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The Complete Bod [1975]


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Our Price: £2.57 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Those who remember the children's animation Bod from the 13 episodes broadcast by the BBC in 1975 generally recall, with considerable precision, not stories but images. This is because the stories that constitute Bod, created by Joanne and Michael Cole, are mere wisps of narrative, in which, almost always, almost nothing happens (in "Bod and the Cake", for example, no cake arrives), serene anti-dramas which are elusive and thus hard to remember as stories. Its images, by contrast, are the heart of its minimalist charm and its unforgettable strangeness, from narrator John Le Mesurier's unvarying announcement, "Here comes Bod", to the moment the unvarying fivefold cast sashay towards the horizon at the end. Bod is small and bald, with a yellow dress and a Buddha-like imperturbability. He and his four eternal companions--Aunt Flo, Farmer Barleymow, Frank the Postman, PC Copper--are animated as sparely as a 60s cartoon from the Eastern bloc. In each episode, the five gather one by one, each arriving to their own characteristic perky jazz-folky theme, in their own characteristic gait (indeed, like a zen riddle, the walk itself is far more important than where they're walking to, or why). Some viewers consider the cartoon's mysterious pastoral stillness alarming, as if something terrible were going on that we're never told about or shown--"Waiting for Bodot", as it were--but most found its calmness both beguiling and addictive. As in the original Watch with Mother format, Bod is paired with Alberto Frog and his Amazing Animal Band (in which an all-animal orchestra plays the classics, then guesses what flavour milkshake their frog conductor will reward himself with). Who knows how tots so exposed to the over-active kids-fare of today will respond, but the grown-ups in their charge will find The Complete Bod soothing, seductive and bizarre. --Honey Glass

On the DVD: the DVD contains all 13 episodes of Bod. Five of these are extended, as originally broadcast, to feature animal identification games, counting songs, Bod snap and Alberto Frog and his Amazing Animal Band.

Editorial
Special Features

English
Region 2
Play All
Select Episodes
Alberto

Editorial
Synopsis

Bald of head and always in the same strange yellow outfit, BOD is a seventies cartoon classic and cultural icon. Bod is fondly remembered by those who grew up with it. Includes all 13 episodes.
Editorial
From the Back Cover

Kult Kidz Gold presents every single episode of Bod ever made on one fantastic DVD!
Plus this DVD contains 5 extended programmes as originally broadcast featuring stories, songs, games and the unforgettable Alberto frog and his amazing animal band.

Spoilt my memory of this programme
Review date: 2008-07-11 Rating: 4 out of 10

I was very excited when I saw this old childhood favourite released on DVD. Sadly it now looks very dated. The picture quality is not great and I got bored before one episode. However the sound quality is good and I still enjoyed the theme tune. Strange when I was a kid I assumed Bod was a girl, only when I watched the DVD over 30 years later do I find he is a boy!!!

I have bought a few old favourites to share with my kids. Unfortunately Bod has lost its appeal. I wouldn't recommend buying this one, perhaps borrow it as I could not face watching even a full episode let alone the whole thing. This one will spoil your nostalgic memories. I had a much better experience with the 'Trumpton' DVD it still holds its charm.

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Reviews


At last some decent childrens TV
Review date: 2008-06-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

As a child of the 1970s, I can remember being an avid viewer of Bod and the gang. But obviously (!) I did not buy this for my own gratification, but for my own children, who are 4 and 8 years old.
What can I say? I had expected to be humoured by the streetwise, older than their years generation, but no! Both are transfixed by Bod, and love the music, games, and of course Alberto's milkshake!
Recommended for kids from 4 to 40.

Shame
Review date: 2007-02-06 Rating: 4 out of 10

It is a shame I had to go and watch Bod again - I have several of the 1960s & 70s childrens TV series and this is one I wish I hadn't revisited. Don't listen to the Amazon reveiwer on this one as they do love their purple prose and do read an awful lot into simple little Bod, ironically not giving him much of a reccomendation in the process.

The story lines are not very good, the writing is poor to say the least, one never gets a good story as one does with say, that saggy old cloth cat-puss. Where the story goes is important and with the better Postgate/Firmin (they rule!) programmes one always gets an utterly brilliant story and the little ones can learn as well as be entertained.

I was having a discussion with a colleague about revisting programmes of our childhood and we agreed that this one was one we could drop off at the charity shop - but just let anyone try and separate us from our Bagpuss, Clangers or Ivor the Engine!

For TODAY'S Little Ones Too!
Review date: 2004-10-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is beautiful stuff. Forget Teletubbies and the manic Tweenies and squeaky Fimbles - Treat your toddlers to Bod (and Button Moon).

The animation is very simple but highly effective. The narrators voice is crystal clear, with excellent diction. Bod has an adventure (always fun, or funny) and then your child has a short more overt educational moment (playing guessing games or snap, for instance). Plus, Alberto the Frog, and his Amazing Animal Band, introduces children to a little classical music.

My daughter (aged 2.5) only really liked 'Come Outside' or 'Maisy'. Yet, Bod (and Button Moon) is entertaining and clever enough to hold her spellbound. It's one of the few programmes I don't feel guilty leaving her to watch. Bod is ages old. Don't be daft and think it's outdated though. For those of us who like something that bit more 'wholesome', it's a guaranteed winner! (My 7 and 4.5 year olds like it too.)

bod rules!
Review date: 2003-12-16 Rating: 10 out of 10

oh my god... "here comes bod!!" i totally loved bod as a kid although i could never really make out if it was male or female.. (erm... does anybody actually know??) actually none of it made sense but i still loved it all the same.. in fact i still do! the guessing of albertos milkshake always made my day.. i always seemed to get it right!! and i used to copy the noises he made drinking it (in public) much to the annoyance of my dad! and u really cant beat bod snap.. what excitement!! it may be boring and even weird to some of u but bod certainly used to make me happy as a kid!! hehe *smiles*

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Maggie Henderson
John Le Mesurier

Creators:
John Le Mesurier (Primary Contributor)
Maggie Henderson (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: Contender Entertainment Group
Manufacturer: Contender Entertainment Group
EAN: 5030305410032
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2007-09-24
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 111 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1975
Language: English (Original Language)

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