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From Amazon.co.uk
Often hailed as the greatest ever British sitcom, Fawlty Towers is closer to the more elaborate tradition of farce. Comprising two series made in 1975 and 1979, the total of just 12 episodes were painstakingly constructed by writers John Cleese and Connie Booth. Unlike most British farce, however, Fawlty Towers deals with the big themes--death, psychology, xenophobia and even sex-o-phobia (Basil's marriage to Sybil is the most sterile ever depicted in a sitcom).Basil's contempt for his guests is, of course, legendary. It takes little from patrons to unleash his sledgehammer sarcasm: "Rosewood, mahogany, teak? Sorry, I was wondering what you'd like your breakfast tray made out of," he sneers at a guest who dares request breakfast in bed. Like every Englishman, he wants to be king of his own castle and resents having to take in lodgers to maintain the place, especially the open-necked younger generation, whom he regards as sub-human. Mostly, though, Fawlty Towers is comedy of exasperation--who can forget the "damn good thrashing" Basil gives his clapped-out car, or the nervous breakdowns he almost suffers trying to make himself understood to Manuel? It's also comedy of embarrassment. The very fear of losing his dignity generally leads Basil into the most spectacularly undignified of predicaments. His inevitable misery is our sheer delight.--David Stubbs
Series 2:
Communication Problems
The Psychiatrist
Waldorf Salad
The Kipper and the Corpse
The Anniversary
Basil the Rat
Product Description
DVD Special Features:
Exclusive interview with John Cleese
Exclusive interview with Prunella Scales
Director commentary
Artist profiles
Scene selection
Special Basil Fawlty link
Digitally remastered
Out takes
Includes a special illustrated booklet
Exclusive interview with John Cleese
Exclusive interview with Prunella Scales
Director commentary
Artist profiles
Scene selection
Special Basil Fawlty link
Digitally remastered
Out takes
Includes a special illustrated booklet
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Nincompoop
Format:DVD
Brilliant series, excellent fun at a good price.
However, some of the special features listed are not included, e.g. the "special illustrated booklet". It only has the director's commentary.
However, some of the special features listed are not included, e.g. the "special illustrated booklet". It only has the director's commentary.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Much has been written about Fawlty Towers. I do not intend to repeat all of this in depth, but confine myself to saying that this mid seventies comedy series from John Cleese and Connie Booth was one of the most perfect comedies ever made. Characters and performances were pitch perfect, the set up ideal for a variety of hilarious situations. It made the irate hotelier and his Spanish waiter into national icons. Part of the genius was that it wrapped up after 2 series, so there was no tailing off in quality or changes in cast that afflict so m any other classic comedies. It's just Fawltless, mixing elements of farce and absurdism to provide 12 episodes of howling laughter.
This 2001 DVD release OK. It contains all six episodes from series two on a single disc, with no real extras. The picture quality is OK. But these days there is the definitive 2009 remastered version box set of both series plus loads of extras at a very reasonable price, and I would recommend you purchase that set rather than this. So almost Fawltless, 5 stars for the superb comedy, but you're better off getting the 2009 release.
This 2001 DVD release OK. It contains all six episodes from series two on a single disc, with no real extras. The picture quality is OK. But these days there is the definitive 2009 remastered version box set of both series plus loads of extras at a very reasonable price, and I would recommend you purchase that set rather than this. So almost Fawltless, 5 stars for the superb comedy, but you're better off getting the 2009 release.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Customer One
Format:DVD
Absolutely fantastic. My 7 year old has just discovered Basil and laughs so much she falls off the sofa. Every house should have this !
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4.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cant see how you hate it!
I bought this for my dad for Fathers day.
Knowing that he loves this (and i do too)
It is just hilarious. John Cleese is so funny! Read more
Knowing that he loves this (and i do too)
It is just hilarious. John Cleese is so funny! Read more
Published 29 days ago by Mr. J. Mackenzie
1.0 out of 5 stars
still waiting for a dvd i can play
received dvd which only plays in america or canada.sent back.money taken from account still no
dvd its now 8 weeks
dvd its now 8 weeks
Published 2 months ago by michael preston
5.0 out of 5 stars
Laugh a minute
This DVD contains some of best episodes,including "Basil the Rat" and "The Kipper & the Corpse".
It hasn't dated and the quality of the Picture is first rate. Read more
It hasn't dated and the quality of the Picture is first rate. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Music Lover
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fawlty Towers
I'm not aware that I bought this, but I might have done, as a present. (Five more words are required).
Published 3 months ago by fin323ish
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fawlty Towers Series 2
We bought this for our son who is now 13 as we live in Spain and it was a family series that we both loved as children. Read more
Published 4 months ago by I. Morrill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fawlty Towers
This was a xmas gift for my brother. He's a big John Cleese fan. He really enjoyed the dvd immensely
Published 4 months ago by julie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fawlty Towers - Series 2
Fawlty Towers is a universally recognised classic outbreak of comedy and I don't think anything I have to say about it is going to add or subtract from that fact.
Published 5 months ago by Grumpy Dog
5.0 out of 5 stars
FAWLTY TOWERS
IN GOOD CONDITION. VERY FUNNY.CLASSIC COMEDY FROM THE SEVENTIES. I COULD NOT GET SERIES 2 ON YOU TUBE SO BOUGHT IT FROM AMAZON
Published 5 months ago by john
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like it a lot
The DVDS were inexpensive and the quality seems fine to me ... certainly comparable to what gets shown on repeat-runs on UK TV Gold. And the programmes themselves ... timeless.
Published 8 months ago by A. Wright
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Old Ones are the best
Fawlty Towers must be classic comedy. If there are a mix of people in the house - most will enjoy Fawlty Towers. John Cleese at his best, along with all the supporting cast. Read more
Published 10 months ago by DawnRosa
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