Customer Reviews

The Avengers '67: Set 2 [VHS]

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

 

 

This review could stand for any of the sets.

So often when one sees a show again, after years of fond memories, the actual show is a letdown, if not an absolute disappointment. So few shows, after all, hold up after thirty-odd years! And though these shows are undoubtedly "Sixties" in look and feel, it doesn't date them, but adds to their allure. And that allure is still as potent as ever. It shows what high production values, intelligent, witty, literate scripts, fine acting, and above all the superb lead pair of Patrick MacNee and Diana Rigg, and their inimitable chemistry, can accomplish. Each is like a mini-feature film. If the plots sometimes are a bit far-out and far-fetched, if some of the special effects or gadgetry wouldn't pass muster today, nevertheless these films haven't lost a whit of their enjoyability or appeal. And they defined stylishness then, and still are unsurpassed in stylishness now! The unflappable urbanity and resourcefulness of Steed, and the wry wit and smouldering yet utterly controlled sexuality (and intellect!) of Mrs Peel, are a combination that has never been bettered. And the lackluster recent filmization of the series shows how much credit has to go to the original series' two stars and production/writing team, because the series outdoes the film by a parsec. Kudos to those responsible for releasing these gems on video! Now a whole new generation can discover them!

One of my favorite adolescent shows and also as an adult. Patrick Macnee as the charismatic John Steed and the beautiful Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel do a great job as this British secret agent team (Diana Riggs also played a Bond girl in Her Majesty's Secret Service released in 1969-see this movie). I believe Mrs. Peel has a doctorate so is very smart and is also a crack shot. See Mrs. Peel's self defense techniques. Steed is also an expert in several weapons. They are called into action whenever there may be a threat to England's internal security. The threats are what is one of the great surprises in this show and at times very unusual. The plots are very good and are very unique most of the time. I have seen most of the shows with Mrs. Peel and she and Steed make a gtreat pair. Their intellectual abilities are great especailly when they must solve problems. Watch this series as it will definitely be well worth the entertainment. The two shows in this video, The Correct Way to Kill and Never Never Say Die show very good plots. This series will grow on you!! Watch It. You won't regret it!

I personally think the earlier ones are much better. The 65's and the 66's. Though this a great set. The attractive Mrs. Peel played by Diana Rigg and the humorous Mr. Steed played by Patrick Macnee. Together they are superb. This set has such epsiodes as The Living Dead, The Hidden Tiger, The Correct Way To Kill, Epic, and The Superlative Seven. This is a pretty good set.

"The Avengers," of course was really a comedy series with a few deaths thrown in for good measure. . . even so, the episodes are a welcome break from the vulgarity that passes as humour these days. The recent feature film is rather hopeless in comparison (similar to the ruining of the Saint in its feature presentation). Of course, Honor Blackman, not Diana Rigg, was the first actress to play Steed's partner.