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Dad's Army - The Complete Seventh Series [1974] [2006]


RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £5.58 (subject to change)

Dad's Army Series 7
Review date: 2006-11-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

I am a huge fan of this marvellous series, but I do agree that it waned very slightly after the sad death of Jimmy Beck during the filming of series 6. While the performances of the other actors were as strong as ever in series 7, somehow the dynamic of the ensemble had lost that certain something that made it so magnificent. The Cheeseman character brought in didn't really work as a regular (and was dropped for Series 8) and without Walker, the platoon was missing a vital part. This is not to say that Series 7 is bad, far from it - even when not quite firing on all cylinders this wonderful programme still stands head and shoulders above all other TV comedies.

Watch with pleasure guaranteed but with also just a touch of sadness for the untimely death of Jimmy Beck. His passing not only robbed his family and this series of a fine actor, but denied the rest of us witnessing what he might have acheived had he lived.

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Reviews


Best series of the lot
Review date: 2006-08-13 Rating: 10 out of 10

I'm afraid I cannot agree with the previous reviewers - for sheer consistency of funniness, this is the greatest Dad's Army series of them all, despite the sad loss of James Beck. No weak episodes here such as 'Round and Round went the Great Big Wheel' (Series 5) or 'The Royal Train' (Series 6).

The cast were the finest group of actors ever assembled for a sitcom and by this stage were at the peak of their powers, despite their advancing years. This fact, together with the sheer quality of the writing ["I'm not behaving like a dictator Wilson, I'm simply asking people to do as they're told" (A Man of Action)] makes this the definitive Dad's Army series. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Time moves on for the veterans...
Review date: 2006-07-25 Rating: 8 out of 10

By Series 7, Dad's Army was definitely enjoying its own unique Indian summer. Much of the magic had been lost but the original cast was still largely in evidence and their misadventures remained refreshing enough to still amuse and entertain.

However, as has been mentioned already, the series was certainly incomplete without James Beck as Walker. Talfryn Thomas as Cheeseman seemed an odd appendage, and his introduction to the platoon was unconvincing, his integration none existent. This, of course, is not a complaint at the man himself, but he was unsuited to continual involvement.

Also, the development of Pike changed the chemistry in his relationship with Mainwaring, and although this was to be expected as he grew older, his newfound cockiness is a surprise to the Pike we came to know and love from Series 1 through 6.

A gem on the DVD is a featurette on Arthur Lowe, a very accomplished actor by all regards. It is certainly interesting to see him talk (in later life), about his role in Dad's Army and to hear the opinions, views and recollections of the surviving cast members.

Overall, I think it fair to conclude that this remains a good purchase, and not only for the hardcore Dad's Army fan. Viewers merely need to adapt to the platoon's change of circumstances and enjoy the differences in the comedy they indulged in.

Dad's Army in Retreat
Review date: 2006-07-04 Rating: 8 out of 10

In a review of an earlier season, I wrote that Dad's Army fell into three phases: charmingly British, hilariously funny, and charmingly British again. This season definitely marks the start of phase three. Bereft of James Beck's charismatic villain, John Laurie became Mainwaring's chief bugbear: but there was no real substitute for that wonderful mixture of humour and shadiness. And in this series, an unattractive element of self-parody began to creep in. Corporal Jones became so confused it was almost unbelievable that he would be retained in even an auxiliary unit. Fraser became ever more bolshie. Wilson and Godfrey became vaguer. And Talfryn Thomas's bizarre and completely over-the-top Welshman was simply out of place, allegedly causing tensions to run high behind the scenes. But there's still plenty to savour, not least the greater maturity of Ian Lavender in an enhanced role, and some superb location shoots. The plotlines also remained, if ridiculous, at least funny. It's worth getting, despite the fact that there are only six episodes and still only one extra, a minor documentary on Arthur Lowe. But don't expect a reprise of season 6.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
John Laurie
John Le Mesurier
Arnold Ridley
Clive Dunn
Arthur Lowe

Creators:
Arthur Lowe (Primary Contributor)
John Le Mesurier (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503160029
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-07-03
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 180 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006-07-03
Language: English (Original Language)

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