Review of Complete Bod, The

Introduction

Once again, Kult Kidz are definitely doing their market research. They`ve obviously been down the pub recently, where they will have overheard twenty and thirtysomethings (who make up a big percentage of the DVD buying public), talking about classic TV shows. And of course they will have overheard them talking about Bod, one of the most popular shows ever made for children.

Bod existed in two forms. The original short 5 minute episodes narrated by John Le Mesurier, and the longer 15 minute versions, featuring Alberto the Frog, and additional narration by Maggie Henderson. Most of my peers remember this second version of Bod, but unfortunately not all of the episodes survive in this format.

So here it is, The Complete Bod, with all of the original episodes, and the surviving episodes featuring Alberto collected together on one handy DVD.

Video

A 1970s TV programme which was obviously made on a shoestring. The animation is basic to say the least, and rather limited. Frank the Postman walks in exactly the same way as he rides his bike, with his legs going round in a permanent cycling motion. Maybe this is an obscure medical condition?

The video quality is pretty dire, but this is all down to the source material which isn`t exactly in pristine condition. And it doesn`t really matter so much, after all a completely digitally remastered Bod wouldn`t have the same nostalgia value.

Audio

Just a mono soundtrack here, replayed over the left and right channels. Sound quality is usually ok, with one or two odd moments. Most importantly though, you get to hear *that* theme tune in all its glory, plus the theme tunes from all of the other characters. And it all comes flooding back to you, via the genius of Derek Griffiths, who made a career out of music and songs for children`s television.

Features

There`s a brief test card clip, which has some novelty value, but not much else. Given that some of the "extended episodes" didn`t survive and given the budget of the original show it`s unlikely that anything exists! Maybe they could have mocked up some games of "Bod snap"?

Conclusion

Another total classic makes its way onto DVD. This is Bod as you remember it, with Alberto the Frog, his amazing animal band, and of course the bizarre choice of milkshakes. Compulsive post-pub or post-party viewing for twenty and thirtysomethings who will all get nostalgic within about 2 seconds of hearing the theme tune.

Video quality isn`t up to much, sound is ok, but it`s Bod. And it`s still great.

So what next for classic television on DVD? Maybe all those schools programmes will be turfed out - Look & Read, featuring Wordy, and once again the music of Derek Griffiths would get my vote, with so many stories to choose from like "Dark Towers", "The Boy from Space" and "Fairground". See, I`ve gone all nostalgic already!