DVD's

During our non TV period that lasted about 18 months our passion for reading took over to fill in our time in the evening. However we also took to watching DVD’s and especially and series that we liked or had not watched. We soon found that we were watching a couple of episodes a night! My thoughts on:

West Wing: My all time favorite. A very watchable series full of political, personal and national (to the USA) stories. Well written, acted and filmed. I was sorry to see it end.

The Sopranos: The real Mafia, I don’t know. Totally different from The Godfather series but gripping none the less. A family story in more ways than one. Violent, yes, funny, yes, real? I don’t know but believable right to the end!

Band of Brothers: A war story of a company of soldiers from training in the USA to the D-Day landing through to the fall of Germany. It gave an American view of the World War II in Europe, warts, hero’s and all.

Kung Fu: Yes the one with David Carradine as “grasshopper”. Looked like the 1970’s series it was, but, enjoyable nostalgia. The stories when viewed one after the other were so similar.

Damages: Only one series viewed but still enjoyable. More a woman’s series I felt but strong writing and acting. The Lady of the Villa loved it by the way.

Benidorm: Comedy series based in a hotel in Benidorm with the characters depicting, singles, married couples, families and the staff. I found this very funny and not a parody of the English in Spain. Seen some of the visual ‘gags’ live!

The Wire: Read about this series so I bought it and was very disappointed. However, discussing it with others that had watched it, I should have put the sub titles on as the accents are so difficult to understand. Will try again with sub titles on.

Mad Men: Bought for me by my eldest daughter, thanks Z! Loved it for its 1960 feel, still can’t get used to everybody smoking! It’s about Advertising Company in Madison Avenue. Have seen two series but can’t get the third on TV (can’t get the channel). Looking forward to it coming out on DVD.

Sharpe: Good but not as good as the books. Loses out on the “battle” scenes (100 men do not constitute an army!). Overcompensates with love interest and does not get the feeling of a Napoleonic War.

When the boat comes in. Not the Lady of the Villas favorite but I enjoyed it. Geordies after the First World War and the depression. Class warfare at its best. Great story lines and wonderful acting. Pity about the ending.