Ballykissangel - Series One & Two DVD Boxset

Ballykissangel - Complete Series One & Two List Price: $59.98 Sale Price: $72.43 Average Rating:

Reviews

DVD is the way to go for all old shows like this. If you liked Ballykissangel, DVD is a great, inexpensive way to enjoy it again.

When I discovered the first season of Ballykissangel at my local library, I couldn't stop watching the show untill the end, especially the 3 first seasons. Then I was embarrased at keep barrowing the DVDs from them, so I decided to get my own. No regrets, beautiful show, warm, funny, and good quality.

This product, "Balleykissangel"(DVD), arrived in a timely manner and in good condition. It is part of a series of light comedy/dramas set in present day Ireland. The series lacks the worn out cliches about Erin. Instead, it portrays likeable and believeable characters in somewhat plauseable situations. The show is like a trip to Ireland without the airfare.

And if you're an Irish family, all the better! I watched Series 1 last week and could not wait to get into the 2nd series. Our local library has copies and so we can rent them, but the series is so good you would be well-advised to purchase your own copies. The picturesque village and it's environs are enchanting and alluring, and the pace of life would be very attractive to some of us who've about had it with the rat race. Do not expect to hear any foul language or witness acts of gratuitous violence; more likely, you will find gentle jibes, imaginative pranks, plenty of self-deprecation, and loads of good, clean fun. Each episode has plenty of humor but you will also find pathos, bathos (not sure what the difference is between those two, but what the hey), angst, anger and conflict. In other words, just like life. We all have our foibles and frailties and all of them are on exhibition here. The young priest, Father Clifford, is such a straight shooter that he almost immediately makes a positive impact on the citizens of the town, many of whom are NOT devout churchgoers, but who regularly and enthusiastically partake of the "sacraments" served up by the local pub. The series does not duck away from controversy and tough subjects. One of the simmering undercurrents in the early episodes is the undeniable attraction between the boyish and clean-cut Father Clifford and the vixenish pub owner Asumpta Fitzgerald; she's no fan of the church and what it stands for, but she finds herself to be more and more interested in the young priest. You get the idea that it's Father Clifford who is in control; if he wanted to renounce his commitment to celibacy--even temporarily--and fall in love with Asumpta, she would not resist. You will grow to know and love the fascinating characters. If you can appreciate people with quirks and odd mannerisms and expressions, and you have a slightly dry and/or wicked sense of humor, you will enjoy "BallyK". A couple of similar series or films: the seemingly never-ending, gentle-humored British series The Last of the Summer Wine, James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small, Monarch of the Glen, and finally, the wonderful Bill Forsythe film Local Hero, very similar, but with a Scottish setting, and chock full of interesting characters who do what they want to do and don't worry about what the neighbors will think. The sad thing is that all of these series are completely unlike anything you've ever seen on American television. Apparently the networks--for good reason--are convinced that American audiences will only watch sex, violence and inane reality programming. Can anyone ever recall a popular and long-running American TV series which did not contain any of those sensational elements? If we've ever had one, it did not last beyond the first season, due to low ratings, poor promotion, and consequently, lack of funds and good stories. If you cannot actually move to BallyK, you will at least want to visit Avoca to see for yourself the beauty of this part of Ireland. If you cannot go, watch the series with everyone in your family; what a great way to spend some quality time!

The first season was light-hearted. We love the characters and the scenery, but in the next two seasons it lost it's light-heartedness! Still a good watch!