Product Details

• Actors: Gale Harold, Hal Sparks, Randy Harrison
• Directors: Michael DeCarlo, John Fawcett, John Greyson, Laurie Lynd, Bruce McDonald
• Writers: Ron Cowen, Russell T. Davies, Blair Fell, Doug Guinan, Richard Kramer
• Producers: Tony Jonas
• Format: Box set, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Number of tapes: 5
• Studio: Showtime Networks
• VHS Release Date: February 25, 2003
• Run Time: 999 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000798EX
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #210,710 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile continuation of an essential TV drama, April 16, 2003

By 

Libretio - See all my reviews

This review is from: Queer as Folk - The Complete Second Season (DVD)

QUEER AS FOLK: Season Two

(USA - 2002)

Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
TV soundtrack: Stereo

Following the violent assault which closed Season One, Brian (Gale Harold) takes Justin (Randy Harrison) into his home, where they develop a passionate - but open - relationship. Michael (Hal Sparks) falls in love with a hunky college professor (Robert Gant) who turns out to be HIV positive, leading to conflict with Michael's worried mom Debbie (Sharon Gless). Elsewhere, Melanie (Michelle Clunie) and Lindsay (Thea Gill) are troubled by a ghost from Mel's past, a vibrant free spirit named Leda (Nancy Anne Sakovich) who insinuates herself into their relationship in an unexpected way. Emmett (Peter Paige) falls in love with an elderly millionaire (Bruce Gray), and eternal wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell) finds success as an Internet porn baron! Then, sexy young violinist Ethan Gold (Fabrizio Filippo) enters the fray, turning Justin's head in a manner which has far-reaching consequences for all concerned...

Having exhausted plotlines from the original British TV series, the second season of Showtime's "Queer as Folk" strives to establish its own identity, and largely succeeds on its own terms. Despite the grim storyline surrounding Justin's recovery, the tone of the series is considerably lighter this time around, with an emphasis on character-based comedy and fruity one-liners, many of which appear to have strayed from a particularly filthy 'Carry On' movie! Comedy aside, however, the writers make room for a number of important social issues, including HIV and AIDS, barebacking, pornography, and the gay community's apparent indifference following the death of a young man who was killed by a stranger he picked up in a nightclub. The emphasis on drugs which characterized the opening season has been considerably downsized, and the simmering relationship between Michael and Brian no longer dominates proceedings, while Mel and Lindsay are brought out of the shadows to take their rightful place at the forefront of the QAF ensemble (the 'wedding' episode is a joy). Performances are uniformly excellent, though Gant's character (Ben) is basically consigned to the periphery. Former model Sakovich plays Leda with genuine relish (her brief scenes with Brian are a scream), and ultra-sexy Filippo turns up the heat as a gifted but lonely musician who throws Justin's world into disarray.

Overall, Season Two lacks the dramatic punch of its predecessor, and the lighter tone has led to accusations from some quarters that the show has descended into routine soap opera. Even if the criticisms were justified (and they're not), there's actually nothing wrong with 'soap opera', so long as it's done well, though Brian's stubborn refusal to acknowledge Justin's emotional needs results in a disappointing season finale, whose outcome is never in doubt. Inevitably, perhaps, it's the small moments which make the biggest impression: The profound, but unspoken, love between Brian and Lindsay whenever they're alone together; Justin listening to a CD recording of Ethan's music as he contemplates a life-changing betrayal; Michael breaking down in a hospital corridor as Ben falls prey to an opportunistic illness (Hal Sparks' distress in this scene is achingly realistic). Season two may not scale the same heights as its illustrious predecessor, but it's still as dramatic, funny and empowering as ever, an essential part of the American TV landscape at the beginning of the 21st century.

All in all, a fair continuation of the lives, loves and adventures of these extraordinary characters, though slightly compromised by its lack of heavyweight dramatic fireworks. Brian remains the driving force behind the entire show, Mel and Lindsay are still the best lesbians in the world, Ben's sculpted chest is a wonder to behold, and Ethan is without doubt one of the sexiest guys to stroll down Liberty Avenue since QAF began! Don't miss it.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Award-Deserving Series, December 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Queer as Folk - The Complete Second Season (DVD)

Queer As Folk may not be winning any Emmys, but it should be. It is hands down the best show on television. The writing an acting is excellent, and whether you were hooked in by the first season or not, you will sure to enjoy season two. I am a mother of two, and I allow my very young girls to watch the show with me. Ignorance breeds hatred, and this show educates us honestly on the lives of gay men. It doesn't matter that the relationship between Justin and Brian is a "gay" one- it just is. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship can relate to the situations. The characters are dramatic but genuine- the writing and acting continues to be superb.

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Plain Great Entertainment, March 30, 2003

By 

Michael T. Rognlien (Palo Alto, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Queer as Folk - The Complete Second Season (DVD)

When I originally pondered purchasing the Season One DVD set, I must admit it was because I was tired of not knowing what all my friends were talking about every Monday morning after watching QAF on Showtime. I really did NOT think I would like the show at all (too many stereotypes, too much drug use, too much casual sex) .. and while the show HAD all of those stereotypes, it reminded me that they were only parts of what were real, well-developed characters.

By the time I got to the end of Season One, I couldn't wait for Season Two to become available on DVD (I don't have Showtime). Well, it doesn't disappoint. While some of the story lines are a bit contrived (Emmett and the billionnaire, Ted's overnight website success, etc) the writers and producers of the show have put together another cohesive, well-written batch of 20+ episodes.

I may just have to put out the money to order Showtime, because I'm not sure I can wait another full year before Season 3 is available. This is just great entertainment with a heart, with a lot of fun, and storylines that will keep even the most anti-stereotypical types engaged.