More K-Pax than The Shawshank Redemption

Introduction

Unless you've lived on Mondas for the last 14 years, you will probably be aware of the music and comedy based TV panel game known as Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Originally presented by Mark Lamarr, the game consists of 2 teams of 3 players who have to answer music based trivia. Phill Jupitus has been there since day one, and continues to captain one team. Sean Hughes was his opponent until May 2002, and then Bill Bailey took over in September 2002, leaving in February 2008.

Lamarr left in December 2005, and was replaced by guest presenters for one series until Simon Amstell took over in October 2006. Amstell was best known for presenting Channel 4's Popworld at that point, his main skill was being rude to the stars of the day. He was also building a stand up career.



In April 2009, Amstell announced that he would leave the series to concentrate on stand up and other projects. The series has continued in autumn 2009 with guest presenters.

This DVD contains three compilation/clip shows that have been previously aired, and they concentrate solely on the Amstell period of Buzzcocks.



Imagine... A Mildly Amusing Panel Show is a spoof version of Alan Yentob's arts programme Imagine, written by Amstell and Dan Swimer. Alan Yentob and Simon Amstell play themselves in a mock interview between clips of Amstell-era Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

Never Mind The Buzzcocks - A Moving Tribute is another spoof of compilation clips, again written by Amstell and Dan Swimer. It contains mocked up behind the scenes clips, and mocking interviews with people who had appeared on the show.

Never Mind the Buzzcocks - Technically, the Best Series Ever is another compilation of clips and interviews.



There is also another set of clips and scenes that were never broadcast. These feature a compulsory commentary by Simon Amstell and Phill Jupitus.

Video and Audio

You get a 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer and a DD2.0 stereo soundtrack as first broadcast. Nothing earth shattering, and nothing to complain about either.

Extra Features

It's hard to work out what's "main" and what's "extra" here. So the only other thing that I haven't listed already is the Phill's music quiz easter egg, which is a bit of a laugh.

Conclusion

Some people stopped watching Buzzcocks after Lamarr left. I didn't. I've watched them all and still enjoy the show today. I love music. I love trivia. And I also enjoyed Amstell taking over the role of quiz master. Whilst it would have been nice to have something covering the early years of the show (given the title of the DVD), this is a good compilation of the "modern era" of the show. The clip shows are cleverly put together and very funny.



All the recent performances are here, including Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Preston walking off, Donny Tourette as well as clips from an episode featuring Russell Brand which never aired for obvious Daily Mail-panic related reasons.

I really enjoyed watching this and suspect it wil find itself in quite a few stockings this Xmas. I just don't know how much long term value it will have.