Howards Way - Complete Series 1-6 Box Set [DVD]

Having seen this remarkable series on BBC TV it was a joy to start watching the adventures of the Howard family once more at home in the United States, through this great collection of the entire 78 episodes. Apart from an excellent cast, whose well-drawn characters convinced and endeared us to this enthralling saga, we have to admire the sterling work of the entire Production Team, not least Gerard Glaister whose baby this was. My wife, an American, had never had the pleasure of seeing this before but is now completely hooked as we look forward to each episode. It is fortunate that we have a region 2 DVD player that I brought with me from UK, as the DVDs are not available for region 1 (North America), but the PAL system does work on High Definition TVs and our own 3D HDTV with beautiful clarity. Howards Way - Complete Series 1-6 Box Set [DVD ] I feel sorry for all my American friends and family who could not see this because it is only playable on a Region 2 DVD player. The critics were not always kind about this excellent series on BBC TV because they wanted to compare it with Dallas and Dynasty which were being broadcast at the same time. Howards' Way is so different from the glossy, expensive US soaps. It has realism, superb performances from its leading players and a storyline that carries the viewer along almost hypnotically from episode to episode. Watching it again after 20+ years, I realize how much I missed at first viewing. Some of the actors have, regrettably, passed on but I cannot help feeling that there would be a place, even today on BBC TV, for A Return To Tarrant. Who can forget the exciting yacht and powerboat races, the in-fighting of big (and small) business, high fashion rivalries, not to mention the human side of family ups and downs, sordid affairs and personal betrayals. And all filmed in beautiful locations in Southampton Water, Isle of Wight, Malta, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands. Thank you, BBC as always and a magnificent crew and cast.

To be honest when originally transmitted in the mid to late 80s I was not a fan. However having recently come across the first two seasons on DVD via a charity shop where I work I took the no risk option of borrowing said item out of curiosity. Twenty-six episodes on offer however after only seeing the initial five I was instantly hooked and led me to wanting a permanent ‘entire six season series’ replacement. Title and incidental music, impressive cast list, likeable characters whom you care about, lots of intriguing plot developments and of course being filmed here in the Southampton area where I live were the main reasons why this show won me over so completely. This box set is a truly stunning item, a sturdy high quality attractively designed box with close fitting lid contains six standard width DVD cases each individually holding four discs. The six commentaries featuring Jan Harvey (Jan Howard) and Stephen Yardley (Ken Masters) with moderation by Tim Teeman (The Times) for episodes 1,12 & 13 of the first and second seasons are retained and are the only extras you get but are indeed most welcome. I don’t usually comment on delivery packaging and service but Amazon were absolutely excellent in that regard. I received the item little more than 24 hours after ordering and it came in a large box with brown paper packaging preventing the smaller inner box from moving about in transit. I’m very pleased with the smaller protective box the exact same size as the item which I shall continue to store it in when not in use, a great dust free container to preserve such a prestige investment product. Absolutely thrilled with my purchase of such a distinctively designed stylish item, I think just what you’d expect from the BBC, that I’m sure I will enjoy for many years to come!

This series maybe dated in terms of fashions and styles, but in terms of acting this drama leaves a lot to be thankful for. With the passing of the late Nigel Davenport recently, I took the time to view this series again and what a story line. Few dramas currently have the grip that this did for me. The BBC was great back then and produced some of the finest dramas around, shame that is not repeated today, call me old fashioned but, this takes some beating, The fights between Charles Frere and his father were legendary. Other actors and actresses complemented each other perfectly. The box set is a must for my collection and comes with every single episode and at a great price. There are subtitles in English on mine and the colour and picture clarity are as good as you will get for an 80's drama, considering much of this was filmed on location. Well worth sitting back and re living what was a good gritty drama. Highly recommended.

From the back of the box: "The stormy weather story of high-life and intrigue amongst Britain's wealthy sailing set. A cult series in its own right . . . With tales of love, deceit, family trials and tribulations, it really is classic television at its best." This delightful BBC series was set in the present day and ran from 1985 through 1990. The story lines focus mainly on dirty dealings in business and sailing; it's somewhat similar to 'Dallas' or 'Dynasty' but the acting and plots are much better. Although not well-known, the actors do an excellent job of presenting likeable characters. There's romance, of course, but no 'bedroom' scenes and no bad language; the only violence is an occasional fist-fight. The box set is very well done. Each of the six series has 13 episodes lasting :50 minutes divided onto four discs. A brief synopsis of each episode is provided. There's a 'play all' feature and subtitles. I missed some of it when it was first broadcast and quite enjoyed it when it was repeated in the early 2000s. It was great to watch it all again on dvd.

If you like 80's TV drama's, then this series is for you. The characters are quite interesting and the actor and actress who play them are wonderful. Great to see and hear the culture that was part of the 80's and brings back tons of memories.