Extras - Series 1 DVD

Advantages: Another cracking comedy from Gervais & Merchant
Disadvantages: Some people see it as "lesser" compared to the Office

...to make a living as extras in films, despite the insignificance of their parts. So, the thing that made Extras somewhat different from numerous sitcoms was the guest stars. Ben Stiller, Ross Kemp, Vinnie Jones, Kate Winslet, Les Dennis, Samuel L. Jackson and Patrick Stewart all starred in the series. As Gervais confessed during filming, in the writing Merchant and he attempt to make "twisted" versions of the stars. Why though? Well the main character, ...
...briefly in one episode. In Extras he is Millman's acting agent, who quite simply appears to be useless, for example, once he left his office phone unplugged for two days without noticing. Eastenders fans will also be glad to know that former character, Barry, makes a few appearances, played as he real-life self Shaun Williamson, who it would seem, has Merchant's character as his agent too...hence his lack of work since Eastenders!! The first episode ... Read review

Advantages: Its the Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant combo back with a vengance!
Disadvantages: There are only six episodes so far :o(

...what I thought.. Extras is the new Sit-com by the creators of the the amazing worldwide smash hit The Office. Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) is an actor. Well he is clearly just an Extra but he will argue till he's blue in the face to convince you of his acting abilities. After giving up his day job and getting himself an agent (Stephen Merchant) who represents a rather small portfolio including Andy and "Barry from Eastenders" - No matter how many ...
...nonsense, making fun of other Extras and envying the A-List Stars. Andy is desperate to land himself a big part but finds it difficult to even get a line. The series sees him trying everything he possibly can to befriend or bribe the A-Lister's to sort him out with a line...unfortunately always ending in failure. Maggie is a serial manhunter and spends her time seeking out different men she can woo...usually successfully, until she gets them back ... Read review

Advantages: Hilarious and the Return of the Gervais
Disadvantages: None.

...was creating a programme called Extras and I couldn't wait. Everybody went crazy over the programme and although it could not live up to the standard that is The Office I think it was one of the funniest comedies I saw on TV last year. ----- What is Extras about? Andy and Maggie have the most glamorous jobs in the world - they wish. In fact they are Extras for films and TV programmes and they want nothing more than to just be noticed just once ...
...makes you think about what Extras do have to go through in real life. ----- Cast and Characters: Ricky Gervais - Andy Millman Ashley Jennsen - Maggie Verdict on the cast and characters: Ashley and Ricky are the only people worth mentioning seen as they take up about 90% of the show. I cannot think of any two actors that would suit the roles better and no two actors that could be as believable as these two are. They must have a wonderful working ... Read review

Advantages: Funny, Decent Extras
Disadvantages: Some of the big stars disappoint

...you the money myself'. Extras is well worth a look and I hope there's a second series in the near future. -Good Lord!- Extras comes in a two-disc set. The first disc houses the six episodes of this first series. It worth noting that the first episode is the Ross Kemp one. On it's broadcast they started with Ben Stiller; I don't know the reason for the difference. Sound and vision wise it's fairly solid. The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer ...
...is a twenty-minute 'making of' where Gervais and Merchant talk about the idea for the show and making it. It also gives them opportunity to plug some of their merchandise. -Finally- Extras is a funny show with stuff that is re-watchable over and over. I'd definitely recommend it. ... Read review

Advantages: Hilarious, brilliant again by Gervais/Merchant
Disadvantages: I want more!!

Extras - Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant I am a huge fan of great comedy. One of my all time favourite comedians is Ricky Gervais. He hooked me with 'The Office', ever since then I have subscribed to his website, purchased countless DVD's and even bought his new 'Karl Pilkington' podcasts. It is for this reason that I pre-ordered 'Extras' long before its release, and waited many a month anticipating it arriving through my letterbox. When it finally ...
...up with actors or other extras whilst filming is in progress. This is a source of great amusement for Millman who see's her unsuccessful attempts and naivety unfold before him. The route of Millman's unlucky streak could possibly be traced back to his incompetent agent (Merchant) who has only two clients, Millman and Sean Williams (better known as Barry from Eastenders). Millman's Agent rarely gets any interest from any one in inquiring about the ... Read review

Advantages: massive running length, 2 series, loads of episodes
Disadvantages: n/a

...for the seven? SERIES 1 DVD EXTRAS Series 1 boasts some extras, which is good. The DVD boxset includes features such as trivia notes, galleries, filmographies and commentraries SERIES 2 Series 2 offers yet another 13 episodes,which sees the boys end up in spain, after working for businessman, Ally Fraser Series 2, Episode 1 The Return of the Seven Part One -Barry's new home in Wolverhampton is not built, so he sends out an urgent message to his Dusseldorf friends. Will they respond? Series 2, Episode 2 The Return of the Seven Part Two - Dennis meets Oz, which means all the Dusseldorf brickies are re-united. Series 2, Episode 3 A law for the rich -The lads arrive at Thornley Manor in Derbyshire, which stirs the villagers Series 2, Episode 4 Another Country -Work is put to a halt after it is discovered the manor... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Brilliantly futuristic in the 70s
Disadvantages: That was 30 years ago...

...in black and silver while Gan and Vila are more laid back brown and cream kinda guys. Blake likes to go flamboyant at times - at one point he sports a lovely shirt in a glossy brown colour with billowing sleeves that make him look like he has wings. Since the aliens they encounter are often humanoid in appearance, the costume department obviously took great care to differentiate them from the crew through the use of even more wild and wacky costumes, though this gets more out of hand in later series, when one memorable fellow gets a headpiece that looks like an ornate fruit basket with a few peacock feathers thrown in. ~ DVD extras ~ The series 1 DVD boxsets includes a number of short extras including some out takes and a missing scene, though you can tell these were shot in a time before people were thinking they might need to keep... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Strong characters, good storyline, details on things that are not explained in the series
Disadvantages: The make-up, effect, etc. aren't as good as in the series, no special features!

..., I'd say that would be a crying shame! For those in the know, however, there is much to be gained here. For one thing, Lyta Alexander was completely new to me when she passed through the station series 1, so the pilot gives you the background on her involvement with the station, and how she came to be involved with the uber mysterious Vorlons (she was the telepath who scanned Kosh). There are also one or two other points that a referred to later on in series 1 and even series 2 if i remember correctly, which would otherwise be lost on the viewer. The biggest flaw in my opinion, and it's far more annoying than the low-quality effects, is that there are no DVD extras! As with the Series 1 box set, all we get is a poxy cast list - bah humbug! What on Earth were the makers thinking? SPECIFICATIONS: DVD Features: • Special... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful