Product reviewsArrested Development - Series 1 - Complete (DVD, 2005)

hilarious family based sitcom

Lots of engaging characters and funny development, this is the perfect show to binge watch if you're looking for laugh out loud moments.

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Arrested Development?

Arrested Development is the kind of sitcom that gives you hope for television. A mockumentary-style exploration of the beleaguered Bluth family, it's one of those idiosyncratic shows that doesn't rely on a laugh track or a studio audience; it's shot more like a TV drama, albeit with an omniscient narrator (executive producer Ron Howard) overseeing the proceedings. Barely holding the Bluths together is son Michael (Jason Bateman), the only normal guy in a family that's chock full of nuts. Hardworking and sensible, Michael's certain he's going to be given control of his family's Enron-style corporation upon the retirement of his father (Jeffrey Tambor). The fact that he's passed over instead for his mother (Jessica Walter) is only a blip when compared to his father's immediate arrest for dubious accounting practices, and the resulting freeze on the family's previously limitless wealth. Bereft of money, and even less family love, the Bluths have to band together in their moment of need--not easy when everyone's looking out for number 1. In addition to his scabrous parents, Michael has to contend with his lothario older brother (Will Arnett), his basically useless younger brother (Tony Hale), his greedy twin sister (Portia DeRossi), and her sexually ambiguous husband (David Cross). Michael's only comrade in sanity is his son George Michael (Michael Cera), but then again, the teenage boy harbours a secret crush on his cousin (Alia Shawkat). A peerless ensemble led by the brilliant Bateman (who knew he could be this good?), all the actors are pitch-perfect in their roles, delivering the dryly funny, sometimes absurdist dialogue with the speed and flair of classic farce. The unusual tone of Arrested Development takes a bit of getting used to--it's far different from anything you'll see on TV--but once you buy in to the Bluths' innumerable dysfunctions, you'll be laughing your head off for hoursRead full review...

What a great comedy should be like

this is one of those cult comedy shows that sadily has only found its fame and success after it was cut short after 3 series but just because it was cancelled does not mean its not worth investing in.

unbelievably funny with some top cameo guest roles that just add to its cult fame.

pure comedy good and a prime example of top writing.

the tale of one man's love, hate and often sheer disbelief at his family's lack of reality or sanity..while trying to run their failing family business...and get his father out of jail (or to stay in sometimes).Read full review...

Hilarious, Witty and Intelligent!

I have only just finished watching the first season of this sitcom, and I could not recommend it any more. Each episode had at least one moment that made me laugh so hard I had to rewind the DVD to watch the next few lines of dialogue!

The show is about a once-prosperous family (the Bluths) who have had to cut back since the leader of the business, the father, has been arrested for using company money for personal use. It's up to the only normal, hard working member of the family, Michael (played by Jason Bateman) to take over the business and bring it back to it's former glory. With a family of workshy halfwits, Michael has his work cut out for him.

The show itself is amazingly funny, with a top notch cast (which includes Ally McBeal's Portia de Rossi and the always hilarious David Cross) with no weak links, and a great writing team. The show also features Ron Howard (Director of The Da Vinci Code, A Beautiful Mind) as the Narrator.

A show from FOX which is intelligent yet hilarious? Naturally, it's been cancelled.

I shall be purchasing Season 2 & 3 as soon as possible.Read full review...

Awesome TV title

Such an amazing TV show. I bought it because I heard great things about it, but it was better than expected. Such an amazing series. Can't wait to get the next two... First couple of episodes don't seem that funny till the second time around. Won't be long till the third and fourth time watching.Read full review...

Arrested Development - Series 1

I loved this dvd and I cannot understand why those silly yanks stopped filming this series as everyone I know loved Arrested Development!!!! if you haven't seen it prepare yourself to laugh till your ribs hurt, its witty and sarcastic and I LOVE IT!!!Read full review...

Arrested Development flippin rules

Decided to buy this DVD box set based on clips I had seen on YouTube. Could hardly believe that every single episode could live up to the "Best Of..." clip reel, but they all do.

Really can't rate this high enough, as it is one of those shows you can watch over and over again, and still laugh about. The special features are also generous on all three discs, with commentarys from just about the entire cast, on selected episodes.

Looking out for the second season now, and I have high hopes.Read full review...

This is a average TV series

This is a average US TV programme, i might buy the next series but i'm not sure.
Why do you have to write as many Characters to give a review is beyond me, and this will be my last review.

Arrested Development Series 1

Amaz ing com edy, intel li gent and really funny. It takes some time for the series to grown on view ers, and it can get com pli cated even with nar ra tor lead ing you through the story, but this is the show that you really need to see.Read full review...

Arrested `

Brilliant season, very funny, hilarious cast, definitely worth a watch! 22 fantastic episodes inculding one extended pilot episode not shown on the TV!