Customer Reviews

The Very Beginnings - By: Andrew Kerr, 29 Jan 2008
So this is how one of the greatest British comedy programs of all time started. Going right back to the very beginnings, this DVD features the complete first series & the remaining parts from series two of Dad's Army, a comedy drama based around the time of World War Two. Staring the brilliant Arthur Lowe (Captain Mainwaring), Dad's Army follows the formation & the workings of the Home Guard at Walmington-On-Sea. Naturally I doubt anymore has to be said about what Dad's Army was about, unless you've spend your entire live under a rock, the chances are you'll know. Despite the fact thatin the first two seasons, the actors were somewhat inexperienced, the episodes a bit inconsistent & of course beingin black & white, Dad's Army still offers plenty to keep you entertained, & leaves you wanting to see more. Most of the early episodes were terrific & wonderful to relive. There are a few gems (The Showing Up Of Corporal Jones & The Battle Of Godfrey's Cottage,) which I felt were probably the best two episodes of the DVD. Godfrey has always been my favourite character of Dad's Army, but the whole platoon actually develops (in future series) into living, likeable, characters who you end up caring about. It's great to see Dad's Army released on DVD, & all nine seasons & the Christmas specials are now available, so what are you waiting for? Go & click that "Add To Shopping Basket" button now.

---

The start of one of the best sitcoms ever - By: Gary Thompson, 18 Aug 2007
It is the beginning of one the greatest comedies i know of. With great stars & fantastic & funny episodes including 3 recently found episodes. The characters develop very well throughout the series. However there are no extras, which i would have loved to have seen.

If your looking for a great comedy to watch then definately try this out.

---

The Start Of A Legendary Series - By: DB Dom, 12 Oct 2006
Dads Army, possibly one of the most famed comedies of all times? Spanning roughly a decade, but leaving its mark for several more.

These series are the best, despite the absolutely tragic loss of some episodes from series 2. The first series follows the passage of the Home Guard as they first meet & eagerly try to do thier best, revealing their (over)enthusiasm to help King & Country!

Although black & white is now thought of as ancient, let it on no account put you off buying the start to a unique comedy. On no account dissuade youself that the first of the era is the worst, it is anything but!

---

where it all began - By: Musicalia, 21 Feb 2006
This DVD includes the whole first series, & the three episodes from the second series which survive (two recently rediscovered). The set is rounded out by radio adaptations of the other missing episodes; & the documentary Missing Believed Wiped on the missing BBC programmes from the golden era of television.

The early episodes, black & white, & largely scene-setting, are not as sharp or as funny as the later series, but they stand up fairly well. Dad's Army was one of the great British comedy series which works well for any generation, dated as it was when it first started. And the players are a joy - Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Jimmy Beck, Arnold Ridley, John Laurie, Ian Lavender, Clive Dunn ... all wonderful.

---

More Interesting than Great - By: Luke Mellor, 21 Jan 2006
Series One suffers (as do many other great TV shows) from lack of character development. That said, it seems to hit its stride earlier than most (by episode 5). There are some great episodes here but the majority will probably be of more interest to the avid fan than the casual observer.

Looking again at "The Showing Up of Corporal Jones" & "Shooting Pains", it was a great disappointment that Martin Wyldeck as Major Regan was dropped after two episodes. Nothwithstanding, he was a great actor, his character also provided a sympathetic foil to the Dad's Army team. Rather than be used as a rival commander to provide opposition (a la Captain Square), he seemed to be the only character outside the platoonin ALL the series that had the unit's welfare at heart, even though it was disguised through a tough exterior.

Barbara Windsor (who I have never really rated) does an excellent comic turnin "Shooting Pains" that shows herin new light.