Blackadder: The complete series DVD review

There are two points of interest that pop up when you view the contents of Blackadder Remastered: The Ultimate Collection DVD box set. The first is the amount of talent that appeared in the four Blackadder series and subsequent specials.

Aside from star Rowan Atkinson, who went on to become the internationally popular (or hated, depending on who you talk to) Mr. Bean, the series featured Tony Robinson, who went on to numerous television and political projects in the UK; Miranda Richardson, who went on to star in a number of well-known television series and movies (including a role as Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire); Stephen Fry, who has popped up in pretty much everything, including a recurring role on Bones; and, of course, Hugh Laurie, who appears in some small American television series about an acerbic doctor.

The second point of interest culled from the box set is that the four Blackadder series, and their specials, are timeless. Though many of them aired over two decades ago, there’s no sense of aging to the humor or the characters. Well, if you count the fact that Blackadder took place during four important eras in British history, then you could argue that there’s some aging. However, that would be on purpose. Because these shows have aged so well they are still enjoyable.

Which is why the release of Blackadder Remastered comes as a welcome gift. Though many of the series, as well as Blackadder’s Christmas Carol, appear on your local PBS station, they come infrequently, as stations rotate their never-ending supply of British comedies. With the DVD box set, you can watch the series, in any order, while enjoying a number of special features.

There are six DVDs in the box set, all set in individual plastic sleeves to resemble the pages of a book. The first four discs contain the digitally remastered episodes of The Black Adder, Blackadder II, Blackadder The Third, and Blackadder Goes Forth. Each DVD also contains a section of important historical references so you can follow, for example, butler Blackadder’s confrontation with the Young William Pitt, or Captain Blackadder’s hatred of Field Marshall Haig.

There are also the obligatory audio commentaries for various episodes of each series. These are always good for a one-time listen just to get a behind-the-scenes feel for an episode and how the actors and creators think about it now. Plus, they’re always good for some laughs. For instance, in one of the Blackadder The Third episodes, Rowan Atkinson begins his commentary by saying “The great Dr. House awakes,” in reference to a scene with Hugh Laurie.

The last two discs contain the special features. The fifth disc contains the Blackadder specials that have aired over the last 20 years. While most folks will be familiar with Christmas Carol, they may not be so familiar with the 1999 tele-movie Blackadder Back and Forth, which had a bit of a Doctor Who time travel feel. Nor will they recognize Blackadder The Cavalier Years, which seemed more like a potential series episode than a one-shot deal.

The last disc contains the documentary Blackadder Rides Again, which features interviews with all of the major players of the Blackadder universe.  During this 60-minute program, the various members of the Blackadder cast and crew recall the series. There’s even a moment where Rowan returns to the North Umberland castle where the exteriors for the first series were filmed.  In addition, there are extended interviews with Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson, and that Hugh Laurie guy.

If you’re a fan of any of the Blackadder series, then the $42 price tag won’t be too much of a dent in your wallet. Not only will it allow you to view the shows whenever you want, but it will also be a history lesson for you and members of your family.

Disclosure: This review is based on a commercially available copy, provided complimentary to CliqueClack TV by BBC Video for the  purpose of review.

Clacked by Richard Keller
on Nov 18, 2009 @ 11:00 EST5EDT