I'M ALAN PARTRIDGE: SERIES 1 (FF)(DVD)(2

I am glad to finally see a legit release of this series here in America. I've nearly worn my bootlegs out!The Alan Partridge character which Steve Coogan portrays is nothing short of brilliant. Snobby, arrogant, close-minded and cheesy are just a few words which describe Alan's personality. Alan is one of these self-important larger than life individuals who feels he is invincible and his arrogance lands him in hot water quite a bit through this series.This series, titled "I'm Alan Partridge", takes place a few years after the previous series titled "Knowing Me Knowing You." While KMKY was purely Alan's talk show on the BBC, "I'm Alan Partridge" follows Alan in his daily life with a type of "fly on the wall" perspective. We see him haggling with TV execs, killing time at the Linton Travel Tavern, dressing up as a zombie, fantasizing about lap dancing for Tony Hayers and much more while managing to bewilder and insult almost everyone he comes in contact with.The writing in this series is pure comical genius. Most of the comedy is dialogue driven as we see Alan interact with his assistant Lynn, various workers at the Linton Travel Tavern (including the brilliant Michael who shows up on the next Alan Partridge series) and many more. The character development of this series is one reason why it remains so popular. Also, Alan has quite a few memorable quips in this series (you'll be quoting them in no time) and you'll never look at lap dancing the same way again! This series landed Steve Coogan several awards including a "Best Comedy" BAFTA award.Although I am an American I have always appreciated the British style of comedy. The biting humor of "I'm Alan Partridge" stands in a league of its own and takes its rightful place among legendary BBC comedies like "Are You Being Served", "Chef!", "My Hero" and "The Thin Blue Line." Here's hoping we get a legit release of the second "I'm Alan Partridge" series as well!

Now if we could just get the second series available here in the States (Region 1), I would be a happy man.

Timely delivery, and just as described. Textbook.

The item arrived quickly and was well priced. Thank you!

I laughed almost constantly; but as it stands with most comedy, the line between humour and insensitivity is quickly crossed.

Steve Coogan's true genius is shown in the I'm Alan Partridge TV Series and this the first series is filled with great laughs and just makes you want to buy the second series

The laughter track can render it a little dated, but Alan Partridge remains one of television's very best, and 'I'm Alan Partridge' has aged far better than the spoof chat show that preceded it (for that, buy the BBC Radio version instead)

Great series! Well worth the money!

Inimitable and classic. Yes the laugh track does harm it ultimately but these 6 episodes chronicling the continued downfall of z-list celeb Alan Partridge (a macabre hybrid of Bing Crosby, Jeremy Clarkson and David Icke) are as close to perfect as any TV comedy sit-com is ever likely to.The character is played note perfectly by Coogan, the master of all comedy character actors (see Paul/Pauline Calf, Saxondale, Partidge and even himself in the equally as excellent The Trip), but the supporting cast are all great at riffing off the one-liners and cringeworthy situations. This also introduces Michael, the Geordie porter who follows Alan to series 2, and some of their repartee is inspired.Highlights include the 'cracking owl sanctuary', the pedestrianisation of Norwich City Centre, LadyBoys drink, Sunday Bloody Sunday and the best use of Jurassic Park ever. I know that doesn't make sense but it will all gloriously become evident once you watch these episodes par excellence.

I'm never quite sure whether I should find this as funny as I do. The original incarnation of Alan Partridge was funny and clever, but I found the joke wore thin and it doesn't now merit repeated viewings. And I haven't found anything that Steve Coogan has done post Alan Partridge remotely funny. But this series somehow hits the spot. I think it most be the point in the narrative of the character that makes it so good; sacked from the BBC, working on local radio and living in a Travelodge. As a setting and opportunity for humour, it provides so many possibilities. The writing is excellent, all the characters well drawn (particuarly his agent Lynne), the situations credible in a bizarrely comic fashion. I suspect much is down to the fact that Coogan can make us empathise with the sad character of Alan, through both the writing and acting. If you haven't watched this recently, it's well worth another viewing.

Different characters in the main, but both share the same cringeworthy, sad and non-pc traits that made them such memorable sitcom monsters. Alan Partridge got there first, and you have to think a little bit 'Did Gervaise get inspired by Partridge or did he simply steal his main character traits?' They both made for classic sitcoms, but because of its genuine originality I'd have to say Partridge was the better invention. I think he has to be even sadder than Brent, as hard as that sounds, but Brent at his saddest doesn't even come close to matching Partridge at his saddest. He makes you cringe in every episode but if you want to see the very definition of a saddo then watch episode 4, this episode is almost painful to watch. I also think he was more OTT and offensive than Brent was, take episodes 3 and 5 here, where both farmers and the Irish get the Partridge treatment. The series is brilliantly scripted, every bit as good as The Office, and it is better acted throughout, with Coogan showing what a great comedy actor he is. A classic series.

This series of Alan Partridge is an absolute hoot. Steve Coogan plays Partridge the hideous and obnoxious has been television presenter to perfection. Partridge is now seperated from his wife and lives at the Linton Travel Tavern. He still works as a presenter but now its on radio Norwich and his show is in the very early hours of the morning. Yet Partridge is convinced he still has something to offer. His belief is commendable but his talent is....well...His own production company is insolvent (the way he dismisses his staff is hilarious) as his promotional video for a local boating company. Its a joy to watch time and time again. Its not just the sheer brilliance of the writing. Its the facial expressions of Partridge along with the excellent cast who support him. I will never tire of Partridge and his hilarious escapades. If you haven't got this yet then acquire it quickly - you will not regret it!

I was a fan when this first appeared on TV and it was a joy to re-visit some of my favourite scenes from the series and stand out lines ("Smell my cheese!"). At times it is almost painful to watch - but then I think that good comedy should be uncomfortable viewing at time. If people are looking for a stereotypical sit-com then they may end up disappointed. It is not a series full of "jokes". Steve Coogan is excellent in the lead role, but he is well supported by the others in the cast.