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From Amazon.co.uk
The ultimate depiction of workplace perdition has to be Whitbury Leisure Centre in The Brittas Empire, despite the later claim of The Office to the title. And while David Brent seems all too uncomfortably real, Chris Barrie's Gordon Brittas carried the gung-ho officiousness of mediocre middle-management to its surreal conclusion. The Brittas Empire could never quite make up its mind if it was a quasi-realistic sitcom or a fantasy comedy, and it's this uneasy mixture that invites you to question whether there's anything terribly funny about unplanned single parenthood, childcare problems, assault in the workplace and women who are addicted to prescription drugs (see also Waiting for God) because of their partners' behaviour. Then, just as you're pondering all this, Brittas comes out with another mouthful of managerial psychobabble that makes you realise that only this kind of tragi-comic exaggeration is robust enough to stand up to Barrie's monstrous creation.
This second series treads a fine line between the merely bleak and the really rather nasty with exquisite precision. It opens with the news that Brittas has been killed abroad in an industrial accident, prompting his tranquillizer-addled wife to mourn him for less time than it takes her to remarry--except, of course, that Brittas is alive and well. Along the way, receptionist Carole attempts to murder Brittas with a JCB when she mistakenly thinks he's assaulted her baby, which she keeps in a cupboard under her desk.
On the DVD: The Brittas Empire, Series 2 carries all seven episodes on two discs, together with several extras including a gallery, a profile and a Brittas Management Quiz (don't ask!). --Roger Thomas
Product Description
Contains all seven episodes from Series Two:
- Back From the Dead
- Temple of the Body
- An Inspector Calls
- Set in Concrete
- Mums and Dads
- Safety First
- New Generations
- Temple of the Body
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By Andruff
Format:DVD
Being from the US and pretty much hating everything on television today I have been looking elsewhere for good decent programming. As a huge long time fan of Red Dwarf and Chris Barrie in particular, I stumbled across Brittas Empire on youtube one day. At first I wasn't sure if I would like it, but after viewing all the way through the first season I was hooked. "The Brittas Empire" is hilarious warm hearted show, with characters that grow on you. It also gets better and better with each show. It's a breath of fresh air to see a show that isn't full of obscene and indecent subject matter. The humor is always good without being offensive. One of my top 5 all time favorite shows.
Each disc has a whole season of episodes on it and good extras that will keep you entertained for quite sometime. If you like good funny sitcoms, you will not regret picking up this great series.
Each disc has a whole season of episodes on it and good extras that will keep you entertained for quite sometime. If you like good funny sitcoms, you will not regret picking up this great series.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By "awhale42"
Format:DVD
It is wonderful to see this completely underrated comedy finally hitting the shelves on everyones favourite format, DVD. This is a must have for everybody, and if you don't already own season 1, then buy them both. Chris Barrie's performance is not to be matched, but when supported by the rest of the cast, it truly is comedy dynamite.
This series contains such highlights as the fire / bomb / everything else feasibly possible drill, the Russian Recital, and the end of Brittas - at the beginning :oS
As well as the highlights, the constant laughs, and misunderstandings, make this one of the most amusing, light hearted, and wholly entertaining comedies.
The only minor downfall is a lack of special features but this is more than made up for in the entertainment of the series itself, bring on season 3, and enjoy seasons 1 & 2, a must for the collection :o)
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
The Brittas Empire is, as the man himself, Gordon Brittas, would say, "eeeeeexcellent".
Gordon brittas is brillantly played by Chris Barrie, who is more well known for his role as Rimmer in the sitcom Red Dwarf. Barrie grew and developed the role of Brittas enormously and is beyond imagination making Gordon brittas, in my opinion, one of the most memorable characters in history.
Everyting about this show was always funny because it had a good script and had a good lead actor which made it a great sitcom to watch.
The Brittas Empire is a terrific show which I am glad to see that it has been released on DVD for its fans to enjoy again and again.
Gordon brittas is brillantly played by Chris Barrie, who is more well known for his role as Rimmer in the sitcom Red Dwarf. Barrie grew and developed the role of Brittas enormously and is beyond imagination making Gordon brittas, in my opinion, one of the most memorable characters in history.
Everyting about this show was always funny because it had a good script and had a good lead actor which made it a great sitcom to watch.
The Brittas Empire is a terrific show which I am glad to see that it has been released on DVD for its fans to enjoy again and again.
I would highly recommend this show to anyone who has not yet seen it.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
i think that the story lines are brilliant and i think that the actors playing these characters are perfectionist - they make it great. i particulary like mrs Brittas played by Pippa Haywood! she has a totally different attitude from others. i think that this is a good video to buy as it is totally different from any other -i wish more was available!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Rover
Format:DVD
I worked as Attendant, Supervisor and Deputy Manager in and then Managed a leisure centre for over twenty years and Oh brother is this series accurate. A caricature of life in a leisure centre but one that is so near the underlying truths of so much that happens in the job, albeit exaggerated,that I for one weep with laughter. Just call me Brittas - some of my staff and users used to!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A great start to a great series. The Brittas Empire is PACKED-FULL of great characters, jokes and wonderful ideas!. This first series features some of the funniest episodes, but remember, the first series is where the cast are just getting use to there roles, and in fact come series two the character Angie was replaced with Julie, a much stronger character. This first series see's Brittas less likable, but very funny. You'll soon warm to him and all the great characters, but Brittas in more of a likable character series 2 onwards. You can't compare The Brittas Empire to any exsisting Sitcom, it's a star in it's own league. It's Unique, and combines a mixture of dark edgy moments, with fine humour with a hint of darkness, can you think of any other Sitcom that is packed full of explosions, fires, floods electrocutions, cows giving birth and falling water tanks, along with great characters, great jokes and throw in hilerous situations, comedy wit, and superb acting and you've got yourself a winner, and the show is packed full of plenty more great ideas to!. The series is however generally better series two onwards, but this first installment is still GREAT and one of the funniest out of the seven!. Worth getting, but Series 5 is by far the best.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
In series 1, Gordan Brittas was a bit of a David Brent type character. ie, the boss from hell. In series 2, it's a lot clearer that Brittas is actually a very caring guy and is much more likeable. Some moments in this show are very moving. Like when Carole looses everything and opens her heart up to Brittas. A different side to him is shown which made me pity him. He tries so hard and is very considerate, but is never successful. He tries to please everyone and doesn't put himself first. I found his general character a lot more likeable in this series.
Each 'sentimental' bit in this series is cut short but a classic comedy scene however, and it's this which makes it so unique. The entire series also focusses around a cliffhanger which begins in the first episode but isn't resolved to the final scene of the last episode. We know Carole is pregnant (again). She doesn't know who the father is. Through a series of bizarre occurrences we find out who the unlikely dad is. The dad knows nothing about it until the end of episode 7.
The acting is as we would expect from the brilliant Chris Barrie. He's top notch in every episode. His supporting cast also fulfill their duty and makes each charcater their own. Especially the hilarious Colin with his sceptic hand. And his boils. And his weak bladder. And his 'loose' muscles.....
This show is another classic British comedy and like Red Dwarf, it deserves far more attention on 'best sitcom/comedy' polls that it receives. It seems as though The Office's David Brent may have taken a few pointers from Gordon Brittas. Brent is funny, but makes us uncomfortable. Brittas is hilarious, and a charcter which I warmed towards.
If you like the Office, you'll love it's predecessor.
... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Cannot understand why the Brittas Empire has not been repeated on TV. I was laughing out loud while watching the chaos being created by Mr "Brit-Ass"!
Published 26 days ago by Audrey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who doesn't love British Comedy
I picked The Brittas Empire up based on the fact that it has Chris Barrie in it, a great guy who is in another great British Comedy called Red Dwarf. Read more
Published 1 month ago by William Hoplight
5.0 out of 5 stars
brittas empire
what can you say about gordon brittas a manager that knows
al about being a jobs worth and goes about it the wrong way
al about being a jobs worth and goes about it the wrong way
Published 4 months ago by andrew mills
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
Enjoyed this DVD a lot. Think the other, later series will be better though, as the characters were more established by then. Recommend though.
Published 11 months ago by Scatty But Happy
5.0 out of 5 stars
I put this on my wish list.
I have put this great TV comedy on my wish list, hope to get it new for under £30 just like so many box set DVDs I have, but asking £250 for just 7 disc I don't think so what ever... Read more
Published 14 months ago by JRROSS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great British Comedy
Comedy as only the British can do it (must be something to do with the weather) Charasters just on the loopy side of stark raving lunatic who provide a great sounng board for the... Read more
Published 22 months ago by sj
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent series
I'd forgotten how funny this series was. I really enjoyed watching it again. The clothes date it a little, but the humour hasn't dated at all. Read more
Published on 29 May 2011 by Nix
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic comedy
Chris Barrie is the lynchpin around which this series revolves, playing the part of a man with unsquashable self-confidence and complete insensitivity to others. Read more
Published on 24 April 2011 by Ingrid Heyn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic British Comedy
This DVD Set is a must for anyone who enjoyed the Brittas Empire or who enjoyed Chris Barrie in Red Dwarf. Its slapstick family humour that can be related to by many people. Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2011 by DJ Snap
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great value!
Excellent service and great value for money, the delivery was on time and well packaged. I would not hesitate in recommending to a friend.
Published on 3 Jan 2011 by Scott
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