Black Adder Remastered - The Ultimate Edition [DVD]

A very good video

Great buy!! love british humor!

For the price, it was worth the gamble to see if it would work on my laptop; I was not disappointed. Being from a different region, I was aware that it's formatting would not play on my DVD player, however it played on my laptop just fine. It played through Microsoft's media player and VLC (my preference). The recording quality its self was like that of standard television and overall an excellent purchase,

Just what I wanted

For those of you who haven't seen the old British Series, 'Black Adder': you simply must! I am a big Rowan Atkinson fan, but did not know who he was when I first started watching this show many years ago. I became a huge fan and recommend it to everyone I know. It's also where i first discovered Hugh Laurie and became a follower of his as well. This is right up there with 'Faulty Towers' as far as humor and silliness. This was a great purchase.

I ordered this for a christmas gift for my husband. I was told it wont make it till 1st week of January 2014. But came Dec. 23 and I was so happy. The only thing that I wasnt aware is that it wont play in our XBOX because its a REGIONAL. But was able to play with our laptop and connect HDMI in our TV so we can enjoy bigger screen.

Hilarious series, always loved it.

Incredible! Awesome! I highly recommend it!

I bought this to replace some ageing VHS sets of the four series. One of my better decisions. This box set is compact, well-presented and possessed of some good extras - I particularly enjoy 'Blackadder Rides Again', but honourable mention must be made of Blackadder: The Cavalier Years. The picture quality is surprisingly good considering that by the time this came out some of the archival footage was almost thirty years old.It's not historically accurate. But then it never pretends to be. It's deliberately set in a seamless alternate reality where Richard of Shrewsbury won at Bosworth Field and follows the adventures of descendants of his clueless younger son, Edmund the Black Adder. Of course, along the way it created some slightly annoying myths - particularly in Blackadder Goes Forth, where generals appear at the front only to spout total nonsense about cutting their hair. But as it is firmly shown as a fictional portrayal, that allows it more latitude in my eyes to play fast and lose with the facts than say, The White Queen, which pretends to be one step below a docudrama (or of course Shakespeare's histories - I have always enjoyed the mischievous 'additional dialogue by William Shakespeare' credit in the first series).What really sets this apart as a comedy that is likely to endure and age as a fine wine does is that it is magnificently written, superbly cast and brilliantly acted, never taking itself too seriously. The first series is hit and miss from that point of view, even though as it is the medieval one I have the softest of soft spots for it. But the other three are quite magnificent. The casting is deliberately picked to spoof or invert popular notions or historical reality - Prince George as 'the walrus...[who is] as thick as a whale omelette' played by the slender, highly intelligent and in all other ways personable Hugh Laurie. Rowan Atkinson will surely never find a role that surpasses his performances in this, particularly in the second and fourth series where it is simply impossible to find comedic fault with his deft portrayal of a cynical, deceitful, cowardly and cruel character. Tony Robinson as his faithful sidekick also does very well at playing the yokel idiot. They do so well I simply can't see who else would ever have made a success of them.On the other hand, there are one or two faults. Particularly surprising and disappointing is the strange decision to cut the remark Baldrick makes in Blackadder's Christmas Carol about 'nailing up the dog.' There seems no logic to it. If they were afraid it would somehow offend Christians, they should have cut the entire episode - which after all, not only features a dog playing Jesus, but Mr Blackadder firmly rejecting all Christian virtues on the basis that they don't matter and that bad guys have all the actual fun, an argument that reduces the Ghost of Christmas (a majestic turn by Robbie Coltrane) to spluttering incoherence. Otherwise, they should just have left it in. I always wince whenever I come to that cut, because I miss the punchline and the framing lines feel somehow lacking.I also feel a few opportunities were missed to play a bit with links between the series. In the accompanying book, the history of the family away from the series was sketched out - in the series, it is almost never mentioned (a brief and scarcely audible line at the start of the closing jingle in Head, series 2, being the only one). I found that actually knowing the sketchy lives of Cardinal Blackadder, Blacadda, Bad Reek and the rest did add a lot to my enjoyment of it. Maybe that's just the geeky history side of me coming out, but three short two-minute monologues by Atkinson, playing a suave and sinister scion of the dynasty (Professor G. R. Blackadder or King Edmund III) boasting about his ancestors would have been quite something. Failing that - which would, I appreciate, have been expensive and difficult - even just PDFs of the linking stories, a la the Sharpe series, would have been worth it.So perhaps not quite the ultimate edition, but a glorious romp through alternate history. And perhaps one day generations yet unborn will review Blackadder, not as an historical document but as one of the true landmarks in British entertainment history, played out by not just one but several of the great heroic actors of the age!

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.

Blackadder - The Ultimate Collection [UK Import ]Für einen stolzen Preis (Kreditkartenbesitzern empfehle ich sehr bei amazon.co.uk direkt einzukaufen, für deutlich weniger), bekommen Sie hier eine Serie, die in Deutschland generell oft gar nicht mal bekannt ist - im Vereinigten Königreich jedoch eine der legendären Sitcoms ist.Rowan Atkinson, später Weltweit bekannter als Mr. Bean, spielt über die Generationen hinweg jeweils einen der "Blackadders".Die erste Serie - überambitioniert und noch eher grob geschnitten, man merkt das die Macher jung und das Konzept noch nicht ganz durchdacht war - spielt im britischen Mittelalter. Blackadder ist ein jüngerer Prinz, der Thronfolger werden will.Die zweite Serie spiel im Elizabetanischen England, und ist die erste wirklich brilliante. Blackadder hier ist ein Favorit der Königin - welche in einem herrlichen Kontrast zu der echten Elizabeth I, das Bewusstsein eines kleinen Mädchens mit zu viel Macht auf einmal hat. Blackadder ist hier erstmals ganz eindeutig als ein zynischer, "moderner" und manipulativer Mensch in einer Ära definiert, in der er der Exekution "aus Spaß" durch Elisabeth entgehen, und zugleich das Beste für sich herausholen will.Die dritte Serie spielt zur in Deutschland eher weniger bekannten Zeit von George III, der wahnsinnig war, und zeigt die Beziehung zwischen Blackadder - dem Butler des Prinzregenten George IV (Hugh Laurie, heute besser bekannt als Dr. House). Mehr als noch zuvor, ist Blackadder hier ein zynischer, "moderner" Mensch, der mit der Dummheit seines Prinzregenten und der Dummheit der Menschen noch unter ihm leben muss.Die vierte Serie nimmt einen recht mutigen Sprung und wirft die Beteiligten in die Gräben des ersten Weltkriegs. Captain Blackadder versucht seine Haut zu retten und irgendwie dem Sinnlosen Abschlachten zu entgehen, wärend die Generäle über ihm komplett wahnsinnig und fern aller Realität sind. Hugh Laurie kehrt als ein "George" zurück, und repräsentiert den Wahnsinn der übermotivierten, naiven Gutgeborenen Schulabgänger, die freudig in einen Krieg zogen, den sie gar nicht verstanden. Das Ende ist sehr ergreifend für eine Sitcom und bis dahin nutzt die Serie das klaustrophobische, von Wahnsinn umgebene Szenario für brillianten, oft schwarzen Humor.Die Serie beschreibt den Zeitgeist ihres Szenarios immer schön überdreht, so das er komisch ist, aber man zugleich zumindest ein gewisses Gefühl für die Ära bekommt.Der Grund für nur 4 von 5 Sternen ist für mich:- Die Englischen Untertitel sind teilweise fehlerhaft. Worte sind manchmal eindeutig falsch gewählt - wie als hätte jemand sie akustisch falsch verstanden als die Untertitel gemacht wurden. Da die Serie viel Improvisation hatte, und daher das Skript zum kontrollieren nicht da war, vermute ich sogar, dass es eben so passierte. Jemanden der nicht sehr gut Englisch spricht, kann das beizeiten verwirren.- Die Audiokommentare reichen von sehr gut, bis hin dazu, dass kaum etwas überhaupt gesagt wird, und man das Gefühl bekommt, man hätte sie sich auch sparen können. Auch nur ein Detailfehler, aber trotzdem manchmal enttäuschend.- Es fehlt eines der Besten Extras, von dem ich mir nicht sicher bin wo man es ausserhalb des Internets überhaupt findet: Die unausgestrahlte Pilotfolge der ersten Serie, welche interessanterweise besser war als die erste Serie selbst.- Ausser den Englischen sind keine Spracheinstellungen oder Untertitel vorhanden. Nicht tragisch, und zu erwarten bei einem UK-Import aber schade, da ja auch bei Produkten für einen einsprachigen Zielmarkt oft zusätzliche Sprachen dabei sind.Aber ansonsten: Geniale DVD, alle mir bekannten Serien, TV-Specials und Dokus (bis auf den nie ausgestrahlten Pilot), ausreichende Untertitel, gute Bildqualität und ein Erlebniss, dass Sie Freunden zeigen sollten - denn Blackadder ist hierzulande viel zu unbekannt, dafür das die Serien so gut sind. Blackadder - The Ultimate Collection [UK Import

I purchased this for £9.91 in total, and it was worth every penny. I used to watch Blackadder when it was first aired on TV as a child and always loved it. I am a fan of intelligent, witty humour with a load of childishness thrown in and wackiness. I like;Red DwarfBottomThe Young OnesSpacedLeague Of GentlemanSpitting ImageAlan Partridgeand anything with Reeves and Mortimerplus others...Absolute bargain for the complete collection. I enjoyed the first two series the most on DVD, and although I watched them alone, I was often crying with laughter. :D Every single actor is top notch. I work in theatre and these actors are stupendous - N.B every budding actor should watch and learn!Lots of bonuses and actually more interviews than are stated on the back of the box set- i.e Miranda Richardson is also featured in an interview although that is not stated on the box set index.I did find Rowan Atkinson's interview to be so boring that I couldn't watch it all the way through- it really appeared as though he was just doing it for the sake of adding the bonus interviews to the box set, and getting paid as opposed to a sense of nostalgia and wanting to be a part of the whole Blackadder thing again.. Hugh Laurie's interview was nice to watch though- although he did have to suddenly rush off because the Blackadder team had caught him in Hollywood and he had limited time. These are just my opinions though, and I'm only comparing them to other box set bonus interviews that I have seen that were more entertaining. I think maybe the actors were called in too late to reminisce so none of their memories were fresh enough to really give enough credence and sincerity to their time spent working on the show, which is a shame. I would've preferred interviews done nearer the time of Blackadder TV transmissions. The actors get older and even they change....not just aesthetically. It was obvious, before Tim McInnerny even said it in the interview that he has a hang up about his appearance now (how he's aged), which was quite sad. :(Another quibble with this (that has nothing to do with Blackadder the series itself or the seller) is on one of the bonus DVD's where Miranda Richardson is featured in the 'Costumes Revisited' section. The way she manhandles the intricately made, beautiful costumes she once wore leave a lot to be desired. She is very disrespectful to the masterpieces she touches willy nilly. Tony Robinson could do with showing an ounce or two more of respect also when he finds his old costume and tries it on. He even says that back in the time of filming Blackadder he 'took it for granted'. I'm glad Tim McInnerny doesn't agree with him when he aims his comment to him expecting him to agree. Maybe some of the actors become a little bit full of their own self importance over time and don't appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into making all of their intricate costumes.... and also Tim needs a dose of self confidence and not to be so hard on himself.Wonderful series, and expertly made. I laughed the most at a scene (won't give too much away ) where Hugh Laurie is being apprehended and slapped about a lot under the guise of Blackadder. Absolutely hilarious.

Box in very good conditionArrived earlier than estimated timeGreat value