Rating: 
Summary: Stunningly, cringingly brilliant!
Review: I just watched the second season. It's even more amazing than the first season. Don't miss it. This show is addictive!
Rating:
Summary: Focusing less on the show, more on the DVD
Review: I will try to pass over the long heaping of praise on this show (this ground is amply covered by others), other than to describe who might like it, and instead try to focus on the packaging of the DVD. I will say that I do enjoy the show's unique approach and starkly arid humor that is presented with no attempt to point up the comedy, which is simply left to the viewer to find. While it is often compared to This Is Spinal Tap, because of its documentary style, The Office is more like a Beckett-infused version of NewsRadio. The show is not very accessible to a new viewer, since no introductions are made, and there is little deliberate exposition, but this also contribute to the reality of it. Ultimately, this is the central issue addressed in the DVD.The biggest inclusion on the DVD is the Wernham-Hogg "newsletter" that includes profiles on all the major and most of the minor characters, which is helpful breaking viewers in. More important is an extensive "Slough Speak" dictionary, which helps the Yanks (like myself) understand the heavy British slang that is used, and provides perspective on many choices in the series (like why it is located in Slough). The is actually printed out, not throw on the DVD (like some other purchases I ave made) so that you can have it out while you watch. The second disc includes a documentary on the makng of, which features Ricky Gervais bizarrely staying in character (I hope. If the real Ricky is that much like David Brent, this comedy becomes sadder indeed.) which contributes to overall odd-funny atmosphere of the show. In total, while ultimately your taste in humor will dictate your enjoyment of this DVD, BBC makes a well-executed effort to open this show to the American audience.
Rating:
Summary: Gareth Keenan investigates
Review: This show has been absolutely huge here in the UK and David Brent (the boss from hell) has become a national icon. Not only has it been massively popular with the general public but it has also received universal critical acclaim. This has benefited several of the cast members who have recently featured in movies. Mackenzie Crook who plays the loathsome geek Gareth was in Pirates of the Caribbean (the pirate with the wooden eye) and Martin Freeman, who plays Tim the nice guy underachiever, was in Love Actually. As these reviews are for the Yank market I have to warn you that it's probably unlike any comedy show you've seen before. It's a pseudo documentary based almost entirely in a small office (hence The Office) with no canned laughter. I won't go into more detail about the show as other reviewers have already covered most of the bases. But if you're a blue collar worker who's ever wondered what goes on in an office environment then this is for you and if you are familiar with an office environment then this DVD is an absolute must - unless you're an overweight middle manager with a goatee and your facing downsizing sometime soon. PS I didn't write this review because I work for Amazon or the BBC, I'm just a huge fan of the show.
Rating:
Summary: The Best British Comedy Since Fawlty Towers.
Review: Every once in a while British television produces a comedy of sheer genius. "The Office" is one such occasion, and Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant can rightly claim to have written a series that rivals "Fawlty Towers" in terms of class, invention, and - dare I say it - tragedy. Fans of British comedy will probably have noted that much of its best output deals as much with tragedy as with comedy. "Fawlty Towers" would be a mere broad farce, if it weren't for the fact that Basil Fawlty becomes increasingly unhinged and desperate across the twelve episodes. Where other nations have situation comedies, Britain tends towards trapped-in-a-situation-comedies. Blame it on the weather in these small islands. "The Office" is set up to appear like a fly-on-the-wall documentary series about, well, about an office. A fairly mundane, ordinary type of office that just happens to be involved in the paper and printing industry. This particular office is managed by one Mr David Brent, one of the greatest and most monstrous creations in BBC history. He's a complete buffoon, a mediocre middle manager who believes himself to be "basically a chilled-out entertainer." The characterisation is perfect. "The Office" does not particularly deal in witticism, or the sharp retort as, say, does "Friends". It is an observational comedy about being stuck in a meaningless career and aspiring (rather stupidly) to much, much more. It's a comedy about lack of self-awareness. It hits every one of its targets bang on the nail, and is often as painful as it is funny. The fact of the matter is every one of the characters in the show is familiar to everyone. Slightly exaggerated though he may be we've all met a David Brent. It's this recognition that makes the series effective. There are no plots as such, aside from an on-going love story between the only thoroughly decent, likeable characters in the show (Office worker Tim and receptionist Dawn) and the gradual break-down of Brent's world-view. It's literally as if they put a camera in an office. There probably aren't any plots as such in your office either, but I expect there are some characters. Brent is apparently unaware that his workers neither like him nor respect him. He tries very hard to remain PC and slick in front of the cameras, but his own ineptitude leaks out all over the place. As I say, it can be excruciating, but you can't take your eyes off it. And you will laugh as much as you will gape. It has to be seen to be believed. And I can't recommend it highly enough. "The Office" is a work of art as much as it is a comedy. Beautifully judged, beautifully acted, and, above all, (sadly) believable.
Rating:
Summary: this is your life!
Review: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's The Office is all that the other reviewers said and more. Painful, pitiful, cringe-making, and hilarious; this "reality" look at office life is strangely addictive. A Christmas gift, I was initially putting off viewing this series (especially after the recent announcement that an American remake will be out soon - yech!). And after the first episode, I was already wincing at the idea of being in the same room with David Brent for another 2 1/2 hours. After seeing all 6 episodes, though, I can't wait for series 2 to reach the US! The other reviewers have really said it all about this series, so I'll just add my agreement to the raves. I just wanted to suggest that if you liked The Office's mockumentary style and painfully realistic portrayal of clueless stupidity, check out Canada's Trailer Park Boys.
Rating:
Summary: A Tribute to the Writers
Review: As I am a UK resident, I have both Series 1 and 2 of the office on DVD... I'm not sure if the second series has yet been released in the USA. Ricky Gervais has declared that there will be no third series, which is a shame but is also understandable - I'd probably do the same myself, such a level of attainment could not possibly be sustained. But... read on, for there IS a 'but'... I write this review still under the spell of not one, but two, count them, TWO, Christmas Specials of The Office which have just been broadcast here in Britain on consecutive days. No spoilers here, but I will say that the second and final episode is marked by genius; of course it will make you laugh, but if you don't also shed a tear (when you finally get to see it in America) then you are a harder man than I. Yes, the BrentMeister is a total ass, a celebration of all that is grotesque, but I know I won't be alone in thinking that there is also a lot to like about him; certainly he's a better man than the disgusting wholesome new boss Neil who is so admirably contrasted against him. Hats off to writers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant; a towering achievement.
Rating:
Summary: Must see......
Review: One thing that you must understand about this mockumentary- is that it is meant to come across as real as possible. For those who would write that it is boring, slow, dry, or dull, try to think about your own work environment. The greatest part of this show is that Gervais has captured many of the rediculous behaviours that take place around offices every where. The two best elements of the show are the writing- which is amazing; and the acting- possibly even better than the writing.
The one thing that amazed me most was the character development. As a viewer, I felt (by the end of the first episode) like I was a part of this particular office and was annoyed on a daily basis with David Brent- the painfully ignorant, yet comical (in that kind of laughing at you way) and his sidekick-Gareth. The uncomfortable feeling you get watching Tim flirt with David's secretary, not quite knowing whether it would develop into anything else- all the while wondering: "would this follow the organizations ethical standards?" The parties thrown in order to build team spirit and show appreciation for the workers- only to turn into dull wastes of time for those who attend. Practically every office scenario that could occur, actually does in this series- and always in a way that makes you shake your head.
You can't help feeling bad for the workers of this office, and yet almost ashamed that a part of what is going on there is what actually goes on where you work. This series touches upon all that SHOULD be laughed at with corporate office environments and does a very good job of keeping it short and sweet.
Literally only four hours long total, I recommend this highly to anyone that has ever thought that they have wasted their time with an organization.
Rating: 
Summary: Paifully Funny
Review: I agree more with the reviewers who concentrate on how painful this show is rather than on how funny it is. Ricky Gervais as the god-awful boss is unbelievably on the mark. He is a totally clueless jackass of the sort that anyone who has ever had a job recognizes immediately - a poison toad who poses as everyone's friend and who will screw you over in a second if it suits his purpose. To make matters worse, he thinks he's funny. To make matters worse yet, he thinks he's terribly smart and goes through the most unbelievably tedious contortions to demonstrate it. Phrases like "watching through your fingers" and words like "cringe" used in earlier reviews are well-chosen. Also notable is Mackenzie Cook, who plays Gareth, the self-important second banana who uses his position as "team-leader" and the tiny bit of authority it affords him to make his co-workers' lives miserable. You have to admire the care that goes into the secondary characters like Gareth and many of the throw-away lines they are given. This is well-illustrated in the motivational meeting episode. The consultant running it is bad enough and the Ricky Gervais character's compulsion to take over the meeting and one-up the consultant is painful enough. The reactions of the workers who are the hapless spectators, however, is brilliantly observed and the little details that make up the scene are priceless. But again, the humor, such as it is, arises out of the pain. Although I admire and applaud the intelligence of this show and honor the anger that motivates it, I sympathize with a comment by someone on the Netflix website to the effect that it is too close to his own life at the office to be all that funny. Just as the small town bigots of Garrison Keillor's Lake Woebegone are funnier after you have moved to the city and are free of them, this show is probably funnier after someone like Ricky Gervais no longer signs your paycheck.
Rating:
Summary: I've been in xcact situations as Tim, I cried watching show
Review: I live in Cornwall, England. I watched The Office from day one, like everyone else i think the show is brilliant, the most unduring thing about it is the Tim and Dawn romance, I have been in xcact the same situation and its heartbreakon. Incredibly moving comedy, I even felt sorry for David Brent at the end of the second series, I wont spoil it for people tho. Am I the only person who thinks David Brent is a nice person tho!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: No false advertising here
Review: The Office is an origanal and brave new "comedy". That fact alone does not mean that the show is good. Mabey I made a mistake when I sat and tried to watch the whole thing at one time. It was painfull trying to keep my attention on this show. Don't get me wrong the show is insightfull, reflective and unlike anything else on TV. But it is also dry, very dry. Perhaps the show will be more palatable when I rewatch it one episode at a time with a weeks pause inbetween each painful episode. If you are considering buying this DVD please note that a lack of laugh track, a soundtrack, and the usual compliments of TV sitcoms means that you will be watching an office, and just an office.
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