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One Summer - The Complete Series (2 Disc Set) [1983]


RRP: £19.99
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One summer you won't want to forget...
Review date: 2008-01-29 Rating: 8 out of 10

At the time of its original broadcast in 1983 this was the programme everyone talked about at school, which was no mean feat considering that the last episode was transmitted before the start of the school term.

This is down in no small part to the engaging performances given by David Morrissey as Billy and Spencer Leigh as Icky; their rough demeanour clashed with just about everyone they came into contact with regardless of whether they were at home or in Wales, where they run away after Billy fears arrest and Icky fears losing his best mate and guardian.

The choice to use film instead of video paid in spades as the contrasting urban and rural landscapes were captured beautifully, as was the mood of these communities (despair in Liverpool, anti-Scouse animosity in the local village). As the series develops you find yourself empathising more with these Scallies, especially as they find a refuge in the home of Kidder (played with subtle composure by the late James Hazeldine) who is also something of a runaway himself.

There is little humour, surprising considering that it was written by Willy Russell (who refused to have his name appear on the original credits due to an `artistic' disagreement with the producers), but Icky, as hopeless as he is, does provide some spontaneously funny moments that provides a little light relief. But there is some tragedy and drama thrown in for good measure which impacts not only on the main characters but also on those of us who fall for their rough charm and hope that they make it.

Following in the aftermath of Boys from The Black Stuff, one of the best drama series ever, it has been overlooked somewhat. This DVD release at least affords the opportunity to judge One Summer on its own merits, and there's plenty to commend here.


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Reviews


A superb drama - buy it!
Review date: 2007-12-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

Like many reviewers I watched this when it was first released on TV in 1983. It was one of several seminal dramas from the 1980s which had a huge effect on me as a teenager. Rewatching it after all this time doesn't disappoint. It is superbly written by Willy Russell - although it would be easy to take a dislike to the two Liverpool scallies, who are wrapped up in low-level crime and robbery, the viewer soon cares about their fate. On running away to Wales, Billy slowly reveals a caring and sensitive side, away from the deprivation of Liverpool (and most cities in the UK) under Thatcher. The dynamic between Billy, his co-dependent friend Icky (who doesn't have a deeper side to his personality) and Kidder, a man living semi-rough who takes the two lads under his wing, is gripping.

Although the picture quality is not good, I prefer it to the digitally remastered DVDs which often have the character and original feeling wrung out of them.

I can't recommend this DVD highly enough, whether or not you remember the original series.

Great nostalgia
Review date: 2007-10-11 Rating: 8 out of 10

In the 24 years since this series was first shown, I've never forgotten it.

Having just left school, and desperate to leave the small mining town I lived in, I identified strongly with the lead character, Billy, who yearned for a place that promised happiness away from all the crap that surrounded him.

Billy, and his reluctant-but-loyal sidekick Icky, did find an escape. To rural Wales. But could it last?

Yes, it has dated, but 'One Summer' is an excellent piece of drama that shows what it was like to be young in the early eighties, when the future seemed bleak and there was nothing to look forward to except a life of misery and crime.

Yeah, I know. How far we've come.

I can only hope for a DVD release of 'Our Day Out', which was another classic Willy Russell TV drama.


As brilliant as I'd remembered
Review date: 2007-09-30 Rating: 10 out of 10

I'm writing this after watching only three episodes. The film quality, and sometimes sound, isn't great and some of the acting's a little rough. But the series is every bit as good as I remembered. Even though I've been watching out for a video/DEV release for years, I'd hesitated before buying. I was worried that it had dated and that it wasn't really so good. However, my fears were groundless. As well as being simply brilliant, the series is now a piece of social history.

Memorable teenage drama
Review date: 2007-07-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

Good to see this out on dvd. It only ever got one airing as far as I know. Its working class theme has to be preferable to the shallow consumer society dross they churn out in the current teenage based offering, Hollyoakes.

Product Details/Specifications


Creators:
Peter Jackson (Cinematographer)
Barry Reynolds (Editor)
David Cunliffe (Producer)
Keith Richardson (Producer)
Willy Russell (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Network
Manufacturer: Network
EAN: 5027626237141
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-01-23
Number of discs: 2
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 250 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1983
Language: English (Original Language)

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