Review of Friends: Series 2 Boxset

Introduction

After the success of the first series it was inevitable that a second would follow. The purpose of the first series was to set the ball rolling, introuduce the characters, develop them, and begin to put them in comic situations. The first series ended on a minor cliffhanger - to do with Ross and Rachel and what could and might happen. As soon as the credits start rolling on the first episode, everything is back - by now the familiar faces are developing even more, and the emphasis is now on sharp, witty writing instead of just setting the scene.

This series contains some memorable moments, such as a double-episode with guest stars Julia Roberts (who, incidentally, started dating Matthew Perry after meeting him on the set whilst filming the episodes) and Jean-Claude Van Damme; the lesbian wedding of Carol and Susan (cue the usual remarks from Joey and Chandler!); and then Joey moving out at the end of the series...

Like the first series, the 24 episodes are spread across 3 `flipper` discs.

Video

It is presented in 4:3 Fullscreen, which is normal for a TV-DVD transfer, but that doesn`t mean it`s necessarily good. The palette is OK, and there is the odd compression sign, but on the whole it is a fairly good print slightly sullied by the odd flaw.

Friends doesn`t revolve so much on visual comedy as say, a spoof, but there is plenty for your eyes to lap up. The situations the characters get them into is humourous, and there is already a visible improvement over the first series in the set-pieces.

Audio

A DD 2.0 track is on offer, which is sufficient for this, being a dialogue-driven feature. The main audio stream is crisp and clear, and the ambience level is just right, but the audio has been marked down for the abscence of a DD 5.1 track.

The scripts are all sharp, and as mentioned above, put the characters into some great comedic situations (such as Chandler having his clothes stolen whilst in the men`s room at a posh restaurant).

Features

Again, the main extra is a music video of "I`ll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts, which is an extended version than that of the opening credits. The six stars participate (visually not singing) in the video, which adds some authenticity to it. Apart from this incredibly thin extra, there is episode (not scene) selection, and static menus. Disappointing.

Conclusion

There really are some great episodes in this second series, and the acting is now more relaxed, the set-pieces are very amusing and the rhythm that now dominates the later Friends series is becoming more and more evident.

Overall, this is an improvment over the first series (although it`s not good enough to boost the content rating, so it`s the same as the first series, although this one is better). Disc wise everything, unfortunately, is the same, but the good news is that things will just keep getting better...