Search - Keeping Up Appearances - Hyacinth in Full Bloom Set (Vol. 1-4) on DVD

Absolutely the Best

J. J. Dangermond | Portland, OR USA | 03/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patricia Routledge is incredible and wonderful as Hyacinth, and the other case members are superb playing off of her antics. At last four discs with my favorite lady. My favorite episode has to be when Richard is dressed as Santa Claus with a case of mistaken identity. And I loved Ms. Routledge's Kitty monologues (good extra) on Disc 4. Many thanks to the BBC for finally starting to release this series on DVD in complete seasons rather than odd shows on the video series. Now, when are the next seasons coming?? Please do not piecemeal this - we may all be dead by the time they are released!The only complaint that I have is that there was only 3 minutes of bloopers on Disc 1, Disc 2 and Disc 3. The Absolutely Fabulous set has 15 minutes on each disc. I laughed almost as much watching Ms. Routledge trying to get her story correct - best line by Geoffrey Hughes "Your Hyacinth on the phone is better than Hyacinth in bed"!"

Oh, Nice!

Robert I. Hedges | 03/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patricia Routledge is a comic genius. Her portrayal of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced 'Bouquet', of course) makes for the single best characterization to come out of a British comedy in the last decade. The series is impeccably written and acted with Hyacinth stealing the scene whenever she is in frame. The other characters are similarly well developed, from longsuffering husband Richard (Clive Swift), to her sisters Daisy (and her husband Onslow, portrayed to perfection by Geoffrey Hughes as an unemployed, lazy slacker who reads things like 'Principles of Particle Physics' in bed), and the always randy Rose (as well as the rarely seen third sister, Violet, the one with a Mercedes, a sauna, and room for a pony), to the neighbors Elizabeth and Emmet ("She'll sing at me!") and even the recurring bit players such as the postman the vicar and his wife. Altogether the ensemble cast supports Hyacinth so perfectly that the show has unrivalled chemistry and timing. The four disk set contains the famous and hilarious "QE2" episodes, and the "Three Piece Suite" episode, which for absolute hilarity is impossible to top (watching Hyacinth with the traffic cones and the 'Imminent Delivery' sign is sublime.) Also on the disks are several extras, of which my favorites are the outtakes: seeing Hyacinth break character and actually laugh at the funny situations is a delight indeed. For anyone who likes British comedies, or likes subtle, yet highbrow, humor in equal measure, this set is an absolute treasure trove and is not to be missed. Highly recommended."

Absolutely hilarious!

Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 07/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of this masterful British television series, then this is an absolute "must have" purchase. This set is comprised of twenty full episodes, as well as the side-splittingly funny QEII holiday episodes. Even though I've watched these programs dozens of times each, I never weary of them. This is quality acting and writing of the highest order.Patricia Routledge as "that Bucket woman" is arguably the second-greatest TV comedic actress of all time (I supposed Lucille Ball would have to get a nod for first place). Certainly she is the greatest British actress in a comedy series. Her timing, expressions and mannerisms are simply superb. Her interplay with Richard, played divinely by Clive Swift, is always absolutely hilarious. How many times will you say, "poor Richard!" while watching Hyancinth's ridiculous social-climbing antics? And my favorite character of all, the fat, sloppy guy with a heart, Onslow, played to perfection by Geoffrey Hughes. Don't you just love how he always says "Oh... nice!" with that delicious sarcastic edge?They're all here: beautiful, dipsy Rose, the sex-addicted Daddy, the McCartney-esque Pastor and his cute-as-a-button wife and the cringing neighbors. It's impossible not to fall in love with the entire ensemble cast. This is television without equal and the quality on this DVD is exceptional. My only small criticism is that the bloopers section is very brief, only a few minutes. Also, Patricia Routledge's solo comedy routines are similarly short in duration. But the rest of it is marvelous. Enjoy!"