Secret Army - The Complete BBC Series / Kessler Complete Series (Import)

This was sort of locked away after Ello Ello hit the screens, which was a shame, as this is probably the most tense, realistic and moving programme about the war made. Lifeline is an evasion line, trying to get allied airmen away from Brussels and Major Brandt of the Luftwaffe and Ludwig Kessler of the SS.. What makes this interesting apart from gripping story lines that more than 35 years after I first watched them, are still as vivid and powerful as they were then, is that you never quite know who will win and more importantly how the good guys are not always good, and the bad guys are not pantomime villain. Brandt is an old fashioned Air Force pilot who has sympathy, even respect for his adversaries whilst Kessler, who went on to have his own brief series, has his tender moment, Good Friday is an good example, and even his love for Madeline, a Belgian woman... and we get a grip of what drives him.. Not just fanaticism but a pride in his country. An example of how nationalism can go too far, in today's world still as apt, but his belief in a better world and not just for Germany. But the stories evolve around Lifeline, who regularly find themselves 1 or 2 people short as people, even lead characters die... Initially set up by Lisa, code name Yvette, we watch the lives of albert, Monique, Natalie, Alain and so forth putting their lives on the line to save people they have never seen, and never will again. The three series take us from around 1941/42, it is never clear to the end of the war, whilst Kessler moves us several decades on to see how his life turns out. I really cannot recommend this high enough.. for some the lack of English subtitles may be a pain (this is imported from the Netherlands) but don't let that put you off and the picture quality shows how old the series is... I love this box set and know it will be viewed regularly

This is the Dutch import that also contains the Kesler. Series. I have only seen the first 3 episodes on disc 1. More to try the disc Than anything else. Forgot to turn off the sub titles on 1st episode but did not spoil the viewing. The first 3 episodes were very enjoyable.. it is good to see something without bad language ! This series a must for anyone who is interested in WWII who is not old enough to remember the programme. If you are old enough to remember it and enjoyed it then I am sure you will enjoy it again. My father and I always watched this but in those days if you went out you missed the episode. No video recorders ! And. Not repeated later in the week either. *** update *** I have neatly finished watching secret army, it makes you realise how brave all these people were fighting for freedom. Not all the airman managed to get back. Some sad stories and they 'lifeline' team had hard decisions to make if they were not sure about certain people. I am also learning a few Dutch words! Picking this up from the main menu of each disk. I also bought the book which lists all the episodes and details of each one. Refer to my review for that.

Unfortunately I am unable to make a direct comparison with the BBC releases but I purposefully went for this set to save money and I can honestly say I am not displeased. The picture quality is probably not as high as the BBC product but I expected that. You get what you pay for and what I got was every episode of all three "Secret Army" Series and "Kessler" in English and what I would describe as BBC VHS quality. So far I have only watched the first 5 episodes but the picture quality has in no way detracted from the absorbing storylines. The box is the flimsy type but my set did not suffer in the post. The DVD cases are the thin type with only an outer picture sleeve and none of the episode descriptions in English. I have not found any extras and do not expect to but, I feel I got a Region 2 bargain.

Packaging-Well packed. No issues. No sign of tampering and well sealed.The box is adequate for the need. The DVD cases were thin.Picture Quality-Good, but definitely is not as high as the BBC product. I have verified this with a friend's BBC versionSound Quality-Good for purpose. No issues found.Storyline-One of the most intriguing storylines, if you are into war dramas or movies.Extras-No bonus stuff available.Price-This is definitely cheaper than the BBC version, and very good value for money. I would go for this any day, for this price, when compared to the BBC version. But look out for sales for the BBC version, and you actually may be in for a treat!

If you enjoyed the recent TV series SS GB then you will love this series. Although an old series[1996 I think] it still gives a sensible and credible production.Forget 'allo 'allo, not many laughs in this series. The dialogue is in English with Dutch sub titles but these can be turned off in the introduction page and individual episodes selected.Look for 'Ondertiteling' [Subtitles] and SELECT 'Uit' [Off] it defaults to Aan [On] when first switched on.Look for 'Afleveringen' and 'Speelalles' SELECT 'Afleveringen' to play the Episodes - 'Speelalles' [means Play All]There are 42 Episodes of Secret Army and 16 Episodes of the follow up series Kessler, excellent value for the money at around £0.69 per episode.

Wonderful, from the haunting theme tune at the beginning to the very end ,great character development ,great storylines ,and drama which sadly is not available or doesn't match anything on our screens today. Modern drama misses the depth ot story telling, perhaps the actors or directors have less understanding of what it is they are trying to portray. I am of the affirmation that the best of British drama and its golden age was and is the decade of the 1970,s.If you like drama this and any other British made drama of the decade is excellent ,look past the meagre scenery sets and concentrate on the superb acting and story telling. Great value for money.