Blackadder Remastered - The Ultimate Edition [DVD] [1982]

At long last a digitally remastered boxset of the complete Backadder collection jammed packed with extras has finally been released to the delight of the series' long term fans who had been lobbying for such a release for some time. It is about such a brilliant and iconic comedy series (which had been voted the second best ever comedy series, after `Only Fools and Horses') is given a re-mastered release. However despite everything, this beautifully packaged set falls a little short of expectations, hence the four stars in this review.

Firstly let us examine the good points.

The picture quality on this boxset is superb (as one would have expect) and the episodes never looked better than this. The sound quality too had been greatly improved. The extras are also very good.

First up are the commentaries which are very lively and informative. It would have been great if all the episodes had a commentary track but of course (taking into account of the availability of the actors as well as the budget) this was always going to be impossible. What you get is three commentaries each for series two and three, only two commentaries for series four and surprisingly no commentaries at all for series one which is very annoying.

There are actually eight commentaries in all comprises provided by four `teams' of commentators: Rowan Atkinson and John Lloyd, Ben Elton, Richard Curtis and John Lloyd, Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerny and finally a one man commentary team comprising of Stephen Fry. Each `team' provide two commentaries each. The two lone commentaries by Stephen Fry tend to be informative as he is commentating on his own (and without a moderator). The other commentaries are full of merry banter since it was undertaken by a team of actors, producers and writers commentating together.

Then there are the fabulous interviews with the various actors, writers and production teams that worked on the series as they recollect their memories in making the shows. These are very informative and provide a unique insight into the series' history. The hour long documentary while not new is also informative and very interesting to watch. Rounding of the extras is a ten minute feature on the costumes as four of the actors pay a visit to the costume department and rummage through the costumes that they and their colleague wore on the show. This was mildly amusing.

Now for the downside. When producing this collection there are two very glaring mistakes that undermines the quality and impact of this boxset and it is this reason why I have given it four stars instead of five. Firstly episodes two, three and four in first series disc (`Born to be King', `The Achbishop' and the `Queen of Spain's beard') are placed in the wrong order. This is a very obvious flaw and makes the production of this boxset very amateurish indeed. One wonders how the BBC could make such an error after the hard work they had invested in making this DVD collection.

The second mistake is the most unforgiving of them all: the omission of the pilot episode. This is the real reason why I am giving this collection only four stars. The pilot episode is a standalone untransmitted production that was produced for the BBC executives to access the series suitability. It was later reworked and evolved into the second story of the first series, `Born to be King', with different actors playing Baldrick, Prince Harry and the King.

In this early version Rowan Atkinson plays a more intelligent Blackadder whose character was a complete contrast to the rather dim and clueless incarnation that appeared in the original series (and much more akin to the Blackadders of the second series onwards). Not only has this episode had never been broadcast on television before but it has also never been released commercially either on video or DVD much to the disappointment of the series' many fans. Poor quality bootleg copies of this episode had been exchanging hands for years and can even be viewed on Youtube. Why this episode is not included on this boxset is a mystery, especially when one considers the many pirated copies that had been floating around. Since it is this production that had launched the series it has a sense of sentimental value for long term fans and would have made an excellent extra, perhaps the highlight of all the bonus features. After all the hype of associated with this remastered collection, the pilot episode's omission makes mockery of all expectations.

All in all, despite the obvious flaws, this is a wonderful collection that is beautifully packaged and is a must for all fans of great British comedy in general and for all fans of Blackadder in particular. It is just a pity that it had the potential to be even better.

I moaned like mad at the dire 'Complete collection' box set when it came out because of the truly awful picture & sound quality so it seems only fair to pass comment upon this new release.
Having only seen a few brief scenes doesn't allow for a series by series review of improvements but from what I have seen the picture quality would appear to at last be up to scratch & no longer as if peering through fog, especially in the outside scenes which in the previous release were like watching it through soup. Perhaps even more important than sharpness is the colour balance which bled greens & reds all over the shop before has been adjusted & no longer intrudes.
For many though the real question is not whether the picture is up to scratch but what do we get that's new? Well for me the most exciting prospect would be commentaries which are to include Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry, Ben Elton, Tim McInnerny & Tony Robinson. This was a prospect about as likely as Prince George finding his socks up until now & is a really promising extra. As are the extended interviews with many of those involved.
Needless to say theres no new 'lost' footage & all thats added from before is the Cavalier years & a costume piece. These sit alongside last years anniversary documentary which while not new is a welcome edition.
Ultimate edition? Well I suppose it all depends how much of a fan you are. I love the show & am happy to shell out for the commentaries & improved picture but can fully understand those that feel a bit ripped off for shelling out before only to see this come along & consign their,(not exactly cheap), previous box set to the 'has-been' bin.
You know what you're getting from the show itself. One of the funniest & remarkably little aged comedies ever seen with acting that is peerless. If you love it then surely you've already ordered this edition. If you're not sure & already have the original release then perhaps your pennies are better spent elsewhere...in which case, can I interest you in a giant turnip...?

In terms of overall quality of the show itself - no question, but this collection? Lets see:

The picture quality for all the "remastered" talk, seems no better than other releases although it looks good for the 1st series.

The extras are fine, but it's strange why they stopped at The Cavalier Years and didn't include everything, all the comedy specials, the pilot, etc.

What's most disappointing, however, is the commentaries. Surely everyone involves has watched a DVD with the commentary on - so have a clue what one needs if making one. Yet they're rather woeful here. What all the commentaries are, are just listening to them watch the episodes - which means large parts where they're not talking, then bits where they're just laughing, then bits where they just describe what a costume felt like, or "XX is funny in this bit". Where's the talk about the series, about memories, about behind the scenes stuff, talk about the process, tidbits, anecdotes?? There's also no commentary for any episode of the 1st series, which was a let down as well.

So yes, a good collection but honestly - it should have been great.