Review of Blackadder 3

Introduction

In the third series of Blackadder, Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) and Baldrick (Robinson) move through the years to 1760 and the Regency period. Blackadder is the butler to Prince George (Lawrie).

Video

The video quality on the Series 1 and Series 2 discs wasn`t great, and although Series 3 is better, it`s still not ideal and would have be better if the series had been split over two discs, rather than compressed to fit onto one.

The picture is presented in full-frame and is probably half-way between VHS quality and a good DVD transfer – with a lack of detail and some grain evident. The picture is however free of dirt.

Audio

Sound comes in Dolby Digital Mono, and the dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.

There`s no need for multi-channel sound here, and regardless of the quality of reproduction, the quality of gags will have you howling through all six episodes.

Features

There are no extras at all, which really is totally unacceptable considering that UK license payers funded the series – and the American viewers who did not contribute get loads of features on their DVD release. Unfortunately I had already purchased Blackadder 3 when the Region 1 announcements were made.

The disc is packaged in the usual BBC silver Amaray case which contains a colour leaflet detailing other BBC releases.

Conclusion

Overall an average picture, mono sound and no extras would be the kiss of death for many titles, but series 2, 3 and 4 of Blackadder are in my opinion the finest TV comedies ever made, so the content more than makes up for the shortfalls of the DVD.

Every episode on this DVD is a work of genius and is watchable time and time again. Blackadder 3 may be getting on a bit now, but I laughed just as much this time around as I did when I saw it on TV all those years ago.

However, those with multi-region DVD players are advised to go for the Region 1 releases instead.