In Loving Memory – The Complete Second Series (1980/Network U.K./Region Two/2/PAL DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: D Episodes: B-
PLEASE NOTE: This DVD set can only be
operated on machines capable of playing back DVDs that can handle Region Two/2/PAL
format software and can be ordered from our friends at Network U.K. at the
website address provided at the end of the review or at finer retailers.
It is not
easy doing a comedy set in the world of the dying, but In Loving Memory did just that and was a hit for five seasons
almost non-stop seasons. This new DVD of
all 7 episodes from Network DVD in the U.K. shows a smart series that had other
overtones mixed in with the comedy.
Though the results can be uneven, writer Dick Sharples (Adam Adamant Lives!) takes risks that
sometimes pay off and sometimes don’t.
Fortunately,
the cast is a plus with Thora Hind and Christopher Beeny as the duo running the
rather old funeral parlor (complete with a hearse of the Model-T era mode) and
other good supporting actors including Liz Smith. Yet another example of the kind of
interesting, different sitcom the last Golden Age of British TV turned out,
those who like Britcoms and have never seen it will want to see some episodes
for themselves and see how different this one is.
The 1.33
X 1 image is shot on PAL videotape and more outdoor and location footage shot
in 16mm, but here in analog film-to-tape transfers of the time. Combine the age of the footage and tapes,
then you get the idea of some of the flaws you can come across throughout, but
it can look good in spots despite still being softer than I would have liked. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono sound is at a
slightly lower levels than you might expect, so be careful on switching sound
sources. There are no extras.
As noted above, you can order this PAL DVD import
exclusively from Network U.K. at:
http://www.networkdvd.net/
or
www.networkdvd.co.uk
- Nicholas Sheffo
