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34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
New partner for Steed, May 4, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Avengers '66 - Set 1, Vol. 1 & 2 (DVD)
These DVD's from A&E represent the best known and certainly the most popular era of the long running British TV fantasy-adventure series "The Avengers." Made between 1965 and 1966, all 26 episodes of the fourth season of the show are available here on four discs. When Honor Blackman (Mrs. Cathy Gale) left the series after season 3 to take up the lead role in the Bond movie "Goldfinger," the producers had already made the decision to start filming the series, moving it out of the TV studio and giving it a much glossier and dynamic feel. John Steed (Patrick MacNee), the debonair British government agent stayed on and his new partner was devised by the production team to be another tough, all-action girl with "Man Appeal." M-Appeal (geddit?) Elizabeth Shepherd was cast as Mrs. Emma Peel and two episodes were filmed before it was mutually agreed that she didn't meet the expectations of the production team. A quick replacement was sought and in stepped Diana Rigg. A TV legend was born. The relationship between Steed and Mrs. Gale had always been haughty to say the least. With the introduction of the widowed (or seemingly) Mrs. Peel, the relationship between the two leads became much closer. Mrs. Peel was as intelligent, quick thinking and emasculated as her predecessor, and initially at least shared her penchant for leather outfits, but she was also certainly softer and more readily prepared to act as Steed's partner in their adventures. The stories were certainly becoming much more fantasy bound, and the use of diabolical masterminds and organizations with bizarre acronyms became the norm for the stories from this series on. The fantasy and sci-fi elements of the show were highlighted more than before and the fashions and design of the show took on a much more stylish and indeed `stylized' look. The success of these elements was immediate, and huge ratings in the UK followed, plus overseas transmissions of the show followed for the first time. Such was their success indeed that another 26 episodes were soon commissioned, this time to be made in color. The stories have supposedly been digitally re-mastered for these DVD releases, and indeed the picture quality is pretty impressive, but there is still sparkle and dirt on the prints that may detract from the quality for some viewers. The 26 episodes are presented in the same order of their original UK transmission. This for me is the very best season of the show, with great style and wit accompanying the excellent scripts, direction and production values. I'd certainly recommend this release to anyone.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
3 Belles and All is Well, March 22, 2001
This review is from: Avengers '66 - Set 1, Vol. 1 & 2 (DVD)
John Steed certainly was comfortably well in the hands of Kathy Gale, Mrs. Emma Peel and Tara King. `The Avengers" was a popular 1960's British fantasy-adventure series that focused on the exploits of a male-female duo in the service of the British government. The series underwent several changes of its female lead but its one constant male lead was John Steed always portrayed by the debonair Patrick Macnee (Originally the John Steed had two male partners but that format eventually changed). Kathy Gale portrayed by Honor Blackman became Steed's first female partner. However, when Honor Blackman departed the series and Diana Rigg entered as Mrs. Emma Peel, the show became an international sensation. Rigg brought sophistication, wit, charm and beauty, which hid her lethal and highly visual judo and karate abilities. Macnee and Rigg complemented each other beautifully with their carefree witty and charming exchange of dialogue. The show distinguished itself with bizarre and futuristic villains and fantastic plots. Popular at the height of the James Bond craze, the show was able to distinguish itself with its simply over-the-top visual style. Laurie Johnson's catchy and sophisticated main title theme matched the visuals of the show and still conjures up an image of the series when listened to today. When Diana Rigg left the series, Linda Thorson entered as John Steed's new partner Tara King. The series soon went off the air in the United States. It was a shame because the episodes with Tara King were quite good. The King episodes seemed to be a little more down to earth and contained some very good writing and intricate plotting. In any event series definitely left its mark amongst the finest. These DVD copies are gorgeous and they sound great in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
2 series with Emma, October 11, 2004
This review is from: Avengers '66 - Set 1, Vol. 1 & 2 (DVD)
The first set of 1966 episodes are still in B & W, third and fourth DVD with Emma.
1) "Silent Dust" Extortionists are threatening the extinction of Britain's birds and beasts by means of a deadly fertilizer, Steed and Emma must ride to the rescue
2) "Room Without a View" An elegant West End hotels - sort of a Hotel California "you can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave". Strange todos are happening and each move is being controlled in a giant chess game by the mastermind Mr. Chessman.
3) "Small Game for Big Hunters" Emma and John search for the secret of the Curse of Sleep. Males will enjoy Emma in a sarong, while Steed swings on a vine ala Tarzan to rescue Mrs. Peel.
4) "The Girl from Auntie" is a quirky take off on the Man from U*N*C*L*E*. A firm specializes in acquiring "one of a kind" and someone has put in an order for Mrs. Peel. Emma finds herself dressed like the bird in the gilded cage and Steed rushes to save Emma before her feathers get ruffled too much. But first, he must get pass the grannies with the knitting needles!
5) "The 13th Hole" it's a sticky wicket troubling Steed and Emma, as a Posh golf club proves there are more "traps" than sand-traps and hazards are truly hazardous.
6) "Quick-Quick-Slow Death" - Emma and Steed are sent to check out a dance studio, which is a front for enemy agents
The banter between Macnee and Rigg have never been duplicated and it makes for a great time. They have settled into their roles by this series, where it allowed them to effortlessly parry and thrust verbally, making the series shine. A large portion of these are directed by Roy Baker's capable hand.
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