The Prisoner (Miniseries) (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Those who have commented about this series without seeing the original do not know whereof they write. The original series went beyond mere entertainment (and it was very entertaining) but also stimulated the viewer into thinking about subjects such as illegal incarceration, autonomy, the illusion of democracy, identity, education, truth, life, death, manipulation, propaganda, loyalty, war and violence (as well as innumerable other topics). As a youth, I was profoundly influenced by the exploration of the concepts in this series.
Plus, I loved the car. Rover was cool too.
I find it hard to believe that anyone could be remotely influenced by any of the ideas in this mini-series remake. In fact, I couldn't find any profound ideology in this mini-series.
If one had not seen the original series, this new rendition would have had to have been completely incomprehensible.
The fundamentals of the show were missing. Number Six was not defiant or angry, merely befuddled. Number Two was not desperately seeking information from Number Six while under the scrutiny of an anonymous Number One. He was also acting aimlessly.
Everyone was wandering around as if they were in a dream (wow - a spoiler!)
After waiting so long for something to be done with the Prisoner property; and with so many hard core fans craving to view a remake, I am surprised this weak series was the best effort that the entertainment industry could muster.
For better alternatives for those of you who would love to see more shows similar to the original Prisoner, I would recommend:
1) Danger Man (TV Series)
2) Secret Agent (TV Series)
3) Kings and Desperate Men (VHS Movie with some familiar faces)
4) Shattered Visage (Graphic Novel sequel)
5) Nowhere Man (TV Series with a similar flow to the Prisoner)
6) Sleuth (with Olivier & Caine - a movie about mind games)
7) The Game (with M. Douglas - another mind game movie)
8) The Prisoner Original Movie Scripts (Two Volumes also containing original series material which was not used)
It is a pity that producers have waited forty years for the deaths of Patrick McGoohan and Leo McKern, just to insure that they would not appear in any sequels. The graphic novel "Shattered Visage" was created 20 years ago with appropriately aged Numbers 2 & 6, undoubtedly with a movie sequel in mind which would have included these beloved actors. Another missed opportunity was that McGoohan's own sequel was not used.
Perhaps in forty years hence a better sequel will be made.

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The Prisoner miniseries is a reinterpretation of the British 1960s cult hit series that starred and was co-created by Patrick McGoohan. The Premise : A man, known as Six, finds himself inexplicably trapped in The Village with no memory of how he arrived. As he explores his environment, he discovers that his fellow inhabitants are identified by number instead of name, have no memory of any prior existence, and are under constant surveillance. Not knowing whom to trust, Six is driven by the need to discover the truth behind The Village, the reason for his being there, and most importantly -- how he can escape. Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ , The Thin Red Line) plays the role of Six; and two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, The Da Vinci Code) co-stars as Two.

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Monarch of the Glen - Series Three (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just don't understand the negative reviews. Series 3 had some of the wittiest episodes to date as well as the most heart-wrenching ones. It introduces some memorable new characters, including Stella, an alpha female banker handpicked to bring Glenbogle out of debt. Hector and Molly are as charming and as eccentric as ever. This is a series not to be missed, and I wish Series 4 would come out quickly, since in the U.K., Series 5 has already been released. Monarch of the Glen is television at its best.

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Archie MacDonald continues his struggles to make Glenbogle a success. First he must answer to the bank's new manager, then face a smooth operator who has his eye on Ben Bogle. Add in his father's usual mischief and the young laird barely has enough time to sort out his love life, which proves to be as complicated as ever. This DVD includes all eleven episodes from the third series, Richard Briers's last.DVD Features:BiographiesInterviewsTheatrical Trailer

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Masterpiece Theatre: Railway Children (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)This PBS version of "The Railway Children" is nowhere near as
charming as the original 1970 movie. If you saw this TV version and liked it, you owe it to yourself to see the young Jenny Agutter in the earlier film. In my opinion, the PBS remake lacks the warmth and civility of the original.

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Set at the turn of the 20th century, three Edwardian children and their mother move to a country house in Yorkshire after their father is mysteriously taken away by the police. However, their mother refuses to inform the children of the circumstances surrounding their father's disappearance. The children become fascinated by a nearby railroad, and they faithfully wave to passengers daily. Their kindness helps them make friends with some important travelers, one old gentleman in particular. Can he help solve the mystery of their missing father?Special DVD features include: Cast list; Masterpiece Theatre poster gallery; access to The Railway Children Web site featuring essays, an interview with leading actress Jenny Agutter, biographies and photos of Golden Age authors, and more; scene selection; English audiotrack; and closed captions.On one DVD5 disc.Region coding: All regions.Audio: Dolby stereo.Screen format: Widescreen (Anamorphic)

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Monarch of the Glen: The Complete Collection (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is addictive stuff. My social life has suffered for the last 2 weekends and my house is reaching the level of candidacy for "Clean House".
I had seen a jumble of episodes on tv, but between PBS begathons when the show was pre-empted and business committments I wasn't able to see the entire series and get the full flavor of it.
I love the series, the characters,and the scenery. I want to live in Glenbogle! The characters and story lines sort of suck you in.
If you buy the complete series be prepared. Don't make any unbreakable appointments or committments. It's hard to "put down"

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Now assembled in one collectors set, every episode of the immensely popular BBC series, Monarch of the Glen! Set against t spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands, this immensely popular, heart-warming drama centers around an ancient castle, a collection of tartan-clad eccentrics and the handsome new master of the impoverished estate. Monarch of the Glen is one of the BBC's international success stories. From America to Vietnam, fans around the world have fallen in love with the beautiful Scottish countryside and the story of Glenbogle.DVD Features:BiographiesDocumentaryFeaturetteInterviewsOther

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Vincent: TV Series (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've read countless reviews on this site, but this is the first release that actually warranted a personal review. I caught this show when it aired the first time on BBC America a few months ago and was totally hooked from the first episode. Compared to series from the US, this is extremely short, containing only four one-hour-plus episodes. I was kind of miffed when I first saw them only because it left me wanting so much more. I've seen lots of British shows, especially drama, and this is the genre at its ultimate peak. The acting is superb...from ALL participants, but especially Ray Winstone. It's very rare that an actor or actress impresses me so much that I seek out other work from them. This was the case for me after watching him act in this show. He IS Vincent and you don't doubt him for a second. As with most dramas in the past 10 years or so, the lead character isn't without personal faults which gives the show a very true dynamic. He makes mistakes not only in his personal life, but even in his detective work. That's DEFINITELY something that is amiss in most crime dramas and is therefore more believable. Each mystery keeps you guessing even if you swear you've picked the right criminal. If that isn't enough, that theme song I swear will be stuck in your head for days. It's so catchy. Also, the second season has already aired overseas, but not here. So, if you like what you see, know there's more coming soon.
If you loved and miss the Cracker series (which was also excellent....except White Ghost...(sigh) but forgive and forget), then you will really enjoy this thoroughly exciting crime drama.

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The daddy of all private investigators! Ray Winstone (The Departed, Sexy Beast) stars in this exciting, offbeat thriller series as workaholic private eye Vincent Gallagher, whose clients often have problems uncannily similar to his own. Vincent's hardcore dedication and struggle to keep his emotions separate from his work sometimes have him stepping outside the law-- and into dangerous underworld territories. And these unexpectedly nasty turns force him to conquer some of his deepest, darkest fears. A top-notch cast rounds out this fast-paced, multilayered British series available for the first time in this complete collection of first-series episodes, the riveting British answer to quirky crime favorites like Monk and the CSI series.

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The Champions - Set One (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)This set represents the first 15 episodes of a 30-episode total of the series, THE CHAMPIONS. Stuart Damon (fresh from being Prince Charming to Leslie Ann Warren's Cinderella, and who went on to soap opera fame), Alexandra Bastedo, and William Gaunt (you'll know this BBC actor when you see him) play agents of Nemesis, an international organization of trouble-shooters based in Geneva. They are on a mission in Red China when their plane crashes in the Himalayas. Rescued from death by an unknown & anonymous group of people, they are endowed with special powers of strength & psychic abilities that must be kept secret, even from their boss Tremayne.
The tone of the series is similar in nature to The Saint (Roger Moore's), Dr. Who, and The Avengers; this is not surprising considering that Dennis Spooner & Brian Clemens were driving forces in all four series. (Terry Nation wrote several of the episodes.) The twist on this show is the increased abilities, with the emphasis on the psychic/paranormal skills, which makes it a cross between standard espionage and science-fiction. Although the late 60's wardrobe, hair styles, and dialogue are a bit dated, the series is set in the Cold War. Nemesis is a top-secret agency that can only be called in by other agencies. NATO enters in to a lot of the plots; bad guys are trying to manipulate the world. The trio tackle that which cannot be done, and do the amazing - all to the bafflement of their boss who hasn't got a clue as to how they manage it all.
The show is good, clean, enjoyable fun. Damon is Craig Sterling, the brash American with a ready smile. Gaunt is Richard Barrett, the sober Brit with dry humour. Bastedo is Sharon Macready, the lovely female operative who can take out any bad guy on her own without getting her hair mussed or appearing less than frail. They balance well, taking turns pulling each other out of dangerous situations.
If you have ever been a fan of Dr. Who, The Saint, The Avengers, The Protectors, or The Persuaders, you are in for a treat. I had seen two episodes (poor VHS copies) prior to the release of this 4 disc DVD set. The quality of the transfers on these discs is outstanding. I only hope A&E sees fit to release the rest of the series - and SOON!

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PULLED FROM THE WRECKAGE OF A PLANE CRASH BY THE MYSTERIOUS PEOPLE OF A LOST TIBETAN CIVILIZATION, THE CHAMPIONS FIND THEM SELVES TRANSFORMED INTO ULTRA AGENTS WITH FANTASTIC, SUPERHUMAN POWERS.

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The Office: The Complete BBC Collection (First and Second Series Plus Special) (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Every reviewer out there has praised this show for its brilliance and I'm going to be redundant and do the same. From its first episode to the last few seconds of the Christmas Specials, The Office never has one bad line or one false note. It's just about perfect.
Almost every scene takes place in the dull offices of the Slough branch of the Wernham Hogg paper company (Dawn, the receptionist, accurately describes it as "a crappy sub-branch paper merchant's). Wernham Hogg employs about 40 people and we get to know all their faces as we see them stare at computer screens, take coffee breaks, and goof off day after day. It's as realistic as TV has ever been. Nobody is too pretty, everyone's "office-casual" wardrobe is slightly wrinkled, and everyone looks bored out of his or her mind most of the time.
The people we get to know best are: Gareth Keenan, a bizarre "team leader" with a fixation on survival skills; Dawn Tindsley, the sweet and sarcastic receptionist who is stuck in both a boring job and a boring relationship; Tim Canterbury, a sales rep who hates his job but can never seem to actually quit it; and David Brent, a man who thinks he's everyone's "friend as well as their boss" but who is actually liked and respected by no one.
The two main story threads running through all 14 episodes of The Office are Tim's attempts to convince Dawn to leave her idiotic fiance and David's constant need to impress his employees, bosses, and everyone he meets with his various talents. We see his "humor," his "poetry," his "songs," his "dancing," and his philosophical "wisdom." All of which are horrifyingly bad. David's constant need to perform ends up slowly destroying him, Tim and Dawn remain unhappily inert, and things get worse and worse for everyone until the show almost becomes unbearable to watch. The cast is so good, though, and every line so pitch perfect, that you'd follow these people anywhere, even in despair. Also, the great thing about The Office is, like life, all the possibilities continually exist for these characters and we never know when they might have a moment of redemption.
So, it's not strictly a comedy, but it is the funniest, most devastating, and strangely uplifting show I have seen in recent years.

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OFFICE COLLECTION - DVD Movie

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