Rating: 
Summary: Widescreen or Full ??
Review: The girls are back and as funny as ever. I very nearly did not purchase it as the box states 4.3 aspect ratio (full screen), but I am pleased to say it's actually presented in 16.9 (widescreen). A good example of great product poorly packaged. I am wondering if Oprah's 'Oxygen' affiliation with the BBC on this series resulted in the packaging not being as good as all previous four seasons, which were produced in association with 'Comedy Central'.
Either way, I would buy this if it were sold in a Ziplock Baggie and I can't wait for Season 6.
Rating:
Summary: Saunders & Lumley still Fabulous? ABSOLUTELY!
Review: The team of Brit-Broads out for lavish living on other people's dime are going stronger than ever. With nothing to stop them, their daily trivial ticks keep viewers in stitches. Whether dealing with Sapphie's secret pregnancy or other socially rlevant issues (like passing for 37 when you're way into your 50s), the dynamic duo meets all challenges of life with a toast, a snort, and a late breakfast (around 2 pm). The incredibly talented cast of "characters" include Edina's long-suffering 20-ish daughter, the gave-up-on-Edina-long-ago elderly mother, Edina's dipsy secretary with ESP (she knows someone is about to ring the door bell -- because they sent a telegram announcing their visit), Edina's estranged ex-husbands and their new spouces (one female, one male), and a line of celebrities playing themselves. Absolutely Fabulous is the "hippest" show on television, ridiculing society's conventions and focusing on "living" at all cost. The "who cares?" attitude, which seems to always drop the lead characters down on the ground in the end, nonetheless gives the Ab-Fab Duo a false sense of victory. One "last line" says it best: "In the end it was all good, though, wasn't it?" Good? It was FABULOUS!*****
Rating: 
Summary: Ugh
Review: What a disappointment....Yes, there are 8 episodes, but they are chopped to 30 minutes in length (BBC sitcoms clock in at 40 minutes), and the first 6 are shockingly unfunny....Maybe they cut out all the funniest parts? Even Season 4 was showing signs of wear, but Season 5 will hopefully be the last. Sad, really, considering how hilarious the first 3 seasons were.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely, Completely, Totally, Utterly Fabulous
Review: When Absolutely Fabulous 'ended' it's 18 episode run in 1995, I was somewhat pleased. It has to be one of the funniest, most incisive, brilliantly constructed and performed TV sitcoms of all time but I was thrilled that writer and co-creator Jennifer Saunders recognized that time was up and too much of a good thing will ultimately lead to disappointment. Like other Britcom classics 'Fawlty Towers' and 'Dinnerladies' it wrapped while still way ahead of the pack. I didn't mind when it came back in a two part special in 96 but I was hugely (make that HUGELY) disappointed when a new batch of 6 episodes aired in 2001. It just wasn't the same and although brilliant in places, overall it was lacking the edge that had made it great. Another one-off special aired in 2002, which was frankly bizarre and then, came news of Season 5 in 2003. I wasn't expecting much. Here was a brilliant idea now well past it's prime. But I was wrong. The fifth season of AbFab is quite simply the best set of episodes yet. Saunders creative genius has kicked in once more and the treading water and re-visiting old ground and old jokes of the last season has given way to a new direction for all the characters and the best laughs to date. I can hardly believe that any series in its twelfth year could possibly exceed all that has gone before. But it has. Whereas all the characters in the 4th season had stagnated and seemed rudderless, they've all moved on to new comic heights and been given situations hitherto unexplored. Saffy in particular is in a situation that could never have been envisaged back at the start in 92 and Edina and Patsy have evolved into even more outrageous pastiches of themselves. Saunders' incisive eye for the ridiculousness of current trends and fashions has returned in full and everything from fake tans, false boobs, celebrity greed, panic rooms and the tedium of reality TV are all ruthlessly explored and viciously exposed with the most cutting humor possible. I won't give anything away, but the fifth episode of the season for me is the single best episode of the entire AbFab canon. I've seen it about a dozen times now and still laugh out loud. There are a few weaknesses; the celebrity guests playing themselves just can't match the skill of the regular cast. The possible exception being Minnie Driver who steals the show in episode 3. Alas, Elton John, Mariella Frostrup and Emma Bunton seem quite uncomfortable in their roles. Kristen Scott-Thomas' character is just horribly conceived. I'm not sure I totally like the direction Bubble (played so wonderfully by Jane Horrocks) has taken either, but she's still worth many laughs along the way. Kate O'Mara returns as Patsy's hideous sister Jackie, but misses the mark somewhat. Not many extras on this disc set other than some still photos and 15 minutes of terrific out takes. Unlike the fourth season, alas there is no commentary from Saunders. The picture quality is excellent and both discs contain 4 episodes each. I'm still not sure I would want to see a season 6. You just never know when you're pushing your luck. But if this season is anything to go by it will be well worth finding out.
Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS SWEETIE!
Review: Why is the first review a one star review?!? Are you crazy? Season 5 is ABSOLUTELY on par with the rest. Try watching all 5 series (+ the special) DVD in their broadcast order and you'll see series 5 fits in great. I hope Jennifer Saunders will keep producing the series. It's great to see the characters grow from season to season (love the new 'John Johnson'). I highly recommend series 5 for any true Ab Faber. Definately worth checking out.
Rating: 
Summary: Dissapointment
Review: Wow..It' pains me to have to rate Ab Fab my favorite show for years, this low. It's so upsetting to see your favorite show go down the drain.
This series (5) was terrible. The show should have ended with series 4. Series 4 was still Ab Fab, this series is just ab fab pushed beyond it's character limits. The characters have become stale, and Jennifer Saunders has replaced lack of script with Celebrities. This show is still my favorite, but series 1-4 only. I was so dissapointed..some shows should stop while they are ahead. It really saddens me..so be warned, do not expect the "real" ab fab from earlier series.
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