The Complete Yes Minister & Yes, Prime Minister [DVD]

This is truly a spectacular series. The writing is phenomenal, the acting excellent and the storylines have such a relevance despite the series being 40 years old. I have always loved this show but over the last several years so many of the subjects covered in both Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister have rung really true. Whether it is our relationship with Europe, a Russian invasion or Nuclear war, this show really was ahead of its time and of its time. The biggest part of the show that can never be doubted is the acting of Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds. They all bring such a charm to the show that can never be matched. Paul Eddington could use facial expression to convey so many emotions and proved that sometimes less is more when it comes to dialogue. Nigel Hawthorne on the other hand, could roll of speeches at the speed of sound and yet they made perfect sense. Last but not least Derek Fowlds could steal an entire scene with a killer one liner. The writers Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynne used their inside knowledge to ensure that every episode had a storyline that was very topical and of the moment which in many ways is the shows greatest strength, by not referring to real or current events or people the series has a real timeless quality. The other strength is that the audience watching the show wouldn't have had much of a ideal how Government works behind the scenes, so by focusing on the political machine and the processes of the Government it made the sitcom so much funnier. A total masterpiece on every level that really needs to be watched, then watched again!

A great series with great performances. My only gripe is that the obnoxious Sir Humphrey gets his way to often. Would have liked to see him taken down a few times.

It’s all good we’ll funny

My Father absolutely loves this + since its been repeated on tv channels over the years i also have sat with him+watched perhaps 1 of the cleverest written "EVER" but so true as we can all see now when we look back,But back then even the Prime Ministers did their dirty dealings in private , wow how things change.Would be ideal for any student any age studying Politics over the years if they really want to understand how it works + have a good laugh whilst doing so,watch the Yes minster first though,same Brill cast.Are anybody with a sense of humour.

One of the best comedies of the 80's! As true today as it was back then. Good quality box set. Good quality recordings. Took me right back to my youth and memories with my late parents.

Politicians of the Day remarked on how realistic it was.The Late Great Margaret Hilda Thatcher's must watch Tv Program.The Late Great Margaret Hilda Thatcher even acted a 3-5 minutesketch with Sir Humphrey Appleby and the Rt Hon Jim Hacker MPfor the BBC news. Although I don't think it'll be on the DVD.However, you never know.

Ministers are transistory, often initially with no knowledge of the Department they have been assigned. Now entrusted with Administrative Affairs, Jim Hacker (who is not very bright) relies on his Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby to show him the ropes. All too soon he will discover Sir Humphrey exists solely to stifle any initiatives, the aim to keep everything gently ticking over until the next Minister comes along.What makes the show so funny (and somewhat disturbing) is that writers Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn know exactly what they are about - at their fingertips ample proof of how the Civil Service works, devastating examples of widespread disasters and inefficiency - all kept well hidden under a smokescreen of misinformation, committees, sub-committees, Inquiries that rarely get anywhere ("official secrets act", "not in the public interest to publish"), etc., etc., etc.Soon Hacker is reeling from Sir Humphrey's unintelligible goobledegook ("his sentences longer than Judge Jeffreys'"), Private Secretary Bernard Woolley "explanations" doing little to dispel the confusion. The fun is that Hacker gradually cottons on, adopts similar techniques, occasionally beating Sir Humphrey at his own game - especially after unexpectedly promoted to Prime Minister.A Whitehall Farce indeed. Although so much was first shown almost forty years ago, practices rampant then are still clearly evident - attitudes towards Brussels, Trident, selling of arms to hostile countries, the NHS, Education, the Honours System (Civil Servants very well represented), lucrative sinecures at hand when top officials leave, appointment of bishops, scandals in the City, Cabinet leaks, backstabbing, fake news.... Much else besides.YES, MINISTER - 21 half hour episodes + an hour long special as Hacker is manoeuvred towards the top job. YES, PRIME MINISTER - 16 half hour episodes.In short? Throughout, top quality writing and - from Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, Derek Fowlds - three performances to treasure.Thatcher's favourite programme. Politicians full of praise (often secretly providing instances). The Civil Service not so keen.

Excellent value, it has all the episodes, including the episode where the minister becomes prime minister.