Bless this House: Complete Series [DVD] [1971]

It very funny to watch

The 1970s was the golden age of sitcom for Britain. It will never be as good again. True we'll get close, but nothing will ever beat those halcyon days. And though many will scoff at this next statement, this is, I would say, the best sitcom of them all.It's hard to believe that anyone reading this review has not seen Bless This House, but if you haven't let me tell you now that what this set will give you is 65 episodes (and a film) of pure enjoyment; pure escapism; pure fun.When Sid James started to make this show he was at the peak of his Carry On fame. In the same year that the first episodes made it to TV, Sid was the ultimate lecher in Carry on Henry and a compulsive gambling sauce pot in Carry On At Your Convenience. He is so far removed from those characters here that it is hard to think it is the same person. What really delights is that it was Sid himself that appealed to his script writers to lay off the dirty old man cobblers and give him something more befitting of a man of his age. They came up with a format hardly likely to blow anyone away with originality and made him a dad in a family he adores but doesn't really understand. Welcome to Bless This House.This is, by gazillions of miles, Sid's best and most enjoyable role. He obviously loves who he plays and this carries across in every episode. But to help him along there is arguably one of the most beautiful women ever to have lived in Diana Coupland. She exudes her charm in every single scene and plays the part of the loyal, faithful, loving and just a little tiny bit ditzy wife in such a way to generate a delightful chemistry on screen with Sid. To add to the enjoyment are continued great performances from "them next door" played by Carry On stalwart Patsy Rowlands and the ridiculously under-used actor that was Anthony Jackson.The story-lines early on in the series seldom stretch the viewer - the favourite idea is that Sid is presented with a situation and jumps to completely the wrong conclusions. This is set out in the first episode in which he presumes his son is gay (shock horror for 1971!!!) and that his daughter is on the pill (more shock horror for 1971!!!). Of course, Sid is totally wrong on both counts, much hilarity then ensues. This format is continued for quite a number of the episodes and although that should seem as though this is a drag to watch, it is in fact part of its kitsch charm.Alas, when you get to series 5 and 6, the writers begin to change and more situations arise in the episodes; this actually makes these last 2 series the best 2 in my opinion. In fact I would argue that Bless This House could have continued easily for another 5 years had Sid not so tragically died in 1976. The last series is in fact only very slightly marred by how terribly tired Sid looks in some of the episodes. It is therefore further testament to his character that it is this series that will create the most laughs. A true showman to the end.When you buy this (and you MUST buy it) then I suggest when the Thames TV logo appears, that you push the "back" button on your remote. You will then see the original leader tape. On these hidden little segments you can hear the stage hands and director and sometimes Sid himself in the seconds before the filming began. You will also notice that every single one is "take one" which means that each episode is effectively a live performance recorded in front of a studio audience.They don't make TV like this any more. And they don't make actors and actresses like this any more.Buy.And enjoy.

Arrived promptly in excellent condition.

Quite simply this is an absolute gem of a Classic British TV Comedy. Sid Abbott (played by Sid James, in one of his last roles) does what he does best and is on top form. Ably assisted by his wife Jean (Diana Coupland) who is magnificent in her manipulations of him and his two taxing children Sally & Mike (played by the lovely Sally Geeson and Robin Stewart). There are laughs a plenty in every show which benefits from strong performances from the cast and very strong scripts. Add to this a really strong supporting cast (which includes the likes of Patsy Rowlands, Anthony Jackson and later Terry Scott, June Whitfield and Peter Butterworth) and there you have it. A really first class British Sit Com which still stands the test of time. Of course there are the odd moments when it appears dated, mini-skirts are a bit of a give-away, but this simply adds to its charm, making it a period drama. The digital transfer is very good and my only criiticism is they seem to often end shows credits rather abbruptly, cutting off the last fractions of the credits and sound/theme tune. This may have been necessary for copyright purposes, but for whatever reason, it still annoyed me. Maybe life for the Abotts never runs smoothly, but love is always in the air. I highly recommend this series as it makes very entertaining viewing, and the box set represents excellent value for money. 9 and a half stars out of 10 for this Network release and highly recommended viewing.

This is not so much a review, it's just that I've discovered something about this release, which makes me wonder if even the releasers, in this case, Network, even know. If, in the 'Play an Episode' section, in the Menu Mode, (instead of the 'Play All', choice), you Scan back, not Skip, but Scan, you'll see the original VTR thirty-second countdown, and, hear studio and technician chatter, and Sid's voice to the audience: incredible. This is particularly good just before the 'Parents Should be Seen and not Heard', episode. I don't think these shows have been restored, for it doesn't say "Digitally restored" on the cover; in fact, it gives you the usual " Due to the archive nature..." message, instead, so I wonder if these have been transfered from the originals; though I don't know how that's done; if so, without anyone being aware, these audio moments have been transferd, too. It's as though new soundtracks have been released, without anyone even knowing; or, that a person and people previously thought deceased, have been discovered discussing the moments before, inside the d.v.d., destined endlessly to repeat themselves, the plot of which I think was used in either an original Twilight Zone or Outer Limits show.I must know if anyone else has discovered this. Please could someone tell me.This has encouraged me to bother mentioning, I probably shouldn't otherwise have done so, that, at least on the individual series releases by Network, ( I don't own the box-set), exactly the same thing can be seen and heard on the On the 'Buses' discs.I hope to hear soon.Thanks.Heath St John. London.

I love the 'old comedies' & this is going to add to my ever growing collection.Delivered today by a lovely delivery driver but my only gripe was the box was far too big for the size of the box set itself & it was packed with last Saturdays Sun newspaper!

This is my favourite comedy. I'm so pleased to be able to watch it again after so many decades.

This collection of HARD TO FIND series was worth every penny spent! I hope when Im gone, someone finds them as enjoyable as I have , for all these years!

All great

one of the best british comedy ever made, I love Syd James, he is one of my idols.I never get tired of watching this show, they don't make them like this any more.

As usual. everything with the great Sid James is delightful and always hilarious.

Wonderful show, great actors.