Customer Reviews

The Vicar of Dibley, Vol. 2 - My Congregation & Other Animals [VHS]

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This is the second volume in this side-splittingly funny 1990s British comedy. Those who've enjoyed the first volume (and it really is best to watch this series from the beginning) will love this volume just as much, as the humour continues along the same vein.

Dawn French plays Geraldine Granger, the new vicar, who seems to be the only sane person in the charming little village of Dibley. In this volume, the vicar continues to prove that she is eminently capable of providing for the needs of the parish, much to the chagrin of the pompous, self-serving David Horton. The vicar also continues, wherever possible, to get the better of David. The balance of this assorted and eccentric cast of characters consists of the ditsy and naive verger, Alice Tinker, and her intellectual equal, Hugo Horton (David's son); Frank, the village council's incompetent secretary; Owen, a rustic farmer with his own distinct brand of farmyard humour; the dithering Jim; and last but not least, Letitia Cropley, a geriatric nymphomaniac and "Dibley poisoner."

This video consists of three 30-minute episodes. Briefly, in "The Weather and the Window," the church window is damaged in a storm and the vicar must somehow raise the money to pay for its replacement. "Election" has David Horton campaigning to keep his seat as District Councillor; this time, however, he's up against a little competition--from the vicar. Finally, in "Animals," the vicar has the novel and unorthodox idea of holding a blessing for the animals of the parish. This last episode (as many an animal lover will no doubt agree) is truly the most beautiful of all; it is certainly my own personal favourite.

In conclusion, this is classic British comedy at its best. Along with the hilarity, there is also a real tenderness that pops up from time to time--moreso in this volume than in the first. It's without a doubt one of the best series (British or otherwise) that I've ever seen. Extremely highly recommended!

We three pastors of a large church sit in front of the VCR in my office from time to time and howl our heads off over the Rev. Geraldine. I've seen the episode about the animal blessing on British Comedy Network, and am ordering it tonight for the benefit of my confreres. Of course we have to have it, since we began our own Blessing of the Animals several years ago, and the Vicar of Dibley has done so well convincing her council to take on the same event. Ducks and sheep in church, and over the council's dead bodies, the very thing any congregation might worry over. Butit worked for Geraldine, and it worked for us. The Vicar of Dibley characters never grow stale, always continue to develop and the situations are precisely the ones that every pastor figures will show up in his/her congregation eventually. OK, it's a little risque, but that's why we're laughing so hard.

The Vicar of Dibley: Volume 2 contains episodes 4, 5, and 6 from the first season of the show. (Note: British television 'seasons' are often much shorter than their American counterparts. Instead of having nearly two dozen episodes, Vicar of Dibley's first season has only 6.) With writing by Richard Curtis ('Four Weddings and a Funeral', 'Bean', and the BBC's 'Blackadder') and the considerable comic talents of Dawn French, this series is well worth seeking out.

French stars as the new Vicar in the tiny village of Dibley. While French can anchor a show all by herself, what really makes this show wonderful is the ensemble cast. For example, the regular church meetings, a staple of every episode, usually provide some of the best moments. And even though you can get away with saying some wild things on British television that wouldn't be allowed in America, this series never becomes vulgar or profane.

British television also seems to be a lot more realistic than American programming. For example, the camera isn't limited to filming full-figured Dawn French from the waist up, nor is her character forced to spend screen time ruminating about how she "really should lose weight". Instead, everyone in the village admirers her, for reasons that are evident in these episodes. Her character has flaws and dreams just like any one else, but her weight is simply not an issue.

This is a very well-balanced show; religion doesn't keep it from being side-splittingly funny, but the jokes do not make fun of religion, either. I highly recommend the Vicar of Dibley.

O.K., Dawn French is probably one ofthe funniest comedians around. And, to put her into a TERRIFIC television series like this is pure magic. In a time when women are finally being excepted as religious leaders, this show was perfect to give some comedy about the subject - but not in a negative way. Every character is wonderfully built with background and pesonality, meaning that each character is more life-like the more you watch it. I just resently bought this tape and I laughed so hard that I needed to take a break from watching it! Buy this tape, along with the others in the series, for hours of laughter.

Absolutely my most favorite sit-com series - Brit or otherwise! I watch these tapes over and over and over again, absolutely hilarious! If I could just get every single episode that was ever made I would die of laughter, but would be so very content! EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH THIS SHOW!

I love every single episode of this series. But Volume Two contains my absolute favorite, "Animals". Geraldine plans a special service for the village animals after she conducts a burial service for a beloved pet. Between Alice's discoveries about the product "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" and Hugo standing up to his father for "...waging a war against Mrs. God", I thought I would laugh 'til I cried.

The other two episodes on this tape are wonderful as well: "The Window and The Weather" and "Election".

So if you need to watch something to lift your spirits or you just want to "feel good all under" this and any of the other "Vicar" videos are a sure thing.

One on level, this is satire. It helps us look at our church culture from a different perspective. On another level, this is funny! Dawn French hasn't been "discovered" yet.

I have been watching other Brit coms for years, but if I had to miss all the rest just to see THe Vicar of Dibley, I would. I just hate to see it end each time. Each member of the village has so much personality, and no matter what sort of day I have had, I am always sent away from Dibley feeling wonderful and uplifted. I wish I could live there.

this show is one of the funniest i have ever had the pleasure of watching. she displays great wit and humor toward a town of semi-brainless individuals, whom she identifies as the largest community of inbreds, and never once recognizes the fact that she herself fits in to the misfit community of Dibley. the other characters are played most convincingly by a supporting cast of qualified and talented people. do i recommend this show "no,no,no,no,YES!!!!!!!"

The Vicar of Dibley has memorable characters! They show the wonderful positives of being human while poking fun at the petty vanities and eccentricities we all have. Humble, touching, and spankingly funny at times. It's the warmth of Dickens, the homespun humor of Hooterville, and a liberal dash of the unusual. Fresh, funny, and no one gets hurt.....