I have to admit, I held out on purchasing this for a long time b/c I thought it wasn't going to be worth the money. I mean, let's face it, it's a wee bit pricey & if you're like me, you have seen them all many times over on Comedy Central or BBC America. However, I gave in to temptation one day & finally bought it...& I couldn't be happier!
First off, it's got all the episodes from the first 3 original series (not counting the 4th series that aired in 2001, & the 5th series that aired in 2003 on the WE channel, but they're available separately & I recommend you pick them up, too). This 4-disc set contains each series compiled on its own disc with extra features, as well as a disc of bonus material. Series 1: Fashion; Fat; France; Iso Tank; Birthday; & Magazine. Series 2: Hospital; Death; Morocco; New Best Friend; Poor; & Birth. Series 3: Doorhandle; Happy New Year; Sex; Jealousy; Fear; & The End. Each of these discs includes 15 minutes of hilarious outtakes- they are really great. It also contains still photo galleries set to music, as well as trailers for other BBC DVDs & BBC America commercials. But the outtakes really make it worthwhile.
The bonus disc includes the "How To Be Ab Fab" documentary that was shown on Comedy Central many times, as well as a compilation of the series' greatest moments hosted by Jennifer Saunders & June Whitfield ("Ab Fab Moments"). The "Modern Mother & Daughter" skit from French & Saunders is also included (the skit that spawned Ab Fab), as well as cool pages about the cast, guest stars, & my favorite- a guide to the real life locations featured in Ab Fab (London, New York, etc).
For all you technical fans, the DVD looks & sounds really great. The picture transfer is excellent- clear, pristine picture on a full screen. It's much better than watching it on television- honestly. The packaging is great, too.
But perhaps the best thing about watching Ab Fab on DVD? It's not edited for content. True, even though it appeared on cable, Comedy Central had to edit out a few choice words (the BBC, as well as all other European television stations, are a little more lenient than American stations), all of which naturally appear on the DVD. It's not a huge deal, & I'm a mature guy, but for you hardcore purists, this is the only way to go! It just makes it a little more enjoyable.
I hope this has convinced you if are on the fence about this purchase. Trust me; if you're even considering it then you will definitely love it. I actually a casual fan when I purchased the DVD set on an impulse buy, but watching it on DVD has made it much, much more enjoyable. Now I ADORE Ab Fab!
