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Product Description
Following the phenomenal success of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Michael Palin and Terry Jones created this unforgettable, BAFTA-winning series of comic plays for the BBC. Gleefully parodying the conventions of Boy's Own-style adventure, Ripping Yarns sees Palin taking the protagonist's role in nine rip-roaring stories from stirring tales of sporting endeavour, intrepid exploration and wartime heroism to skulduggery, supernatural mystery and murder... and, of course, the notorious exploits of Eric Olthwaite - Yorkshire's most interesting outlaw. An illustrious supporting cast includes John Le Mesurier, Iain Cuthbertson, Denholm Elliott, Joan Sanderson and Don Henderson, with Terry Jones starring in one episode and fellow former Python John Cleese also making a cameo appearance; the series was produced and directed by the multi award-winning team of Terry Hughes (The Two Ronnies), Jim Franklin (The Goodies) and Alan J.W. Bell (The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy). Both series, originally aired between 1976 and 1979, are released in this special-edition set, with special features including deleted scenes, a 1983 documentary, Comic Roots, in which Palin revisits his native Sheffield, and Secrets, the only surviving recording of Palin and Jones 1973 screenplay for the BBC's darkly comic (now sadly wiped) Black and Blue anthology series.
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 ), English ( Subtitles ), SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: Following the phenomenal success of Monty Python s Flying Circus, Michael Palin and Terry Jones created this unforgettable, BAFTA-winning series of comic plays for the BBC. Gleefully parodying the conventions of Boy s Own-style adventure, Ripping Yarns sees Palin taking the protagonist s role in nine rip-roaring stories from stirring tales of sporting endeavour, intrepid exploration and wartime heroism to skulduggery, supernatural mystery and murder... and, of course, the notorious exploits of Eric Olthwaite - Yorkshire s most interesting outlaw. An illustrious supporting cast includes John Le Mesurier, Iain Cuthbertson, Denholm Elliott, Joan Sanderson and Don Henderson, with Terry Jones starring in one episode and fellow former Python John Cleese also making a cameo appearance; the series was produced and directed by the multi award-winning team of Terry Hughes (The Two Ronnies), Jim Franklin (The Goodies) and Alan J.W. Bell (The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy). Both series, originally aired between 1976 and 1979, are released in this special-edition set, with special features including deleted scenes, a 1983 documentary, Comic Roots, in which Palin revisits his native Sheffield, and Secrets, the only surviving recording of Palin and Jones 1973 screenplay for the BBC s darkly comic (now sadly wiped) Black and Blue anthology series. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...Ripping Yarns - Complete Series - 2-DVD Set ( The Complete Ripping Yarns )
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
190 of 193 people found the following review helpful
By Gavin Wilson
Format:DVD
'Ripping Yarns' has been woefully mistreated by the DVD format. Originally Meridian Entertainment bought the rights from the BBC, and put out six episodes on two DVDs with no extras whatsoever. But they gave up without releasing the final three episodes. Since then, the DVDs have become gold-dust -- just look at the price of used copies on amazon.
Now BBC Worldwide have put everything right and released all nine episodes on two DVDs, with a commentary track from Mike Palin and Terry Jones clearly enjoying themselves as they watch the episodes for the first time in 25 years.
At long last we can see, for example, 'Murder at Moorstones Manor'. I'd only seen it twice before -- both occasions on terrestrial BBC in the late 1970s -- and, like so much vintage comedy, today it's not quite as good as I remember it. But it's still great. Palin always enjoyed playing the obsessive -- whether the car enthusiast in 'Moorstones' or the rain-gauge fan in 'Eric Olthwaite'.
The pamphlet that comes with the DVD package is very informative detailing, for example, the audience figures for both the initial broadcast and the repeat. Amazingly, the best episode ('Tomkinson's Schooldays') had the smallest viewing figures. But that was the price it paid for being the first episode in a series that the 1970s BBC, with zero marketing awareness, failed to advertise.
The commentary track is interesting, although switching it on means that you miss much of the well-chosen dialogue. Michael is very well informed about all the personnel involved with each episode and what they have subsequently achieved, but Terry's knowledge of the series is now so minimal that you wonder whether he ever worked on the project! Personally it's fascinating for me to hear Mike talking about his other projects (e.g. 'Himalayas') and the more recent comedy he's been watching, such as 'The League of Gentlemen'. What I also find satisfying is that Mike and Terry are happy to admit that certain episodes, such as 'Winfrey', don't really work, and they also explain why. You're unlikely to find anything to disagree with in their assessments.
This entire package comes highly recommended. Many of us have gently campaigned for its release, and it's wonderful to have our wish granted.
74 of 75 people found the following review helpful
By "mark70387"
Format:DVD
A quarter of a century on, "Ripping Yarns" remains for me the ultimate example of British comic genius and I am delighted to see that the full set of nine yarns is being issued on DVD.
Like its much better known brother "Fawlty Towers", "Ripping Yarns" is a product of the Monty Python era and consists of nine stories penned by Michael Palin and Terry Jones and originally transmitted in the late Seventies. Palin himself stars as the central character in all of them - in fact, in some of them he plays several characters - and the series showcases his abilities as a comedy actor as well as demonstrating the brilliance of his and Jones' writing.
The yarns are affectionate spoofs of various aspects of British life in the early decades of the twentieth century, ranging from the rarefied atmosphere of Graybridge public school and its elaborate range of disciplinary measures ("Tomkinson's Schooldays") to the grimness of the Thirties' Depression where Yorkshire lad Eric Olthwaite sprang to national fame in the most unlikely of circumstances.
It is the characters we meet along the way who make the yarns so memorable: Eric Olthwaite, the amazing Uncle Jack from "The Curse of the Claw" and his incredible hobby (true ingenuity here from Palin and Jones!), the crusty old father in "Murder at Moorstones Manor".
Like "Fawlty Towers", this is comedy that has never dated, and its relative lack of familiarity should mean it retains most of its impact of old even amongst those who do remember the programme. Anyone who appreciates this brand of comedy and has never seen the yarns before is in for a rare treat!
Like its much better known brother "Fawlty Towers", "Ripping Yarns" is a product of the Monty Python era and consists of nine stories penned by Michael Palin and Terry Jones and originally transmitted in the late Seventies. Palin himself stars as the central character in all of them - in fact, in some of them he plays several characters - and the series showcases his abilities as a comedy actor as well as demonstrating the brilliance of his and Jones' writing.
The yarns are affectionate spoofs of various aspects of British life in the early decades of the twentieth century, ranging from the rarefied atmosphere of Graybridge public school and its elaborate range of disciplinary measures ("Tomkinson's Schooldays") to the grimness of the Thirties' Depression where Yorkshire lad Eric Olthwaite sprang to national fame in the most unlikely of circumstances.
It is the characters we meet along the way who make the yarns so memorable: Eric Olthwaite, the amazing Uncle Jack from "The Curse of the Claw" and his incredible hobby (true ingenuity here from Palin and Jones!), the crusty old father in "Murder at Moorstones Manor".
Like "Fawlty Towers", this is comedy that has never dated, and its relative lack of familiarity should mean it retains most of its impact of old even amongst those who do remember the programme. Anyone who appreciates this brand of comedy and has never seen the yarns before is in for a rare treat!
73 of 75 people found the following review helpful
By Touring Mars
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
An excellent double DVD package, made with real fans of the series in mind. As well as every episode ever made, there are some really nice touches that put this DVD into the 5 star category. For example, the ability to watch most (7/9) episodes without the audience laughter track (what a great idea), and the original scripts as Acrobat Reader (.pdf) files, is superb. Even the inlay card is great. The booklet is detailed and interesting, and perfect for people like me who use those multiple DVD holder cases...
If only every olf favourite series got this amount of attention lavished upon it, but I'm just thankful that the BBC have done such a fine job on this release. Excellent.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ripping Yarns - The Complete Series
I bought this for my husband as part of his Christmas present as we used to absolutely love the series when it was scheduled on the TV years and years ago. Read more
Published 26 days ago by Chocolate fanatic
5.0 out of 5 stars
classics like this remind me how good it is the be English
Absolutly top class stuff, Its so right on even though it was made in 79 " Some times i had to cane the Headmaster 3 times a day"
Published 1 month ago by charles Rogerson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny witty and a classic
Bought this as a gift. Already have my own copy. Very entertaining and can gaurantee a laugh. Ideal for birthdays
Published 1 month ago by C. Crossley
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this series
The follow up episodes don't quite hit the sweet spot that is Thompkinson's school days. I was tempted to drop a star for that, but figured it was too harsh. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael Gleeson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ripping Yarns
I remembered this from being a child (I was 9 in 1976). My dad was a Palin fan (rather compulsary in Yorkshire) and so I was allowed to stay up and watch them with him. Read more
Published 1 month ago by G. BROADBENT
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant d.v.d.
very goodt film plays well and good sound quality picture quality fairly good. would recomendthis toanyone with
this type of humour.
this type of humour.
Published 1 month ago by phil roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
A shady memory of what the original series was like, but purchasing this and seeing the episodes again was worth the effort very funny
Published 1 month ago by Ross Kennedy
3.0 out of 5 stars
Old fashioned comedy that shows its age.
I remember seeing this in the late 70s - now over thirty years ago and thinking it hilarious. Bought the DVD recently and no quibbles re the quality or service. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Seoulprovider
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hysterically funny DVD
If ever you need cheering up, watch this.epic series from Michael Palin. I was helpless with laughter throughout it all. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ms. L. E. James
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genius!
Never seen this before, but since meeting Michael Palin last November and recently becoming a massive Python fan and Michael Palin devotee I just had to see it! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Evie Clare Tansley
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