Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Party of Five - The Complete First Season

Party of Five - The Complete First Season Review

I didn't watch this show from the beginning when it was in its first run, so I'm glad it's on DVD now. This is the best portrait I've seen yet of a group of suddenly orphaned siblings who must take care of themselves and each other when their parents are killed by a drunk driver. Charlie is the one I feel for the most; he's the oldest and juggles working at the family restaurant with his dream of being a furniture designer, while trying to care for the younger siblings, who often chafe at his being the guardian, disciplinarian, and decision-maker. Bailey suffers from knight-in-shining-armor syndrome, always trying to rescue or salvage damaged goods, like the self-destructive Jill; while Julia takes everything too seriously and tries to do the right things but more often than not just makes things worse. Meanwhile, young Claudia is too precocious for her own good, though she is a fine musical prodigy; and all of them must look after the youngest boy, Owen, and the lovable yet useless dog, Thurber.
The Salingers weather many emotional storms in this first season, with more sure to come. After the tragic loss of their parents, the Salinger siblings must take on new roles to keep their family together.
Genre: Television
Rating: NR
Release Date: 8-SEP-2006
Media Type: DVD

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Mike Leigh Collection, Vol. 1 (Abigail's Party / Grown-Ups / Hard Labour)

Mike Leigh Collection, Vol. 1 (Abigail's Party / Grown-Ups / Hard Labour) Review

I discovered Mike Leigh through SECRETS AND LIES, which prompted me to watch VERA DRAKE, which has led me to order all three MIKE LEIGH COLLECTIONS. Thus far I am very pleased.

Mike Leigh has observative powers which are rare in anyone. He can take something apart, put it back together, make you see it in a new way, and perhaps not even let you know what he's done until two hours after the movie's over. You get so wrapped up in his oh-so-real characterizations and organically unfolding plots that you forget. You and your partner are still talking about it after it's over.

Observing the broad sweeping things people do is difficult, but artists do it. But to also capture the minutiae is a Mike Leigh trademark. Watching these traits large and small feed off each other to create a sum greater than its parts is a true joy.

Mike Leigh has the ability to present things in movies that could be presented in novels, for example, but not as well. He's a master of the medium.

In all Mike Leigh films, I suggest not reading the DVD jacket or any plot summary. They give away his spoilers. Trust, watch, and enjoy.

Time to get specific here:

Hard Labour is from 1973, only 70 minutes, and it packs a punch. You'll think about this one long after you're done watching it. There are some issues about daily life that will move you, plus one bit of "controversial issue" that led to the film's title but which is actually a subplot that brings the main plot into sharp focus.

Grown Ups, 1980, is 95 minutes, and it also packs a punch. He captures family life more realistically than anyone I know. Uncomfortably realistic? If so, fortunately he leavens it with subtle humor.

Abigail's Party, 1977, is 105 minutes, and I'm glad I watched it last. I thought it was the newest -- oops. It is the one with the best sound quality by far -- I'm only giving the collection four stars because the sound's a bit off on the first two I named here -- and it also uses humor more effectively than the other two. A bit like SECRETS AND LIES that way, and definitely the product of a very mature filmmaker. If I'd seen this when it was released in 1997, I'd have become a Mike Leigh groupie right then. As it is, though, I became one 30 years later.
A three disk collection of Mike Leigh's works (Abigail's Party, Grown Ups, and Hard Labour) in one box set.

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Grown Ups

Grown Ups Review

This movie has gradually crept to the top of my Mike-Leigh favorites list. Overall it is a positive, sometimes funny, sometimes agonizing movie with a number of scenes and tics (the male neighbor's throat-clearing in particular) that stick in my mind. Philip Davis is a not-too-bright dishwasher married to Leslie Manville, the backbone of the marriage. The realistically-quirky people with whom they interact are Brenda Blethyn, her frequently-visiting sister who is going downhill slowly and painfully, two neighbors, and a friend of Manville. How the husband and wife deal with the strains caused by relatives and neighbors illumines the ultimate importance and strength of the nuclear family that Leigh has approached from different directions in Life is Sweet, Secrets and Lies, and even Meantime. The movie's modest scope is a large part of its offbeat charm. Dick and Mandy, a young working class couple, move into a council house in Canterbury, and find Mr. Butcher, one of their former teachers, living next door. Mandy's unmarried sister, Gloria, is constantly dropping in, and will not take any hints that the couple would prefer to be left alone, until her presence finally goads them into action. The entire film comes to a head when both couples are found wrestling in the hall while trying to oust the poor sister from the Mr. Butcher's bathroom.

The Sexy Storybook Collection, Vol. 2

The Sexy Storybook Collection, Vol. 2 Review

English lit had it coming! Grownups get their own bedtime stories with six sassy, saucy tales offering a whole new twist on your favorite characters! First it's Shakespeare with skin in The Secret Sex Lives of Romeo and Juliet, an outrageously bawdy send-up of the world's most famous love story, and Marc Antony discovers a whole new side of The Notorious Cleopatra, a wacky sex comedy you won't see on the History Channel anytime soon! Then the ultimate jungle swinger lowers the loincloth for two raunchy adventures in Tarz & Jane, Cheetah & Boy and Tarzun and the Valley of Lust, filled with great white huntresses, sex magic, men in monkey suits, and manhood-munching crocodiles! Finally, Bram Stoker's famous bloodsucker gets a randy makeover in two gag-packed fangfests, Dracula the Dirty Old Man and Guess What Happened to Count Dracula, along with werewolves and ghouls to help him do his dirty work. Forget those squeaky-clean stories you read as a kid; these hilarious romps packed with bountiful beauties prove there's nothing like a good book to get your pulse racing!

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD]

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Review

Mike Leigh at the BBC Collection: 6 DVD set including Abigail's Party, Nuts in May, Four Days in July, The Kiss of Death, Who's Who, Home Sweet Home, Grown-Ups, Hard Labour, The Permissive Society [U.K. Import Region 2 PAL Non-U.S. Format DVD] Feature

• 4 hours
• Direct from the manufactures-1st quality-factory sealed
• Auto start-auto repeat-photo gallery-interactive menu
• Silver Disk
• Surround Sound

[Non-U.S. format (PAL) region 2 U.K. DVD - This will not play on many U.S./Canada DVD players (or those from most other countries outside of Europe). You would need a "multi-region" or "region-free" PAL compatible DVD player or computer.] As one of Britain's foremost filmmakers and dramatists, Mike Leigh has enthralled, disturbed and provoked television and movie audiences for more than 40 years. His first film, Bleak Moments, premiered in 1971 to great critical acclaim, be he was not able to direct another feature film for 17 years. Instead he honed his skills on television, leaving an unrivalled legacy - from acclaimed five-minute shorts to classic plays such as Abigail's Party and films like Nuts in May. In his television work, Mike Leigh created the style that would make him unique among filmmakers. The way he deals with issues of class, race, politics and sexuality in both poignant and comic terms; his working methods of evolving films from intense improvising rehearsals; and his collaboration with great actors, including Alison Steadman, Liz Smith, Lesley Manville, Phil Davis, David Threlfell, Brenda Blethyn and Stephen Rea, makes his work instantly recognizable. This collection includes all of Mike Leigh's surviving BBC work from Hard Labour (1975) to Four Days in July (1985), along with his Five Minute Films: Probation, The Birth of the 2001 F.A. Goalie Cup Final, Old Chums, A Light Snack, and Afternoon. This box set also includes a 16-page booklet and THREE HOURS of bonus features including: four newly recorded director's commentaries; five documentaries (All About Abigail's Party, Welcome, Party Nibbles, Intro and Goodbye); Mike Leigh conversation with Will Self; The Long Goodbye, Mike Leigh in conversation with Bel Mooney; and the Arena episode Making Plays.

Back When We Were Grownups

Back When We Were Grownups Review

Back When We Were Grownups is a delightful film. I watched it when it was presented as a Hallmark movie and it stayed in my mind for weeks after I viewed it.

It's the story of Rebecca Davitch (Blythe Danner) who at the age of 53 finds herself looking at her life and wondering how she became the person that she turned into.

As a young woman, still in college, she was engaged to a Will Allenby (Peter Fonda), a serious academic and they had a plan for their future. While at a reception, she met Joe Davitch, a divorced man, several years her senior. Rebecca was flattered and very much infatuated by the attention from Joe, and she married him without much consideration, except that she seemed to love him. She immediately became a stepmother to three little girls and manager of a home based business. She also inherited her husband's Uncle Poppy (Jack Palance) who had been living with the Davitch family since his wife died. Within a few years, Rebecca and Joe had their own child, another daughter. To further add to the confusion, Rebecca also has to deal with her husband's former wife who is played by Faye Dunaway

Although, amusing in many ways, I felt this story had a real feeling about the various relationships and jealousies that can crop up in any family. It also shows how one person often takes on the responsibility of keeping a family together.

Like many avid readers, I find that movies based on books, are rarely as good as the books. However, in this case, I enjoyed the film more than the book. I also thought that Blythe Danner did an excellent job in the major role of Rebecca.

With courage, grace, and celebration, a woman embarks on a search for herself, for a life she feared was long gone, and for a new awareness she never imagined possible. Based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Anne Tyler, the quirky story revolves around a widow who is contemplating what her life would have been like if she had married someone else and calls her ex-boyfriend to see if she can rekindle the old flame and spice up her life. Since her husbands death after only six years of marriage, Rebecca has single-handedly raised his ever-challenging and now adult daughters, as well as one of her own. Rebecca also inherited her husbands uncle, 99-year-old Poppy (Jack Palance), a crotchety old man whose total focus is his upcoming 100th birthday. A party planner by trade, Rebecca is always cheerful and upbeat, but, even after many, many years, shes still not really sure about her standing in this bizarre family. Stars: Academy Award-winners Faye Dunaway (Network) & Jack Palance (City Slickers), Tony Award-winner Blythe Danner (Butterflies Are Free), Academy Award-nominee Peter Fonda (Easy Rider) and Peter Riegert (Traffic).