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The Armando Iannucci Shows [2001]


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The best TV show ever
Review date: 2008-05-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

I watched this show on its initial run, taping it as it went along. Over the next few years there was rarely a that month went by where I didn't watch an episode. That video was accidently crushed underfoot, and I was devastated. Months later I discovered that it was (finally) being released. For those of us who saw it at the time, this DVD was a very important release, the result of much campaigning. For those of you who missed out or haven't seen it, this is the best comedy series ever, probably the best TV show ever. Now, if only they'd release Time Trumpet!

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Reviews


Better than Partridge, The Day Today and Friday Night Armistice put together
Review date: 2008-05-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

I can't really heap enough praise on this dvd. It's fairly surreal, even by Iannucci's standards, and when I first watched it on TV it took me a few episodes to really get into it, but once you have got into the idea of what he is trying to do, and separate it from things he has done in the past, you can come to realise what a comic masterpiece it is.
Unlike a lot of comedy it gets better with every watch, and it really is very rewatchable stuff. My favourite parts include his comedy routine at the business meeting, the mechanics, the football pundits under the pub floor and swearing in flowers.
There's nothing that compares to this, and it destroys any contemporary British (or American) comedy being produced. It's ridiculously astute and, as always with Iannucci, years ahead of everything else.
A must for anyone who likes their comedy on the stranger side of things.

"Man - your horse is so confused!"
Review date: 2007-09-29 Rating: 10 out of 10

I rewatched this earlier this week and was reminded of what a work of genius it is! So underrated. Every episode has so many clever and beautiful things in it. I can't even begin to describe it adequately. In fact, it contains one of my favourite comedy moments of all time - the tangible shock and indignation of a group of young black and Asian men as police horses make racist remarks about them in front of their oblivious handlers is priceless. Armando Iannucci makes a likeable, self-depreciating and witty everyman in this exploration of the bigger themes in life, and the mix of personal story and big set-pieces (Busby Berkeley with corpses, anyone?) makes a series that actually pulls off the trick of having a comedian act as themselves in amongst a cast of fictional characters. Just take it as read that it's one of those 'must-own' series. More than perfect.

Slow Burning Genius
Review date: 2007-08-01 Rating: 8 out of 10

For any Armando Ianucci fans, this is a must have DVD.

You don't always get to see much of our man Armando, he writes on some of the best loved and well known of comedies and so it is great to see the man himself.

The series itself is a narrative on modern day life, it focuses on social issues by using comedy sketches - many of them fantastically surreal.

Some sketches feel a bit drawn out, it varies from amusing to laugh out loud hilarious - but all good material. This show contains some of my favourite sketches/comedy moments of all time. I love it when he talks about his disappointing trip to Disney World on dress down Friday, giving a seminar on the construction of his jokes, and the sketch about being fed lines to say at parties was genius.

I have used the word genius a few times in this review, in fact, I did it just then. But in this case it is well warranted. His observations are told from an intellectual perspective, yet they don't feel patronising. In fact, Armando uses himself as an almost social retard in many of the programmes to show how he struggles with the modern world.

Eight fantastic episodes and some nice extras.

Want to know the answer to the question:

What's both big and small at the same time?

Then watch this and find out!!!


Completely overlooked - where is the justice?
Review date: 2007-07-11 Rating: 10 out of 10

Like most people I think I was out when this was on first time round (I assume it was put in the graveyard slot) so brought this on faith based on his previous work. I was not disappointed! There are moments of pure genius in this series and Armando Iannucci's delivery is fantastically dry. You get a real sense of a great comedic mind at work finding humour in everyday life and then transferring that into some of the most ridiculous situations imaginable and blowing it out of all proportions. If like me you missed this the first time round then make sure your mistakes are not repeated! However don't expect the controversy or shock value of his works with Chris Morris, the humour here is far more subtle but no less amusing.

Product Details/Specifications


Recording label: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Fremantle Home Entertainment
EAN: 5030697009517
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-09-04
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Running time: 196 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2001
Language: English (Original Language)

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