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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Brand: Warner Brothers EAN: 9780790793528 Format: Box set, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC ISBN: 0790793520 Item Dimensions: Label: BBC Warner Languages: Manufacturer: BBC Warner MPN: WARDE2008D Number Of Items: 4 Publisher: BBC Warner Region Code: 1 Release Date: May 04, 2004 Running Time: 800 minutes Studio: BBC Warner Theatrical Release Date: January 01, 2001 Editorial Review: Product Description: Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/15/2007 Rating: Nr Amazon.com: Gorgeous to behold, slow to reveal its full charm and intelligence, Monarch of the Glen is not just for Britcom fanatics. Adapted and updated from the so-called "Highland" novels of Compton MacKenzie (author of Sylvia Scarlett), Monarch concerns the crisis of Archie MacDonald (Alistair Mackenzie), a London restaurateur all set (with his girlfriend Justine, played by Anna Wilson-Jones) to open a hip new eatery when he is interrupted by an emergency call from his home in the Scottish Highlands. There is no emergency, as it turns out, just a gambit by Archie's mother, Molly (the radiant Susan Hampshire), to effect a reconciliation between her son and his cantankerous, relentlessly bitter father, Hector (Richard Briers). The reason: Archie, much to his surprise, must legally assume Hector's longtime role as Laird of Glenbogle, the MacDonalds' 400-year-old, financially strapped 40,000-acre estate. Despite their lengthy estrangement, Hector needs Archie to save the family's honor and assets. The eight episodes in the first season find the urbane Archie fiercely resisting his obligation at first, then warming to it as Glenbogle's plight becomes more personal--not just an issue of hereditary leadership but of new attachments to the series' endearing, mildly eccentric characters. Among them is Lexie (Dawn Steele), the estate's sexy, street-smart cook; shy Duncan (Hamish Clark), an underachieving, kilt-wearing handyman; leftist land-reformer Katrina (Lorraine Pilkington), warily circling Duncan as a romantic interest; and avuncular, lovably laconic groundskeeper Golly (Alexander Morton). Monarch takes a couple of delightful episodes to introduce these good people and establish story particulars and conflicts. But depth and emotional resonance arrive by the third episode (the MacDonalds have their share of repressed, unspoken old agonies) and remain through the last episode's cliffhanger ending. The second series picks up precisely where series 1 left off. Young Archie has finally taken to his immense responsibility with seriousness of purpose and no little family pride. Father Hector has gracefully accepted his own change in fortunes but now runs little ploys to maintain a semblance of aristocratic privilege. (In one near-slapstick episode, Hector and his old friend Kilwillie, played by Julian Fellowes, try to hide a valuable barrel of malt liquor from Archie, who is trying to profit from every MacDonald asset.) Archie's efforts to keep Glenbogle solvent include turning the estate into a sprawling museum and renting the place out for weddings. The tricky bit is that Glenbogle is also a home and touchstone for the MacDonald's appealing staff and friends, and there will always be someone upset about changes in the status quo. Monarch continues to be as much about Duncan, Lexie, Golly, and Katrina (whose dodgy, romantic ambivalence toward Archie wears a little thin but finally settles into a promising groove). The radiant Susan Hampshire (The Forsyte Saga) has more to do in this set of stories and thus shines brighter as Archie's intriguing mother. Equally lovely are spectacular views of Highlands scenery: amazing castles, romantic vistas. One wants to stay forever. --Tom Keogh Average Rating:
 Rating: - There are not enough stars to giveSeasons one and two are hands-down the best two seasons. The third season starts to lose some steam and by the time one of the most memorable (and lovable) characters leaves, it just isn't the same. I cannot say enough about this series-it is smart and hysterically (roll on the floor) funny. If you have seen The Churchills, you will remember Susan Hampshire who plays the lady of the estate in Monarch. This is an absolute must-see! Rating: - Simply IrresistibleThe characters are so lovable, the scenery beautiful and the scripts very well written. This series is able to stir the entire range of emotions and is my new favorite series. Rating: - EXCELLENT !!Great TV series ! It lets you appreciate the customs of Scotland not to mention the breathtaking views! Just awesome! Rating: - History, family & dramaThis series is excellent with a strong cast of characters, each one very appealing, and with story lines that are intriguing. The scenery is spectacular and production value is very high. Beneath the twists and turns of various situations there are conflicts that present only difficult solutions due to hundreds of years of history within a country or a family, and lessons for viewers to ponder. I enjoyed each episode and wanted to continue watching to the end of the entire series. Rating: - Great television!I was hooked on the first episode. Fantastic scenery, great acting, and witty humor. I have purchased all the series as they come available. |
