My husband and I bought the last two of these and we are thrilled. The radio is exceptionally attractive - a soft, traditional look without all the complicated buttons and dials of some of the more modern chrome gadgety/techie looks that are out there. We fought with many radios before being able to get the right station and volume etc. This is so easy to use and looks wonderful. Best of all the music is so clear and it is a pleasure to operate. I would HIGHLY recommend this item and snatch it up if it becomes available again.

Having enjoyed Downton Abbey, my husband and I purchased this set based on the glowing reviews. We accepted there would be serious productions limitations given that it is over forty years old, but we were still anticipating a highly interesting 'saga'. Instead we got mumbled words, shallow characters - many of whom are barely developed and implausible plots. For example one main character (Joleyn) who sets himself up as the protector of Irenee, seems to have no compunction about marrying his daughter's governess (thus abandoning his daughter who miraculously forgives him) and then once this second wife dies - he goes on to marry Irenee despite the fact that Irenee wrecked his daughter's marriage! (this same forgiving daughter). This is just one example of the bizarre soap opera unfolding. The problem is not so much in the plot (although it is very convoluted) - it is more in the speed at which these twists and turns unfold and the seeming lack of effect they have on the characters. June (the abandoned daughter) just loves her father and actually comes to live with him and Irenee. The fact that Irenee had an affair with June's fiancee is accepted with barely any resistence from June! The pairing of Irenee with June's fiancee was also bizarre. The actor didn't physically 'gel' with the actress - he was obnoxious and unappealing in our view.

Yes...strange things do happen in life and in novels and in movies. But how about some developement of character? Fleur (the next generation) is thrust upon the scene and flits around like an annoying mosquito - we have no idea how she got to be so controlling or demanding other than some hints that her father Soames spoiled her. The entire theme of the first generation is recycled into the second - and that's where we stopped watching. Who cares about these people?

It has been said that the Forsyte Saga "began it all" and that Downton Abbey is really a knock off of the brilliant original. From our point of view - the student has surpassed the master! There is no comparison and D.A. wins hands down. Sets and costumes in the Forsyte Saga are wonderful and the actors playing Soames and Winnifred are excellent. But Kenneth Moore as Joleyn is tiresome and Nyree Dawn Porter as Irenee is one dimensional - she either loves or hates. Downton Abbey is careful to develop the plots and characters and give them many layers. Even the 'nasty' servants in D.A. have a tender side. The Forsyte Saga moves too quickly with very little subtlety. Overall - a long, annoying 'saga' with little to redeem it. I realize I am the lone voice of criticism here ...but that is my opinion and my husband's. We would not recommend a venture into the Forsyte Saga.

I thoroughly enjoyed David Cravit's book The New Old. It really was inspirational! He did a lot of fascinating research and presents it in an organized way. As social commentary, he makes a convincing case for how aging today is so different from bygone years and how society perceives 'seniors' as an influential force. Often these types of books can be rather dry and boring but David's writing style is both thought provoking and most interesting. I would highly recommend this ground breaking book! It makes a wonderful birthday gift - the recipient will feel very young indeed.

This series (which is thirty years plus old) is well done but not great. The acting is very strong but the plot lines vary from excellent and intriguing to depressing and vague. My biggest complaint is that some of the characters developed early on never really appear again. Much is made at the beginning of Clare (Dr. Martel's daughter) and her breakdown but we never learn much about her again although her parents are featured in almost every episode. Sometimes, the ending just seemed to plop down and my husband and I would look at each other 'is that it?' Other times however, the episodes were wonderful and riveting. We learned a lot and the setting, costumes and historical references were all exceptionally well done. I'd recommend this series but caution that some of the episodes are quite dismal - there is an inconsistency from great to 'so so'.

My husband and I were glued to Season One and Season Two on Masterpiece Theatre so we naturally wanted the series for our collection at home. It is just fantastic! The acting is superb; the costumes wonderful and the setting is magnificant. The various plot threads are well done (sometimes moving along a bit quickly while others - Bates and Anna - going more slowly). We both thoroughly enjoyed every minute and now must wait patiently but eagerly for Season Three. I hope this Series never ends and would highly recommend the DVDs for anyone who wants to enjoy a trip down memory lane during the last days of British rule and splendour. It is pure fun, escapism, humour, tragedy and an exceptionally good historical re-creation and of course wonderfully entertaining.

Series Two is just as good as the first Series of Dalziel and Pascoe. The actors are terrific and the stories continue to be well developed and interesting. If you enjoy British detective drama - this is the series for you. Some wonderful British locales add to the flavour of everything and overall make watching pure enjoyment. One note: Occasionally the British accents against the background 'noise' make it hard to clearly understand the dialogue. But this is not frequent nor does it detract from the positive experience of the Series.

Series One started out with promise. The story lines were interesting and the acting excellent. However for some reason, the mysteries deteriorated into horror type flicks - blood, gore, torture and repetitive scenes of autopsy photos - made most of the episodes unwatchable. Too bad the producers felt they had to continually insert such gratuitous violence bordering on the ridiculous. Such techniques seriously compromised the integrity of the work and both my husband and I were turned off before each show had finished. I would not recommend wasting your money on this series....I regret that I ordered as many as I did.

Season One is fabulous. The stories are well written and the actors are wonderful. Warren Clarke is superb as Andy Dalziel the hard nosed police inspector with a sense of humour and a dash of sarcasm. His partner Peter Pascoe takes more than a few ribbings and the interaction between the two makes for great fun. The stories are also very interesting with many twists and turns. My only complaint is that there are just three episodes in Season One. I've already signed up for Season Two and can't wait 'til it comes out. Pure enjoyment!!

My husband and I are usually big fans of midsomer murders. However set 14 has turned out to be a big disappointment. The plots are over the top and not the 'crisp' and intelligent stories of the past. One episode is reminiscent of a cheap horror flick ('chainsaw massacre' type) and the police work is silly. It seems as if the writers have run out of ideas and are resorting to all kinds of gratuitous violence, gore and spooky settings. It's a shame because the first dozen were fabulous. I wouldn't recommend this set.

This series is absolutely fantastic. The setting, characters, and plot, all revolve around the challenges of World War 2 and murder! - as viewed through the lens of the small village of Hastings (where Foyle is in charge of police work). Each storyline is riveting and the acting supberb! The historical elements of the War are examined sequentially, within the context of each episode. The only problem with Foyle's War, is that it ends!...if only there was a follow-up series on Foyle - post War. For anyone interested in mystery, drama, suspense and a touch of history, this is the series to buy. Highly recommended.