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Ashes to Ashes: Complete BBC Series 1 [2008] | ![Ashes to Ashes: Complete BBC Series 1 [2008]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510PN0LW-oL._SL160_.jpg)
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| Actors: Philip Glenister, Keeley Hawes, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster, Montserrat Lombard
Studio: Contender Entertainment Group
Category: DVD
List Price: £39.99
Buy New: £16.75
You Save: £23.24 (58%)
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Rating:  40 reviews
Format: Closed-captioned, Pal, Surround Sound, Widescreen
Language: English (Unknown)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region: 2
Number Of Discs: 4
Running Time: 480 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 1
EAN: 5030305620561
ASIN: B001265O6G
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: May 5, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Go on you know you want one gZoop it NOW!! All gZoop products are dispatched from the Channel Islands & take approx 3-5 working days (excluding weekends) from order to delivery.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
A triumphant return for DCI Gene Hunt, Ashes To Ashes takes some of the characters from the superb time-shifting police drama Life On Mars, and moves the action to the early 1980s. So it's out with the Cortina, in with the Audi Quattro, and straight down to some terrific television. Joining DCI Hunt -- again played with terrific force and stature by Philip Glenister -- is Keeley Hawes, as DCI Alex Drake. Like John Simm's character in Life On Mars, DCI Drake suddenly finds herself in 1981, with no clear reason why. This provides the platform for another terrific show, the first series of which is fully present and correct here. Ashes To Ashes is tonally a little different from Life On Mars, but maintains the wonderful attention to period detail (and a healthy 80s soundtrack to match), and the willingness to mix in some fun alongside the serious business of police work. Ashes To Ashes is some achievement. It grounds out an identify for itself, stepping out of the shadow of Mars. And the rapport between Hawes and Glenister is a real highlight. But there's so much to enjoy here, backed up by the promise of another series in the offing. For now, though, there's plenty to get your teeth into here, thanks to a quality, very British drama that's simply compelling television. --Jon Foster
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| Customer Reviews:
 Bollinger-Knickers takes on the Gene Genie March 28, 2008
Dr. George L. Sik (Epsom, Surrey)
28 out of 31 found this review helpful
It would be very tempting just to say this isn't quite as good as Life on Mars, but the only thing that's really missing is the originality of the concept. Psychologically-trained copper DI Alex Drake is fully aware of what happened to Sam Tyler in Life on Mars - she's studied his case and she knows all about Gene, Ray, Chris and the rest. She thus enjoys something of a separateness from the action, totally convinced that none of it is real and that those in the 1981 world are 'constructs' created by her, rendering the dreamlike quality much more haunting and niggling this time round. She's also a little smug (Gene calls her Bollinger-Knickers, but clearly fancies this 'posh bird' something rotten). Some female viewers I know find her very annoying - I, like Gene, find her very sexy!
The best episodes are the first and last. In the first, you suspect the writers had a deliberate checklist of things to include to hook Life on Mars fans: an intriguing setup; a new car; the most memorable tunes of the era; Zippy and George from Rainbow (remember Basil Brush and Camberwick Green from Life on Mars?). This may be a little arch, but it's what we viewers want! As for the last episode...no. No clues!
Along the way there is much fun to be had, together with inspired touches like bringing the real Shaw Taylor out of retirement for a Police 5 segment.
It's addictive, it's a winner. Yes, it's a bit uneven, occasionally too tricksy, occasionally historically inaccurate. But knackers to that, as I'm sure Gene himself would say!
A cracking start February 8, 2008
Richard
27 out of 40 found this review helpful
It maybe a bit premature to review this, seeing as only one episode has been aired so far (at the time of writing), but I couldn't help myself, especially as I loved both series's of 'Life On Mars' and was brought up on early 80's New Romantic & Synth Pop. There is no point going into the concept of this spin off series, nor the narrative of the first episode - as everyone has got the gist, other than to say that this is set in 1981 with DCI Gene Hunt's gang being transferred to the Met in London.
The important thing is, does this still work? Yes, the charm, wit, freshness and energy are all still present and correct, plus now with an added touch of style and glamour - what with the change of decade, landscape and soundscape, but still retaining its grit. And talking about soundscape, isn't the music great. So far we've had 'Ashes To Ashes' - David Bowie (obviously), 'Vienna' - Ultravox, 'Careless Memory' - Duran Duran, 'Are Friends Electric' - Gary Numan And Tubeway Army, 'I Fought The Law' - The Clash, 'No More Heroes' - The Stranglers, 'In Love With A German Film Star' - The Passions and 'The Same Old Scene' - Roxy Music, plus even a send up sing-a-long to 'Shut Uppa Your Face' by Joe Dulchy (not sure of spelling). And that's only in the first episode. So when they compile the soundtrack, they will be spoilt for choice.
Philip Glenister's character has had a few rough edges shaved off - which is understandable, as this is now set in 1981, but it still retains the essence of Gene Hunt. And Keeley Hawes has really made her part work as Police Psychotherapist DI Alex Drake, which is no mean feat when you're following on from the great John Simm's portrayal of Sam Tyler. Also, there is a sexual chemistry between the two leading roles, which will no doubt be explored more as the series progresses. Plus, Chris has found himself a girlfriend in the Met - how touching, and Ray is just - well Ray.
I just loved Hunt's red Audi Quattro speeding through the tunnel blaring out to the sound of 'I Fought The Law', plus the 'Miami Vice' pastiche with the drug deal, the sub-machine guns and the speedboat on the Thames etc. Plus not forgetting George and Zippy off 'Rainbow' and the sinister clown from the 'Ashes To Ashes' video.
Overall, I was impressed with the opening episode. So let us just hope that the rest of the series is this good, if not better.
Same Gene Pool, Different Animal April 5, 2008
Georgia Smiley (Los Angeles)
19 out of 23 found this review helpful
I liked Life on Mars. I loved Ashes to Ashes. I found it to be vastly more entertaining, funnier, creepier and more of a roller coaster ride of emotions than LOM which hung its angst on a sleeve and continued to wipe its head.
I love the fact the protagonist is pro-active and is aware of what's going on. The show is quite funny but also eerie in parts and it took a few shows for the tone issues to settle in. I don't think the writers or director showed an ounce of finesse in the first two but after that, it really was a pleasure to watch. (The Thames ride? Please. Too many Gene Huntisms saying "Aren't I so un-pc", but that happened in LOM too.)
The show plays around with the fluidity and imprecision of our own memories and Alex is dependent on hers to bring her back to modern times. The audience is never quite sure about Alex's memories and even Alex questions them on occasion as little bits arise in her dreams that weren't there before.
The writers and producers cautioned the audience that Alex would be smug, knowing, and not suffer fools. She's a bit posh but also has a wry sense of humor that tickles to no end. Keeley Hawes does a marvelous job with a tricky role: she has to be in 1981 but also know that this is "probably" all in her head. She also has to come in with both barrels blazing, not caring if anyone likes her or not. The character isn't supposed to be cute and loveable and is much the better for it.
The arc of the drama is compelling and we spent many nights in a heap of tears on the couch toward the end of the 8-episode run. Glenister is less obvious than in LOM and it's a good thing. Gene is older and a bit wiser but retains his Gene-ness. I found him more likeable in this and on a few occasions downright attractive...who knew?
It's a terrific ride through the first season. They answer some key questions and resolve year one quite satisfyiingly without answering the big question.
Highly recommended.
Questions you need to ask yourself... April 2, 2008
Mr. C. J. Iredale (hezza bezza)
18 out of 22 found this review helpful
1) Was it as good as Life on Mars? No.
2) Does that matter? No
3) Was it better than 95% of current television? Yes
4) Would the people winging about it rather have this series than not have it? (In all probable honesty, Yes)
5) Was it a success on most levels? Yes
6) Were there always going to be people who didn't like it because they always prefer what has gone before? Yes
7) Do you care about them? No
8) Should this be purchased and enjoyed for what it is, not what it isn't? Yes
9) Go on then...
GENE HUNT IT BACK TO CATCH THE 'CRIMINAL SCUM' February 12, 2008
NEO (orpington kent)
17 out of 23 found this review helpful
Ashes to Ashes the follow up the the equally brilliant Life On Mars is set in 1981. DI Alex Drake played by the very sexy Keely Hawes steps into John Simm's shoes to step back in time when she is shot. Rough and Tough DCI Gene Hunt played by Phil Glenister returns with a red Audi Quattro. He has been tamed a little but even in the early 80's he's still very much the Sheriff of his new beat in London. Drake a criminal Phycologist for the met is whisked back in time to meet Gene after she. Had been treating Sam Tyler before his death some (7 years) according to Gene from 1973. The whole idea of a shared delusion really gets the mind working overtime on the possiblities for us all in a way. So it would seem that this is Drake and Tyler's Heaven or Hell which I have no idea ?. However Drake's Mother and Father were killed in 1981 thus the link to her 'travelling'. But Gene is the real star no matter what but there is talk that he will be killed off during the series. I hope a second series will be made to find the truth behind this whole shared delusion and the creepy 'clown' haunting Drake. The retro side is also here in spades from the 80's 'Blitz' club in london were the New Romantic movement started. To the cars , though other than Hunt's Quattro we don't see many other than a battered MK5 Ford Cortina Police car. The retroness and accuracy is a little off but this is all in Alex's mind so that can be forgiven.
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