Customer Reviews

The Young Ones - Every Stoopid Episode/Full Bottom

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's rude, violent and vile. And I love it. In the early 1980's, alternative comedy was beginning to take hold in Britain, and the Young Ones really led the way. The phenomenal cast includes Nigel Planer, Christopher Ryan, Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall as four lazy students living in a rundown apartment. Antics include a yearly pilgramage to the laundrette, an ill-advised appearance on University Challenge, and a petrol bomb in the fridge. It's the style, certainly not the premise, that makes this so appealing. Intermingled in the loose storylines are performances by musical guests (like The Damned), cutaways to scenes that have nothing to do with the story, and lots more. Oh yes, there are numerous references to the god-like Cliff Richard as well.

Watch the whole set and you'll spot British comedy luminaries in various one-off roles, including Hugh Laurie, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders (aka Mrs. Adrian Edmondson).

The series is, quite frankly, brilliant. And it all comes to a tragic end in "Summer Holiday" (a Cliff Richard song, naturally), when the boys drive their stolen double-decker bus off a cliff, exploding upon landing.

"I'm on board the freedom bus, and I haven't even paid my fare!" exclaims Rik with glee. Indeed. Buy this now.

This was one hilarious British comedy that captured the 80s mainstreaming of New Wave (formerly punk rock) at a very brief moment. They were the perfect melding of stereotypical college students: the dirty hippie, the punk rocker, the shifty cheat who seems to live a double life, and the new wave liberal. They're young, loud and snotty, and proud of it! And did they have filthy hygiene habits! The music acts they had on were perfect snapshots of the time. Some faded away into obscurity, some remain classics (Madness, The Damned and Motorhead made some memorable appearances) that we go back to when nostalgia rotates. Neil's moaning and depression are hilarious, Rik's annoying, Mike's a scumbag, and Vyvyan's a self destructive antics make them all the most obnoxious bunch of guys who ever shared a house. Something about the filth of the houses they lived in, their terrible attitudes, and the violence was so punk rock. And it's completely brilliant!

But where's Bad News?

What you need to know is that this is one of the most ridiculous and bright telley shows ever created. It is totally absurd and for that reason it is quite hilarious. At times is seems stupid but then it amazes the viewer with bright lines and absolute hilarity. I first encountered "The Young Ones" when it was shown on Comedy Central in the early '90's. I was an early teen then and while I found it funny I think I can relate to it much better now. This boxed set of DVD's is terrific and the best assortment of "The Young Ones" available.

The show is comprised of for young men Vyvyan, Neil Rick and Mike who share an apartment. Vyvyan is a vim and venom punk rocker, Neil is a burnt out hippie, Mike is sort a total lady-killer and Rick is a Communist pseudo intellectual. Naturally these four don't fit well together and each has a different way of handling the insane situations they find themselves in. Almost every scene of every episode is shot in their apartment and in spite of this money saving technique the show is fantastic and though sometimes a little slap sticky.

My favorite character is Rick: his lines are well written and ring so true as he tries to be a smart little Marxist. He is also such a funny character to watch as his blood boils in aggravation with his housemates antics. Vyvyan angers him as he generally finds breaking things to be the solution to any problem. Vyvyan is often the instigator or the exacerbator of the mayhem that transpires. Neil and Mike are also necessary characters though I don't think they are the stars of this show.

You had better go and get this now before something bad happens to you. This really is a great show and is certainly among the best British TV available. If you like Mr. Bean, The Simpsons, Family guy or Malcolm in the Middle this show will certainly appeal to you. This DVD set is the best way to get the show and is well worth the price.

-- Ted Murena

The Young Ones is a hilarious look at four college rejects and their "foreign" landlord (who claims to be a Brit in one episode). Almost every episode had my sides hurting from laughing so hard. Every Stoopid Episode proudly sits on my DVD shelf right next to Fawlty Towers and Flying Circus.

The Young Ones - my favorite series of all time! I can't keep from laughing out loud every time I watch! Comic genius!

Full Bottom - Rik Mayall is a comedic genius. The physical comedy is the best. Many consider such comics as Jerry Lewis, John Ritter and The Three Stooges as great physical comedians. Add Rik Mayall to the top of that list.

I have loved both of these series since they were first aired on television. I had taped them on VHS first time around - so my tapes are getting abit knackered, and who buys video players these days anyway. It was great to get the whole lot on DVD in one hit - all really nice quality recordings.

My all time best TV comedy ever is Bottom (the wife even laughs)and this set is fantastic, especially the out-takes at the end of each disk. They all go for about half an hour (not censored)- It just proved to me how mad these guys are.

Just buy this set - You won't regret it.

I was introduced to the young ones at fort bragg back when MTV played videos and the british invasion included comedy. Vivian was the best character ever. up front and no care for BS. It is best in dry brit comedy and a laugh a min. I love it.