Good Neighbors: The Complete Series 1-3
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Felicity Kendal, Paul Eddington, Penelope Keith, Richard BriersBrand: Warner Brothers
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Unknown; English (Original Language), Unknown
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 640 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-06-14
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: E2183
Studio: BBC Worldwide
Product features:
- On Tom Good's fortieth birthday, he decides to escape the rat race for a life of self-sufficiency with his wife, Barbara. Soon they're plowing a field in their suburban yard and tending a goat and pigs, much to the dismay of their upwardly mobile neighbors and friends the Leadbetters. This series, known as The Good Life in the UK, enjoyed such popularity the queen requested a viewing, and as recen
Movie Reviews of Good Neighbors: The Complete Series 1-3
Movie Review: A sweet DVD release for the sweetest television program ever
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had the new DVD set for about ten days now (my local retailer had it out on the shelves a week before the official release date, I grabbed it the moment I spotted it), so I guess I will be the first to give the rundown on the set.
This is a high-quality release from BBC Video, on par with the "Fawlty Towers" and "Yes, Minister" sets. There are four single-sided discs in an attractive, colorful fold-out case -- one series (or season) per disc, plus a fourth for the 1977 Christmas special plus a few extras. I have watched about half the episodes and they are bright and clear, no problems with picture or sound quality. One odd thing: although the package is labeled "Good Neighbors", the titles on the episodes themselves say "The Good Life", the original name of the series (the music and graphics are the same).
The set is light on special features, the main feature being an interview with "cast, crew, and celebrity fans" that runs about a half hour. It is basically a highlight reel from the series, with running commentary from Richard Briers, Penelope Keith, and some other British television personalities who will probably only be familiar to residents of the UK. Nothing too profound here, just a lot of people going on about how wonderful the show was, sort of like a long promo (but still fun to watch). The only disappointment is that Felicity Kendal does not make an appearance.
Still, the most important thing is that all the episodes from series 1-3 are included, in their original broadcast order. Another reviewer mentioned that the series finale is "missing" from the set, and that is true -- none of the episodes from the fourth and final series are included, presumably because they were previously released as part of a DVD set from Acorn Media. Apart from that one flaw, this is a terrific set, and a must-have.
As for the show itself, what can I say? This is without doubt the sweetest television program ever made. And by "sweet", I do not mean sickly sweet like some Disney-esque treacle that makes you want to vomit, I mean four immensely appealing actors, playing truly lovable characters (yes, even Margo Leadbetter is lovable in her own insecure, wannabe snob sort of way). The Goods enjoy a warm, happy marriage, and genuine friendship with their neighbors, the Leadbetters, and you cannot help but smile and cheer for them, as they stand by each other through thick and thin. "The Good Life" is an ideal program for a family to watch together, or for anyone who is feeling down on a rainy day.
The contents of the set:
Disc 1, Series 1
1. Plough Your Own Furrow
Tom and Barbara Good decide to leave the rat race of every day life and become as near to self-sufficient as possible without leaving their Surbiton home. Penelope Keith is not seen in this episode, however, her voice is heard right at the very end.
2. Say Little Hen
The Goods continue to acquire animals but their next door neighbors Jerry and Margo Leadbetter try to save the Goods from themselves.
3. The Weaker Sex?
A cast iron stove nearly puts Barbara's fire out on the whole idea.
4. Pig's Lib
When the Goods get some pigs, Margo finally draws the line.
5. The Thing in the Cellar
The Goods search for alternative sources of food and Tom puts dung to good use in the cellar.
6. The Pagan Rite
Bills pile up, the Goods need a holiday, and Tom weighs his moral ideals against accepting a job to help pay for it all.
7. Backs to the Wall
On the day before harvest, Tom hurts his back and the weather goes bad, leaving Barbara three days to bring in the harvest or it will rot.
Disc 2, Series 2
1. Just My Bill
Tom and Barbara have proved their mettle in the Garden, but they are challenged with making money off the surplus to pay their bills.
2. The Guru of Surbiton
Two students arrive to help the Goods out, but in Tom they find their new messiah!
3. Mr. Fix-It
A reporter arrives to do a story on the Goods and Margo schemes of ways to bask in some of their fame.
4. The Day Peace Broke Out
When a mysterious thief begins to steal the Goods' leeks, Tom declares war!
5. Mutiny
Jerry must choose between obeying Sir or trying to please Margo by attending her musical The Sound of Music.
6. Home Sweet Home
After hearing about an ideal farm from a farmer, Tom is all ready to leave Surbiton. But Barbara doesn't want to go, and she isn't the only one.
7. Going to Pot
The Goods decide to attend night classes to learn valuable skills. While Margo schemes to outwit a new neighbor adept at painting by taking up pottery.
Disc 3, Series 3
1. The Early Birds
After the Leadbetter's have enough of the Goods' crack-of-dawn activities, the Goods search for new ways to design their schedule.
2. The Happy Event
Efficiency is the name of the game, until Pinky the Pig has her litter.
3. A Tug Of The Forelock
After Tom brainstorms an idea for revamping the rotary cultivator into a transport vehicle, the Goods' try their hand at becoming a housekeeping service to the Leadbetters to earn cash.
4. I Talk To The Trees
The Goods decide to experiment with talking to their plants to see if they'll grow more as Margo plans to run for Music Society President.
5. The Wind-Break War
Miscommunication deteriorates into family feud when Margo's windbreak puts the Goods' fruits in the shade.
6. Whose Fleas Are These?
The Goods struggle to contain a flea outbreak and the search for the source is on!
7. The Last Posh Frock
When Barbara rips her last fancy dress, Tom can't understand how much she has sacrificed.
Disc 4
1977 Christmas Special
Special features:
- Interviews with cast, crew, and celebrity fans
- Cast biographies
- Trailers
Summary of Good Neighbors: The Complete Series 1-3
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