Rating: 
Summary: Incredible! I'm obsessed!
Review: I honestly don't think I could love this show any more than I do. I am the hugest fan you will ever meet. This show is addictive, magnetic, sexy, and magical! Queer As Folk is about the lives of five beautiful gay men and their lesbian friends living in Pittsburgh. Brian Kinney (played by the hot hot hot Gale Harold) is a cold, self-serving, sex-addicted ad executive who doesn't believe in love or relationships, and tries not to let anyone see how he really feels. Boy-next-door Michael Novotny (the adorable Hal Sparks) is Brian's best friend, and is secretly in love with him. He would do anything for his friends and family. Justin Taylor (played by charming Randy Harrison) is a 17-year old boy, just coming out, who loses his virginity to Brian and becomes infatuated with him. Justin is just looking for his place in the world. Emmett Honeycutt (the beautiful and hilarious Peter Paige) is the flamboyant, queeny guy of the group. He loves his divas and his clubwear, but more than anything his friends. Finally, Ted (played by the quirky and witty Scott Lowell) is a touch older than the rest of the gang, and always feels rejected by young, beautiful men. He is shy and a slight wallflower, but he's great. He has a secret crush on Michael. The lesbian couple, Lindsay and Melanie (played by the beautiful actresses Thea Gill and Michelle Clunie) are the one stable couple in the group. They have a son named Gus (fathered by Brian) and love each other dearly. Everything about this show is amazing. The acting, the stories, the music, the characters, the direction...(I could go on). I have actually met the cast at an autograph signing here in Toronto, and they're all wonderful people. Please watch this show. It is better than Sex and the City and deserves even more recognition.
Rating:
Summary: A watershed in American TV drama
Review: "The thing you need to know is, it's all about sex." That's the first line of dialogue, spoken in voiceover at the beginning of "Queer as Folk" (2000-2001), a sprawling, impressively realized drama about the lives of several working-class gay men living in Pittsburgh at the turn of the 21st century. And, indeed, this 22-episode series - based on the British original which ran for eight episodes in 1999 before spawning a brief sequel the following year - presents a visual celebration of gay sex in all its forms, launching headfirst into NC-17 territory with unapologetic abandon. Some parts are raunchy and liberating, while others are soulless and ugly, yet the script never preaches or condemns, merely observes without judgment. Using the narrative template established by writer Russell T. Davies in the UK version (which, disappointingly, doesn't even rate a mention in this DVD's supplemental materials), many of QAF's initial episodes will be familiar to anyone who's already seen the original - same characters and situations, same dramatic arc - but it eventually finds its own feet, employing a defiantly American approach in terms of mood and execution, whilst remaining true to the spirit of Davies' initial concept. As might be expected, the show touches on a variety of pressing social issues including HIV and AIDS, homophobia and ex-gay ministries, whilst also confronting some ugly home truths, most notably the casual (and not-so-casual) drug use which enhances some people's lives whilst ruining others. This is ambitious, warts-and-all stuff, portrayed with integrity and passion. Much of the show's success is due principally to the casting of Gale Harold, making a staggeringly assured screen debut as ultra-sexy Brian Kinney, an elemental force of nature whose actions and reactions inform the lives of virtually every other character in the show. A sexual predator by nature, his cold-hearted vanity and selfish bravado may seem a little obnoxious at first, but this incredibly complex character - terrified of growing older and turning into his overbearing father - is eventually exposed as a decent, loving man whose withering cynicism ("There's only two kinds of straight people in this world - the ones that hate you to your face, and the ones that hate you behind your back") masks a soul in crisis. How appropriate that the first season should end on a closeup of his beautiful face, the mask completely (albeit forcibly) removed. Other stand-outs in an exceptional cast include comedian Hal Sparks as Brian's lovable best friend Michael, the indomitable Sharon ("I love my gay son!") Gless as Sparks' over-the-top mom Debbie, and Michelle Clunie as Melanie, a no-nonsense lawyer whose hostility towards Brian allows plenty of room for dramatic conflict (Clunie and Thea Gill play a loving couple whose lives are central to the proceedings, unlike the British original where the female characters seemed almost surplus to requirements). Scott Lowell (Ted) and Peter Paige (Emmett) complete the core group, which is bolstered by the arrival of 17 year old Justin (played by the astonishingly young-looking 23 year old, Randy Harrison), coming out of the closet with a vengeance while his worried mom (Sherry Miller) hovers on the sidelines, maintaining an anxious vigil. Along with Gale Harold, Harrison is involved in some of the show's most graphic sex scenes, and both actors display a level of bravery and commitment that goes way beyond the call of duty. Hats off to both of them. Showtime's region 1 DVD is letterboxed at 1.78:1, anamorphically enhanced, and presents the first season of QAF in its entirety (running 1054m 38s - that's 17 hours 35 minutes!), preserving a wealth of memorable moments, such as the hilarious whirlwind romance between Emmett and his 'soulmate' which crams a lifetime of gay cliches into a two-hour relationship (!); Brian coming out to his father (a powerful cameo by experienced character actor Lawrence Dane); Melanie's reaction to a bigoted nurse during a moment of crisis; Debbie's jaw-dropping description of Brie cheese (!); and Justin becoming, shall we say, REALLY acquainted with handsome young football jock Chris Hobbs (a small but hugely significant role, played by Alec McClure) in the school's athletic room... All gay life is here, as the old saying goes. To the accompaniment of a thumping musical soundtrack (reproduced on DVD in 2.0 Dolby Surround), the series culminates in a deeply moving season finale (directed by Alex Chapple), which contains the show's most outstanding scene of all, a glorious, life-affirming sequence in which most of Justin's hopes and dreams are realized at the school prom, set to the haunting, melancholy strains of Ben E. King's classic, 'Save the Last Dance for Me'. Which, of course, leaves us totally unprepared for the devastation that follows... Afterwards, during the show's closing moments, the audience is abruptly reminded of the fragile humanity which underpins these extraordinary characters, and how much they've captured our hearts. In the end, as raunchy as it is, the show isn't really about sex at all - it's about PEOPLE, and the way our lives are defined by our relationships with family and loved ones. This episode, more than any other, amounts to a near-perfect combination of music, character development and dramatic action, and is without question the most heartbreaking hour of television this reviewer has ever seen. Though prompted by its excellent British counterpart, the US version of QAF is arguably one of the most significant events in the history of gay film and television in America because, crucially, it's financed and exhibited from within the mainstream arena. It isn't low-budget and marginalized - it's empowering, intelligent and uproariously funny, and it's in-your-face like nothing you've ever seen on TV before. After this, the representation of gay people in American art can never be the same again, because QAF has set the standard against which all future offerings must surely be measured. Absolutely magnificent.
Rating: 
Summary: Great series, shame about the DVD
Review: When a friend lent me a VHS copy of the series, I told myself, I have to buy the DVD box set. When I got it, I was all excited to see the season one in its entirety but I was disappointed with the set. Episode 1 special edition slowed down from the start; I barely saw it. That same episode minus the commentary also skipped in places. Each disk thereafter has episodes that have parts that skip. Worse, my disk 3 is defective; my player couldnt read it. Is this a common problem?
Rating:
Summary: Amazing and stunning!
Review: First of all, I am a big fan of Queer as Folk. I watched the British series and the US version. I prefer the American version because it is racier and the cast is better. I must say that this series is unique. Not only because of the gay life it portrays and its nudity. Simply because of its treatment, its visual quality and its story line. This is quality TV production rarely equalled. On my list, it comes ex aequo with my all-time favorite TV series: Shogun. QAF is not only about sex, nudity and the gay club scene. It is also about real characters that we care for and who uncover multi-layered aspects of themselves throughout the series. It is quality TV for every adult viewer, gay or straight, and everyone can learn from QAF about relationships between friends, lovers, parents and children. It is also about acceptance, tolerance and respect of each other's lifestyle, from all points of view (parents, school mates, etc.).
I had to buy the DVDs because it promised so many extras. I watched all 6 discs and I must admit that it left me almost breathless. Every episode (22 in all) is so well directed. Visually, it is simple pleasure to watch the story unfold with all the characters. The cast works better in the US version than in the British one. They seem to be working better together as an ensemble cast. For every episode, you have chapter selections, the "next on" feature (a preview of the next episode), audio set-up, a synopsis of the episode itself. Very well made. And they kept the ending credits for each episode! There are 3 special edition episodes. These are episodes with commentaries but it is uniquely done. While you have the episode itself on the right half of the screen, you have a filmed commentary on the left half of the screen, so you actually see the commentator (director, actor, etc.). This is amazingly well done. The other extras are really good, from the outtakes to a sneak preview of Season 2. It even looks better on DVD than when it originally aired on TV.
All DVD collections of TV series should be done that way. This is really what we may call a collector's edition. Can't wait for Season 2 on DVD. I just hope they will do something of that quality for Oz when it comes out on DVD. It deserves the same treatment. "Shogun" as well!
Queer as Folk Premiere Season on DVD is already sold out in my neck of the woods. Hurry before it's too late!
Rating:
Summary: Queer as folk tells me a lot!
Review: I bought this DVD just because I wanna watch and enjoy TV show on gay life; however, this DVD changes my views about my life and myself. Somehow, I have been ashamed of being gay before. But after I watch this DVD, I come to think I'm very glad I am a gay man! the name of "Queer as folk" may be derived from a saying of Yorkshire, " There's nowt so queer as folk," and this TV show really tells me that human, especially gay people, are inestimable. Anyway, this DVD is great just for entertainment, and this will be your must!
Rating:
Summary: Hot Men, Hot Sex, Hot Music---Erotically Amazing
Review: Queer as Folk (American) wins the award for the hottest series I have ever had the emense pleasure to watch each and every Sunday night. I believe many straight women are hooked on this show as well, considering only three of the cast members are gay in real life. But who cares? You don't have to be gay to enjoy this amazing kleidoscope of characters. Brian is the man that you find in every gay community: successful, wealthy, and charasmatically irresistable. Then Justin, the "circuit-boy" turned "boy-toy" homosexual virgin who happened to stand on the right corner at the right time, never mind the fact he is only 17. Yes, grab a good bottle of wine and sit down with a group of friends and have an all day party of the Queer as Folk Season One. The series features amazing direction, videography and plots that feature real hard core gay issues. The special effects and hypnotizing music are an added plus. Each episode left me energized and ready to go out and dance. If you have never seen it, you truly don't know what you are missing. ....
Rating:
Summary: Almost the same...not quite!
Review: Be ready as the first or second episode may cause you to yawn as they are almost mirror reflections of the original QAF UK Version BUT... Don't give up yet. Continue on and that's were the story takes on sub-plots, which are refreshing (example how Micheal meets his love life, David through a checkup). If you have read the original script by Russel T Davis, the US producers have done is add in those elements that are missing, which explains the story a little more indepth. This version shows more skin (AMEN!) and they are all are shot well and very artistically. All in all, get both US and UK version as it may be another 10 years before someone comes up with a better one. Can't wait for US QAF Series 2.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Entertainment...
Review: I really enjoyed watching this series on DVD. I don't have showtime and have never seen the show before, although I have seen the British version and found it to be very entertaining.
This US version is just as good as its British predecessor. In fact, it is better because it takes the original story and ads much more texture to it....including changes that just enhance the story altogether. The actors and their characters are excellent. My only disappointment with it is that two of the six DVD disks were defective. They skip in places on the 2nd disk and the 6th disk was completely unwatchable. I am waiting for a replacement and hope I don't have any problems with that one. Otherwise, this has been a great and entertaining way to kill a few hours before bed each night. 22 hours !!!!
Rating:
Summary: A must see
Review: After months of waiting for the series to come out on DVD.Me and my partner finally bought the set.As we both agree this series deserve and should be recognize like "Sex in the city".All the actors and actress gave the series an amazing performance.As we watch each episode, it addicted us to wanting more and more.Through the plots and tribulation of each characters,you can almost feel for them.A plus side to buying a whole series is you don't have to wait each week for the next episode.I highly recommend this to everyone especially on DVD.It contain many extra footage and behind the scene.We can't wait for the second set to come out.Until Then I will watch it again.viva QUEER AS FOLK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: All too true
Review: I hate to admit it, but the lifestyles of many of the gay men portrayed in this show ring all too true. A friend and I actually got our DVDs signed by the cast! WOOF! It is not the greatest show on TV (thats Buffy the Vampire Slayer) but it is impossible to not get sucked into the lives of these characters. Its a wonderful soap opera that is watchable again and again.
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