Mr Benn. The Complete Series DVD Review:

When it comes to defining cult 1970s British children's television shows, one sticks in the mind more than most others for people you grew up in the decade and that is 'Mr Benn'.

Despite the simple animation, 'Mr Benn' had one major element that made it stand out from all the other shows that kids in enjoyed in the 70s and that was the stories. The idea of escaping the trappings of modern living and going on an adventure is everyone's dream, whatever your age and this is Mr Benn's lasting appeal.

While the original run only had thirteen adventures, Mr Benn did everything that most of would ever want to do. For the run he was a Spaceman, a Knight, a Clown, a Wizard, a Cook, a Caveman, a Hunter, a Zoo Keeper, a Balloonist, a Frogman, a Cowboy, a Pirate and he even had a magic carpet. Each of these adventures had a lesson that Mr Benn learnt or taught the people he interacted with, making what ever he did right in the end.

With excellent narration by Ray Brooks, 'Mr Benn' is wholesome family entertain at its very best. While some children might not be able to get past the simple animation compared the computer generated, cell shaded animation they are used today, they will soon realise that these stories that are still relevant and as heart-warming today as they were in the 70s. A kid's classic.

PICTURE AND SOUND

Presented in 4:3 full screen with a mono soundtrack the transfer is good, especially when you bear in mind the age of the programme.

BONUS FEATURES

Bonus Episode 'The Gladiator' Seeing some workmen busy repairing his road, Mr Benn is reminded of the Romans, who built very good roads. He heads for the costume shop and tries on a Roman Gladiator's outfit; stepping through the changing room door, Mr Benn arrives in ancient times, by a road under construction. One of the workers is Mr Benn's old friend, Smasher Lagru, who explains that they are building the road to lead to the Emperor's Arena. Just then the Emperor himself arrives, and, having approved of the workers' handiwork, he invites Smasher and Mr Benn to accompany him on a visit to watch the Gladiators fight each other - and the lions - in the Arena. Mr Benn sees this as an opportunity save the lives of the combatants, and to show the Emperor that fighting is silly…

OVERALL

The inclusion of the bonus new episode of Mr Benn slightly makes up for the lack of any other bonus features on the disc. Commentaries and at least a featurette would have been a real bonus but this wasn't to be. Lets hope that this new episode means that Mr Benn's adventures will continue.



Jamie Kelwick