This set contains every episode from the original British version of The Office, the Ricky Gervais series that has since been retooled for numerous countries around the world.
TV doesn't get any better than this. You put on one of the DVDs and before you know it 3 hours has passed. It works because the characters are believable and it doesn't cross into caricature or parody.
If you've never seen it, don't expect slapstick laughs or ridiculous scenarios and remember that the comedy is from watching the discomfort levels of each person rise as they either say or do the wrong thing and realise it's all caught on camera.
Unusually for me, I can even watch the bloopers repeatedly.
4 DVDs of comedy perfection
My Best Buy number: 0749914750
My Best Buy number: 0749914750
What's great about it: watchable over and over again
Own every single episode of Ricky Gervais' Extras in this release containing both seasons of the side-splitting series featuring guest appearances by Kate Winslet, Daniel Radcliffe, Ben Stiller, Ian McKellan, Samuel L. Jackson, and more.
Prices fluctuate and deals come and go so I won't comment on the price, just the content.
Of course you get all 12 regular episodes (30 minutes each) and the 90 minute finale and they're spread over 5 DVDs. Perhaps they could have saved some space and saved a couple of DVDs but it's a minor quibble consider it only takes up an extra 1/2" of shelf space.
It's a cliche, but if you like the UK Office, you'll like this. I think of it as the true life story of Ricky Gervais in a parallel universe where The Office had been a disaster.
It comes with behind the scenes, bloopers etc - nothing you'd probably want to watch over and over but entertaining enough - the real magic is in the episodes themselves. The only flaws (IMO) are that Maggie is too dopey sometimes and Darren is a little too over the top to be believable but he's incredibly funny. Also, if you're not familiar with the characters from the soap "EastEnders" some of the references will be missed.
Definitely in my top 5 TV shows of all time
My Best Buy number: 0749914750
My Best Buy number: 0749914750
What's great about it: Great show with a great cast
What's not so great: might be hard for non-UKers to get some of the references
I already owned all three of these on DVD and the extras were quite sparse. The Shining had a 'making of' and 2001 came with a commentary track.
If you're thinking of upgrading to this bluray set, do it. Each of the discs in this set comes with bonus material including retrospectives, making-ofs and behind-the-scenes footage. You won't be disappointed.
Quite why they don't display this info on the sleeve is beyond me.
For the price you cannot go wrong
What's great about it: 3 classic films
What's not so great: extras are not listed on the sleeve
After watching this for the first time, I wondered what I'd wasted 2 1/2 hours on but something clicked with regards to the meaning of the monoliths and I couldn't wait to watch it again. The second viewing made a lot more sense and I get more from each subsequent viewing.
The film looks magnificent which helps a lot because the dialogue is sparse (but makes sense in the main context)
The only "disappointment" is the lack of extras but there is a commentary with the two main actors and it doesn't disappoint.
What's great about it: Can be watched time and time again