Queer as Folk - The Final Season (Collector's Edition) | 
 enlarge | Directors: Michael Decarlo, John Fawcett, John Greyson, Laurie Lynd, Bruce Mcdonald
Actors: Gale Harold, Hal Sparks, Randy Harrison
Studio: Showtime Networks
Category: DVD
List Price: $109.99
Buy New: $64.34
You Save: $45.65 (42%)
New (36) Used (14) Collectible (1) from $53.48
Rating:  70 reviews
Sales Rank: 7860
Format: Box Set, Collector's Edition, Color, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed), Spanish (Published)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 5
Running Time: 870 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.5 x 1
MPN: 801184
UPC: 097368011847
EAN: 0097368011847
ASIN: B000EHSV5K
Theatrical Release Date: December 3, 2000
Release Date: May 30, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: This item is BRAND NEW and factory fresh (sealed if applicable). This item is NOT returned or refurbished. May have store or price stickers affixed. We cannot ship to APO addresses.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Gay has rarely been so glamorous as in the American version of Queer as Folk. But the show's success rests on more than hard bodies and glossy, picture-perfect sex (though there's an abundance of that); this series gave its characters a multidimensional richness that rivals more high-profile programs like Six Feet Under or The Sopranos, while tackling an impressive breadth of social and political issues without ever (well, almost never) feeling preachy. The fifth and final season lays out its themes with authority: Alpha-gay Brian (Gale Howard) buys and revamps the sex club Babylon, declaring promiscuity and independence as a gay birthright, while Brian's oldest friend Michael (Hal Sparks, Talk Soup) embraces domesticity with his partner Ben (Robert Gant); the flamboyant Emmett (Peter Paige) finds success as a tv personality, only to find his persona may trap him in a stereotype; and Ted (Scott Lowell) grapples with body prejudices within the gay community. Meanwhile, the crumbling relationship of Mel (Michelle Clunie) and Lindsay (Thea Gill) takes a more troubling turn when Michael demands more rights as the father of their daughter. Most tv series would take a topic like this last legal wrangle and stretch it over an entire season, but Queer as Folk is more ambitious; the writers recognize that the resolution of one problem is rarely the end of the story, that muddy consequences can be as dramatically compelling as head-to-head conflict. This aggressive and effective plotting, combined with the show's willingness to explore the complexities of every issue--be it assimilation or the coming out of a celebrity--results in an increasing emotional power as the series steamrolls towards its final episode. Some subplots can be silly (Brian has a ridiculous stud-off with a new hot guy in town), the dialogue can sometimes veer from wit to camp cliches, and the omnipresence of sculpted, muscular physiques is absurd and even a little alienating for some viewers, but Queer as Folk's strengths--the compassion and intelligence of the writers, the commitment and nuance of the acting--make this show a true television landmark and a pleasure to watch. And then, of course, there's all that graphic and lovingly photographed sex. Rosie O'Donnell and Cyndi Lauper make guest appearances, and Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey) continues her much-loved performance as Michael's mother, Debbie. --Bret Fetzer
Product Description
Showtime's QUEER AS FOLK was a groundbreaking show about the lives of a group of gay people living in Pittsburgh. The main characters--Michael (Hal Sparks) an insecure 29-year-old; Brian (Gale Harold) an ad executive who isn't into relationships; and Justin (Randy Harrison) a wide-eyed and innocent 17-year-old--helped break down boundaries and stereotypes while also providing compelling viewing. Sadly the show came to a close in its fifth season which is presented here in its entirety.System Requirements:Running Time 780 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating: NR UPC: 097368011847 Manufacturer No: 801184
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| Customer Reviews: Read 65 more reviews...
 A fitting end to a landmark series May 25, 2008
Randy E. Halford (Boise, ID)
The fifth & final season of "Queer as Folk" did not disappoint. If anything, the producers, writers & cast met their subject matter dead on, with an unfaltering eye. Notable was the ongoing (and incredibly messy) custody battle between Lindsay, Melanie & biological father Michael; the creators smartly realized that situations such as this are not neatly resolved within an episode or two. Repercussions linger long after, and friendships/relationships are put to the test.
There were wonderful guest appearances from Rosie O'Donnell & Cyndi Lauper, the latter's participation signalling a bombing at Babylon which changed many lives forever. Most shocking was the 360-degree turnaround of Brian, who changed his ways, rejected promiscuity and made an announcement which made all jaws drop: He was marrying Justin & settling down for good. But as with the custody battle storyline, there are no easy answers as things take a complicated turn.
Emmett (who took a fun whirl aa a gay celebrity) helped closeted football player Drew deal with a scandal & embrace his homosexuality; unlucky-at-love Ted (who also boosted his confidence with plastic surgery) got a much-deserved ending by hinting at a possible romantic rekindling with old boyfriend Blake; Debbie flirted with retirement from the diner to spend more time with live-in boyfriend/policeman Karl; and Hunter faced HIV prejudice at school and accepted Michael & Ben's proposal to become their son for good. Concluding this all was an appropriate, heartwarming fadeout as Michael philosophizes that "we all follow the 'thumpa-thumpa' of life's dance beat. It's what drives us".
There is not a weak performance from anyone in this series, leading or supporting roles alike. It's sad to see this series exit the airwaves. However, it has made such a deep impression in portaying the gay lifestyle with such frankness that other future series will be hard pressed to meet its levels of quality.
Sublime series May 6, 2008
Sammy Elliott (Belgium/Ireland)
Since QAF 's not out yet here in Belgium (got the pun??), I ordered it for the fifth time at Amazon and I must say, the combination of daring erotics, drama, suspense and classical soap elements makes this series a real must-have for all queers and their friends.
Every character is well taken care of, nice stories, real-life plots, excellent acting, great score and typical music.
Stopping after 5 seasons may be good, because we really don't want this cult series to degenerate into hollow, brainless entertainment just because there's a market for it.
Great job. Snifffff ..
Sizzling Hott Finale April 27, 2008
Hussain Mustafa (INDIA)
The Gang is back and this time more trendy, hotter, sexier and irresistable......
I wish the show was never ending but nevertheless having a Collector's Edition makes me feel special..
The show is groundbreaking and has certainly changed my life in some ways.
 excellent product - poor delivery February 13, 2008
Victor Demetriou (geneva, switzerland)
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
product was in perfect condition. not satisfied with delivery which took more than 1 month to arrive and the way amazon informed me about it (received 5-6 emails with no concrete information or alternative proposal).
 Over-priced and Predictable December 24, 2007
Mr. Roy Stead
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
The listing says 870 minutes, but 13 episodes at about 45 minutes a shot means that it's closer to 570 minutes - I'm not sure where the additional five hours comes in, unless of course they're including extras in that (something which other DVDs tend not to include in the headline figure).
So, you get about nine or ten hours of actual show for your money. At around US$7 per hour, then, how does this series stack up?
It's absolutely predictable: Every plot point, every storyline, every theme has been done (and done better) in previous series. And they're all massively signalled in advance, providing no real surprises at any point in this final season.
If you're a fan of the show then it's watchable, if comfort-watching and mainly just to see how everything gets wrapped up at the end of the series run. But at the extortionate price of this box set, you'd be better off either watching it on TV or heading to eBay for a cheaper copy because this box set is hugely overpriced.
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