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Steptoe And Son : Complete BBC Series Box Set Including The Christmas Specials


RRP: £59.99
Our Price: £54.99 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

An absolute treasure trove for fans of classic British comedy, Steptoe and Son: Complete BBC Series Box Set unites every single episode from series one to eight of the show, along with a pair of Christmas specials too. That amounts to over 50 episodes of pure comedy gold, just waiting to be rediscovered.

The situation of the sit-com is, of course, a father and son running their scrap metal business. But the ‘com’ comes in droves, starting from the wonderful pairing of Wilfred Brambell and Harry H Corbett in the leading roles. It’s hard to think of a finer piece of comedy pairing in a British television programme of this ilk, and their relationship is very much the core of what makes Steptoe and Son great.

Credit, however, must also going to comedy writing legends Galton and Simpson. The genius of their scripts was they needed no gimmicks, and no tricks. Instead, good, honest, well-written dialogue that had no problem with pushing the boundaries of the time generated the laughs, and Steptoe and Son has them in abundance.

Is Steptoe and Son the best sit-com in British television history? Well, that’s open to debate. But what isn’t up for argument is that it’s certainly one of the very best, and thanks to this comprehensive boxset, it’s one that continues to live on and find its audience. Unmissable. --Simon Brew

Editorial
DVD Description

Rag and bones forever!

Here are all 57 episodes of the classic BBC comedy series starring Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett as the father and son running a a junkyard and scrap metal business.

Includes every episode from Series 1-8, plus the two Christmas specials from 1973 and 1974.

Editorial
Synopsis

This all-encompassing collection features every series and each of the specials from the hilarious, yet timeless sitcom, STEPTOE AND SON.

Wannabe comedy writers take note
Review date: 2008-06-18 Rating: 10 out of 10

Steptoe and Son - 3 words that define what great situation comedy is all about. And here's 3 more words that define great situation comedy - Galton and Simpson. The combination of brilliant writing and acting sets this series apart, and here it all is now - complete in one neat box set. No gimmicks, no extras, just great, timeless comedy.

Steptoe and Son works because underneath the humour are real dilemmas and a sense of tragedy and frustration, played out beautifully by actors not looking for a cheap, instant laugh.

Anyone remotely interested in writing comedy could do worse than invest in this box set, and take note of how perfectly each episode is contructed. For the rest of us - we can simply watch and enjoy; knowing we are unlikely to see such comedy quality again.

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Reviews


Is that it?
Review date: 2008-06-04 Rating: 2 out of 10

Let's give the due credit: Steptoe and Son is one of the best sitcoms of all time if not the best. Harry H Corbett's performances are often incredible, highly physical acting master classes. Galton and Simpson's scripts are fantastic (although people of a sensitive nature should be warned that they reflect the popular racist and sexist attitudes of the 60's and 70's and can be very offensive to modern viewers). And lastly it incredible that every episode of every series and both Christmas specials still exist what with the BBC's reputation for throwing out the family silver at the drop of a hat. AND it's a treat to have all of this quality in one little box that's not much bigger then 2 old VHS tapes. I've been enjoying these shows for a month month and I'mm still only half way through the box.

But the DVD release of a show as historically prominent as this Steptoe and Son should be teaming with extras and you don't get any. Where are the commentaries by the writers and surviving performers that can be found on the vintage Doctor Who DVD's of the same period? Where are the specially made documentaries? Old clips are still in the archives, such as the Steptoes on the royal variety show and Harry Corbett interviews. They should be here and they aren't. How dumb is that?

I recommend this box to any Steptoe or vintage comedy fan, to anybody who remembers the 60's & 70's or anyone who is interested in those eras as this is not only funny stuff, but a fascinating social history too. I just wish the Beeb had seen fit to include a few extras for the fans.

Simply the best
Review date: 2008-05-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is simply the best sitcom ever made .I was bought this as a present and must admit it the best thing ive been bought in ages .I havent laughed so much in ages I think the early black and white ones are the best .I would recomend this to anyone even if youve never seen an episode before fantastic....

the best sitcom ever ! ! !
Review date: 2008-05-05 Rating: 10 out of 10

A shame they dont make comedy like this anymore , this is a gem the complete boxset of every episode of this classic comedy .ive had hours of fun watching them all ,the work gone into restoring the lost episodes seies 5 and 6 is brilliant some reviews have said the picture quailty is poor in my opinion i think its great considering the tapes of of this episodes were made on a very primitive recording machine by ray galton , great work by the british film institute for restoring them who cares their in black and white just enjoy . Harry H Corbett and willy brambell are fantasic this is the best sitcom ever and well worth the money thanks to the bbc for a great boxset.

I am absolutely NOT buying this - on principle
Review date: 2008-03-26 Rating: 8 out of 10

Don't get me wrong. I love Steptoe - I think the writing of Galton and Simpson is sublime.

BUT I bought every series and the specials as they were released. Although it makes for a pretty, colourful array on the shelf, it is such an expensive way of doing things.

The BBC has a nasty habit when it comes to doing this - with "One Foot in the Grave", "Dad's Army" and anything by Tony Hancock...to name but three. I am told that the boxset contains full versions of the programmes whereas the individual discs are edited in places. So what exactly are you getting for the money? At least with the fiasco that is the Hancock Boxset, you have an extra episode not included in the original releases.

The 4 stars are for the wonderful content of the DVDs themselves.

I'm not impressed, BBC. You know how popular Steptoe is, even now. Harry H. Corbett died before I was even born and I was still brought up watching this programme.
Steptoe and Son is a British Institution and fans deserve better than this.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Leonard Rossiter
Frank Thornton
Wilfrid Brambell
Mollie Sugden
Harry H. Corbett

Creators:
Harry H. Corbett (Primary Contributor)
Wilfrid Brambell (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 5014503225520
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 13
Format: Black & White, Colour, PAL,
Release date: 2007-10-29
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Language: English (Original Language)

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