Further Tales of the City.

My only problem with this release is that instead of screening all four episodes uncut, they have released them as a feature length movie.

In Britain 'More' was released on video in the same format. The result was that all the scenes at the start of each episode that had the cast/production credits on screen were cut so I, the viewer, missed out on a number of scenes. I haven't seen the TV version of 'Further' so cannot comment on whether this dvd version has cut some scenes due to the on screen credits or whether they have included these scenes minus the on screen credits. 'More' was released as six episodes back to back. 'Further' should have been released this way as well.

The production is classy although there are a few dodgy shots here and there, such as establishing shots of the ship spoilt by rain drops on the camera lens.

Viewers of 'Tales' and 'More' should enjoy this release. Viewers new to 'Tales of the City' will probably find the characters in 'Further' a bit cold and would be advised to watch the first two mini-series before watching 'Further'.

Its hard to believe that in 2003 the first mini-series will be ten years old. Lets hope it doesn't take ten years to see the last three books developed for televison.


Stunning! Does Justice to Great Book! 10 Stars!   October 3, 2002
Bunny Man! (Seattle, WA USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

"Further Tales of the City" continues in the fine tradition established by the first two dramatizations of Maupin's works. We can only hope for the last 3 books (and maybe "Maybe the Moon" as well??)

Fortunately, the lion's share of actors from "More Tales of the City" continues into part three. It is critically important that Mary Ann and Anna Madrigal have been played throughout by the same fine actors, and it is a great bonus that Dee Dee has also had one performer. Her look in part three is quite a change from pts. 1-2; this woman has seen great changes in her life, and has weathered them well. The experience shows.

Other important actors (especially Bryan, Michael, and Mother Mucca) continue from part two.

It is amazing how much of the plot of the book, and how much of the actual language, has been able to be incorporated into this new series. The major substantive change was the incorporation of Mother Mucca (who appears only in book 2) and a whole new subplot into Further Tales. The major deletion was the "gay bashing" of Bryan and Michael, and the shifting of the wedding scene. None of this does violence to the original plot, and none will interfere into devoutly-desired future sequels, and they add richnesses of their own.

I am a veteran of many readings of the books, and of frequent viewings of "Tales" and "More Tales", will certainly watch "Further Tales" repeatedly.

Do get this and watch it! And those of you who have produced this gem, please continue the good work!


Badly mastered DVD   May 25, 2004
S. Maxey (Chicago)
9 out of 12 found this review helpful

Four starts for the content. Zero stars for the DVD mastering.

Perhaps it's because they tried to stuff more than three hours worth of material onto 1 DVD, but like others, I too was unable to play this all the way through on my DVD player. The problems start right about at the start of episode 4, and just keep getting worse. But perhaps it's just bad mastering, because I had the same problem with the second, extras, DVD, which isn't nearly so full. It's a shame such a wonderful series is marred by a badly mastered disc.


This whole series has rated 5 stars   August 4, 2002
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

"Further" is the third filmed adaption in an ongoing series of six books by Armistead Maupin dealing with a cross section of people living in 1970s San Francisco. Part one ran on PBS around 1994. Despite high ratings, there apparently was some protest over the fact that it had sexual themes and some homosexual characters. So PBS decided to put their "member dollars" elsewhere. Too bad, since it's one of the finest mini series done on television. Part one isn't available on DVD due to some rights issues.

Showtime funded production of the second installment ("More Tales..") in the late 90s with most of the same cast , followed by "Further" in 2001. Neither parts two nor three have quite the dazzle of the original, but are still extremely entertaining. It's fun to see Laura Linney's character evolve in this film into a self-assured woman. Giving too many details about the plot would spoil the fun. But it ties up some loose ends from part two and for the character of Mrs. Madrigal, a role that Olympia Dukakis imbues with a wonderful sense of humanity. The subplot of Michael Tolliver involves a star-crossed visit to an actor's home in L.A., modeled after Rock Hudson. Absent from this series are the wretched stereotypes found in so many films with gay subplots. These people are like a cross-section of a community, all nicely drawn and interesting in their own right. Laura Linney and many other cast members seem comfortable with the nudity in the story, which doesn't seem sensationalized. It just fits theme of sexual revolution and the search for self fulfillment that seems to have been part of the late 70s era.

Overall - Highly rated. But make sure you have seen parts one and two first before tackling this third visit to 28 Barbary Lane. This is a series with a strong story most people should enjoy.


wish i could give more than 5 stars   August 8, 2004
n/a
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I once read a review saying that this film is like comfort food- I think there's no better way to say it! It's a bowl of pasta or warm chocolatey pudding. Makes you want to live their and know the characters. Mrs. Madrigal -adopt me!!!!!