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As an avid BBC America watcher....I quickly stumbled across this...and never let it go!!! The office is a fantastic, extremely original comedy, or should I say Mockumentary - the phrase coined after this and other similar series introduced a new concept in comedy - filmed with a realistic stance and added narration. I will also hold this dear to me; as quite frankly it is not that far from the truth...I have worked for British companies both in and out of the UK, and I indeed had a Brit Boss - called David - in this series David Brent is the Manager - who also thought himself the coolest cat but had a strange knack for saying the wrong thing and being completely politically incorrect! This DVD is all you need to capture the essence of the UK series which lead to the current and hugely successful US spin off. It contains series one and two and the funny but oh so awkward Office Special! This DVD takes you though the initial introductions to the team - David Brent is played by Ricky Gervais - whose superb acting creates a character who both feel for and squirm at, the whole way along! Never have I seen a scene so uncomfortable as the many Gervais acts out!! His right hand man Gareth played by Mackenzie Cook who was more recently seen in Pirates of the Caribbean - is also a ridiculous character whereas your heart goes out to the woes of Tim; essentially the same character as appears in the US series with a crush on the engaged office secretary!! We then progress though the office struggles as it is downsized ad merged with another branch, to Davids loss of Manager status, through the special where he seems to be a salesman of sorts and semi celebrity after the "success" of the 'documentary" - The Office. It gets more and more uncomfortable adn awkward, yet in a very funny way!! There are so many must see scenes...such as David trying to out do the new boss in a dancing competition....right there in the office; or his attempts to have harassment training!! Its strange how mnay scenes can be both difficult to watch yet hysterical at the same time - it employs a different breed of comedy, some very talented actors and some clever script writing to be able to provide this unique mix and balance!! This is a must have DVD for all Office fans...everything you need in one place to keep laughing and get your Office fix!!Read full review
American version much funnier and cleaner humor. If you like sex jokes and raunchy humor this is great. It was worth watching for all gervais fans or crook fans or the office fans, but my personal preference is the American version. I wouldn't buy it again but I'm super glad I saw it because I'm a huge fan of the other office. These characters are funny and odd. Much like the US version. But different too. Again the humor is rougher and dirtier. So if you're into that, give this show a try. More cussing than the US version and more drinking and sex. So it's just not what I expected. Worth my time but not my favorite. Will I watch again....probably not. But the backstory and original inspiration for the US show was cool to see and experience. Once was enough for my family. It did cause me to like these actors more than I already did though. But they already had my fanship at their odd styles if humor.Read full review
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The office is in it's own category!! It's so freaking funny. Some of the jokes are quick and in your face, while others you have to think about for a minute. Sometimes English humor goes over my head, but not with this series. There is a reason why they made an American version. This was a great English series. It was a great success for a reason. It's funny, clever, unique and it also makes you feel for the characters. Plus, unlike the American version "Which is still great" this version allows anything. From dildos to F bombs. I reccomend it to anyone who liked the AMerican version and to anyone who even remotely gets English humor. In fact, I just reccomend it to anyone who likes to laugh. It goes beyond your typical laugh out loud sitcom. If you're too cheap to buy it then at least watch it some how. The only negative is that there are only 12 episodes plus an hour special which wraps the whole series up. But at least each episode is around 30 minutes long. It's nothing compared to the 100 episodes of the American version. But I guess that's what keeps this series fresh and you wanting more!Read full review
The British Version of the Office is awesome. It shows how great a show can be. The only flaw is that it is only twelve episodes and movie, so they have to contain the entire show's story in about six hours. Still, the first season is excellent, by the third episode, every character is beautifully developed. By the end of the first season, you really fall in love with them and by the start of the second season you are addicted. Now, the second season, things get a little tougher. The second season seems to me to be a lot about frustration, jealousy, and the fall of Ricky Gervais' Character. The Christmas Special, a two part movie length episode is to me, the crowning glory of the series. It so beautifully wraps up every story line that you are left almost stunned. If you have only seen the US version, then you are still getting a lot of quality tv, but you really owe it to a fan of the show to see the original.Read full review
I stumbled onto this DVD by accident and instantly became a fan. The droll, wry, DRY humor in a mockumentary style is such a hit with me. (I enjoy the American version (with Steve Carell) too.) I'm also a fan of Christopher Guest's work (This Is Spinal Tap, A Mighty Wind) which is done in a similar style. It also reminds me of a WONDERFUL show from Australia called Frontline (with Rob Sitch) which I daresay was the original style these other shows have borrowed from. My caveat for The Office is the R rating--regular uses of the F word among other crude, sexual languiage, and extremely crude sexual situations. I was surprised that BBC TV allows such license! So be warned. A cleaned up version would be near and dear to my heart (who doesn't cheer for Tim and Dawn??)
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