I'm Alan Partridge--The Complete First Series [1997] single disc edition [DVD]

So you already know that "I'm Alan Partridge" is far superior to established classics like "Fawlty Towers" and "Blackadder," in that it shares with those programmes an absolutely fastidious attention to detail and density of jokes, but mixes in far more pathos and depth than they ever did. The only comparison has been, of course, David Brent in "The Office," which came later and also favours curling toes over laughing bellies, whereas Partridge blends the two to perfection.

The series was released on DVD before, but then withdrawn over the unauthorised inclusion of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi." That was a blessing in disguise, as the BBC has now taken the opportunity to give "I'm Alan Partridge" the deluxe DVD treatment, a la "The Office" or "League of Gentlemen:" two discs, amusing menus, authentically hideous cover - the lot. Best of the extras are the deleted scenes (already seen on the VHS and first DVD), all of which seem to have been cut for time reasons alone and not quality: a particular moment of genius is Alan's other programme idea pitched at Tony Hayers over that legendary uneaten lunch, a perfect insight into the man's impoverished, flailing imagination: "A costume chat show with me as Samuel Pepys ... you could have John Thaw as Robespierre ... and Stephen Hawkings [sic] behind a curtain whispering clues through his voicebox..."

Also recommended is the commentary by writers Coogan, Armando Iannucci and Peter Baynham, who have the humanity and humility to laugh at the jokes but not too much, and give plenty of glimpses into the creative process, not to mention the slightly alanly-retentive side of the trio which feeds so much authenticity into their just-about-larger-than-life grotesque creation. Less worthwhile is the commentary by Coogan in character as Alan Partridge, along with Lynn, which resembles a rather eventless and drawn out version of the improvised car scene (another DVD bonus) and compares poorly with the same technique used in the DVD of "This is Spinal Tap," where David St. Hubbins so memorably advised us that he had split up with Janine because "the millennium changed and so did she..."

Oh and don't forget the finest comic scene ever recorded in complete darkness - Alan's valance-("the skirt thing round the end of the bed")-darkening bedtime experience with lovely Jill, 50. So beg borrow or steal this DVD. Actually not the last one - I will not condone lawbreaking. Although I will do 80 on the motorway if I have to get somewhere quickly.

The brilliant supporting cast of characters are memorable for the stick they endure from Alan's scathing "wit": notably Alan's long-suffering and rhino-skinned PA, Lynn, and Smack the Pony's Sally Phillips as Sophie the receptionist who can't keep a straight face whenever Alan opens his mouth.

This type of comedy is brilliant and typically British in flavour - while Alan has some excellent and acerbic lines and insults (the radio interview with the Farmer's Union representative played by BrassEye's Chris Morris is priceless)the genius of this character is that he is genuinely pathetic; every other minute he makes a buttock-clenchingly cringing observation or question which always keeps him just on the wrong side of your sympathies, no matter how sad and pathetic he becomes.

The 6 episodes of the series include:
A Room with an Alan: Alan's meal at the BBC with Tony Hayers trying to get a second series.
Alan Attraction: Sacking his staff and trying to bed them at the same time!
Watership Alan: the boating video with his "wife" and several angry farmers.
Basic Alan: dressing up as a zombie to entertain the hotel staff.
To Kill a Mocking Alan: a disastrous untelevised chat show ending up imprisoned in the house of his greatest (and maddest)fan!
Towering Alan: Alan shows why he is the worst person to invite to a funeral.

DVD extras include quite a bit of material not shown on TV plus some outtakes which are brilliant. The only downside is that they could have included the Christmas Show as an extra which would have set up the series nicely. But that's not going to stop this getting 5 stars. Buy it!