Customer Reviews

MI-5: Volume One

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Tired of the drivel that gets served up on US TV? This series is well worth the investment. This BBC production called "Spooks" in England, but called MI-5 here, has smart acting and interesting plots without the need for gratuitous violence so rampant on American TV. Just one more example of why the BBC provides quality entertainment. Our only complaint is that the BBC is slow on making the next series available across the pond. C'mon BBC we are waiting..

I am intrigued with the British mysteries. They are fast paced and you never know what is going to happen. I just wish that they would be a little cheaper to buy - I would like the complete set. I know that Amazon has the best price...but, I still would like it be less!

I was thrilled when this came out in dvd in a format for US viewing and pre-ordered it immediately, have really enjoyed seeing the uncut episodes in order to get all the details. The only criticism is the overly complicated menu in order to get to the episodes, you put the disk in and wait for a menu to appear, and instead you get a picture of a desk top, and then you realize a voice is droning in the background and what it's muttering are instructions on how to get to the episodes. There are a lot of extra features, but they're included in the overly cute menu packaging where you have to either try to pay attention to the voice or consult the 3-page outline included in the packaging, and then click on the feature you want and wait an unusually long time for it to load. It would have been a lot more convenient if they had run the episodes on the first two disks, and put all the extra features on the third. After all the work that went into the over-complicated menu, the actual packaging is cheap and I had to break one of the plastic tabs to release one of the dvd's. But if you love the show by all means get the dvds in order to see the episodes in entirety.

I had never seen the Show MI-5 (Spooks) until I bought the Box set from work - I am so glad I did! I would have spent twice my money to own it. This Series is phenomenal. The acting is excellent, the actors are exellent and the stories are amazing. It is so refreshing to finally be challenged in a tv series - and not be pandered to with lukewarm plots designed not to intimidate the squeamish. The jargon, technical familarity and thorough research that goes into each episode is reminiscent of the early ER days - however, with less gore!
MI-5 is the culmination of British Dramatic television, completely building on the excellent grounwork set by Cracker and The Knock. If you are at all interested in good drama with intelligent plotwork and a keen interest in espionage - definitely MI-5 is a must for your collection!

OK...I latched on to this series a bit late, like maybe 4 years after it came out. The way I stumbled upon it is a long story but to say I am hooked is putting it extremely mildly. This is a FABULOUS series. I didn't see it when it was on tv and glad I didn't as I understand they cut scenes. The Brits really know how to produce good tv and this is an outstanding series. Like one of the reviews stated, it is similar to the American 24 but without the hype and unbelievable special effects. This show is true espionage and all about protecting the country. All sorts of scenerios are presented, a different one in each segment. Showing the private/personal relationships the characters try to have while balancing being a spy for MI-5 adds a personal touch.

I can't agree with one other reviewer who found the menues of the disks diffuclt. I found this an incredible feature and makes you part of the story. It isn't difficult to figure out but it does take you by surprise so you have to think which is what MI-5 in reality is all about. I found this "start" menu unique and very clever.

All in all I would highly recommend this series. It is exciting, thrilling, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I have already bought the second season and will be ordering season 3 soon.

The easiest way to describe this series is to say it's a more realistic, British version of the popular "24". MI-5 is a little less over the top, and involves more actual espionage than gunplay. The series also touches more upon the difficulties the operatives have in maintaining personal lives while working for "Five". The series also is organized differently than most shows of this nature. There are story arcs that cover the season (and even go into the next ones), but each episode is a self-contained 'operation' if you will. That is to say that the crisis of the current episode is usually given some closure. The means the series is easier to watch for viewers who would rather space out their 'sessions' than have a marathon and sit though several episodes at a time. Every episode has the potential to contain information on the larger-spanning story arcs, but you won't be completely lost if you come back to the series after a hiatus.

The series is also a little more bold with subtle, and not-so-subtle political commentary running through it's episodes. All in all, this is my favourite 'spy thriller' show simply because it's got a more realistic feel to it. The acting is natural and believeable, and the stories hit home as they are far more plausible than the high-flying escapades of 24's Jack Bauer.

The start of an awesome series. Delivered promptly to Canada. New packaging and no hassles with customs.
Amazon truly has their act together. Very pleased, once again.

Loved it so much, ordered the next volume and plan to see all remaining seasons of it in due course. Very well done. Amazon provides superbe fast service.

The first season of Spooks set the tone for its later seasons, although that I do have a fondness for the original cast. They have a good rapport and there is less of the hyper-confident action hero stuff and more doubts, deception, and fear. The characters are all great, and the glimpses into their home lives (especially that of Danny and Zoe) lend the series much-needed humor.

I am glad that Americans are able to see such a great British drama. MI-5 or Spooks as it is known by in Britain and Australia is certainly one of the best productions of its type I have seen. The only US drama that we have seen in Australia that remotely resembles it would be "The Agency" which has not made it to DVD or video. This is more a thinking person's depiction of the Intelligence Service without the over-the-top action that we have come to be used to in US drama, but is still suspenseful and entertaining. 6 episodes in the first season, 10 in the 2nd season. We are fortunate in Australia to be about the only place in the world where season 2 has been available on DVD for some time. Excellent cast and scripts. The first season has special features including the development of the show, character profiles. Well worth the money and sits somewhere between John Le Carre and James Bond. Thoroughly realistic. A must for the collections of anybody interested in this genre.