DVD Review: Mapp & Lucia - The Complete Collection

Serving up an exquisite dish of quirky characters and razor-sharp satire, the British comedy based on the beloved books by E.F. Benson, Mapp & Lucia: The Complete Collection returns to DVD on March 25, 2014 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. In the fictional village of Tilling-on-Sea circa 1930, two formidable matrons vie for social supremacy, using unconventional weaponry such as gardens and lobster recipes. Broadcast on PBS in 1986 and starring Prunella Scales (Fawlty Towers), Geraldine McEwan (Agatha Christie’s Marple) and Nigel Hawthorne (Yes Minister), the DVD 4-Disc Set includes all 10 episodes from Series 1 & 2 of the acclaimed British comedy ($59.99, AcornOnline.com).

The accents may be posh, but the battle for social supremacy is down and dirty in this classic British series set in 1930s provincial England. The indomitable Elizabeth Mapp (Prunella Scales) reigns as queen bee in the seaside village of Tilling—until elegant Emmeline “Lucia” Lucas (Geraldine McEwan) moves to town for the summer and decides to stay. As arbiters of good taste and propriety, they are unchallenged by all but each other. On battlegrounds such as art, marriage, local politics, European connections, and a certain coveted lobster recipe, these high-minded adversaries clash in contests rich in intrigue, scandal, and antic comedy.

Street Date: March 25, 2014                                    SRP: $59.99  

DVD 4-Disc Set: 10 episodes – Approx. 502 min. – British comedy – UPC: 0-54961-2233-9-8

Bonus: E.F. Benson biography

 My Thoughts

Mapp & Lucia is set is the roaring twenties with a cast of characters whose quirky charms are easy to love.  Originally airing in 1985, these ten episodes are ripe with British satire at its very best.  The series revolves primarily around two women--Elizabeth Mapp, the reinging socialite of the small seaside town, and Lucia Lucas, the newly widowed newcomer who threatens to take-over the reigns. The two become the original "frememies" as they compete for social standing in areas ranging from the arts to politics. The DVD set includes ten episodes broken down onto two discs.

Disc One

1) The Village Fete - Lucia makes her appearance on the scene, initially starting out as Mapp's tenent.

2) Battle Station - Lucia buys a house and moves in permanently.

3) The Italian Connection - An Italian Contessa visits the town.

4) Lobster Pots - Lucia's seafood culinary skills are put to the test.

5) The Owl and the Pussycat - The two ladies seem to be friends, but looks can be deceiving.

 Disc Two

1) Winner Takes All - The ladies run against each other for positions in the local office.

2) Change & Change About - A look into Mapp's marriage and the possibility of a new house.

3) Lady Bountiful - Lucia gives to charities to earn social standing.

4) Worship - Lucia becomes the mayor of the town.

5)  Au Reservoir - Mapp finally gets back on top.

Mapp & Lucia is a wonderful series lush with visual delights as well as lots of humor. The seaside town really comes to life with the beautiful country scenery and the colorful townspeople. The whole cast gives a flawless performance. This is the type of show you can watch many times and find new things to snicker at every single time.

You can order Mapp & Lucia: The Complete Collection on DVD for only $59.99 at Acorn Media.