Product Details

• Actors: Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer, Moira Brooker, Philip Bretherton, Jenny Funnell
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: BBC Warner
• VHS Release Date: July 19, 2000
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004WG61
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,715 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Season one ends with a whimper not a bang, June 3, 2000

By 

tropic_of_criticism - See all my reviews

This review is from: As Time Goes By Vol. 2 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The second volume of this British drama-comedy sees the further set-up of basic tensions that will run through the entire six-season series. Here, though, the emphasis shifts somewhat away from the basic Lionel-Jean storyline, and fleshes out both the secondary series plotline and relationships with the supporting cast.

That secondary plot has to do with Lionel's somewhat questionable writing talent. In the middle episode on this tape, romance gets pushed aside somewhat as Jean has to inform Lionel that his characters lack passion. When Alastair confirms Jean's assessment, Lionel is forced, not for the last time in the series, to painfully (and comically) revisit his work.

Of course, the real substance of these three episodes is in the development of the secondary characters. We get a better impression here of Alastair, Lionel's book agent and Jean's would-be suitor. Judith, Jean's daughter, is also greatly amplified in these episodes, with Lionel attempting to move his affections from mother to daughter, and the daughter, in the "Picnic" episode, eventually transferring her affections elsewhere.

Indeed, these three episodes are perhaps best thought of as having to do with misdirected love. And though much is left unresolved by the end of the last episode (which also ended the first season), Lionel and Jean are forced to admit that they have more in common than just their 40-year old wartime love story. It was an intriguing enough ending to ensure that the BBC renew for a second season, and it's certainly enough to make you order volume three of this outstanding series.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of all Brit Coms!, September 19, 2000

By 

Marie Abate (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As Time Goes By Vol. 2 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have been immersed in this Brit Com since I first watched Video I and then had to buy II. I have also taped (just about) every episode from PBS tv! I feel as if I know these people...at least would want to know them! Who would not want to live in that household? If I were Sandy I would definitely stay on even if Judy moves out to marry Alistar! After one watches all these episodes you will crave for more! And never tire of watching the shows over and over! The English vocabulary is a pleasure! I cannot get enough of the series...not only the most romantic story-line..dialogue but do not overlook the home decor! Isn't is fabulous! The kitchen I could live in forever and the kitchen out at Lionel's manor one could die in! I recommend these tapes as the best ever!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So sad that they stopped taping this show after ten seasons, April 26, 2000

By 

deir (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As Time Goes By Vol. 2 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is absolutely the most wonderfully written and acted British comedy series ever aired in the US! And between Geoffrey Palmer as Lionel and Philip Bretherton as Alistair (who happens to be gorgeous), I cannot imagine a show with handsomer leading men! Of course, Judi Dench is no slouch either and Moira Brooker is really charming, so there's an excellent cast. The writing is very good - subtle humor and warmth that you don't normally get from Britcoms. I can't help but gush - buy all of the videos and get to know these people!