Review of Have I Got News For You: Very Best Of

Introduction

A timely issue, helped along by quite a few tabloid headlines of a show that has brought down the mighty, or if you like, it is a few schoolboys sniggering in the yard over Blair-major and his chums.

As it stands, it sounds an unlikely candidate for a DVD release being a topical news show with most stories unlikely to remain in the memory other than the truly devastating that are not the subject for cheap laughs, well not yet anyway.

The disc covers the twelve years to date of the show from the post Gulf war Bush administration to er - the pre Gulf War Bush administration. Funny how little has changed really. It is quite sobering to watch the delight at the change of government in 1997 turn to dismay as sleaze stories start to emerge from the New Labour government.

Video

This has been a transfer from television. It starts in normal screen size and in the late 90`s becomes wide-screen as many programmes did. The picture is clear enough with no obvious problems other than the scary clothes and haircuts people had in the early 90`s.

Audio

The disc is presented in Dolby 2.0- that is perfectly fine as the programme is dialogue based. Good quality, no complaints. No bleeps in this version - it has a 15 certificate.

It is a slickly presented show that benefits from editing the live recording. It only starts to break down towards the end of Angus` reign when so many of the comments are directed towards him that he is struggling with the script.

Features

Commentary by Paul and Ian

An excellent addendum to this disc-can be turned off as it occasionally smothers the dialogue. Good the second time round rainy-day watch. It offers the 20:20 vision of hindsight regarding various guests such as Paula Yates, where Ian`s treatment of her appears casually cruel without the commentary.
Most interesting quote from Ian Hislop " there`s a lot of dead people on the show"

Trivia subtitles
So good I missed what was being said on the show several times and vice versa. It`s very hard to do both and it makes your head hurt. Lots of comments when Edwina Currie is on the show (nudge, nudge wink variety…)

Terry Wogan and Room 101

Nick Hancock tries to defend his mates. Not that funny but interestingly Merton went on to present Room 101.

Newsnight and Why Do They Do it?
A Newsnight report after the Hamiltons went on the show. Why ask the question?
They obviously believe that any publicity is good publicity-how about a bit of public shame?

Teaser Trailers
`In the style of`…various. Brilliant! A personal favourite is The Big Brother chair.

Tributes, Memories
Short feature of vox pop where people reveal their love hate and indeed total indifference to the programme.

Contempt Featurette
Problems of speaking your mind on national televsion. Mr Hislop knows how expensive that can be.

Conclusion

Who would have thought old news could be so funny?

They do come over as the smug Oxbridge boys brought down to earth by the comprehensive Paul Merton (metalwork CSE, Failed). Merton is funnier than any of them except Boris Johnson who is just unwittingly funny. The best guests are those like Johnson, who is just like an accident waiting to happen or John Sergeant, who has a real sense of humour. Those who are there to plug a book or their post-political career (stand up Derek Hatton, the Hamiltons) deserve everything they get. I thought the tub of lard was the most intelligent.

It`s a love or hate thing and if you hate it someone may still buy it you as a gift. £20 may seem a lot but you will probably be able to get it at £15 or less in various places. It is good for three viewings with the commentary and trivia subtitles and coming in at over three hours is a lot better value than many `best of` releases.

The current season without Angus just starting to find its feet and this rather timely issue is a great reminder of its glory days.