Blackadder: Remastered The Ultimate Edition
Rowan Atkinson’s masterful British farce gets collected in a new definitive collection
Tags: Misc DVD 2009 Categories: DVD/TV Reviews, Reviews
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Nov 13th, 2009
For all the British comedy that I have watched over the years, I am almost ashamed to admit that I had never seen Blackadder. Through 4 seasons we get the character of Edmund Blackadder through the generations becoming more intelligent and less of a buffoon, but dropping in social status. Starting out as prince, he is largely inept and cowardly. By the time of the final series set several hundred years later, his is stuck in military service with a modicum of intelligence and wit, but still largely incompetent.
The star is Rowan Atkinson as the title character. My first real exposure to the actor was the phenomenal Mr. Bean series, which showcased his physical comedy. Here we get some great physical comedy, but the Blackadder series does a great job of showcasing Atkinson’s talent as an overall comedic actor.
With a new DVD set that is labeled “The Ultimate Edition” it is easy to see why the series is so well regarded. Fans of the show both old and new will certainly want to check out what is in store here. Not only are the four series/seasons included but also the various specials set throughout the Blackadder timeline (such as Blackadder’s Christmas Carol and Blackadder Back and Forth). This is about as complete as one could imagine as far as the series content goes. Also new is a remastering of the series so it looks as good as they could – though they do look aged a bit (an issue with the source).
Really, the series kicks into high gear during the second series, when some of the supporting cast is jettisoned and the focus really comes to center on the various schemes of the main character. It’s a shame, really, because Brian Blessed is phenomenal. While the first season is finding its focus and uneven, it is enjoyable. It is during the second season, however, as Ben Elton joins the writing team that the series really finds its focus and the series finds its true comedic identity.
Over the course of four seasons/series and a few specials, we get a number of great comedic actors appearing in roles both large and small. Both Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie appear as regulars, separately in the second and third seasons, respectively – though both appear in The Blackadder Christmas Carol and the 4th season. Rik Mayall shows up in the final special as well (and a number of other unexpected names, like Kate Moss).
I don’t know what it was that took me so long to see the series. People have been telling me for 20 years that I should watch it, and I always felt some sort of obligation to do so, but somehow through apathy or misfortune missed out. I regret not having watched the series before because it is so genuinely funny. Making it all the better over the course of the four series/seasons and specials are the different time periods helpting to create and unify the whole of the Blackadder saga.
Starting with a newer retrospective documentary Blackadder Rides Again, the extras in this set are phenomenal. This 60 minute look at the series has plenty of interviews with the people involved, as well as visits to locations and so much more. Then there’s extended versions of the interviews for even further analysis beyond what is included in the documentary.
Also present are a few audio commentaries with a number of notable participants. They aren’t anywhere near in number as I would have liked, but they are a very welcome addition to the set and informative. Some older featurettes from previous DVD sets are included (at least, that’s what I can surmise).
Blackadder is a “must see” Brit-com, and while the Mr. Bean character can be a bit hard to take for some, Rowan Atkinson shines in this character that spans over 500 years of British history. If you’re unsure as to whether or not Blackadder is for you, rent the second series/season and get a taste of the show when it found its footing, as the first six episodes are a bit more uneven, even if they do introduce the concept and characters properly. For those that know the series will certainly want to add this new DVD set tot heir collection.
| What Works | Score |
|---|---|
|
+ Funny + Loads of special features + Everything from the series, including the specials |
9.0 |
| What Doesn't | |
| - First season rather uneven | |
| Under the Shrink-wrap | |
| Comedy fans should take the time to explore this if they haven't already. Fans will certainly enjoy this DVD collection. | |
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Tags: Misc DVD 2009
Posted by Daniel "monk" Pelfrey on Nov 13th, 2009 and is filed under DVD/TV Reviews, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
