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Ally McBeal - Season 4 Box Set 2 [1998]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £7.99 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Too mainstream to be a cult, yet too odd to be totally conventional, Ally McBeal has become one of televisions curios. While its early days saw the show become something of a victim of its own self-conscious stylising, the episodes included on series 4 volume 2 are far stronger in terms of characterisation and plot and the storylines are easy to pick up. Not that the quirks have been exiled--the first programme features McBeal hallucinating about Barry Manilow--rather they have now become part of the overall feel of the show.

Despite the attention lavished on both the lead character and the actress who plays her, the show is a real ensemble piece and works best when all the players are together. One of the collection's weakest moments is the episode that sends the usually excellent Richard and John off to LA on their own, an episode which lays threat to a dreaded spin off. While there are annoying moments--could they not have edited out the "previously on Ally McBeal" parts for retail release and why do they never go out with anyone other than work colleagues--with guest appearances from the likes of Sting this is a must for any fan of the series.

On the DVD: Sadly, the DVD collection betrays very little thought or effort. The pace of the show is certainly brisk (especially when shorn of the adverts) and the picture quality is equally dynamic, instilling real depth to the many aerial shots of Boston itself. Given that music is such an integral part in the show, it is no surprise that the soundtrack has been given a boost by its recreation in Dolby digital stereo. The interactive menu, however, is clumsy to use and having to work back through the options at the end of each episode quickly becomes tiresome. The complete lack of any extras whatsoever is also a definite minus point.--Phil Udell

Editorial
DVD Description

More courtroom dramas and neurotic love affairs create the perfect formula for the second instalment to the fourth season of the acclaimedAlly McBeal series. Ally, (Calista Flockhart) continues to get closer and closer to the new love in her life Larry Paul (Robert Downy Jr). However with a past like Ally's there are always things that could get in the way. Can Ally really finally be in love? Includes superb guest appearances from the likes of Sting.
Editorial
Synopsis

In this second part of ALLY MCBEAL's fourth season, the waifish young lawyer (Calista Flockhart) continues her relationship with Larry (Robert Downey, Jr.). However, all of the firm's ladies are swooning over new guy Jackson (Taye Diggs). Episodes include Queen Bee, Home Again, Falling Up, and more.

By far the best series
Review date: 2004-08-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

Series 5 of Ally McBeal is definatley worth your money, if only to hear John's squeeking nose. The characters are what make this series, ie. Elaine's sexuality, Nelle's coldness, Ling's fiestyness, Richard's homophobia...need I go on?

Although the series may start on a slightly lower note, with Ally still dating the boring Brian, it soon picks up with the love affair between her and Larry, who is geniusly casted as Robert Downey Jr. Nobody else could do the job as well, allowing us to laugh and cry so much.

Another great re-occuring guest star is Melanie, John's girlfriend, played by Anne Heche. Although it may be politically incorrect to find her torrets hilarious, it is also unavoidable, as she also sets John off squeeling when she barks and calls him a pipsqeek. Watch out for Nelle and Ling's reponse to her!

Throughout the Series you will laugh more than in the others, but you will also cry more (without wishing to give too much away).

The only disappointment is the DVD itself, as it features no extras, but still....WATCH IT WATCH IT WATCH IT!!

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Reviews


Ally shrunk my TV screen
Review date: 2004-01-29 Rating: 8 out of 10

I love this show and this is a great set of DVD's but why are only the Third and Fifth series presented in widescreen (16:9) aspect? The Fourth series mysteriously returns to Full Frame!
Very odd and very displeasing.

More wacky fun from all at Cage & Fish!!!!!
Review date: 2002-06-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is the second part of a great series !!
All the favourite characters are back along with some new ones, notably Taye Diggs, and guest stars including the likes of Anastasia, Barry Manilow, Anne Heche and Sting!

Has Ally found true happiness with Larry ? (played brilliantly as always by Robert Downey Jnr.) Is Ling really Richard's soulmate? Is John (the hilarious Peter MacNicol) still in touch with Barry White? Watch it to find out!

With the usual mixture of outlandish cases, bizarre hallucinations, Fishisms and old flames combined with the music of Vonda Shepard, which is an intregal part of the show, this is not to be missed!

Ally McBeal
Review date: 2002-04-10 Rating: 10 out of 10

This series is as good as the old series. Although with some new characters it still has some old ones such as Ling, Richard and the biscuit. In this series she finds love with Larry (played by Robert Downey jr.) but as usual its not a smooth road to love. If ur a fan of Ally then this is brill!!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Calista Flockhart
Jane Krakowski
Greg Germann
Robert Downey Jr.
Peter MacNicol

Creators:
Calista Flockhart (Primary Contributor)
Robert Downey Jr. (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036008495
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: Box set, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2002-04-08
Number of discs: 3
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Theatrical release date: 1997-09-08
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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