended to tape the shows. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of Lucille Ball and Desi's obvious talents, the show first aired in 1951 and quickly became one of the most successful TV shows during all six of its regular seasons. As Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on "I Love Lucy", Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were joined by William Frawley (1877-1966) and Viviane Vance (1909-1979) as their best-friends/apartment landlords of Fred and Ethel Mertz.

The first season of "I Love Lucy" that aired between 1951 and 1952 has 35 memorable episodes:

1. "The Girls Want To Go To the Nightclub": For the Mertzes' anniversary, Ethel & Lucy want to go a nightclub, but Fred & Ricky want to see the fights.

2. "Be A Pal": Thinking their marriage is going cold, Lucy joins Ricky for a poker game, then turns their apartment into a Cuban getaway.

3. "The Diet": To be in one of Ricky's shows, Lucy must lose 22 pounds. No steak for Lucy.

4. "Lucy Thinks Ricky is Trying to Murder Her": Lucy's mystery-book reading makes her suspicious of Ricky.

5. "The Quiz Show": Lucy goes on a game show to win money after Ricky cuts her allowance.

6. "The Audition": Lucy sneaks into Ricky's latest show as Buffo the Clown.

7. "The Séance": Reading horoscopes & numerology, Lucy gives Ricky bad advice; but tries to fix it with a hilarious séance.

8. "Men are Messy": Lucy divides their apartment in half when she tires of Ricky being messy, but goes whole-hog to impress a magazine photographer.

9. "Drafted": Lucy & Ethel think that Ricky & Fred have been drafted, but the men think the girls are pregnant.

10. "The Fur Coat": Lucy thinks that a mink coat that Ricky brought home is hers, but he only rented it for a show.

11. "Lucy Is Jealous of Girl Singer": Lucy sneaks into Ricky's show to spy on him and chorus girl Rosemary (Helen Silver).

12. "The Adagio": Lucy wants to learn the Apache dance from a Frenchman (Shepard Menken) and makes Ricky jealous.

13. "The Benefit": Lucy gets Ricky to perform for Ethel's womens club, but only if she can perform too.

14. "The Amatuer Hour": Lucy baby-sits two terrorizing boys to make money to pay for an expensive dress.

15. "Lucy Plays Cupid": Lucy tries to get to elderly singles together, but they get the wrong ideas.

16. "Lucy Fakes Illness": Lucy pretends to go nuts in order for Ricky to let her perform, but he gets even with her.

17. "Lucy Writes a Play": Lucy writes a play for her woman's club, but when Ricky won't do it, she changes it from Cuban to English. Ricky later changes his mind, but gets the wrong script.

18. "Breaking the Lease": After a fight, Lucy & Ricky want to move, but Ethel & Fred won't end their lease; so Lucy & Ricky have a little party.

19. "The Ballet":Lucy gets ballet lessons from Madame Lamond (Mary Wickes) thinking that Ricky will let her perform at the club.Ballet & burlesque don't mix.

20. "The Young Fans": Ricky & Lucy each have teenagers (Janet Waldo & Richard Crenna respectively) with crushes on them.

21. "New Neighbors": Against Ricky's orders, Lucy tries to met their new neighbors who she comes to think are enemy agents.

22. "Fred and Ethel Fight": Lucy & Ricky help Ethel & Fred end a days-old fight, but end up in a big fight themselves.

23. "The Moustache": Lucy dons a fake beard & mustache to get Ricky to shave, but she used the wrong glue.

24. "The Gossip": When boys bet the girls that they can't stop gossipping, Ricky cheats, but Lucy gets back.

25. "Pioneer Women": On a bet, everyone tries to live in accordance with late nineteenth-century technology with hilarious results. Look out for that bread!

26. "The Marriage License": Lucy thinks her marriage liscence with Ricky is invalid due to a misspelling.

27. "The Kleptomaniac": While collecting items for a women's club bazaar, Ricky thinks Lucy is a kleptomaniac.

28. "Cuban Pals":Lucy gets jealous over a girl (now woman) who had performed with him in Cuba.

29. "The Freezer": The Ricardos & Mertzes purchase a used commercial freezer to save money, but Lucy gets locked in while trying to hide the beef.

30. "Lucy Does a TV Commercial":One of the best episodes of all time with Lucy drinking too much Vitametavegamin for a TV commercial that Ricky begrudginly allows her to do.

31. "The Publicity Agent": Lucy pretends to be the "Maharincess of Franistan" to boost Ricky's sagging popularity.

32. "Lucy Gets Ricky on the Radio":Lucy & Ricky go on a radio quiz show.

33. "Lucy's Schedule": Unhappy with Lucy's disorderliness, Ricky puts her on a tight schedule; but the wife (Edith Meiser) of his new boss (Gale Gordon) starts a woman's revolution. Look out for low-flying dinner rolls!

34. "Ricky Thinks He is Going Bald": When Ricky thinks he's going bald, Lucy resorts to tortuous hair-growing methods.

35. "Ricky Asks For a Raise": When Ricky's boss (Gale Gordon) won't give him a raise, Lucy, Ethel & Fred make bogus club reservations as multiple people and promptly leave when Ricky's not performing.

Paramount Home Video has no doubt done a superb job of repackaging the first season on 7 DVD's. Overall, I rate the "I Love Lucy: The Complete First Season" DVD box set with 5 out of 5 stars!

I love i love i love "i love LUCY"
First sorry for my bad english... even with my bad english i can understand everything about "i love lucy". so great show. It make me remember when i was watching this on TV in french language... but what's a happyness to see this show again and now it belong to me. Really great product... don't miss it if you like the greatest show of american TV.

Great Season!!
This season of "I Love Lucy" is great. I'm glad Paramount is re-releasing this season so it would take up less shelf space and less money. 7 discs is a lot, but there will be only 4 slim cases. Three of the cases will hold two discs, while the fourth case will hold one disc. So, even though there are more discs than Seasons 2-4, it will be thinner because there are only four slim cases compared to the usual five.

Here is what you'll get in this magnificent set:

DISC 1
The Lost Pilot
The Girls Want to Go to a Nightclub
Be a Pal
The Diet
Lucy Thinks Ricky Is Trying to Murder Her
The Quiz Show


DISC 2
The Audition
The Seance
Men Are Messy
The Fur Coat
Lucy Is Jealous of Girl Singer
Drafted

DISC 3
The Adagio
The Benefit
The Amatuer Hour
Lucy Plays Cupid

DISC 4
Lucy Fakes Illness
Lucy Writes a Play
Breaking the Lease
The Ballet
The Young Fans
New Neighbors

DISC 5
Fred and Ethel Fight
The Moustache
The Gossip
Pioneer Women
The Marriage License
The Kleptomaniac

DISC 6
Cuban Pals
The Freezer
Lucy Does a TV Commercial
The Publicity Agent

DISC 7
Lucy Gets Ricky on the Radio
Lucy's Schedule
Ricky Thinks He Is Going Bald
Ricky Asks For a Raise

I Love Lucy
I locve this show, and was bitterly disappointed that it was priced so rediculously.Since the first season was so outrageously priced, i didn't even consider buying subsequent releases.I am glad to hear that the owners of this show listened to customer complaints. Reasonably priced DVD pack sell better, and faster.

Finally...
When the first season of I LOVE LUCY was released in seperate volumes, I was more than a little upset. It seems that if a company wanted to save materials(and price value for its audience)then they would compile them all into one little box set. So, when season two was released in the better version and so on with three(soon to be coming four), I thought that it would look really peculiar if you set these four seasons up against each other. Subsequentley, Paramount is re-releasing the first season in a small box! This set was supposed to be released the same as Season Four but at the last minute they moved the date back. Why? Because they are making the box even SMALLER! Instead of having the original seven, seperate slimline cases, they are putting two in each slimline(it does fit well),making it contain only 4 slimlines(or the size of only two regular amaray DVD cases!). Can't wait for this one and I am more than happy that I didn't buy the original version; I knew that something better just had to be coming along and, well, here it is! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Divorce number 2 is immediately on the cards as the fifth season opens with "The One After Ross Says Rachel." As of this point, Ross's character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost David Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "The One Where Ross Moves In" with Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc). Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("The One with Ross's Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica (Courteney Cox) after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is caught in the middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "The One Where Everybody Finds Out," the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "The One with the Cop." This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "The One with the Ride-Along." She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale, "The One in Vegas," though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel.... --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (64)

One of the Best Seasons!
The Fifth Season is where the show really starts getting good. Many people have complained about Monica's change in character, but I really like it! I know that Ross gets whiny, but who actually liked Ross to begin with? The other characters are great as always! This season has some of the funniest episodes, like "The One Where Everybody Finds Out" and "The One With All the Resolutions" This season is just classic right up to the season finale cliffhanger, which makes you wish January 27 would come sooner.

Some have complained that the outtakes episode wasn't included with this season. It won't be on Season 6, either. It aired during Season 7 and I'm pretty sure that it will be included with that season. But season 5 is enough to hold you until January and then when season 7 comes out. This season rocks!

My BEST Friends
I am a HUGE die-hard Friends fan (Read: really, I like it waaay too much). The fifth season is incredible - from the very first line where Ross says Rachel's name at the altar, to the very end, where a drunk Ross and Rachel stumble out of a Las Vegas wedding chapel. And although that might sound to you like a two-person cast (Ross, Rachel) don't get me wrong: Monica and Chandler offer probably the greatest running gags all season as they struggle, and eventually fail, to keep their relationship a secret. Phoebe has triplets, and in one of the most touching moments ever on television, gives them up to her brother and his wife. Joey - well, he's just Joey. From discovering his identical hand twin, to (almost) getting his big break, to carrying around a purse, to getting hit by a girl, Joey has his work cut out for him this season. Overall, this is one of FRIEND's greatest seasons - there's even an episode where Monica, Ross and Joey try to see how long they can throw a ball without stopping. I say: Only on Friends. Now, especially, as Friends is (sob) wrapping up their final season (oh no, i'm starting to cry), if you aren't up to date on Ross and Rachel's love rollercoaster, Monica and Chandler's quest for a baby, and Phoebe and Joey... well, just being themselves... buy the DVDs and get yourself caught up. Don't worry, you'll thank me later.

Chandler: Pheebs? Flying a jet? Better make it a spaceship so that you can get back to your home planet! And Ross, phone call for you today, Tom Jones, he wants his pants back! And Hornswoggle? What are you dating a character from Fraggile Rock?!

F R I E N D S: The Complete Fifth Season (1998-1999)
It looks to me that Ross will be going through his second divorce. Poor guy. But still, all in all, I still have not yet stopped laughing. Here are your favorite characters, as well as mine, back again for a fifth round of non-stop comedy. If you buy this DVD, you will be nothing less than impressed.

Below are every episode of the fifth season.

FRIENDS: 1998-1999

THE ONE AFTER ROSS SAYS RACHEL
THE ONE WITH ALL THE KISSING
THE ONE-HUNDREDTH
THE ONE WHERE PHOEBE HATES PBS
THE WITH ALL THE KIPS
THE ONE WITH THE YETI
THE ONE WHERE ROSS MOVES IN
THE ONE WITH ALL THE THANKSGIVINGS
THE ONE WITH ROSS' SANDWICH
THE ONE WITH THE INAPPROPRIATE SISTER
THE ONE WITH ALL THE RESOLUTIONS
THE ONE WITH CHANDLER'S WORK LAUGH
THE ONE WITH JOEY'S WORK BAG
THE ONE WHERE EVERYBODY FINDS OUT
THE ONE WITH THE GIRL WHO HITS JOEY
THE ONE WITH THE COP
THE ONE WITH RACHEL'S INADVERTENT KISS
THE ONE WHERE RACHEL SMOKES
THE ONE WITH THE RIDE-ALONG
THE ONE WITH THE BALL
THE ONE WITH JOEY'S BIG BREAK
THE ONE IN VEGAS (both parts)

Season five
I think this is the best season. So much went on... Joey finding out about Chandler and Monica because of the hotel in Atlantic City calling Joey about the eyelash curler left in the hotel room and then Monica asks Rachel for one.

One of the funniest moments was:
'Atleast I got to see Donald Trump waiting by an elevator'
'Oh yeah at the Taj Mehal he has his own private elevator, a glass elevator, made by Otis Elevators, and they usually don't do glass'
'What kinds of things do you KNOW?'

anyway, its great to pull out on a rainy weekend

The BEST season, hands down!!
Ok, all the seasons are pretty good, with a lot of hit and miss shows...but this season was the best ever. Every show is hilarious. This is the best way to spend a rainy weekend. ... Read more

Amazon.com

They're here, they're queer, and they make Sex and the City look like a demure tea party. Showtime's quintessentially American Queer As Folk--based on the British miniseries--pours on copious amounts of hot and steamy sex. This slick (and slickly entertaining) series shares the same basic concept as its British counterpart--centering on a group of gay friends living in a primarily industrial city--but after that, all bets are off. Whereas the British version focused on the gritty, realistic drama of its characters, the American QAF is a glossy, fun soap opera that occasionally tackles big issues but never lets you forget that life at times can be a party, and you shouldn't be one of those poor suckers starving to death. A good part of the show's charm lies in its cast--boy-next-door Michael (Hal Sparks), ruthlessly seductive rake Brian (Gale Harold), out-and-proud Emmett (Peter Paige), wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell), and nubile teen Justin (Randy Harrison)--who grew from standard gay prototypes to intriguing characters by the first season's end. And while some subplots didn't work (such as Emmett's farfetched foray into gay-conversion therapy), others were quietly affecting, including Brian's coping with his father's death. Some may object to the show's relentless fixation on sex (and gay men--there are just two lesbian characters), but this is a series that in its own polished way is both engrossingly fun and truly groundbreaking. It's liberating to watch an American TV series in which the straight world is only peripheral. Let's hear it for the boys! --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (211)

QAF Complete First Season Is Finally Here! The Wait Is Over
This is actually the best series ever put on the air. Showtime is trully live up to their title and now the most anticipated DVD release ever is finally here. Before the Second Season start the first season will be release to DVD and Video. This is the best collections of one of the great shows on cable TV. Buy QAF on DVD and start your collections and collect all Seasons of QAF on DVD. It's increadible!!!!10 stars!!

QUEER AS FOLK is one of the most amazing TV shows!
Queer As Folk is one of the most amazing TV Shows ever and is a landmark as the show for the new millennium. The Queer As Folk DVD Box Set has all 22 episodes of the first season of the most controversial and bravest series in the history of television. The total running time of all 6 DVD's is approx: 1,205 minutes which includes Bonus features such as: behind the scenes outtakes, deleted scenes, special edition episodes, a Photo Gallery, DVD rom extras, A 6 minute Season 2 Sneek Peek, and much more. Queer As Folk shows the life of a group of gay guys and a lesbian couple living in Pittsburgh. Now I had been hearing so much about this amazing Showtime series for sometime, yet I had never seen a single episode as I did not have Showtime, but then in July of 2001 I heard this show was coming to DVD in its entire first season and I knew I was in for a real treat. I waited up until the very day of Queer As Folks release date on January 8, 2002 and I purchased this DVD collection not knowing what to expect. I knew it was a gamble to buy an expensive DVD collection of something I had never seen before, but I went with my heart and I bought it. I can honestly say this was truly one of the BEST DVD investments I have ever made. When I got home I knew it was gonna be a while before i watched all 22 episodes and as i got through the first 2 pilot episodes I was hooked and so excited to see the next episode, just as I am when I watch The Young And The Restless. It took me 3 days to watch all of the episodes and I am amazed at how honest this show is on dealing with gay life. Queer As Folk makes no apologies and thats what is so great about this series. From the graphic fornification scenes to the drama of dealing with the prejudice that still haunts America, this show is so brave and I give Showtime a big thumbs up for having the gaul to take on such a big risk as Queer As Folk. This show is as close as it gets to real life. This is not a show just for gay people, but for ALL people. It deals with human emotion and thats something we can all relate to whether we be straight, gay, bisexual, black, white, brown or in between. I have since signed up for Showtime just for this show. I encourage anyone who has a open mind and a open heart to BUY this amazing DVD collection as it will inspire you and if nothing else open your mind to a lifestyle not as uncommon as you may think. Watch more than one episode before you judge this amazing series.

Queer As Folk- What's the Big Deal?
That's exactly the point of this groundbreaking achievement in television- to convey the idea that being queer is no big deal! It makes homosexual sex part of mainstream viewing and serves to break down barriers that face homosexuals in society. As the series opens, the sex is 'in your face,' but viewers are quick to realize that sex is secondary here; it is merely an aspect of the lives of these characters, which are extremely well-written, developed, and acted. Sexy Gale Harold plays Brian Kinney, the object of everyone's affection and desire. Harold's talent and sex appeal have solidified the show's success. Hal Sparks plays Michael, the cute, "boy next door" type who has an overly-supportive mother. The role of Justin, the 17 year old man in a boy's body, is played by Randy Harris. Scott Lowell (Ted) and the beautiful Peter Paige, who plays Emmett, the "Queen" of the group, rounds out the cast of friends. Thea Gill and Michelle Clunie also join the cast as a lesbian couple finding their way through commitment and parenthood. The relationships created in this series are a welcomed dose of reality and emotion. Audiences of all types can find themselves enjoying the drama and comedy that combine as a perfect recipe for brilliant television. My only hope is that the success of this series pushes writers, directors, and actors to demand more of this type of material to work with. And homophobes BEWARE! Gale Harold can put even the straightest men in touch with their gay side.

Thanks Showtime, Very Helpful
Ok, Apart from being a fantastic programme. Well Written, Cast and hosting many great story lines. The show helped me as a gay guy. When i was younger QAF was released on tv in the uk. And at that time i was going through many difficulties with regards to my sexuallity. And the show helped me allot. It has loads of info that is very helpful to someone such as myself. So many things including sex, dating, hiv/aids and so much more.

The American version is allot hotter than the uk version, but in terms of scripts its a million times better. I have seasons 1 & 2 and have just ordered 3. And when 4 is released that will be ordered too.

This is more than just a series, its there for more than entertainment, it serves as a guide book for gay men and gals whether young or old.

Bravo the creators, your work is masterful!

There can be only one
OK, with 209 reviews as of today's date, I'll be brief. The show is excellent but no season will ever come close to the intensity, heat and uniqueness of season 1. IF YOU ARE GOING TO *OWN* ANY OF THE SEASONS, THIS IS THE ONE TO OWN. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Will Smith's easygoing charm makes Hitch the kind of pleasant, uplifting romantic comedy that you could recommend to almost anyone--especially if there's romance in the air. As suave Manhattan dating consultant Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Smith plays up the smoother, sophisticated side of his established screen persona as he mentors a pudgy accountant (Kevin James) on the lessons of love. The joke, of course, is that Hitch's own love life is a mess, and as he coaches James toward romance with a rich, powerful, and seemingly inaccessible beauty named Allegra (Amber Valetta), he's trying too hard to impress a savvy gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) with whom he's fallen in love. Through mistaken identities and mismatched couples, director Andy Tennant brings the same light touch that made Drew Barrymore's Ever After so effortlessly engaging. As romantic comedies go, Hitch doesn't offer any big surprises, but as a date movie it gets the job done with amiable ease and style. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (71)

2.5 stars...what a waste
This is one of the most overhyped movies out there. I admit, this movie started of strong, but after the 1st hour or so...it just spiralled downhill.

It is about Alex Hitchens, this date doctor who basically helps big-hearted losers to get noticed by their dream girls. In his words, he creates the opportunity for them. One of these guys happens to be Albert who has a thing for Allegra, the rich and beautiful multi-millionaire. Meanwhile, Alex meets Sara who's a gossip columnist and sparks fly. What happens next? I'm sure anyone with a brain would know.

I have nothing against romantic comedies. The thing with this kind of movies is the story. We all know how it's gonna end, so the writers should thrill us with the ride there. A good romantic comedy should evoke some kind of emotions. Unfortunately, even with the talented cast they have here, it's all gone to waste with a lousy and utterly predictable script. The starting 10-15 minutes was great, and I was actually looking forward to the movie. Then Will Smith gave me laughs when trying to woo Sara, played by sexy Eva Mendes. But other than this, there's nothing else that entertained me. And most of the funny scenes are actually in the movie trailer.

Kevin James, who I really like in King Of Queens is underused here. And his chemistry with Allegra (played by Amber Valleta) seems kinda dead. He doesn't really seem that infatuated with her. Will Smith tries to salvage this movie for all he can, but there's just so much a guy can do. The second half of the movie really was pretty boring because of it's predictability and it seemed like I was watching a mixture of other romantic comedies (How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days and Notting Hill comes to mind).

This movie might be good to watch with your partner, but even then...just rent it, it's not worth buying. This movie fails because of the script, the actors bring all they can to their roles but it just isn't enough. If you want good romantic comedies, get Hugh Grant's movies...they're predictable of course but you'll have a hell of a good time watching the story unfold.

Will Smith as Cupid in Terrific Comedy...
Cupid flutters around spreading happiness with his arrows of love and affection.These arrows strike each target with one single attempt, as the person falls in love after the single moment when the arrow strikes them.Love changes everything, as it means commitment, trust, and mutual affection when the love is answered.Hitch (Will Smith) is the human cupid, as he works his magic as a partner consultant that helps men get noticed by the woman who is the target of their love.Everything around Hitch oozes of class as nothing is cheesy, cheap, or corrupt. He is a true gentleman that helps others find their opportunity with love by shooting his arrows of affection.

Hitch ended up becoming a love consultant due to an incident in college when he suffered from a broken heart.Now he focuses on helping guys like he once was, as he helps them strategize their upcoming encounters and dates.Carefully Hitch helps the men with how to approach the women, what to say, and how they must behave around the woman they love.Everything is thoroughly planned, as it all comes down to one moment - the first kiss.

When Hitch meets his freshest client Albert (Kevin James) he senses a disaster.The problems increase when he finds out that Albert loves Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), a famous and incredibly rich woman.Nonetheless, Hitch believes that he can pull it off by creating a masterpiece.Simultaneously, he meets Sara (Eva Mendes), a relentless gossip columnist, with whom he falls in love.This affair turns into a greater mess than expected for Hitch who finds himself kicking women, having severe food allergies, while Sara finds it difficult to combine personal life and professional life.

Hitch is a warm comedy about love, affection, and the connection between people.Will Smith is perfect for the role as Hitch, as he easily drifts into the gentle and cool character.His performance is well balanced with the supporting cast, and Kevin James complements Will Smith by making the two look like contemporary Laurel and Hardy.In the end, Hitch will offer an easy comedy with some great laughs, but also an interesting notion in regards about the opportunity of love.

Great Romantic Comedy
Will Smith has so much charm and charisma; it's hard to understand why he hasn't been in more romantic comedy roles. In this movie, he plays Alex Hitchins, "Hitch", a date doctor who helps guys with two left feet shape up so that they can make a good impression on the women they want to win. It's a Cyrano story, but in this case the handsome man is supplying the smooth words and actions for the bumbling Romeos-to-be. Eva Mendes is smart and feisty as Sara, who is supposedly a predatory gossip columnist. The film has two (well, three) intersecting sub-plots; Hitch's attempt to help Albert (Kevin James) win the rich socialite of his dream, and Sara's pursuit of dirt on this same socialite (and Sara's best friend has a bad run-in with a rejected Hitch client). The film rolls along really well until the ending, which seems forced and unbelievable.

Funny movie
Will Smith has done it again. It is amazing how this guy can pull off any role, even in a non-action one like the one in "Hitch."

Hitch is a funny and watchable movie.

Smith is a "date doctor" who helps people sort out their romantic problems and he has his formula pat down successfully. But, you know that a formula can have a successful run only for a certain period of time and then it is bound to hit a bump. In this case, Smith's succesful dating formula starts to unravel when his client's successful love life becomes the talk of the town. His client Kevin James,, who plays a bumbling tax consultant is in love with a widowed heiress, and somehow it leaks out that James's success is the handiwork of a "date doctor." And the person who is responsible for getting Smith's life out of control is Eva Mendes, who plays a society gossip columnist.

Eva Mendes and Kevin James did a fantastic job in their respective roles. I really liked James in this movie, and his dance moves are a definite highlight of this movie.

It is a great film to catch on a girls night out. My husband would definitely label this as a chick flick.

Life is the moments that take your breath away
"You is a very fluid concept right now", states "Hitch", a dating consultant, who calls himself the "dating doctor".Will Smith plays the lead in a role designed for him. The premise is as follows; "Hitch" is a dating consultant whose business is helping men sweep women off their feet.He helps a variety of guys meet the love of their life by setting up circumstances to help get them noticed and on dates, and the rest is up to them.The results are often hilarious.One day "Hitch" meets a woman who sweeps him off his feet, and then his well designed strategies for others fail in some of the most memorable ways.

While the movie is funny, and Will Smith is his typical self, this one has some real relationship depth to it.The characters likable, and the courtships and dating are at times awkwardly realistic.I think every man who watches the movie can relate to many of the awkward moments and cringe and laugh along.

Of course the ending is a bit too easy, but still, it works.This movie is not a masterpiece by any means, but it is enjoyable from the opening credits to the end.In this day and age where most comedies have to resort to crass and offensive humor, this one is a gem.Enjoy.
... Read more

Reviews (27)

An Existential Masterpiece
Although "8 1/2" is often touted as Fellini's greatest work, this other, equal masterpiece from roughly the same period grows more and more profound over time. An amazingly photographed and energetic survey of ennui and despair, "La Dolce Vita" is Fellini's rumination on the intellectual and moral death of an aspiring artist, who is equally a Fellini surrogate and a stand-in for the director's perception of modern man.

Though it began life as a sequel to "Il Bidone," "La Dolce Vita" ended up an autobiographical precursor to "8 1/2" by fictionalizing Fellini's earlier life as a journalist and newspaper caricaturist rather than his career as one of the great filmmakers of the 50s and 60s. As the celebrity journalist in crisis, Marcello is fantastic -- as graceful and intelligent and sexy a performance as the screen has ever seen -- and his romp with the unbelievably pneumatic Anita Ekberg in the Trevi fountain is one of the great iconic moments of world cinema. There's a haunted, despairing quality to Mastroianni's acting here that is so subtle and cumulative that by the end of the film his predicament of quiet despair overwhelms the viewer.

Bottom line: no thinking person's film collection should be without this movie, which is as beautiful and moving as any piece of art ever created, in any medium. Fellini and his fantastic cast are all at their peak as artists, and few films have ever approached their achievement.

Get this onto DVD!
My favorite Fellini film, combining the brilliant kaleidescopic parading of faces that characterize his later films with the humanistic neorealism of his earlier work. Told in a series of all-night parties that each end with the recognition of dawn, the movie tells the story of a tabloid writer who has risen to the top of his profession only to be dragged down because he can't find any sustaining meaning in the glitz and glamour.

But the story line, although more important here than in later Fellini films, is really just a device to put actors on the screen, and nobody does this better. The cast is real reason to see this; Mastroianni in the role of his life, Anouk Aimee as a bored rich woman, and Anita Ekberg spilling out of her dress as an American actress are merely the most famous - every single performance, even by the most trivial of parts, is astounding and some of the best ever captured on film. My personal favorite is the clown trumpet player with the balloons at the Cha-Cha Club - in the middle of his performance he flashes one quick look at Mastroianni that speaks volumes.

Unfortunately, the only version I have ever seen is in a standard screen ratio that is obviously badly panned - in a film this full of images there is almost more panning than actual camera movement going on, and still too much is happening off-screen. This movie needs badly to be letterboxed and given a new subtitle translation - but in the meantime, even if you have to settle for the poor VHS version, just enjoy what we have, from the awesome set pieces like the chasing of the Madonna and the final party, to the amazing Nino Rota score and the haunting organ melody of "Patricia".

5 star FILM--0 stars for a DVD that isn't released!!
WHERE IS THE DVD of 'La Dolce Vita'?? This is far superior art and entertainment to that wonderful-but-ridiculous '8 1/2' I mean, we all love Fellini, but why is his most coherent and artistically mature film lying around in some distributor's vault while trash like 'Shanghai Surprise' and box-sets of Whoopi Goldberg movies get all these million-copy releases?? Fellini is more than '8 1/2'; FEEL FREE TO RELEASE THIS DVD ANYTIME!! Ugh, do I have to get a region-free DVD player to watch foreign films? Heck, there are some American classic films that do not have release here, but are being printed in UK and European codes. What is wrong with American distributors?? We want our Fellini, and we want it now!! Gimme the sweet life gimme the sweet life GIMME THE SWEET LIFE!!!!

P.S. To all sympathizers, Bergman's 'Persona' is FINALLY getting American release in February. Cross your fingers they don't back out at the last minute in favor of a straight-to-DVD sequel to 'Finding Nemo': 'Filet of Nemo: Almond Crusted with a Side of Rice Pilaf,' starring the voices of Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Aniston, and Dom Deluise.

Fellini 's Vita
I am very fortunate to meet Guiletta Masini, the lovely wife of Federico Fellini. I several times wrote letters to Fellini himself and he answered back me. That had been going for a while till he died. If you doubt me, I can provide you copies.
I am only one Deaf authority on Fellini and his movies. I have a good collection of video, vhs or dvd. Many books about him and his movies.La Dolce Vita and 8 and half are my top favorites. I saw them in 35mm, 16mm, tv, vhs and dvd versions but the 35mm verisons are always the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, F.R. Gomez

So ... ?
I does lack a plot. I almost fell asleep during the first half. It picked up during the 2nd half when the main character ran into his father. That was interesting for me, for personal reasons. But, having just watched it, all I can say is that it left me with an emtpy, hollow feeling. If that was the point, then the movie is quite successful. Mind you, I'm not the usual "simplistic" movie watcher. But that was my feeling... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I Wrote My FirstReview On Amazon.com Exactly Two Years Ago
When "Queer As Folk" debuted in The UK in 1999, it immediately spawned critical acclaim.This gave many members of the GLBT community and their allies something to relate.It has made history by being one of the first GLBT-based sitcoms with a graphic theme to grow this successfully.This influenced producers from The US to begin their own version of this groundbreaking show.This version debuted in 2000 on Showtime.It followed with similar response as in The UK.Before its US debuted, only two other television sitcoms expressed GLBT-based issues as their main theme: "Ellen" and "Will And Grace".Such brave work earns the cast and crew tremendous respect for doing what few other writers and producers have feared most.It has since won and been nominated for several honorable awards, including four consecutive GLAAD (Gay, Lesbians, and Allies Against Defamanation) Awards for Outstanding Television Drama.

Such issues expressed include hate crimes, HIV/ AIDS, same-sex marriage, same-sex parenting, teen living, self-esteem, drug abuse, and more.Since its debut, the storylines have always remained top of the line.Through its hardcore dramatic scenes to its steamy sex scenes, it never fails to attract audiences' interest.The fearless imagery separates "Queer As Folk" from all other shows.They tell their stories much closer to realism than most other shows have.Everything is as honest to actual GLBT living as it should be.Its powerful impact will never be forgotten.The research read previous to writing proves revalent in every episode.

Besides the harsh realites expressed shows many spectaculars.The sexual innuendo remains erotic, keeping audiences' wide open in amazement.This is the first sitcom that has featured graphic sex and maintain a successful run.The unforgettable Babylon remains an exciting fantasy.This shows what many GLBT people have dreamed for a gay club/ bar.Many of their grand and high-tech episodes successfully express their theme, making this sitcom not entirely depressing.Its signature street remains enlightening, heightening the exciting fantasy theme.Best, the variety of character personalities fit wonderfully to make this show much more enjoyable: Brian's tell-it-like-it-is moto, Michael's hint of child-like humor, Emmitt's flamboyance, Ted's wallflower persona, Debbie's eccentricness, and others.

Every season has its own reasons for its excitement and its hardhitting themes.All have their own adorations that set them apart from the other seasons.Every season shows great evolution compared to its debut.Through the occassional changes made within the storyline and the characters, the quality never fades.Yet, some characteristics never change, which is good.

Season one introduces audiences to the lives of Brian, Michael, Emmitt, Ted, Justin, Lindsay, Mel, and Debbie.They are a group of friends that love each other unconditionally.New viewers will witness how Brian and Justin met, the birth of Lindsay and Mel's son Gus (Brian and Lindsay are the biological parents), Justin still in high school and beginning to come out, Ted still labeled a loser, and of course Brian being Brian.Though the acting has a few occassional weak scenes, their unique personas make up for it beautifully.This season starts the sitcom with a bang.These episodes alone make television history to air many firsts.Once audiences begin watching this season, they will be addicted for life!

Season two begins by answering questions asked in season one's cliffhanger.This gives full throttle to this season's powerful edge.One of them originates from the season one's finale, one of the most emotional episodes in the entire series.Afterward, new audiences will witness a revolution in the comic book store that pertains to Michael, the introduction of Ben, a shocking weakness as an ally in Debbie, Lindsay and Mel marrying, and of course Brian still being Brian.Many characteristics have improved this season compared to previous, namely a better development in the characters and the performances from certain actors.

Season three begins by shaping revolutions in certain characters and storylines.This readies audiences for other changes awaiting throughout.Despite, the sitcom remains exciting.New viewers will witness Ted beginning his crystal meth abuse, Mel beginning her pregnancy with Michael's baby, the introduction of teen prostitute Hunter, the town in threat of a homophobic police officer running for mayor, and a heroistic act from the least expected.Some of the most surprising events that occur through the season make the episodes more exciting and powerful.When audiences think that this would cause the graphic details to fade, another surprise awaits.

Season four shows more of a dramatic feel rather than a graphic hardhitting theme.This shows great improvement in the writing and the editing.The scenes are much less repetative, allowing more new ideas.However, powerful edge never fades.New viewers will witness Ted's recovery stage, Justin briefly joining The Pink Posse (a violent group that watches the streets for homophobic acts), Brian surprisingly maturing due to a life-altering discovery, and a revolution in Mel and Lindsay's relationship.Though less major storylines linger this season, the season remains interesting.

Such overall show quality makes "Queer As Folk - Seasons 1-4 Pack" an essential for fans and those looking for material to relate.This is sure to please many audiences gay or straight.Fans should watch for season five to be released next spring.

Cast: Gale Howard (Brian), Hal Sparks (Michael), Randy Harrison (Justin), Peter Paige (Emmitt), Scott Lowell (Ted), Robert Gant (Ben), Thea Gill (Lindsay), Michelle Clunie (Mel), and Sharon Gless (Debbie) ... Read more

Amazon.com

To the ranks of shows too brilliant and outrageous for prime time (The Ben Stiller Show, Andy Richter Controls the Universe), add Seth McFarland's Family Guy. This animated series, which debuted after the 1999 Super Bowl, simply sparked too much controversy and offended too many sensibilities to survive (Entertainment Weekly dubbed it "the Awful Show They Just Keep Putting on the Air"). That the Fox network also played hackysack with its schedule, ensuring viewers would not be able to find it, sealed its fate (it was cancelled in 2002). This boxed set containing all 28 episodes from the first two seasons is payback for the show's devoted cult following, who may be moved to echo the words of infant Stewie Griffin, the megalomaniacal 1-year-old bent on matricide and world domination: "Victory is mine!"

The dysfunctional Griffins of Quahog, Rhode Island, invite comparisons to The Simpsons. The testicular-chinned father, Peter Griffin, is a clueless oaf in the Homer mold. "Peter, what did you promise me last night?" asks his long-suffering wife Lois in one episode. "That I wouldn't drink at the stag party," he replies. "And what did you do?" she asks. "Drank at the stag part--oh ho ho, I almost walked into that one," he cackles. Other family members include teenage daughter Meg, a desperate high school social pariah; 13-year-old son Chris, a chip off his father's blockhead; and Brian, the family's sarcastic talking dog. But this series' true inspiration is football-pated Stewie (voiced by McFarlane, who earned an Emmy), who was born to be a Bond villain once he escaped his mother's "ovarian bastille." Family Guy recklessly ventured where The Simpsons feared to tread. In one episode, Meg's one and only friend turns out to be the member of a suicidal cult. In another, Death (voiced by Norm McDonald) becomes an unwanted houseguest. Each episode plays fast and furious with surreal flashes (in one episode, Peter turns his house into a puppet) and pop-culture references and TV, movie, and commercial parodies that invite repeated viewings. Freed from its own family-hour bastille and the whims of dim network executives, Family Guy can be appreciated at last on its own profane, sacrilegious, and irreverent terms. Welcome to the DVD family, Griffins. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (471)

Excellent series.
As someone posted here, this set contains 28 episodes (entire first and second season by air dates) and the unaired episode When You Wish Upon a Weinstein (which would've been part of the 2nd season by production number). Despite no pages having this information yet, if you check the front cover you can clearly see it states 'Seasons 1 & 2'. These are the seasons according to air dates.
Eight episodes total will have commentaries, and word has it there are other features. These features don't count towards the running time of the set.

All in all an excellent series. Family Guy packed as much humor as it could in every episode without ever overdoing it. It's comedic style is very different from the Simpsons and South Park (more pop-culture oriented), but i personally find it superior and more clever. The production quality is excellent and constant from the very first season (unlike the Simpsons). Probably best of all is Seth Macfarlane's outstanding job giving the voices of Peter, Brian and Stewie. Excellent story lines with a remarkable and memorable cast of characters. Definitely my favorite animated TV show of all time.

This set is the first part of a two volume collection. Unfortunately Family Guy was only three seasons long when it got canned by Fox.

The Simpsons lost their edge but Family Guy found it.
Let me start my review off wih some good news: Seth MacFarlane revealed in an interview with Cinescape.com that he is hashing out a budget with FOX to create more Family Guy episodes (on tv or dvd, I don't know) and a feature length movie (direct-to-dvd). The projects should take bewteen a year and a year and a half. Now before I decided to write my review on this great show I decided to read the 1 and 2 star reviews (at this time a combined 12) and the 4 and 5 star reviews (at this time a combined 311, mine not included) and alot of the 1 and 2's had kept saying that this show is just a blatant rip off of The Simpsons. Well I'm sorry to tell you this 1 and 2's but it's not. Family Guy is better. Now don't get me wrong, I love the Simpsons, I remember watching their first episodes when they were airing on Thursdays I believe. But after about 13 years the show can get a little stale. This will eventually happen to King of the Hill, Futurama and of course Family Guy. But since Family Guy is the new baby in the house maybe it's about time for the Simpsons to bow out gracfully and pass down the torch. Now alot of the 1 and 2's said that the members of both families were exactly the same but this is not true. And I'll prove it to you by playing Simpsons vs. Griffins. I will take the same member of each family (mom vs. mom, dad vs. dad) and I will compare them. We start off with Homer vs. Peter: Same height, same colored hair (if Homer still had his) but Peter is fatter. Now one worked at a toy company making sure they were safe to play with. The other works as a safty inspector at a power plant. Different jobs, same responibility. But while Homer learns from his mistakes, alot of the time Peter learns nothing, like in the episode "He's too sexy for his fat". But in the end: Homer and Peter might have been long lost brothers. Marge vs. Lois: Lois is around 5'2", Marge is around 7'5"-8' (with hair). Both are house wives. One became a flight attendent for a while and ones father was a flight attendent. Lois was born rich, Marge was born just below middle class. Marge and Homer like to do it in public. Lois and Peter do it with whips, chains, leather, and Peter dressing up like the Gimp in Pulp Fiction. In the end: Both are kinky and at times can be as bad as there husbands. Now when it comes to the parents it's almost identical but the kids aren't alright. Take Bart vs. Chris: Both have blond hair, but that's all. Bart is a little chunky, Chris is just fat. Bart is a smooth talker that can get himself out of almost any problem. Chris is kind of an idiot and might be "special". Bart rides a skateboard. Chris can barely walk staight. Bart fears almost nothing. Chris is afraid of the evil monkey in his closest. Sorry but in the end: They maybe two Jacks but their of a differnt suit. NO MATCH. Lisa vs. Meg: Lisa and Meg are both whiners but Lisa whines about social issues, Meg whines about her social life and not having the things her friends have. Lisa is basicly an intellectual loner that doesn't really care what others think about her, all Meg ever cares about is what poeple think about her. In the end: One is a political and environmental activist, the other is just a brat (of course to some people that's two of the same thing). NO MATCH. Maggie vs. Stewie: You can't get more opposite then this. Both are the same age but most of the time Maggie acts her age. Stewie acts like a gay, british Lex Luther hell-bent on taking over the world and getting rid of his mother once and for all. Maggie loves her mommy and her bo-bo (pacifier). Stewie talks eloquently and creates weapons and devices for world domination. Maggie creates drool and the only word I ever heard her say was daddy. In the end: they may be a pair quarters, but ones facing heads and the others facing tails. NO MATCH. When I said you couldn't get more opposite then Maggie vs. Stewie I was wrong beacuse I forgot about Santas Little Helper vs. Brian: S.L.H. eats dog food, drinks water out of his bowl, barks when he wants too and is basicly a stupid dog (stupid as in not smart not stupid as in he sucks). Brian eats whatever the Griffins are having for dinner while sitting at the dinner table. He drinks martinis, gin and tonics, jack and cokes, and other forms of alcohol. He speaks, not like when you ask a dog to speak but he talks like a person (english and bad spanish). He is almost always out-smarting Stewie so he is very intelligent. In the end: Sorry but S.L.H. isn't fit to be near Brians martini glass. NO MATCH. The neighbors are different as well. The Simpsons have Flanders (extremely religous guy), Reverend Lovejoy (not as religous as Flanders) and an old couple. The Griffins have Cleavland (smart black guy), Joe (suped-up cop in a wheelchair) and Quagmire (sex-crazed weirdo). On the political side you have Mayor Quimby and Mayor Adam West (yes, Batman). One is an embezzler (never proven of course) and the other is insane (proven everytime you see him). Some people say that Family Guy is sexist, racist, misogynistic and a little bit anti-semitic but that's what makes it funny. Its political incorrectness is what gives it its edge. Take away the edge and then your ripping off The Simpsons.

Totally Helarious!
This DVD is so funny you'll literally split your sides until you're done watching it you don't want to go to the hospital.

Great Show, Horrible DVDs
I recently fell in LOVE with Family Guy, so I was thrilled when I recieved this set as a gift. I love the episodes, but there is one problem that is bothering me a lot. I can't get to the opening scenes! A lot of the episodes start at the main theme and not the opening scene that is listed in the scene selection. I know it can't be the malfunction of one disc, because they all do it. Also, viewing in "Play all" mode is extremely difficult as it doesn't seem to know which chapter it wants to play next. Worth buying for the episodes, but its worth it to know about the malfuction.

Simply hilarious
If anyone is a fan of animated cartoons with a certain amount of adult-based humor, this is the set you have to get. There are currently two volumes out, but this is the best to start off with. Whereas the 3rd season set has 21 episodes, this first set gives you the 7 extra episodes from their short first season. So- same price, more episodes.

That being said, this set is hilarious in every aspect. I could spend pages of text describing individual bits of hilarity from each scene of each episode, but that would just be mundane and unneeded. The humor ranges all over the spectrum, and some of it isn't quite suitable for younger children (if they see it, just hope they don't understand the sexual innuendo). The commentary is funny as well, although it is only for occasional episodes in the set. They also did an interesting thing with the commentary- it is actually rated R. There is a warning saying that the commentary is not suitable for people under the age of 18, since they made the decision to allow profanity for the commentary.

This does not bother me, but some people may be more sensitive to those kinds of things. But if that offends you, I doubt that you'd appreciate Family Guy's humor. The show is like a combination of The Simpsons' family based wry humor with South Park's outrageous lack of inhibitions. All in all, it equates into hours of laughter.

This DVD set is simply hilarious, as has been stated repeatedly. If you've ever seen an episode of the show, you'd realize that. If you like to laugh (and don't mind the occasional "did they just say that!?" moment), buy this DVD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, director Wes Anderson takes his familiar stable of actors on a field trip to a fantasy aquarium, complete with stop-motion, candy-striped crabs and rainbow seahorses.And though Anderson does expand his horizons in terms of retro-special effects and a whimsical use of color, fans will otherwise find themselves in well-charted waters. As The Life Aquatic opens, Zissou (Bill Murray), a self-involved, Jacques Cousteau-like filmmaker, has just released a documentary depicting the death of his best friend Esteban, who was eaten by some sort of sea creature--possibly a jaguar shark. Zissou’s troubles also include his waning popularity with the public, and a nemesis (Jeff Goldblum) who hogs up all the grant money. Hope arrives in the form of Ned Plimpton (Owen Wilson), an amiable Kentuckian who may be Zissou’s son. Despite his lack of enthusiasm for fatherhood, Zissou welcomes Ned--and Ned in turn saves Zissou’s new documentary (in which he seeks revenge on the jaguar shark) in more ways than one.

One of Wes Anderson’s greatest achievements as a director to date has been launching the autumnal melancholy phase of Bill Murray’s career, starting with Rushmore in 1998, and Murray delivers a similarly comedic yet low-key performance here. Unfortunately, Zissou is one of the few characters in this ensemble to achieve multi-dimensionality. Even co-star Wilson doesn’t get to develop Ned much beyond Noble Southerner, and he ends up seeming more like a prop for illustrating Zissou’s emotional development rather than his own man. The Life Aquatic probably won’t be remembered as a great film, but it is still one that no Anderson (or Murray) fan can afford to miss.--Leah Weathersby ... Read more

Reviews (152)

Stinks
worst movie of the year. This movie has alot of great actors but the story is lame and the jokes are not funny. In short stay away from this bomb.........

A beautiful, intelligent, and fun film
I loved this film from start to finish and it only got better the second and third times I watched it.There is a very nice feel to it: mellow, easy and cool, even when the action is on.This feel is perhaps captured best in the remarkably enjoyable Brazilian covers of classic David Bowie songs.

One thing worth noting about this film, beyond the "quirky" stylings that you expect from Wes Anderson (and that don't always come off, to my mind, as I just couldn't get in to The Royal Tenenbaums much as I wanted), is the way the film plays with and responds to the popularity of the "nature documentary," especially those of Jacques Cousteau.In the nature documentary, we feel as though we are getting "closer" to nature.We believe that we are getting at something real.What we tend to forget or be unaware of, is how much mediation is involved in the presentation of nature.The nature we see on film is never nature "as it is" but nature as it has been framed and captured in accordance with certain expectations of what will sell, what values will play to a wide audience.

It should also be remembered that this is a Disney film, and Wes Anderson appears tobe very self-conscious of the fact that a large part of Disney's name and popularity was established through Disney wildlife films.Walt Disney himself once remarked that he saw his live action wildlife films to be merely an extension of his animations -- because he knew how much the editor and filmmaker are involved in showing what you want to show.What they did show was not Darwin's "nature red tooth and claw" but a sanitized nature, where danger was always contained, and family values were reinforced by the behaviors of animals: a mother and her pups, for example.

That, it seems to me, helps explain the fact that Wes Anderson chose not to employ "real" underwater animals but chose stop motion animation as his medium.It reminds us that nature appears on screen always mediated, through a "nature hero" (as Zissou once was) and through a set of decisions about what to include, how to edit it, what to value.

Anyhow, I could go on and on about what I liked and thought about this film, but I can say that I didn't expect to like this film but found myself surprised feeling very nice (and a bit odd, not sure what to think) about half way through and leaving with a smile and a hint of sadness as I walked the theater.Any film that can do that to someone as jaded as I am has something going for it.

ZZZZZ....Is This A Movie?!
Holy cow! I tried staying awake long enough to see if this movie would develop a plot, have some intersting special effects, but nothing even remotely resembling a movie ever took place. I barely was able to keep my eyes open. I thought maybe it was an artsy attempt at being clever, but this was absolutely the lamest, low budget, poor plot-movie I had ever seen. Even the usually likeable and clever Bill Murray fell FLAT in this movie. I watched it wih my brother and wife. She only made it through the first 20 minutes. My brother and I are more optomistic and somehow made it through the first 70 min., fast forwaded to the end, and didn't even carre that Owen Wilson's character had died!! If you want a movie that will put you to sleep, this is it!

Call me weird...
...but I really enjoyed watching this film. Willem Dafoe carried a manic comic energy throughout that was the perfect foil to Bill Murray's well developed drollery. I thought the take off on the Jacques Cousteau TV specials was spot on and truly humorous. I did not laugh out loud all the way through this film mind you, it is chock full of dull stretches and things that just make you want to scratch your head in puzzlement. I do that all the time with Wes Anderson movies, so I guess this one should be no surprise. I found this film to be clever, smart, profoundly silly, and usually just plain fun. The views of the fanciful sea critters encountered by the crew were very well done and showed a great deal of imagination and wonder at work. The fellow who kept popping up singing David Bowie songs in Portuguese somehow stole my soul and I couldn't get the sounds out of my head. Lovely idea squeezed into a wonderfully odd little film. C'mon, since when does everything have to make sense to be fun?

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
This was a pretty funny, ironic, amusing yet realistic story. I think it deals with some interesting existential issues. Giving wrong people too much credit and basing your life on it. Like in real life, it is not always (or ever?) that better people win and suceed. You can base your whole life on wrong assumptions and pay for it dearly...
I was definitely inspired to re-examie the values I base my life on and instincts I trust. The music is brilliant and many scenes were extremely beautiful. Anjelica Houston is very good. ... Read more