Just a few quick words on two Britcom TV on DVD releases today that brought a smile to this jaded writer's face.
BBC Video today releases new editions of British comedy classics Blackadder and Fawlty Towers, both in deluxe remastered versions that not only include all episodes produced but a healthy dose of extras and bonus features. (Just don't mention the war.)
It's a testament to the creative forces behind both Black Adder and Fawlty Towers that both series have stood up extremely well, even after all of these years; both series remain as sharp, incisive, and hilarious as they were when they aired.
Likewise, there's a hell of a lot of love put into Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered, which contains all twelve episodes of the entire series run (all masterful gems, each and every one), new commentary from John Cleese, extended 2009 interviews (and an exclusive interview with Connie Booth), interviews, commentary, outtakes, and a documentary about Torquay. It's the perfect 30th anniversary present for Fawlty Towers and just looking at the box set artwork (which features the cast) makes me wistfully nostalgic...
Fawlty Towers
Blackadder
Black Adder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition retails for $79.98. Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered is available at a suggested retail price of $49.98.
I used to watch both of these shows as a kid with my dad. I love re-watching them now as they really are timeless comedies. They make me nostalgic but they still also make me laugh!
I'm a little frustrated by this, as I seriously just bought the previous boxed set-versions of both Fawlty Towers and Black Adder for last Christmas. Oh well. I'll live without the new extra features, I guess. Hmph.