Friends: Series 2 Boxset (UK)

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The whole second series
Certificate: 12
Running Time: 528 mins
Retail Price: £60
Release Date:

Synopsis:
The One With Ross`s New Girlfriend
Rachel, ready to reveal her feelings to Ross, meets him at the airport; her plans fall apart, however, when she finds out about his new girlfriend, Julie. Chandler, already feeling guilty about revealing Ross`s feelings to Rachel, now feels worse that he encouraged Ross to forget about her. The gang watches Sumo Wrestling. Phoebe gives Joey and Chandler haircuts; Monica wants one, too. Phoebe is reluctant because of Monica`s picky nature, but finally gives in. Monica wants a cut like Demi Moore; unfortunately Phoebe confuses "Demi" with "Dudley". Chandler needs a suit made, and Joey refers him to the family tailor; while getting measured for pants, Chandler gets a little more attention than he bargained for. Ross sickens everyone (especially Rachel) with his constant gushing for Julie. In Rachel`s depression, she sleeps with Paolo again.
The One With The Breast Milk
Carol breastfeeds Ben, causing Joey and Chandler discomfort. However, even stronger reactions occur when Ross is taking care of Ben and Phoebe checks the temperature of the bottled breast milk by tasting it. Julie invites Monica to go shopping; Rachel finds out and feels betrayed. Joey`s status as the Bijan Cologne Man is threatened when his department store hires someone to be the Hombre Man. Rachel tries to be nicer to Julie, but is less than sincere.
The One Where Heckles Dies
Chandler breaks up with a woman because her nostrils are too big--yet another superficial reason to avoid a real relationship. Mr. Heckles complains again about the noise--it`s disturbing his birds (he could have birds). Phoebe, Rachel, and Joey impersonate Janice. Mr. Heckles dies, apparently while hitting his ceiling with a broom because of the noise from above. Phoebe doesn`t believe in evolution, which bothers Ross enough that he feels he has to convince her of the theory. Rachel and Monica inherit all of Mr. Heckles earthly possesions; while clearing out his apartment, they discover that Heckles was quite a funny guy in his time. Chandler is upset to find how much he has in common with Mr. Heckles, and in his determination not to die alone, he calls Janice... only to find out that she`s married and pregnant. While trying to decide which of Heckles` things to keep, Rachel realizes that Monica doesn`t consider the apartment to be "their" apartment.
The One With Phoebe`s Husband
Phoebe turns out to be married to Duncan, a gay friend who needed a green card. Phoebe did love him, and finds those feelings returning. Now (six years later) he`s back and needs a divorce. Turns out he`s not gay, and is getting married to someone else. The revelation of Phoebe`s secret marriage prompts several other discoveries: The underwear on the telephone pole outside is Monica`s, from when she had sex with Fun Bobby on the terrace; Chandler has a third nipple; Joey was in a porn movie (which they then watch). Ross is nervous about the prospect of having sex for the first time with Julie. He approaches Rachel for advice; her own interest in Ross keeps her from being completely honest, and she tries her best to see that it doesn`t happen.
The One With Five Steaks & An Eggplant
Chandler gets calls from an intriguing woman (Jade) looking for someone named Bob. On the phone, he pretends to be Bob and arranges to meet her, so he can console her when "Bob" stands her up. Their relationship seems to be going very well, until she calls "Bob" back and complains of Chandler`s sexual inadequacies. Chandler plans a big birthday hoopla for Ross, but the expense involved touches a nerve with Phoebe, Joey, and Rachel, who don`t make as much money as the others. Monica, Chandler, and Ross celebrate his birthday by attending Hootie and the Blowfish in concert; they end up partying backstage afterwards with the band. Monica gets a new position as Head Lunch Chef, also in charge of purchasing, who has her own little desk (when Roland`s not there), and a beeper. However, she is soon fired for accepting a gift from the restaurant`s new meat supplier.
The One With The Baby On The Bus
Ben always cries when he`s near Monica. Ross has an allergic reaction to Monica`s Kiwi Lime Pie; his tongue swells up and he has to go to the hospital. Chandler and Joey take care of Ben for the day, but accidentally leave him on a city bus while meeting women. They retrieve him from Human Services, but are a little unsure whether they`ve got the right baby. Phoebe is displaced when Terry, the manager of Central Perk, hires Stephanie, a professional singer, to play at the coffee house. Rachel arranges for Phoebe to play after Stephanie, but Phoebe feels slighted because, unlike Stephanie, she won`t be getting paid. She becomes a street musician, outside Central Perk.
The One Where Ross Finds Out
Chandler realizes he`s put on some weight, so he agrees to let Monica be his personal fitness trainer. The results are great, but Monica is a bit too intense for Chandler`s liking. Phoebe`s dating a guy she really likes, but is perplexed that they haven`t had sex yet. Ross and Julie plan to get a cat together. Rachel has her first real date since finding out about Ross` feelings for her. She spends the whole date obsessing about Ross and Julie, and drinking too much wine. While drunk, she leaves Ross a message saying she`s over him. The next morning, Ross retrieves his messages while at Rachel`s apartment. Confronted with the truth at such an inconvenient time, Ross can`t deal with it and leaves. Later, they argue, and Ross says it`s too late, because he`s with Julie now; he leaves again. However, he comes right back and kisses her.
The One With The List
Chandler gets a new computer. Ross is depressed about having to chose between Julie and Rachel. Chandler suggests they make a list of pros and cons, which somehow never makes it past the cons. Ross choses Rachel, but then she finds the list and decides she doesn`t want to be with Ross anymore. Monica`s finds a new job creating recipes for Mockolate, a synthetic chocolate substitute.
The One With Phoebe`s Dad
Ugly Naked Guy decorates his tree. Monica and Rachel, low on funds, make cookies to give instead of cash as holiday tips to the paperboy, the mailman, the superintendent, etc. Then they receive mangled papers and smashed packages; when their heater won`t turn off and the super doesn`t fix it, they fear he`s also upset about not getting cash. Despite the heat, Rachel and Monica have a big Christmas party. Ross tries to make amends with Rachel. He tells her to make a list about him, so she does; he obsesses about her complaints. Phoebe discovers that everything she thought she knew about her biological father (including his picture) is a lie. Her grandmother knows where he lives, and it`s not far. Phoebe (accompanied by Chandler and Joey) goes to visit him, but eventually decides she`s not ready. Chandler and Joey have to do their Christmas shopping late on Christmas eve.
The One With Russ
Joey gets bad reviews for his latest play and decides to quit show business... until his agent gets him an audition for a soap opera. He finds out, however, that he`d have to sleep with the casting director to get the part. Monica starts dating Fun Bobby again; she notices he seems to have a drinking problem. She confronts him and he decides to quit, after which Monica notices he`s no longer any fun. Rachel dates Russ, who bears a striking resemblence to Ross.
The One With The Lesbian Wedding
Carol and Susan are getting married; Ross doesn`t want to attend, but when Carol`s parent`s don`t approve of the wedding, Ross convinces her that she should do it anyway, and he gives away the bride. Or rather, one of the brides. Monica caters the wedding, but falls behind and recruits everyone to help. Joey`s begins appearing in Days of Our Lives as Dr. Drake Ramoray. One of Phoebe`s customer`s dies on the massage table, and her spirit enter`s Phoebe`s body so she can attend to unfinished business. Rachel`s mother comes to visit, then announces she`s thinking about leaving Rachel`s father. Ugly Naked Guy plays the Cello.
The One After The Superbowl, Part 1
A TV commercial featuring a Monkey reminds Ross of Marcel. Ross decides to visit Marcel at the San Diego Zoo, since he`s going to a convention in Los Angeles. Once there, he is told by a zoo representative that Marcel has died; however, an eccentric zoo keeper tells him Marcel was stolen and put into show business. Ross` search leads him back to New York, where Marcel is filming Virus II: The Virus Takes Manhattan. Joey begins dating Erika, a stalker who thinks he`s really his soap opera character, Dr. Drake Ramoray. Phoebe dates Rob, a guy who hires her to sing songs for children at the library. Her songs are a little too real for the kids` parents. She gets fired, but all the kids come to the coffee house so they can still hear her.
The One After The Superbowl, Part 2
The gang spends time on Marcel`s movie set. Ross has a hard time getting time or attention from Marcel. Chandler bumps into Susie Moss, a girl he knew in the fourth grade, whom he embarrased by lifting her skirt during the class play. She comes on really strong but it turns out to be an elaborate scheme to get back at him. Monica and Rachel see Jean-Claude Van Damme; when Rachel tries to get him interested in Monica, he asks Rachel out instead, causing a rift between the roommates. Joey gets a small part in the movie but doesn`t perform too well.
The One With The Prom Video
Joey, now earning money, gives Chandler an expensive (and gaudy) gold bracelet. Joey is hurt when he finds out Chandler doesn`t like it. Monica has a job interview with a restaurant manager who has a salad fetish. Rachel`s starting to date again, which prompts Ross to interfere... until she makes it clear that they are never going to get together. Phoebe shares her "lobster" theory. Jack and Judy Geller come by to drop off some of Monica`s things; they`re turning her room into a gym. Monica tells them about losing her job, but she just can`t get the courage to ask them for money. Amongst Monica`s items from home is a video of herself and Rachel preparing for their Senior Prom. Rachel`s pre-surgery nose, Monica`s large stature, and Ross` "Mr. Kotter" look are featured. In the video, Rachel`s date doesn`t show up and she`s distraught about having to miss her own Prom. Ross prepares to take her, but just before this is revealed, Rachel`s date shows up. Rachel, watching the video for the first time, is so moved by Ross` compassion for her that she forgives him for "the list" and kisses him passionately. Monica discovers some unexpected footage of her parents at the end of the video tape.
The One Where Ross And Rachel - You Know
Joey buys a big screen TV and two leather reclining chairs; he and Chandler don`t move from them for days. Phoebe helps Monica cater a party at the home of Dr. Richard Burke, an old friend of the Gellers, who recently divorced. Despite their age difference, Richard and Monica begin dating. Ross and Rachel begin dating. One of their dates is interrupted when Ross is paged to the museum. By the time he`s done with work, their plans are ruined, so they spend the night together in the museum.
The One Where Joey Moves Out
Chandler and Joey attend a party thrown by one of the other actors on Days of Our Lives. He happens to be moving out, so he offers to let Joey have his apartment. Having never lived alone, Joey decides to take him up on it, which disheartens Chandler. Phoebe and Rachel decide to get tattoos; their decision is complicated by the facts that Ross doesn`t like tattoos and Phoebe doesn`t like needles. Ross, Monica, and Richard go to Jack Geller`s birthday party. Everyone is buzzing with rumors of Richard`s young new girlfriend (also known as his "twinkie in the city"). Monica hides in the bathtub; her parents come into the bathroom and fool around. Later, Monica reveals her relationship with Richard to her parents.
The One Where Eddie Moves In
Joey shows his friends his new apartment, which (unfortunately) he decorated himself. A record producers signs Phoebe to make a video of Smelly Cat, but dubs in someone else`s voice. Monica is annoyed that Ross is around so much; they fight like typical siblings. Chandler and Joey miss each other, but neither one will admit it. Chandler gets a new roommate, Eddie, who seems like a great guy. Joey is jealous, and he and Chandler fight like a typical couple. Chandler finds out that he does really have that much in common with Eddie after all.
The One Where Dr Ramoray Dies
Chandler`s roommate, Eddie, begins to show signs of instability: He`s obsessed with his ex-girlfriend; he accuses Chandler of sleeping with her, and of killing his fish. Richard wonders how many men Monica`s been with, after Phoebe announces that it`s been "a lot." This leads Ross and Rachel to a similar discussion. Monica has Richard sleep over on the same night that Rachel has Ross sleep over. Unfortunately, there`s only one condom in the apartment. Joey`s claim in Soap Opera Digest that he writes a lot of his own lines angers the show`s writer, who decides to have Dr. Ramoray fall down an elevator shaft.
The One Where Eddie Won`t Go
Chandler wakes in the night to find Eddie watching him sleep; they argue and Eddie agrees to leave. The next day, Eddie goes on a fruit drying kick and has no recollection of their previous conversation. Variations of this happened day after day. Joey`s pride won`t let him try out for small roles, but his mounting debts (and Ross) slowly convince him otherwise. Joey makes good use of his "Word of the Day" toilet paper. Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe read a female empowerment book, Be Your Own Windkeeper, which has even more detrimental effects on their relationships with each other than it does on their relationships with men. Joey moves back in with Chandler, which allows Chandler to take advantage of Eddie`s faulty memory, and finally be rid of him.
The One Where Old Yeller Dies
Phoebe discovers that her mother used to shield her from the sad parts of movies, like Old Yeller. She rents all the movies her mother used to show her, and gets rather depressed and pessimistic. Ross, bothered that he`s missing significant steps in Ben`s development, takes Ben for a weekend. Ben says his first words. At Monica`s request, Chandler and Joey start spending time hanging out with Richard. Then they try to be more like Richard: Joey smokes cigars and Chandler grows a mustache. Richard starts to talk and dress like Chandler. They end up spending too much time together, until Richard discovers they view him as a father figure, rather than one of the guys. Rachel finds out that Ross has his future with her all planned out, and she panics.
The One With The Bullies
Monica notices a stock with her initials (MEG), and decides to try to make a living on the stock market rather than take a demeaning job at a 50`s theme diner. She doesn`t do so well. Phoebe decides it`s time to meet her father, but accidentally runs over his dog. After getting it back from the vet, she delivers it home, only to find that Frank Buffay hasn`t been there for four years. However, she discovers she has a half-brother, Frank Junior. Ross and Chandler get intimidated out of their seats, a hat, and the coffee shop, by a couple of bullies. As they`re about to have a final showdown, someone steals from all of them, so Ross, Chandler, and the bullies band together to kick butt.
The One With Two Parties
Rachel`s surprise birthday party is split in two to keep her divorcing parents from running into each other. Monica makes flan instead of cake. Phoebe smuggles guests out of Monica`s boring party and into Chandler and Joey`s raging celebration.
The One With The Chickenpox
Phoebe`s Navy man (Ryan) is in town for two weeks, but their plans are foiled because Phoebe has the chicken pox, and gives them to him as well. Monica tapes oven mits to their hands so they won`t scratch. Monica is releaved that Richard thinks her neurotic behavior is endearing; but she`s upset that he doesn`t seem to have any compulsive obsessions himself. Chandler gets Joey a job at his office, and tells him to act like a processor. Joey takes it too far, and invents a character, "Joseph," who has a wife and kids, and who causes quite a bit of trouble for Chandler. Rachel is turned on by uniforms; Ross gets one.
The One With Barry & Mindy`s Wedding
Joey has an audition for a movie directed by Warren Beatty; the part involves kissing another man, and Joey tries to find one to practice with. Rachel prepares to be the Maid of Honor at Mindy`s wedding to Barry. The Bridesmaid`s dresses are hideous. Going to the wedding is even more painful than Rachel expected. Her dress gets caught in her underwear, she finds out that Barry`s parents told everyone she was insane from Syphilis, and Barry and his best man make jokes about her. But she finds the strength to stay. Chandler meets a woman on the Internet; he really likes her. He finds out she`s married, but decides to meet her anyway. She turns out to be Janice. Monica asks Richard about his plans for the future, and discovers he doesn`t want to start having kids again. While at Barry and Mindy`s wedding, they decide their relationship is over

Special Features:
Instant Episode Access
Music Video

Video Tracks:
Standard 1.33:1

Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 English

Subtitle Tracks:
French
Swedish
Finnish
English
CC: English
Dutch
Danish
Norwegian

Starring:
John Christopher Allen
Charles Thomas Allen
Jane Sibbett
David Schwimmer
Matthew Perry
Matt LeBlanc
Lisa Kudrow
Courteney Cox
Jennifer Aniston

Casting By:
Anthony Sepulveda
Leslie Litt
Ellie Kanner

Soundtrack By:
Michael Skloff
Ian Christian Nickus

Director of Photography:
Mikel Neiers
Nick McLean
Ken Lamkin

Editor:
Andy Zall
David Helfand

Costume Designer:
Debbie Easton

Production Designer:
Adam Short

Distributor:
Warner Bros

Your Opinions and Comments

8 / 10
Friends really improved for the 2nd series. I think this is where it went from being a good show, to be a great show. There are some wonderful moments, driven by fantastic characters that really grow in this series.

Unfortunately, technically the discs are just as bad as the first. Again, we get 3 flipper discs with 4 episodes per side. Again, no extras except for the one music video that is present on a total of 18 friends discs - there is only some many times you can watch a music video!!! Hint: it's in-between 0 and 2 - and that's at best!

Overall, if you buy this you're buying it for the content. Personally I think it's definitely worth it, and I get a huge amount of enjoyment from watching this series. The "re-watchability factor" is quite high… but technically it's a bit of a disappointment. The Region 1, 4 disc set (which actually contains some extras!) presents better value.
posted by Rich Davies on 18/11/2002 20:52
7 / 10
What else can be written about this series that hadn`t been written before?
6 friends, one cafe, lots of laughs, a couple of tears, NYC - and there you go.
The video transfer is good. The TV-to-DVD transfer is clean of any defects and the colors look a bit more lively than they looked on TV.
The DD 2.0 soundtrack is ok. For this kind of sitcom, the lack of a DD 5.1 soundtrack is acceptable.
The menus are still with music.
There are no extras in this disc set, which is truly a crime.
Bottom line - one of the best sitcoms ever, and a very good 2nd series, too.
posted by Zvi Josef on 15/2/2007 20:19