Rating: 
Summary: Definately better than the 1st season!
Review: I have to disagree wholeheartedly with many of the reviews here that say Season One was better than Season Two. Although I was elated and absolutely entranced by season one, I was even more so with season two. For one thing, there was more of Mel and Lindsay! I know I am not the only lesbian out here that is overjoyed that this couple has finally started to get meaty storylines. I absolutely LOVED the whole threesome storyline - I thought it was great! A little short, but great none the less. The wedding was wonderful too, very touching. I hope that when I finally get to see Season Three I won't find that these two are pushed back on the back burner again. They are HOT, and should be shown more. I can't say enough good things about QAF. If you are straight or gay, buy it! you'll be glad you did. This series is touching, funny, and absolutely unbelieveable all at the same time!
Rating: 
Summary: Can't touch the 1st Season, but some great moments!
Review: Funny thing about QAF is the way it went from intelligent, thought-provoking entertainment in Season 1, to a more wishy-washy melodrama in Season 2. Not to say all was lost, but storylines in Season 2 where at times, rushed. Starting out with Justin's bashing. Leaving Season 1, we see a kid suffering from a terrible hate crime. Quickly into Season 2, we see him strike out at those around him. Something understandable for someone who suffered such trauma. Then, as quickly as he is hurt, he has recovered. The "after effects" of a painful experience, emotionally and physically, are swept under the rug in a insulting and unrealisitic manner. I understand the writer's felt the need to pander to a certain audience by getting Brian and Justin back into bed, but TOO many moments went beyond the ridiculous.
One scene in particular stands out. Justin's Mother, at a loss at how to reach her battered son, goes to his older "lover" and asks him to "teach him to be touched". Basically reliquishing her maternal role, so that Brian can "heal" her son in his own way. Kind of hard to believe, especially since the character of Brian can barely take care of himself emotionally. Once Justin is back with Brian, we don't see him lash out, we don't see him traumatized. Everything is fine, with the exception of an occasional problem with his hand, which heals nicely by mid-season. Things go from the silly to the stupid with the character of Justin fast in Season 2. Seeing this young kid "coming of age" is soon an afterthought, replaced with him being nothing more than an appendage for the shows (Anti?) "hero" Brian. Sad for a character with so much individual growth potential.
With the introduction of Ethan, the young, confident violinist, happens, we get to see that glimmer of possibility at a REAL storyline for this young character. Ethan, played by Fab Fillipo, is a welcome addition. Not only beautiful, Fab plays Ethan with style. It's nice to see Justin have a "romance" that is emotionally equal. Even if the character is a plot device, Ethan is a mainstay in this fans heart.
Gale Harold's Brian remains a bit one-dimensional. Not to take away from Harold's talents, for my tastes I would perfer a bit more growth. I still find it hard to fathom that a cynical character would be involved with a young character like Justin. But, the writer's seem to try to very hard to make Justin into a "worldy, seasoned" man. They should stick to writing a teen growing into his skin.
Emmett's brief, but at times heartwarming relationship with the senior "stud" George is endearing, but again the writer's seem to want "shock value". The climax of their affair is handled with such disgrace, I am at a loss for what to think.
Bascially no mention is made of Blake, Ted's Season 1 tweaked-out lover. Sad too, since I MORE heartbroken over Blake's disappearence in Season 1 then Justin's bashing.
Still with trivial storylines, Peter Paige (Emmett) and Scott Lowell (Ted) know how to work their, at times, uneven material.
Michael's return also has little explination, something I was seeking. This is one character that DEFINATLEY had the most obvious growth in the season. Still whiney and child-like at times, Michael takes the reigns of his happiness, his life and goes after his wants full force. Nice to see since the character is very much the "center" of these friends. I really enjoyed seeing this new Michael. More confident, stronger, determinded. Plenty of Brian and Michael moments in the beginning for those who love the friendship, like myself. Special moment early on is one where, shortly after Michael returns to town, he is seeking his "place" back in the Pitts. Not knowing where he belongs, Brian confirms it for him with a special kiss between friends that tells Michael he is where he should be.
It's something I feel many can relate to. Coming home can be hard, especially with such heavy expectations. I think the writer's showed his inner angst beautifully.
All the actors certainly got a chance to show their dramatics, with the hospital scene between Hal Sparks and Gale Harold at the top of the list. Acted with such emotion, both men perfectly played out an insanely dramatic scene that was both touching and heartbreaking. You could see the love there, the need that makes this friendship so beautiful to watch grow.
Even that underlining sexual tension, subtley presented, played a role in both character's growth. Really nice stuff.
The introduction of Ben (Michael's new beau) was done without much fanfair, but again Sparks (this time paired with an equally impressive Robert Gant) handled the more dramatic material of Season 2 wonderfully. I just can't say enough how much the character and actor have grown.
All and all, not a terrible season just a bit uneven. Some character's where wasted to much (Justin), but redeemed by season end by plot twists and the introduction of new characters. Some character's had a chance to really shine (Michael & Emmett).
It is over the top much of the time (the wedding episode), plays into a fantasy wwwaaayyy to often (Brian and Justin and their "rules" based, unrealisitic relationship) and THINKS it's working drama with shock (softcore sex scenes constantly).
But, it is a guilty pleasure that is more "Melrose Place", then "Six Feet Under". The potential for greatness is always there and that keeps me watching. Every so often in Season 2, a moment of that greatness is apparent. If you don't mind fast forwarding past the silliness and redundant.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!
Review: Wonderful continuation of the series. The characters become 3 dimentional and they leave you begging for more. For gay or straight audiences... there is something in each and everyone of the boys that you can relate to. Compelling story lines and brilliantly acted. Strongly reccommend the second season as well as the first. If you haven't seen this show then please open your eyes and your mind because you will be in for one hell of a ride. It will not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: Lost It's Way and thank God Michael isn't as whiney
Review: Loved Season One but it was based on the UK series. This season started well but after about 3 episodes it just lost its way and the stories floundered looking for meaning. Do the Brits have to do another series to give the writers here something to fiddle with to create a good show?. Despite the storylines being variable the characters themselves grew and grew and for this my friends and I continued to watch. It is a shame that a show (season1) we couldn't miss has now become something that we don't care about and are not at all interested in the fact there is a 3rd season completed and a 4th either being filmed as I type this or just about to be finished being filmed.
Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING - A COLLECTORS ITEM - A MUST BUY!!
Review: EXCELLENT SHOW - EXCELLENT QUALITY DVD's - A real collectors item - a must for Gay and Straight alike!
Rating: 
Summary: quality of tape
Review: The quality of the tape was very poor
Rating: 
Summary: Poor. Very, very POOR!!!
Review: I wish I could have awarded ZERO stars. An American friend of mine sent me this set and the first series DVDs. Compared to the British original series they are very dull. They lack the bite and drama. They are sanitised so as not to upset the American viewing audience. For example, how often does the US series show sexual action? The openiong of the UK series shows Nathan (the schoolboy) having sex - and it's THAT MOMENT that underpins the whole of the series. It never ceases to amaze me how a US network will buy the rights to a UK TV series and then proceed to butcher the whole concept. My suggestion? If you have a multi-region DVD player (or PAL compatable VCR) go to amazon.co.uk and buy the REAL THING, and not these watered-down, sanitised and dreary remakes. You may have to work a bit harder than you're used to with the accents and some of the settings, but that effort will be rewarded.
Rating:
Summary: Not Only for Gays
Review: I laugh, I cry, I love this show, I'm hooked. I care about these characters. Why it doesn't get the recognition it deserves is beyond me. I watch QAF faithfully every week on Showtime. I get Dishnetwork and have a Bose system and the DVDs are even better to enjoy. My compliments to all involved. I hope this show goes on for a long time. Still waiting for Brian to tell Justin he loves him. Series finale?
Rating:
Summary: Awesome season, sorry extras
Review: I didn't think anything could be better than Season One. But the guys did it again - and this time it was even better. It took season one to get to know everyone and get into the, uh, rhythm. But the character development and twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved every minute of season two - especially the beginning episodes and ending episodes. And the way it ended was absolutely perfect. Exactly what should be happening. I only have one negative thing to say: the disc 6 of bonuses was so lame. I hate when the season ends but was so happy to have a whole disc of extras. But it was just boring shots of Peter Paige attending a million gay pride parades and on and on and on and on about the set design, etc. Nothing good or interesting. I liked the season one extras a LOT better. Oh well, you can't have everything.
Rating:
Summary: The Queer As Folk DVD - the bonus features.
Review: The Season 1 DVD was wonderfully presented so I was hoping season 2 was just as good - it is even better!!! Beautifully packaged in a fold out case with a stunningly simple design, the 20 episodes are on the first 5 discs with the 6th being used for bonus material. The layout of the episodes is 4 per disc, each having an English 5.1 Dolby mix and a Spanish mono mix. Included also is a 'next on' clip and a list of all music in each episode with links to the specific sections within the episodes (referred to as the 'video jukebox'). Finally there are episode summaries. Now onto the bonus features on disc 6. A major effort has been undertaken to give fans something special: Folks on the Road: A Backstage Pass - an entertaining 'fly on the wall' documentary featuring most of the main cast doing radio interviews, DVD signings and personal appearances. There are many funny and candid moments from the cast. The quality is amateurish - it looks like a consumer model digital cam was used, though in my opinion this enhances the feel of the documentary. A Day in the Life of QAF - there are 2 featurettes here. 'Sets and Costumes' gives an insight into the wardrobe and construction departments, with many interesting facts divulged. 'The Challenges' gives the viewer a look into how an episode of QAF is made under the time constraint of shooting one episode in 7 days. What Is It About Babylon? - Featurette dedicated to showing how the fantastical Babylon nightclub was created.
Wrap Party Reel - the outtakes!!! About 7 minutes worth, and they are hilarious!!!! The Unexpurgated Lady in Pearls - the full clip of the 'do it yourself' video shown in small sections in the episodes. Also included are the outtakes from the filming - hilarious!!! Rage Gay Crusader: The Comic Book - a series of static screens with artwork from the comic book, followed by an extensive featurette describing the intensive process of creating the magazine, cumulating in the scenes at Babylon during the final episode of season 2. 2002 Queer as Folk Summer Pride Tour - a featurette following various cast members at their appearances at Pride marches in the US. Great to see the cast interacting with their fans in a positive way. The Folks - first screen has pictures of the main cast. Selecting their photo leads to a small description of the character they portray and another link to a very short interview video.* The next screen has the supporting cast (such as Uncle Vic and Ben) with a small description of their characters, but disappointingly no video interview. The third and final page has the main producers and directors listed. Animated photo gallery - engaging and colourful animated photo gallery with a mixture of promo shots and behind the scenes snaps set to a thumping beat.
Season 3 sneak peek - a small preview of season three. Doesn't contain any spoilers but makes me eager to see season 3!!! TV Spots and trailers - basically three 'advertisements'. One for a major gay friendly car manufacturer, another for Showtime and a community service announcement for HIV. Strange that no QAF-specific promos were included, but nonetheless interesting for overseas viewers who wouldn't normally see these. Queer Duck preview - one episode of the animated series on Showtime. Animation is very crude but still funny to watch - a scene queen Duck! An extraordinary effort has been made to give us a set of extras that not only entertain, but give fans an in-depth look into the cast and behind the scenes of QAF, whilst (mostly) avoiding the usual self congratulatory back slappings that normally occur on TV show DVD releases.
* To access the easter egg - on disc 6 in 'The Folks' section, select Debbie. Highlight her photo, then press the 'up' arrow on your remote to highlight her name. Press enter and be treated to a very funny clip!
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