Angels In America (DVD)

HBO have proven time and again that they are the masters of uncomprimising, visceral, and fresh drama with their flagship shows such as The Sopranos, Oz, and The Wire. In 2003, they made Angels in America, adapted from the play of the same name by Tony Kushner, re-written by Kushner himself, while directed by legendary helmer Mike Newell. The show was a massive success for HBO and garnered huge critical and audience acclaim, as well as earning numerous Golden Globe nominations. The show takes place in 1985 as the Reagans have just taken office, and more importantly, the AIDS epidemic is sweeping the world, with everyone in a state of confusion and unsure as to ...  Read the complete review

Although the premise of gay men in New York in the '80s dying in the AIDS epidemic may not seem the most original of plotlines, this HBO special manages to be hilariously funny, heartbreaking and always unusual. Based on the play of the same name by Tony Kushner, the 6 hour programme focuses on the lives of Louis and Prior whose 4 year relationship ends when Prior discovers he has AIDS and Louis deserts him because he cannot cope with ill people. There are also a number of other important characters including Roy Cohn, a well known right-wing lawyer who will never publicly admit that he is gay and orders his doctor to call his AIDS cancer, and a mormon couple, ...  Read the complete review