The Office Collection (DVD, 2004)

As an avid BBC America watcher....I quickly stumbled across this...and never let it go!!! The office is a fantastic, extremely original comedy, or should I say Mockumentary - the phrase coined after this and other similar series introduced a new concept in comedy - filmed with a realistic stance and added narration.
I will also hold this dear to me; as quite frankly it is not that far from the truth...I have worked for British companies both in and out of the UK, and I indeed had a Brit Boss - called David - in this series David Brent is the Manager - who also thought himself the coolest cat but had a strange knack for saying the wrong thing and being completely politically incorrect!
This DVD is all you need to capture the essence of the UK series which lead to the current and hugely successful US spin off. It contains series one and two and the funny but oh so awkward Office Special!
This DVD takes you though the initial introductions to the team - David Brent is played by Ricky Gervais - whose superb acting creates a character who both feel for and squirm at, the whole way along! Never have I seen a scene so uncomfortable as the many Gervais acts out!! His right hand man Gareth played by Mackenzie Cook who was more recently seen in Pirates of the Caribbean - is also a ridiculous character whereas your heart goes out to the woes of Tim; essentially the same character as appears in the US series with a crush on the engaged office secretary!!
We then progress though the office struggles as it is downsized ad merged with another branch, to Davids loss of Manager status, through the special where he seems to be a salesman of sorts and semi celebrity after the "success" of the 'documentary" - The Office. It gets more and more uncomfortable adn awkward, yet in a very funny way!!
There are so many must see scenes...such as David trying to out do the new boss in a dancing competition....right there in the office; or his attempts to have harassment training!! Its strange how mnay scenes can be both difficult to watch yet hysterical at the same time - it employs a different breed of comedy, some very talented actors and some clever script writing to be able to provide this unique mix and balance!!
This is a must have DVD for all Office fans...everything you need in one place to keep laughing and get your Office fix!!