Valentine's shopping list – British comedy edition
That time of year again. Valentine’s Day rolling around and you aren’t sure what to get beyond the flowers/dinner option. You’re kicking yourself because Eddie Izzard has come and gone so tickets to see him are out. That’s where we come in.
Based on no scientific research other than these are the sets that I think are the best of the best, so feel free to challenge or offer up other suggestions as to what to get that ultimate British comedy fan in the household. In no particular order, here are my top five choices. Tomorrow will be the top five non-comedy must have DVD sets.
Oh, and very cool FYI news, if you click the links below, you go directly to Amazon and a small percentage of the sale of whatever you purchase will benefit KERA if you buy from any of these links. Still time to order and get free shipping and it should be there by Feb 14. Now you just have to remember the flowers and the dinner reservations. Not to worry, we’re there for you….
Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered
In addition to twelve of the funniest shows that exist, the remastered set also includes exclusive commentary by John Cleese and extended interviews with the cast, including an exclusive interview with Connie Booth. Also, series 1 director’s commentary by John Howard Davies and series 2 director’s commentary by Bob Spiers. What would a DVD set be without outtakes, a much-needed Torquay Tourist Guide and a little easter egg here and there with some great trivia.
Blackadder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition
In addition to all four of the Blackadder series remastered, the “ultimate edition” features new commentary by Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Ben Elton and Richard Curtis, Tony Robinson and Tim McInnery. If the 20+ episodes aren’t enough, there’s also Blackadder Rides Again, the 60-minute documentary which marks the 25th anniversary along with exclusive extended interviews with Hugh Laurie, Rowan Atkinson, Richard Curtis, Ben Elton, Tony Robinson and Stephen Fry. If that’s still not enough, there’s Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, Blackadder the Cavalier Years, Blackadder Back and Forth, Baldrick’s Video Diary and much more.
Keeping Up Appearances: The Full Bouquet
This “full bouquet” includes all 40 episodes plus 3 Christmas specials featuring the great Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket. As always, there are DVD extras including outtakes, interviews with cast members, Clive Swift, Geoffrey Hughes and Judy Cornwell along with cast biographies.
Yes Minister Complete Boxed Set
Created some 30 years ago, this series still amazes me as to how relevant and how timely it still is today. Starring the great Paul Eddington and Sir Nigel Hawthorne, this DVD set includes all 21 episodes on 4 discs along with both a “Short History of Yes Minster” and “Sir Nigel Hawthorne Remembered“. If this becomes a must have, don’t forget the sequel, Yes Prime Minister, for next year.
Vicar of Dibley – The Immaculate Collection
Not only are all three seasons included in addition to the classic Easter and Christmas Lunch specials, but you also get the genius Comic Relief sketches from 1997, 1999, 2005 and 2007. Not enough, you’re saying? How about the documentary: The Real Vicars of Dibley, the 10th Anniversary Specials, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and the very funny Dibley Defrocked – Behind the scenes at the 10th Anniversary Specials.
In: Comedy
