Mad Dogs - Series 1-4 Box Set [DVD]

This is a very unusual series, with lots of crazy, surreal and extreme situations that fuel the never dull ride, making it so unique, and maybe that's why it received less unanimous reviews, since it all leads to a story that is somewhat far-fetched and with loopholes, however it didn't bother me much.I feel that good TV doesn't necessarily has to be like a jigsaw puzzle, where all pieces fit together perfectly.While it's nice to have a coherent and believable plot, good TV can do without it as long as enough good ingredients are there, like pace, actors, suspense, location, music, shooting, atmosphere and an occasional good laugh, and all of these are to be found here, which for me made it highly fulfilling.All of the supporting actors, both British, Spanish and others (without disclosing the further locations) are great.As for series four - It has some moments of good TV, but not as consistent as in the first three seasons, and the overall feeling is of a rushed race for closure at all cost. The feeling that it's rushed stems both from the fact that this series contains only 2 episodes, and both of them contain many flashbacks to previous scenes and hops from past to present and back. Series 4 is OK at best when combined in this box set, but will probably disappoint if bought separately. I also found all the closeups in the first episode quite annoying.On the Behind the Scenes featurette of the first series we're told how casting the leading superb actors predated the screenplay that was tailor made for the cast, and how they even toyed with the idea of having a Spinal Tap - like story, but eventually settled for a pitch black comedy drama about the re-union of four mid-40 friends, that goes terribly wrong.This serves as a fertile ground for many unusual and at times very black LOL moments. Episode 3 on series 2 gave me the opportunity to coin a new acronym : GFA LOL - Gasping For Air Laugh Out Loud moments. Last time I was laughing so hard was when I watched Johnny Vegas' IDEAL.As for the box set - it contains 4 DVD's, one for each series, in two DVD cases, with four 45 min. episodes on each of the first 3, and only two episodes on the fourth.Regarding extras - the aforementioned 22 min. featurette is the only extra on series 1, and is very interesting, with contributions from all leading actors, director, writer and producers and was filmed on location in Majorca. DO NOT watch before the episodes, as it contains major spoilers!The only extras on the second series is a 5 minutes featurette, that is more like a trailer than a Behind the Scenes.Series 3 & 4 have no extras. None of the episodes on any series has a commentary track, so the overall poor added value of the extras on this box set was my only disappointment.Clear English subtitles are available both on the episodes and the extras.BTW, the series 1 DVD is the exact one available on the separate Series 1 box (content and design). The difference is with the box cover, since it contains both series 1 and 2. I guess the same can be said for the rest of the DVD's as well.Highly recommended.

Bought as haven't got Sky. Like Philip Glenister. Fast action in parts then slows right up occasionally so can be boring. Only half way through and stopped. Will get back to it but you can see it's not compulsory viewing.

Good service and product

While I have never been to a Mediterranean island, I really enjoyed the first two parts more than the second two. The acting and props to convey the heat were subtle and really excellent. The intrigue was binding, and the blood-and-guts appropriate, and, in my opinion, not overdone. The film carries a P15 rating, so the two sex scenes were probably in line with the author's intentions.The second two parts play off in Africa, and mostly Cape Town (which was my hometown for many years). The storyline itself started fading a bit towards the end, (as you do when you have used up all your clever ideas), and the final ending comes totally unexpectedly and is physically probably improbable because of safety measures put in place by the local town council. Even the vehicle which they drive in Cape Town complies with the local want-t-drive status symbol (in the correct colour)I can recommend this for light entertainment viewing by persons 18 to 68 at least.If you plan watching all the episodes night after night (like I did), then the automatic "previous episode synopsis" and the start of the each new episodes could be omitted -- probably no big deal to fast forward, like I did.

The four charismatic actors all turn in exceptional performances, with a script that achieves a brilliant balance between high drama, extremes of crisis-induced behaviour, and black comedy. You'll laugh out loud, but you will also be drawn in by raw, human emotions as each grapples with his problems.

It's a shame there's no streaming options for this in Ireland, as its such a great show so I had to buy the DVD. It would definitely get big again if they bothered to show it on anything!

Big fan of John Simm and Phillip glennister for when they were in life on mars together. Was nice to see them reunited in this great series. Weird hearing Phillip with his real voice and not his mancuanian accent from life on mars.Missed out on this when it was sky,so only just heard about it and decided to buy box set. Up to series 2 at moment and love it,set in spa in and great story line.

Very enjoyable to watch, but could be quite confusing at times