Customer Reviews

As Time Goes By - Complete Series 8 & 9

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've watched the entire series a number of times on PBS and BBC America. VHS or DVD videos of all series now available have a prominent place in my video library. If you are totally fed up with the foul language, gratitious sex and nudity and the absolute stupidity of 99% of American TV fare this series is for you. The subtle humor, tenderness, and great acting by Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer and the rest of the cast make for an unforgettable story that will have you rolling on the floor and/or shedding a few tears. I admit to being completely hooked!

These are the final two seasons plus wrap up special for one of the best dramadies. Jean and Lionel are lost loves that find each other again after many years. They fall in love again and finally married.

In series 8 & 9 many of the long running storylines are completed. Including will Alister pop the question to Judith and ditto for Harry and Sandy.

We spent many years getting to know these people and finally can be happy all is resolved.

If you have not seen this series or just started watching. Buy all nine series and have a long weekend. I had to wait five years to see the end. (And I was lucky and saw the final episode premiere in London a year before PBS).

This series is the cornerstone in Judi's career. She became a movie star during this show but never gave up on this show.

Jeffrey Palmer has been a cornerstone in the Britcom industry for thirty years (His first starring role was in Butterflies which is also just coming out on DVD).

The featured cast includes vetran actor Frank Middlemass as Lionel's free spirited father, Philip Bretherton as Lionel's playboy publisher and Judith's on again, off again boyfriend and Moira Brooker as Jean's daughter Judith.

Know that this is a show that will make you laugh then cry the laugh again.

This single series has done more to convince Americans of their intellectual inferiority to Britain than anything since the invention of the Oxfordshire accent. The fact of the matter is this series is not just astounding relative to American television. It's astounding relative to British television.

There is an old aphorism of American football that states, "When you get the ball into the endzone, you should act like you've been there before." As Time Goes By is television for people who have been there before. It's for real grown-ups, not kids who've recently discovered the magic of genitalia. It doesn't matter what your national identity is, this stuff is good.

Also, hilarious.

I cannot add much to what has already been written. Suffice to say, you can not go wrong with purchasing this lovely series. Regardless of age or background, you will find a touchstone or two for your own life.

As for the acting, well, no words can describe the pure magic of witnessing the chemistry between Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench. They are two of the finest actors any generation could produce. The supporting cast is very strong, even though some of the characters might have to grow on you. Then again, the same could be said for many people in our own lives.

Enjoy.

If you want a show that the whole family can watch, this is it! I have seasons 1-7 on DVD and can't wait for 8&9! British humor and word play at its best. Beats the heck out of stupid American survivor shows.

What can be said about ATGB it is a lot better than most of the American fare that we "yanks" have to deal with. The show is subtlety at it's best it contains no harsh language (no bullocks) no over explicit sex just good clean britfun. It is much better than Friends, but not as good as Sienfield. The trend in American TV is fat balding guy in his 40's married to hot slim wife in her 30's. You could never get a show about two people who have been apart longer than the regular TV couples have been married or living,
If you see the very first episode (I suggest you take some time of work for a rather good ATGB marathon) then look at lets say season 6 episode 7 (that is the episode in which she finally saw the letter) you will see the evolution of a show who writing was a master of the old school style where two people can talk without the usual! @#$%*&^%$%.

Simply Wonderful !!!! My only complaint is there are too few episodes to enjoy.Although I am an American,I lived in England for a number of years and I watched many British Comedies on TV.Shows like: To the Manor Born, Blackadder,Are you being served?,and Yes Minister just to name a few.I can say that; As Time goes By,is definitely One of the Very Best.I was glad when it came out on DVD, I can now watch it from Begining to End over and over.All the Cast are Terriffic,especially the Great Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer.The writing;having been done by the same man throughout the entire series,shows why it was so Brilliant.Anyone who liked Seasons 1-7 will find 8 and 9 a joy to watch also,as many of the storylines get wound up.Do yourself a favor, "Play them again and again, Sam"!!!!!

Many think that As Time Goes By owes its quality to the great writing and the very talented cast - headed by Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. I definitely agree that the witty dialogues and clever acting are two important aspects in making it one of the best Britcoms ever. Additionally I would like to point out that As Time Goes By is a bit unusual. First, the main characters are a bit older than the average American sitcom character, and even more remarkably they are allowed to behave in accordance with their age (not the 50 going on 35 stuff the American TV landscape is so full off). The overall pace of the show appears a bit slower, but the dialogues are not and appearances can be deceiving. I also find it appealing that the situations are simple, but stressful, everyday occurrences (dating, retirement, visits of relatives) and we can therefore easily relate to Jean and Lionel and the odd situations they maneuver themselves into. Some of the comedic highlights on this DVD focus on Lionel's hearing, a stray dog, and the problem of living in a house with only one bathroom. This is the conclusion of the series, so wrapping up the three different narratives (Jean & Lionel / Judith / Sandy) in a satisfying manner is a big part of the later episodes.
The entire series is very refreshing and enchanting entertainment, ideal for a rainy weekend at home - because once you own the DVDs you will want to watch them back to back over and over again. So give this DVD a try, but not without having watched at least some of the previous episodes to help ease you into the story. If you like As Time Goes By I would also recommend watching the Reunion Specials, which pick up the story from the end of the series. If you like Judi Dench and/or the basic concept of As Time Goes By I would recommend the series A Fine Romance, which will provide a good opportunity for compare and contrast.

This British comedy is just outstanding! The actors are brilliant and perfectly cast. The scripts are based on events that everyone can relate to and appeal to the entire family. Judi Dench is, without a doubt, the greatest actress I have ever seen. I watch ATGB episodes over and over and never tire of them.

This order was the second copy of the DVD reviewed and the same problem appeared on both DVD's. During the viewing of Season 9, the last two episodes contain pauses and skips. Very distracting! The fact that this happened on both copies of the DVD's leads me to assume it has to do with the quality of the recording. Would like to see the shows with out interruption.