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Ghost Canyon

'Good Neighbors - The Complete Series 4'
(Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, et al / 2-Disc DVD / NR / (1977) 2006 / BBC Video)

Overview: On Tom Good's fortieth birthday, he decides to escape the rat race for a life of self-sufficiency with his wife, Barbara. Soon they're plowing a field in their suburban yard and tending to a goat and pigs, much to the dismay of their upwardly mobile neighbors and friends the Leadbetters. In this final season, the hilarity continues, especially when the Goods take a holiday, leaving the Leadbetters in charge! This series, known as The Good Life in the UK, was so popular the queen requested a viewing, and the Royal Command Performance is featured here, including footage of Her Royal Highness meeting the cast.

DVD Verdict: 'Good Neighbors' still stands head and shoulders above many classic Britcoms as the funniest and most engaging. The situations and actors are brilliant (this is arguably Penelope Keith's best role), and its filled with enough wit, double entendre, and genuine silliness to make it enjoyable over and over again. Regardless of which position you are in the rat race, you'll find this series hilarious and meaningful. Be sure to get every season - its definitely worth it! The ideal of self-sufficiency ... haven't we all considered it at some point or another, if only for a fleeting moment? Getting out of the rat race, making a life that's far more meaningful? OK, few of us will ever actually manage that! But we can certainly enjoy this comedic depiction of such an attempt. It does make clear just how hard a life it would be, even within the cozy confines of a TV sitcom! And the characters themselves! I especially like that the writers didn't settle for one-dimensional cutouts. Tom Good can be a bit pushy & irritating at times, but he'd need such qualities to make the leap from vague wish to grimy reality in the first place. And his deep love for wife Barbara is plain to see, as is hers for her determined husband. Of course, Barbara herself may look like a lovely waif, but she's got plenty of backbone & fire - Tom doesn't push her around! Neighbors Jerry & Margot could easily have been flat characters, existing as negative foils for the Goods; instead, we get two real people, generally happy with their own way of life, genuinely puzzled by Tom & Barbara's rejection of that life - but ultimately supportive of their friends. Margot is a special delight: not the mere snob she first appears, she's honest, loyal, and a force to be reckoned with. Despite their squabbling, it's clear that she & Jerry do love one another, and treasure their eccentric best friends. So treat yourself to many evenings of viewing pleasure with this fine collection! The elusive fourth season will be released shortly, and then the series will be complete. You'll return to it again & again - most highly recommended! As for this new box-set, aside from the entire series 4 it also contains the royal performance filmed later which is a real hoot! Smiles all around from everyone ... on stage and off! This is a Full Screen Presentation (1.33:1) and comes with the Special Features of:

7 episodes on 2 discs
Bonus Royal Command Performance from 1978 When I’m 65
Interview with Richard Briers
Cast Bios
Trailers

www.BBCAmerica.com





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