One Foot in the Grave Complete Series 1 - 6 Plus Christmas Specials Box Set [DVD] [1990]

This superb box set contains 12 discs and features every episode of the show including the Christmas Specials and a few documentaries. For the benefit of any potential buyers these are what the 12 discs contain:

Disc 1: Series 1 (6 episodes) plus featurette Britain's Best Sitcom.

Discs 2 and 3: Series 2 (6 episodes) plus 1990 Christmas Special 'Who's Listening'.

Discs 4 and 5: Series 3 (6 episodes) plus 1991 Christmas Special 'The Man In The Long Black Coat' and commentary on episode 'The Beast In The Cage'

Discs 6 and 7: Series 4 (6 episodes) plus 1993 Christmas Special 'One Foot In The Algarve' and commentary on episode 'Hearts Of Darkness'.

Discs 8 and 9: Series 5 (6 episodes) plus 1995 Christmas Special 'Wisdom Of The Witch' and commentary on 'The Man Who Blew Away'

Discs 10 and 11: Series 6 (6 episodes) plus documentary 'The Story Of One Foot In The Grave', featurette 'Killing Victor' and commentary on episode 'The Execution's Song'.

Disc 12: 1996 Christmas Special 'Starbound' and 1996 Christmas special 'Endgame'.

What's missing are the two short Comic Relief sketches from 1993 and 2001.

I loved this as a teenager when it was first shown on BBC1 and I still love it now, I don't know how popular this is with younger people of a certain age, but if I am in a young minority who likes this, then so be it because this makes me laugh which for me is the most important thing in a sitcom.

This does make me laugh but it is not the only reason why I have always loved this sitcom, there is something about it that I have always found darker but also more real, warmer and emotional (but not in an over the top sickly way) than a lot of sitcoms. I love sarcastic characters in sitcoms and Richard Wilson as Victor Meldrew is definitely up there with all the sarcastic sitcom greats, the situations that he unintentionally gets himself into are as funny now as on their original showing and will continue to be for as long as this is available for future generations to see.

Another reason why I have alway liked this sitcom is because of Victor's wife Margaret (Annette Crosbie) who I have always found to be more believable than a lot of wives in sitcoms, I just found her more likeable and less nagging than the usual stereotypical bossy and nagging old wife, even when they shout at each other, I always know that they will be fine. I also must give a special mention to Mrs Warboys (Doreen Mantle), her mannerisms just seem to always remind me of someone my nan nan use to know and I am sure that a lot of people will have known somebody similar.

Although I find this one of the funniest ever British sitcoms, it is more than that, it is an attack on the disgraceful stereotyping and patronising treatment of old people in general and the way that society seems to think that none of their opinions matter and Victor Meldrew is the perfect voice to say what people think, underneath all that shouting and whinging is a very caring old man that rightfully just wants to be treated with respect.

Compared to the absolute classic sitcoms of the 1970's this is modern but there is no question in my mind that this will be just as timeless. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BRITISH SITCOMS EVER.

There can be little doubt that 'One Foot In The Grave' is a classic British sit-com. How many of us listen to Victor's moaning and realise that he sounds just like us? Every single episode is featured here including the Christmas specials. There are many laugh out load moments and it is beautifully performed by Richard Wilson and Annette Crosbie. In fact, each and every performer fits their relative roles like a glove.

There are several extras here to make this an even better package including some commentaries and a documentary on the series. You don't need me to tell you just what fantastic value this box set is and even though many of the scenes have been seen loads of times they are still guaranteed to make you chuckle.

This series is right up there with Dad's Army, Porridge, Rising Damp and Steptoe and Son. An absolute must have for your collection.