Customer Reviews

Yes Minister: The Complete Collection

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It is high time this outstanding britcom (plus its sequel, Yes Prime Minister) was released in its entirety on DVD, but it was well worth the wait for the BBC has done an outstanding job. It contains all twenty-one 30-minute episodes (which ran from 1980 through 1982) in a beautifully packaged four-disc set. The quality of the picture is very crisp and clear for a 20-year-old production (I know I'VE never seen it look so good!), and the DVD extras are a real treat.

This is an intelligent, extremely well-written series--a satire of the inner workings of government. Sources within the government provided the writers with all the fodder they needed, and it is highly accurate in its depiction of the corruption, politics, red tape, and manipulation that forms an integral part of the administration of government (ANY government, mind you--which is what gives this series such universal appeal). Indeed, Margaret Thatcher, herself a fan of the series, referred to it as being a "closely observed portrayal of what goes on in the corridors of power."

The series opens with Jim Hacker (played by the late Paul Eddington (Good Neighbours), who sadly died of skin cancer in 1995 at age 68), who has just won the parliamentary seat for his riding (his party has won the election), being appointed as the new Minister of Administrative Affairs. Now that he's in a position of power (or so he thinks!), Hacker has high hopes for making some positive changes--things like instituting an open government policy, linking honours to economies for civil servants, and so on. But he's thwarted at every corner by he who wields the real power--the cunning, quick-witted, hilariously verbose and extremely manipulative civil servant, Sir Humphrey Appleby--the DAA's Permanent Secretary (the late Nigel Hawthorne (The Madness of King George, Mapp & Lucia)). Lastly is Hacker's Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds (Heartbeat)). Bernard is a likeable, pun-loving, unassuming character with conflicting loyalties. He is himself a civil servant, and though there are times when he'd like to assist Hacker in achieving his goals, he must exercise extreme caution in doing so lest Sir Humphrey find out!

DVD EXTRAS include a splendid 42-minute profile of the late Nigel Hawthorne who, having battled cancer of the pancreas for eighteen months, sadly died on Boxing Day 2001. He was 72. The profile was filmed over four months in 1999, during the period when Hawthorne was preparing to play King Lear for the RSC. The series provides a brief bio with photos and snippets of other productions in which he's been involved. Derek Fowlds, Helen Mirren (his co-star in The Madness of King George), Jimmy Perry & David Croft (writers of Dad's Army), and Trevor Bentham (Hawthorne's partner of 22 years) all provide contributions, but the vast majority are from Hawthorne himself. He touches on many of the themes which are elaborated on in his splendid autobiography entitled "Straight Face"--things like his uneasy relationship with his father and his homosexuality. The final features are "A Short History of Yes Minister" (1999) which features Fowlds, Hawthorne, and series' co-writer Jonathan Lynn (it's only 5 minutes but very informative); and a brief 3 1/2 minute interview with Jonathan Lynn from 1981. Lastly are text-based bios of the main and many supporting actors.

This lovely collection set is truly a must-have for fans of the series. It is a unique, extraordinary britcom (a personal favourite of mine!)--one that is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys the best in British comedy. I would also, however, recommend it unhesitatingly to anyone simply looking for an intelligent, brilliantly written, and impeccably acted series--British or otherwise. Highly, HIGHLY recommended!

Though done in the 80's Yes Minister is as fresh and funny as it was 20 years ago! What makes this series great is there isn't a weakness to be found. Nigel Hawthorne is Brilliant as Sir Humprhey and Paul Eddington as the bewildered yet good-intentoned MP James Hacker. Casting was perfect for these roles.

At the same time, the supporting cast was mostly overlooked, including the "3rd lead" Derek Fowlds who plays Bernard, the MP's undersecretary who seems torn in allegiance between Civil Service and his MP. While the first season also had some great moments outside of Parliament, later series removed the emphasis on Jim Hacker's home life, which served well early on, but could of weighted down the series as it grew.

Another strength is that the series had no real political affiliation. It didn't matter the issue, it found a way to have fun with it and cause mayhem.

Often Imitated, Never Duplicated. This is the gold standard for Political Comedy.

On the DVD specifics, do enjoy the special on Nigel Hawthorne on the 4th disk. I just hope that they can put together a similar tribute to Paul Eddington on the release of Yes Prime Minister.

I love Fawlty Towers, but for my money Yes Minister/Yes Prime Minister is the funniest sitcom I have ever seen. While most of the humor is political in nature, you don't have to be a C-Span junkie to get all the jokes. You also don't need a background it the British political system (though it helps) as political corruption is universal. Indeed, this show was a worldwide hit and is being aired somewhere right now!

The U.S. video tapes for this series only included the first seven episodes of this series, so many of us will be seeing 14 "new" episodes! If you have those video tapes or have seen this show on public television, what are you waiting for? The video is of high quality and there are no gotchas; it's a wonderful set I'll keep mine for the rest of my life. If you are an anglophile who enjoys the likes of "To the Manor Born" or the Ian Richardson "House of Cards" trilogy (soon to be released on DVD as well), you will more than likely enjoy this set too. For the rest of you who have never seen this show, just know that it is an incredibly witty (though never silly) look into a well-meaning minister's (Paul Eddington) attempts to reform the civil service and an incredibly clever director of the civil service's (Sir Nigel Hawthorne) attempts to prevent any reforms. Don't let the subject matter fool you, it is never dull and will have you laughing throughout.

While there is a lengthy segment on Sir Nigel Hawthorne including an interview conducted shortly before his fatal condition was diagnosed, I wish there had been commentary on at least one of the episodes from the writers or producers (or even Derek Fowlds, who sadly is the only major surviving member of the cast) just to get a insider feel for the show. No matter; the quality of the video a great and the content is, of course, first rate.

I've checked with the BBC and the "missing" one hour "Party Games" episode, which came as a Christmas special the year after the final Yes Minister was aired, will be included on "Yes Prime Minister - The Complete Collection" scheduled for late August 2003. As this is the episode where Hacker ascends to Prime Minister and as it has never been released in the U.S., this is great news.

"Yes, Minister" is simply the best political satire ever committed to film. The BBC series originally ran on British television from 1980-1982, with one hour-long special in 1984. Jim Hacker (Paul Eddington), a man who could be described as mediocre in all things, is the Minister of Administrative Affairs. Ever conscious of his popularity with the voters and concerned with his career, Hacker tries to assert his own agenda but finds himself constantly thwarted by the realities of government....in the form of his Permanent Undersecretary of State, Sir Humphrey Appleby. Sir Humphrey (Nigel Hawthorne) is a veteran civil servant and bureaucrat by distinction. His job is to serve the Minister, but his role is to guard the status quo and the welfare of the Civil Service. Jim Hacker promised the voters change; his right-hand man will do anything go prevent it. The results are hilarious as these two try to outmaneuver one another. The Minister's Private Secretary, Bernard (Derek Fowlds), is caught in the middle, from which he never fails to correct any mismatched metaphors that his colleagues toss at one another.

"Yes, Minister" mines the English language's large and curious vocabulary to great comedic effect. The characters' sparring and obfuscation are all verbal. I can't imagine how many takes it took to make some of Sir Humphrey's tongue-twisting dialogue intelligible. "Yes, Minister" produced more memorable one-liners than I could count.

Writers Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn have assured their place in comedic history. "Yes, Minister" was the favorite television program of Margaret Thatcher while she was Prime Minister of Great Britain. In her words, "Its closely observed portrayal of what goes on in the corridors of power has given me hours of poor joy." She's not the only one. "Yes, Minister" is laugh-out-loud funny and a sure cure for the blahs brought on by a depressing political climate. If you can't beat'em, laugh at them.

The DVDs: "Yes, Minister" originally ran in three series, one per year with 7 episodes in each. They are not arranged on the DVDs in this way, however. Disc 1 includes episodes 1-6. Disc 2 is episodes 7-12. Disc 3 contains episodes 13-18, Disc 4 includes episodes 19-21 and a handful of bonus features: "Sir Nigel Hawthorne Remembered" is a 42-minute documentary about the late actor's life and career, produced in 1999. There are interviews with colleagues, and Sir Nigel talks about his childhood in South Africa and his personal as well as professional life. In "A Short History of Yes, Minister" (5 minutes) writers Jonathan Lynn and Anthony Jay comment on the basis of the show. There is a 1981 BBC "Jonathan Lynn Interview" (3 1/2 minutes). "The Inner Circle" provides text bios for the principle cast and writers. "Lobbyists and Bureaucrats" are text bios of actors who played supporting roles.

Few television programs stand the test of time. Many age badly, becoming less pleasurable to watch with each viewing. Yes, Minister is the opposite!

When my government is preaching economies and telling us that there is no money for anything, I think of Yes Minister.

When I watch politicians squirm and flap about waiting to learn what to think from the next poll, I think of Yes, Minister.

Each time I watch an episode, it rings more true and relevant. What better compliment can one give a decades old comedy.

This four-disc set contains all the episodes from the entire run of "Yes Minister" -- with one GLARING exception: the one-hour Christmas Special, "Party Games", where Hacker becomes PM. (MAYBE that episode will be included in the Box Set of "Yes Prime Minister" due Aug. 26; still it would've been better on THIS one, if only for "continuity")

Other than that, this is a GREAT box set! The DVD extras are NOT "plentiful" but what's there IS enjoyable. I liked the "Brief History of 'Yes Minister'," where it is revealed that the "Communications Roon / Booze Room" was based on an ACTUAL UK mission to the Middle East! Although the creator did not reveal specifics, he said that MANY of the story ideas were based on "leaks" from real senior officials in Whitehall!

A must-buy!

In one of the special features, Eddington or perhaps Hawthorne, or maybe Fowlds (does it matter? any of the three could have said it) mentions that the 7 years together on the series was so much fun it flashed by in a moment.. I'm sure many people who watched them as they came out on TV remember that time the same way. That so many of them are now dead is tragic to me :(
Er, anyway, the material has hardly aged at all, probably because politics hasn't changed either. Selling weapons to terrorists, the defense budget, taxes, the european community, 24 years later and it is all still fresh, (perhaps excepting some of the union/boss/socialism/strike stuff).
I did notice a couple of continuity problems here and there. I guess on a DVD and a big screen more attention is paid than the producers probably imagined when they filmed it for TV. "Yes Minister" also has some charming low budget moments, but overall the video quality is excellent even more so considering the age.

The laugh track also appears to be a live studio audience, at least in "yes prime minister" - not the constant stream of fake giggles and laughs you get with US sitcoms.
Anyway this series is really special, and if you are the least bit interested in TV comedy you must get it so that Hawthorne and Co will never age -- at least in your home.

This is a 1980s BritCom that is finally released on DVD. Yes Minister and its sequel, Yes Prime Minister are simply brilliant satire of politics, manners, social classes, and Britain. The running gas is the struggle between Jim Hacker, the newly-appointed Minister in the Department of Administrative Affairs, and his senior civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleby, KCB, MVO, MA (Oxon) who is the Permanent Secretary in charge of the department. Hacker's Principal Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley finds himself as the straight man between the two.

While politicians such as Hacker are elected and their objective is to be re-elected, they need to show results and accomplishments. They must show that they are people of action, integrity and leadership. On the other hand, unelected civil servants live a comfortable life with decent salaries and no penalties for failure or incompetence. As any institutional change would threaten the civil servants' easy life, politicians and civil servants are in a constant conflict. And these conflicts are magnified in this comedy with the politicians losing as often as the civil servants. The acting is superb. Paul Eddington plays Hacker; Sir Nigel Hawthorne portrays Sir Humphrey Appleby in his breakthrough performance; Derek Fowlds is Bernard Woolley. Eddington is understated, bumbling, and funny, often prone to diatribes and meaningless political speeches. Sir Nigel excels in creating complicated sentences reflecting his cynical views on government, his obsession to obfuscate, and his upper crust persona. Derek Fowlds is just there supporting the interaction of Eddington with Sir Nigel and interjecting his linguistic pedantry.

The series are warmly recommended to anyone seeking the best in British comedy and needing 30 minutes of cerebral humor.

Easily the best BBC comedy available; what a pity the DVD looks no better than a VHS tape. A decent VHS, mind you, but smeary and low-definition like all of them. The sound is OK.

This show deserved better. It deserved the best: the actors' facial expressions are subtle and their British accents require close attention by American ears. Oh well, at least we have them safely on disc, and perhaps better quality was just not available. I bought both sets and enjoy them hugely.

"It was three elderly men sitting around a table talking about government. No action, no women, no sex . . . I don't know how it worked." -Jonathan Lynn. Well it did work and anyone who is familiar with this series already knows how brilliant it was and still is. The new minister of Administrative Affairs (Jim Hacker) arrives believing he can make the system more accountable and cost effective--thus assuring his popularity with his constituency--only to find that the stubborn traditions of the civil service (brilliantly portrayed in the controlling character of permanent secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby) are impossible to budge or too convenient in saving his own neck. Hacker often appears intellectually challenged; however, he sometimes manages to win a victory or two at the expense of the Sir Humphrey with personal secretary Bernard Woolley always willing to add a pedantic comment. In addition to the 21 episodes, extras include a brief (very brief) history of the show (which left me wanting more), a period interview with writing Jonathan Lynn (why not a recent reflection on the show?), and a lengthy, and very touching biography of Nigel Hawthorne (Sir Humphrey) who passed away in 2001. The witty political observations in this series are timeless whether one considers British govt., American govt., etc. Minor complaints about the DVD itself is that the volume is rather low and the discs are a little tricky to remove from the case (but worth the struggle, of course). I am looking forward to seeing the Yes, Prime Minister set.