Queer as Folk - The Complete First Season (Showtime)

Rating:
Summary: QAF Complete First Season Is Finally Here! The Wait Is Over
Review: This is actually the best series ever put on the air. Showtime is trully live up to their title and now the most anticipated DVD release ever is finally here. Before the Second Season start the first season will be release to DVD and Video. This is the best collections of one of the great shows on cable TV. Buy QAF on DVD and start your collections and collect all Seasons of QAF on DVD. It's increadible!!!!10 stars!!

Rating:
Summary: May be Shocking but well worth the effort
Review: This is brilliantly written, cast, directed and acted. The direction and cinematography are worth watching alone -- very creative ways of showing emotion and affective reaction through use of the camera and point-of-view. Casting is superb and the actors provide, along with the writers, multi-leveled characterizations that keep you fascinated. As a heterosexual woman, I found the sex tremendously erotic, more so than any other filmed sexuality whether heterosexual, homosexual or lesbian. All the acting is exceptional, but the actor who plays Brian is of superstar quality. He should develop into a major movie star but I hope he is smart enough to stay with this series umtil it is completed because it is a masterpiece. I strongly recommend that viewers begin at the beginning and follow the episodes in chronological order. I had watched a couple of parts of episodes and was not impressed. One needs to experience these complex characters unfolding. It might be harder for heterosexual men to be comfortable with it(although my husband had no trouble), but is certainly worth the effort. Cheers to Showtime for courage and taste!

Rating:
Summary: A Celebration of Humanity
Review: For me, the issue of which of the British or American versions of Queer As Folk is "superior" is pointless and self-defeating. It's like asking which of the Star Trek series is superior. The British version of QAF laid the foundation upon which the American version has successfully built and expanded. No doubt, however, that it's about halfway through the first season, once the script breaks away from the storylines of the British version, where the American version finally hits its stride.

The writers are to be commended for their forthrightness in tackling difficult material. Rather than shrinking away from controversy, they welcome it. Yet it's never for the sake of merely courting controversy, but to address important issues, such as homophobia, drug use, and Internet addiction. (I look forward to Season Two, where the writers take on Andrew Sullivan, political correctness, and HIV.)

The cast deserves kudos as well. Nearly every scene in QAF (and not just the sex scenes) requires the actors to go above and beyond the call of duty and bare deeply buried emotions. Hal Sparks is awkwardly charming as gay Everyman Michael, the character most viewers, gay and straight, will identify with. Randy Harrison shines in his breakout role as 17 year old Justin, the quintessential portrait of middle class American gay youth. (Yet the writing of his character reveals the one true weakness of this show, and American television & film in general: gay youth are consistently portrayed as good looking, spoiled, college bound, having money to burn, and white. When are we going to see a realistic portrayal of working class or minority gay youth?) The rest of the cast fill their roles admirably, but it's Gale Harold who steals the show as Brian, easily the most complex character on television today. Brian is a promiscuous, man-stealing, drug-using jerk who almost qualifies for the "J. R. Ewing you'll love to hate him" award. Yet in many ways he's the hero if the show, sticking to his own rather unusual code of ethics, calling others on their own hypocrisy, and, in spite of himself, almost always doing the right thing. Note that it's Brian who's constantly protecting Michael and coming to Justin's rescue.

The 6-disc set has a number of attractive extras, including a preview of Season two, extended scenes, and a 5-minute reel of bloopers which underline the obvious esprit-de-corps among the cast & crew. The picture quality is satisfactory, although interior scenes tend to be dimly lit, and there is a bit of grain at times.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining but superficial eye-candy
Review: OK, I'm writing this from the perspective of a straight female who loved the original so much that she forked out the £70 it cost to spend just a little bit more time (well, 22 hours) with Stuart, Vince and Nathan.

Was I disappointed? Well, the short answer would be "yes".

However, that's more because I committed the cardinal sin of expecting it to be more of the original - only with American instead of Mancunian accents. Surprise surprise, it is very very different.

It is clear that the American version sets out to be a gay version of "Sex and the City". It is cheerful escapism and easy on the eyes - aiming mostly to entertain but occasionally providing some food for thought (but not taxing those grey cells too much). It doesn't have the gritty realism, controversy or ambiguity of the original - but then, that wasn't its mission statement.

So why did I take away 3 stars if even I admit it's entertaining? Answer: the script and the characters.

The script is terrible - at some points, wincingly so. The best lines were very obviously stolen from the original (word for word in some cases) - just wish they'd stolen more.

And the characters. As a series that purports to portray gay life, I find it stereotypes and "straight-jackets" its characters to an absurd degree. Their problems, character traits and flaws are exaggerated and over the top. This is particularly true of Brian and Michael.

In the original, Stuart (Brian)'s tragic inability to express his feelings or admit that he needed anyone or anything outside sex, showed up his essential aloneness and why he needed Vince - in a sense more than Vince needed him. That made him more than a narcissistic A-Gay bad boy who simply shags his way through Manchester. Whereas, Brian just seems like cardboard in comparison.

And Michael is possibly the most annoying character on TV: whiny and hapless to an improbably degree (act your age and experience for folk's sake!). Vince is adorably insecure but in a way that most of us can identify with. Unlike Michael, he's also funny, considerate and very likable - not always blathering on about "little ol' me" all the time.

Despite what I've written, this series STILL manages to be entertaining and funny. And some days, that's all you need.

Rating:
Summary: A Cool dvd box set!!!
Review: I watched this Showtime series with my roommates and we were not sure what to expect. This American counterpart to the British smash hit is good and eventually hooks you in with each character. Though it can be sometimes a bit too soap opera-ish, it is a relevant show for the gay and straight community as well. Debbie (Sharon Gless) is my favorite character as the PFlag mom with a heart of gold. I wasn't sure if I would like Emmett, the flaming undaunted queen--afraid he would be too stereotypical---but he is kind and funny. Michael, I think, can be too gulliable and I'd like to see him get over Brian and move on in his life. Having Brian as a best friend and doting on him like a helpless puppy are too different things. The rest of the cast is good as well....even Brian, who as cold as he can be, will occassionally show glimpses of humanity that hides deep within that iceberg of a heart. I hope in Season Two, we see more of Melanie and Lindsey and see more character development of them to boot. The dvd features lots of special features, including deleted scenes and special episodes involving cast interviews. If you liked the series, you'll want this box set. I recommend it highly.

Rating:
Summary: QUEER AS FOLK is one of the most amazing TV shows!
Review: Queer As Folk is one of the most amazing TV Shows ever and is a landmark as the show for the new millennium. The Queer As Folk DVD Box Set has all 22 episodes of the first season of the most controversial and bravest series in the history of television. The total running time of all 6 DVD's is approx: 1,205 minutes which includes Bonus features such as: behind the scenes outtakes, deleted scenes, special edition episodes, a Photo Gallery, DVD rom extras, A 6 minute Season 2 Sneek Peek, and much more. Queer As Folk shows the life of a group of gay guys and a lesbian couple living in Pittsburgh. Now I had been hearing so much about this amazing Showtime series for sometime, yet I had never seen a single episode as I did not have Showtime, but then in July of 2001 I heard this show was coming to DVD in its entire first season and I knew I was in for a real treat. I waited up until the very day of Queer As Folks release date on January 8, 2002 and I purchased this DVD collection not knowing what to expect. I knew it was a gamble to buy an expensive DVD collection of something I had never seen before, but I went with my heart and I bought it. I can honestly say this was truly one of the BEST DVD investments I have ever made. When I got home I knew it was gonna be a while before i watched all 22 episodes and as i got through the first 2 pilot episodes I was hooked and so excited to see the next episode, just as I am when I watch The Young And The Restless. It took me 3 days to watch all of the episodes and I am amazed at how honest this show is on dealing with gay life. Queer As Folk makes no apologies and thats what is so great about this series. From the graphic fornification scenes to the drama of dealing with the prejudice that still haunts America, this show is so brave and I give Showtime a big thumbs up for having the gaul to take on such a big risk as Queer As Folk. This show is as close as it gets to real life. This is not a show just for gay people, but for ALL people. It deals with human emotion and thats something we can all relate to whether we be straight, gay, bisexual, black, white, brown or in between. I have since signed up for Showtime just for this show. I encourage anyone who has a open mind and a open heart to BUY this amazing DVD collection as it will inspire you and if nothing else open your mind to a lifestyle not as uncommon as you may think. Watch more than one episode before you judge this amazing series.

Rating:
Summary: A Superficial Series Based on Stereotypes
Review: Amazonians,

First, I must introduce myself as a gay guy. There are so many of us! I offer kudos to Boy Corrupted, who hit the nail right on the head when he said that this show is superficial.

The focus on sex, sex, and more sex, with no real look into the personalities and lives of the characters in this show really do a disservice to the gay community. Our community is beautiful, full of the same love, respect, and talent that exists in the straght world, but it is not given enough light in this show. American movies and television shows miss the point when it comes to showing real life and relationships. It is so unnatural and rehearsed. Just try watching a foreign series, and you will know what I am talking about. I haven't seen the British version of Queer As Folk, but would be tremendously interested in doing so. I am sure it is phenomenally done.

It is true that gay culture reveres good looks, and the club life, but there is much more to it than parties and getting wasted. Gay life is about love, and the desire to be loved an accepted ust like everyone else. If QAF would touch on some political issues, like the importance of gay marriage, that would serve our community well. If the show would educate its viewership instead of serving up old stereotype, that would also help. I am longing for a series that would be sweet and candid, showing the gay community for what it is. Shows like QAF, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy for that matter, only paint the gay community in a negative light. I hope this review catches the eye of a daring producer who will create the kind of masterpiece we need to show us for who we really are.

I will follow up on this review when I have more time, I am at work at the moment!

Love to All,

--Daniel

Rating:
Summary: Not my Family.
Review: This is going to be one of those "unhelpful" reviews, so you might as well go ahead and click the button right now. I assume if you're browsing this item, you're probably already a fan, and I am about to rain all over your parade. Because I DESPISE "Queer As Folk" with every fiber of my being - so much so that I have to write a review of it purely to vent my anger and disgust.

By the way, I'm gay. Or at least, I'm a guy who's in a relationship with a guy, but if this show represents what "gay" actually is 90% of the time (and, sigh, I might have to concede that it does), then it's time for me to disinherit my family. Shallow, superficial, sex-obsessed, puerile, whiny, nasty, backstabbing, emotionally stunted men running around living Barbie stereotypes of gay lifestyles. I hate every single character on this show. I swear to god, I can't even decide what's more sickening - hearing Brian brag about his 30 different tricks a month (which, "safe" or not, is extravagantly neurotic behavior), or watching Emmett go christian and deny his homosexuality altogether. None of these people are remotely capable of having a healthy sex drive or life, or of otherwise doing anything that's not utterly frivolous and idiotic. And this is the image that so many gay fans are evidently thrilled to see portrayed on TV. Brian's ridiculous and suicidal promiscuity finally gets him into professional trouble when one of his "tricks," who also happens to be under his employ, slaps him with a sexual harrasment suit. Meanwhile Emmett comes frighteningly close to breeding with a similarly self-deluded lesbian, until his friends conspire to win him back by renting out a gay porn star for a romantic evening with the foppish fencesitter. Wouldn't ya know, he comes right around (so to speak). Then we have obnoxious stock twink no. 532, Justin, who is "just beginning to realize his sexual power" - which means that it's dawning on him that his "barely legal" status is a potent aphrodisiac for sleazy business guys in their 30's. He prances around and sucks blo-pops and we're all supposed to be charmed - whatever, I'm not elderly enough to find him appealing. And finally, Hal Spark's character, what's-his-name. All I have to say about Hal Sparks is that I always thought he was gay when he was on Talk Soup, and I found it annoying when he would talk about women (as if), and now he's still supposed to be straight apparently, but he is thoroughly convincing (though annoying as ever) as a gay "average joe" on QAF. Anyway he's probably doing well with the ladies now, cuz we all know that females love gay guys.

Now I understand that what I have basically done is complain about the way gay men are represented on this show, but (again) I can't really say that it's inaccurate as far as it goes - it just doesn't go very far. What we have here is 100% pure superficial gay drama. QAF is definitely "portraying a lifestyle," to use the Eminem defense, and I'll defend to death the rights of the producers et al to do so; but it's equally my right to express my rage at this portrayal because I feel that it's emphasizing all the wrong things, as dead-on as it may be within its pathetic little gamut. Of course, it's just my personal opinion, but I don't understand why ANY gay men feel that this is a positive thing. I hate vapid idiots in real life and I hate them on Showtime. I DO have to concede, however, that as far as "bourgeois" acceptance of homosexuality goes, any sort of representation is better than no sort at all; and shows like this, or "Will and Grace," or "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," really have helped to drag the "gay issue" out of the closet. But the next step will be to have a gay character who's not an obnoxious, buck-toothed, flaming Peter Pan, or a catty, mincing, home-interiors-obsessed dandy, or a conceited sexaholic label-whore, or what have you. I can't help but feel that this is sort of the "minstrel show" phase of our portrayal in pop culture. At any rate, I can't watch any more "QAF," nor can I listen to any more monotonous gay house remixes of crappy songs by "divas" off the soundtrack. Not that I'd rather watch sports!

P.S. I also understand that I have probably come off as somewhat of a "basher" of my own people, but I really don't mean that at all. I'm quite happy being gay (lol) and even though I don't think it's necessarily a "choice," I WOULD choose it if it were. I'm fairly shocked when I come up against lingering bigotry, but the politics of the moment make it crystal clear that it's still a very real issue. It just seems to me that shows like "Queer As Folk" give Jesse Helms a little bit too much to chew on. At this point it's not even "shocking" to see sleazy, gratuitous, redundant gay sex choreography on Showtime - it's just pathetic, and it's doing nothing positive for our image. Not that it's the responsibility of TV shows to arbitrate morals - god forbid! And like I said, I fully support everybody's right to free expression. I just feel like somebody needs to be saying "But there's more!" - even if there often isn't.

Rating:
Summary: Awsome
Review: This is the best program. It is about time they came out with a program that would give us ladies something nice to look at but still give us the drama we need and like.... LOL :)
I have all the seasons and would keep buying them as they come out! Diffently check it out.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Powerdramas On TV
Review: "Queer As Folk" is a great adaptation of the British version of the same name. This revolutionary US version started in 2000 and caused a great frenzy in the GLBT community. Before its debut on Showtime, only "Will And Grace" and "Ellen" explored GLBT lifestyles to this magnitude. However, the producers riskingly pushed everything further. This offers one of the most unique shows in television history. Its success deservingly continues to amaze audiences today. Though the majority of viewers are GLBT, the straight/ally community will also be entertained.

This is one of the few shows that explores graphic realities of such lifestyles. The highly daring scenes deserve the cast and crew tremendous respect for doing what no other television show has done, namely the nudity and the sex scenes. Though not every GLBT individual lives those despicted lifestyles in real life, the issues are expressed wonderfully: coming out, child care, gay bashing, HIV/AIDS, and more. Many can unfortunately relate to these. Its hardcore impact offers an unforgettable experience. Every suspenseful detail always leaves audiences anxiously awaiting for what will happen next. The spectacular Babylon club scenes offer the added viewing pleasure. Such show quality keeps every episode at its top. Once anyone starts watching, they instantly become addicted.

Gale Harold, Hal Sparks, Randy Harrison, Peter Paige, Scott Lowett, Thea Gill, Michelle Clunie, and Sharon Gless are only some of the "Queer As Folk" stars. Though a few episodes has not-so-perfect acting in one or two scenes, their unique presence makes up for it. The hardcore dramatic scenes are always as emotional as real life. They prove that they researched the individual issue before performing it. All the different personalities blend perfectly as great variety: hot and sexually active, boyishly cute and child in heart, flamboyant and self-identified queen, wallflower and shy, and more. The individuals perform their personality wonderfully. Their own sense of drama and humor also blend perfectly.

The long cast list allows a broad range of issues to be expressed. Those who just began watching this show will see Justin beginning to come out, Lindsay giving birth to Gus (Melanie is the second mother, Brian is the father), Michael still managing the market, and of course Brian being Brian. The chain of events lead to a powerful cliffhanger in the season finale. This DVD compilation shows partly how the characters and the show has evolved to today.

"Queer As Folk" is great for those looking for something daring, unique, and powerful. This is destined to be remembered for a long time. Fans of the show are also recommended Season 2 and Season 3. Such combination offers the experience of a lifetime.(...)