DVD Corner

Benny Hill: The Complete Megaset- The Thames Years 1969-1989 DVD Review

“Benny Hill: The Complete Megaset- The Thames Years 1969-1989” is a definite must have for Benny Hill fans.

Prior to watching this set, I had never seen a full episode of the “The Benny Hill Show” and yet I was familiar with his work as he had been parodied in shows such as “Family Guy.” After seeing the series now, it’s easy to see why he has had such an impact in pop culture because he clearly influenced so many sketch comedy shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “Mad TV.” Sure, none of the humor is what one would call highbrow. Heck, it might even be considered cheap and sexist by some folks. But even through all that, he still caught the public’s attention because he was undeniably talented and downright funny.

In this 58 episode set, we get to see “The Benny Hill Show” from its start in 1969 to the final episode in 1989. If you’re not familiar with the format of the show, Hill basically injects slapstick and satirical comedic sketches, stereotypes, not so subtle sexual innuendos, obscure musical acts and or numbers, reoccuring characters, and later on lovely ladies known as the Hill’s Angels. The show is probably best known for it’s silent film numbers (usually involving Hill chasing women) accompanied by the zany “Yakety Sax” song.

As with any sketch comedy show, it is hit-and-miss. Some of the sketches are decidely dated and contain subject matters that might seem foreign to American audiences. Additionally, Hill does tend to go overboard with some of his cultural stereotypical humor. Weak jokes aside, however, there is a lot to enjoy here. My personal favorite moments involve sports segments (such as the shameful moments in sports and sports spectacular), Hill’s Little Angels (which revolves around kids), the weird Fred Scuttle character, bald head slapping, and arguably his funniest sketch, the goofy western short known as “The Halitosis Kid.” Of course, most of his best moments are usually the quick end credit “Yakety Sax” sequences as I mentioned above. Personally, I always appreciate and enjoy a nice throwback to silent film comedies. You just don’t see that type of humor these days.

Summary: Benny Hill’s brand of humor might not be for everyone, but if you know a Benny Hill fan, this monster box set would make for a perfect holiday gift for him or her. Recommended.

If you’re looking for pristine, remastered picture quality, you’re not going to find it here. The picture quality is merely so-so here. The colors are faded and lines and picture flaws are present throughout the episode. The episodes are presented in fullscreen. 

The Dolby Digital Stereo audio track is satisfactory. The dialogue and laugh track come through loud and clear.  

Extras:
* 6 Benny Hill Trivia Quizzes.
* “Benny Hill: The World’s Favourite Clown”- A 52 minute documentary about Benny Hill including interviews with Benny Hill and everyone from Mickey Rooney and Burt Reynolds to Eugene Chaplin and Michael Caine. Topics range from his childhood to his show. 
* “Benny Hill: Laughter And Controversy”- A fascinating A&E Biography episode on Benny Hill.
* “Eddie In August”- A half-hour silent short film starring Benny Hill.
* “I Was A Hill’s Angel”- Interviews with former Hill’s Angels girls talking about their time on the show.

* “Hill’s Angels: Off The Record”- Former Hill’s Angels talk about Hill, the show and the characters they played.
* “Hill’s Angels: In Conversation”- Several former Hill’s Angels cast members chat about the past for 10 minutes.

November 19, 2010 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Benny Hill: The Complete Megaset- The Thames Years 1969-1989 DVD Review