The Stanley Baxter Collection Vol 1 (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Not applicable

Advantages:	Hilarious observational comedy, great nostalgia value
Disadvantages:	Some sketches a bit hit and miss

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The Stanley Baxter Collection- Review

-Introduction-

For anyone around in the 1970s and early 80s, and in particular anyone who was a child then like myself, the name Stanley Baxter will hold special memories. Unlike many other comdians who had their own regular series, Baxter was known for his annual comedy extravaganzas which were eagerly anticipated my his many fans. After seeing just one of these one can appreciate why they were annual events since their unprecedented lavishness and scale ensured that neither BBC nor ITV could afford to film more than one per year. Unfortunately, because Baxter only appeared on our screens once per year he has been slightly overlooked, which is a great shame as he really is a star among comedians and a true pioneer of comedy in many ways. Thanks to the release of this DVD set, it is hoped that he will obtain the wider recognition that he deserves both with old fans and with a new generation of viewers.

-Content-

The 2 disc DVD set basically comprises excerpts from 6 of his annual (usually Christmas) shows and includes much of what he is best known for. One of his strengths was his ability to produce beautifully observed take-offs of various well known films and TV series and as such he was a pioneer: he was doing then what teams like French & Saunders came to do years later. Fans will remember in particular his hilarious re-make of "Gone with the Wind" and his Towering Quake '75, a parody of all those 70s disaster movies like "Towering Inferno". Indeed, Towering Quake is one of his best sketches and it's almost worth buying the DVD set for this alone. Baxter also applied his observational comedy style to TV series and his rendering of "Upstairs Downstairs" is an absolute classic and one of my favourites. In fact I saw his version of this TV series before I actually saw the original and strangely it actually made the original one more enjoyable.

Stanley Baxter was also well known for the fact that he was equally happy playing both male and female roles and when dressed in drag he can be extremely amusing. This is perhaps best appreciated in his big musical numbers, at least one of which featured in each of his shows. Unlike many comedy shows where viewers use the musical numbers to switch off or go and make a cup of tea, Baxter's musical sketches were every bit as funny as his other stuff: watch out for his "medical" themed one, which gives him a chance to dress up in some outrageous frocks.

The DVDs are also wellworth watching for his portrayal of HM The Queen (or "The Duchess of Brendagh") as she is known. His mimicry of her is perfect, especially in the scene where she is recording her Christmas Day speech. At the time this was originally made (1970s/80s), impersonating the Queen was considered very daring and again Baxter was a pioneer in being unafraid to (gently) mock well known public figures.

There are very few downsides to this package for me, although perhaps a few sketches have not stood the test of time well, and some just don't really work. However, the majority are great humour and I think that in every comedy show by every artist there will be things which appeal to one person which don't necessarily appeal to another, such is the nature of comedy.

-Extras-

N/A

-Summary-

All in all a wonderful piece of comedy history, well worth the money. Although the rating is PG it is safe for viewing by all ages as there are a mix of gags which will appeal to various ages. If I didn't already own it I would love to have received this as a Christmas stocking filler and feel it is suited to both old fans and newer viewers alike. Let's hope it brings Stanley Baxter the more widespread acclaim he deserves.

Presentation: 2 DVD disc box set
Region: 2 (PAL)
Running time: Approx 300 minutes
Rating: PG
Price: RRP is GBP 24.99, at time of writing (Sept 06) can be obtained on Amazon or Ebay for less