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An Idiot Abroad

Karl Pilkington (Actor), Ricky Gervais (Actor) Rated:

Format: DVD

483 ratings

IMDb8.3/10

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(Jan 10, 2012)

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Product Description

In this hilarious series Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, co-creators of The Office and Extras, send their friend Karl Pilkington (The Ricky Gervais Show) around the world...against his will! Karl thinks he’s visiting the "Seven Wonders" but along the way the “Little Englander” must endure camel rides, jungle treks, tribal customs and local oddballs while dining on toads and testicles... and searching for a clean bathroom. How does a man who prefers vacationing via camper cope with being an idiot abroad?

Amazon.com

An Idiot Abroad demonstrates that it takes a unique mind to reduce the Seven Wonders of the World to a string of dirty, far-flung tourist traps, but if the mind in question is that of Karl Pilkington, the feat is less extraordinary than expected. The perpetually nonplussed foil for Office and Extras creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on The Ricky Gervais Show--later seen in the United States in animated form--Pilkington has a baffling (and baffled) take on humanity, which has made him a sensation in his native United Kingdom, and An Idiot Abroad marks Gervais and Merchant's weekly televised attempt to broaden his horizons by dispatching him to the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. That's not entirely true--Gervais and Merchant have actually sent the poor fellow packing to laugh themselves silly at his utter bewilderment and discomfort in foreign places, and one's appreciation of An Idiot Abroad will hinge largely on whether you consider this practice exceptionally cruel or absolutely hilarious. Those who fall into the latter category will be slack-jawed in amazement at Pilkington's attempt to preserve his shuttered sense of well-being while faced with fried scorpions at the Great Wall of China, a berserk fireworks display in Mexico, naked yoga in India, and gales of garbage at the Pyramids in Egypt. At each stop, Gervais and Merchant fairly bust their sides while encouraging Pilkington to investigate his surroundings, which results in his near-breakdown in a Mexican bullring and various unfortunate gastronomic encounters. Viewed as either a perverse documentary look at a (thankfully) singular mind or 21st-century Theatre of Cruelty, An Idiot Abroad is guaranteed to produce astonished laughter, and is a worthy addition to Gervais and Merchant's ever-expanding canon of uncomfortable humor.

An Idiot Abroad encompasses all eight episodes of the show's first season, which aired in the United Kingdom in 2010 and the United States in 2011, in their original, uncut format (which translates into some rough language and male nudity). Extras include a 23-minute preview show, which outlines Karl's travels, and a lengthy review in which Karl shows exactly how much he's learned from his journey (not much). Eight deleted scenes and a gallery of stills round out this sidesplitting disc. --Paul Gaita

Special features

Deleted Scenes
Photo Gallery

Product details

Actors: Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Format: Color, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Number of discs: 2
Rated:
NR
Not Rated
Studio: BBC Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: January 10, 2012
Run Time: 350 minutes
Customer Reviews: 203 customer reviews
ASIN: B004EPYZHQ
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,142 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #9382 in Action & Adventure DVDs
- #10979 in Comedy (Movies & TV)
- #470 in Reality TV (Movies & TV)

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sonicmuse

Karl Pilkington: The World's Funniest Non-Comedian!

Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2016

Format: Prime VideoVerified Purchase

Karl Pilkington is Britain's working-class "Everyman" and unintentional comedic genius who was "discovered" shortly after becoming Ricky Gervais' XFM Radio producer in the late 90s. Nearly every word out of his unfiltered mouth is hilarious. His observational humor-- which, again, is innate, non-scripted, and entirely unintentional-- puts Jerry Seinfeld to shame (sorry, Jerry!), and his perfect comedic timing is the sort which professional comics work their entire lives to perfect. In "An Idiot Abroad," a program Gervais refers to as "the most expensive practical joke" he's ever played, we find "homebody" Karl forced out of his "comfy Hobbit hole" and pushed to his absolute limits in exotic locales where Ricky and writing/producing partner Steve Merchant set him on all sorts of-- ahem-- "adventures" (misadventures would be more apt) in an attempt to wind him up... and Karl is INDEED wound up as an often-exasperated and, to use one of his common phrases, "fed-up" fish out of water in the various fleabag motels and shady areas of popular tourist destinations his two "bully" friends send him to "explore." Poor Karl constantly finds himself in situations where he doesn't know a WORD of the language, is TOTALLY unfamiliar (and hilariously uncomfortable) with the local customs, and is forced to eat "food" that most westerners generally think of as bait. The results of Ricky "poking a stick" at "cornered" Karl are nothing short of brilliant, with Karl never failing to react in his inimitable disgruntled-but-lovable manner. It doesn't take long before one feels Karl is an old friend, a friend whose unassuming, down-to-earth authenticity is a warm, comforting blanket and whose whacky perspective on life reflects a truly bizarre but strangely-insightful mind. "An Idiot Abroad" is a highly-addicting MUST see... over and over and over again!!!

8 people found this helpful

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my reviews are da best

: )

Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2017

Format: Prime VideoVerified Purchase

I am a fan of Karl. Ever since I came across his animated podcasts on youtube. If you are a fan of those podcasts then you will love this. It's basically the same podcast type of humor, but magnified by 40. It's just karl getting punked over and over by ricky, basically, with a bit of wordly intrigue. I like how this show deglamorizes supposed amazing wonders by karl's witty observations. Like how there is garbage flying around the great primids. " They don't show you that on t.v" Most of this show is funny because you kinda get who karl is. If you don't like jokes at other's expense or degrading world wonders, then this isn't the show for you.

4 people found this helpful

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William David Chelonis

A Priceless Treasure!

Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2017

Format: Prime VideoVerified Purchase

Absolutely love this series. It's like watching documentaries but with comedy and real honest opinions on how it really is visiting these places. I'm myself re-watching these, wishing they'd made more. There's just so much they could have filmed but couldn't get to. Like, pick anything just in the historically interesting range along and that could be a season no problem. Let alone all the interesting places around the world to visit. The average person won't ever get to any of these places ever, so it's nice to see something like this. I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves documentaries with the idea of a bit of comical relief tossed in. Absolutely brilliant!

2 people found this helpful

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Tiffany

Multi format is not for "all regions" (region free) as advertised

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2019

Format: Blu-rayVerified Purchase

1 star because this show is hilarious. Amazon Prime is no longer supported on my Smart TV, so I can no longer stream Karl on the big screen. I searched for a "region free" DVD (meaning it will play on US devices), and I found this multi format DVD which Amazon advertises as being formatted for "all regions". Unfortunately, it is not. My player will not even recognize the disc. Sadness.

One person found this helpful

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ShaneTop Contributor: Guitars

Great show for travelers and those who enjoy comedy!

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2012

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

Unlike many travel shows that leave me feeling like you have to be some sort of sophisticated, rich, intellectual jet-setter to be able to manage traveling outside your country, this show proves that even an "idiot" can manage most situations perfectly fine. You don't necessarily to be well prepared or even know anything about a particular place to have a good time. That's the message I enjoy most about this show. I find that it encourages me to want to travel to certain locations that I may have been wary about before because Karl is just a regular guy like me and he got along just fine. This show takes the "scariness" out of certain exotic locations and portrays them in a very human, non-biased way.

The show itself is hilarious, and the interactions of Karl and the native peoples are priceless. I enjoyed this show very much.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys the lighter side of world travel! Worth purchasing!

One person found this helpful

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Purplepeopleeater

Funny

Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2019

Format: Prime VideoVerified Purchase

Love this show. It used to be on Netflix and after they took it off, I loved it so much I bought it here. Can't really add much to what's already been said, but if you like dry, observational humor, you'll like this. It makes me laugh out loud, and there aren't too many shows out there that do that.

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CJS

Funny, sweet and informative.

Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2018

Format: Prime VideoVerified Purchase

Great show. Even though you laugh at him, or at times shake your head in disbelief you can't help but like Karl. The best part is the the other people he meets all around the world. It is funny, entertaining and informative. It makes me want to travel more.

One person found this helpful

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JanJan

Hilarious!

Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2012

Format: DVDVerified Purchase

I found the show "An Idiot Abroad" during it's 2nd Season. We couldn't get enough watched them all on demand for season 2. We hoped they would re-air the episodes from Season 1. My Mom was born and raised in Britain, so we told her about the show and would watch episodes with her when we visited. She fell in love with Karl and the whole show. She really enjoyed listening to the accents from home too. She's 75 and finds it so amusing, along with us, and absolutely loves it. She's housebound most of the time, so after we'd watched season 2 several times over, I decided to buy season 1 for her (well for all of us really) and had it sent to her from Amazon as a surprise. She immediately watched all of it, but every time we visit she asks us to watch an episode with her.

We find it throughly entertaining!

3 people found this helpful

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Top international reviews

James Hayes

All hail the 'anti-Palin'...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2014

Verified Purchase

The title of 'An Idiot Abroad' is rather a misnomer, because although Karl Pilkington's might not be the among the brightest of minds, his dour outlook and mordant asides sometimes express genuine insights into the various foreign climes that he finds himself delivered into (by the scheming Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant) that are anything but idiotic. And Pilkington's unrepentant and unstinting refusal to conform to conventional viewpoints about what is 'good' or 'fascinating' in the world, or be blindly traduced by the blandishments of popular social orthodoxies, are refreshing. As he aghastly delivers his impressions of public toilets in China, or laments the fact that the locals see nothing wrong in snacking on a fowl fetus that has been cooked in its shell ("not even waiting for the thing to be born and to live a bit - and then eat it"), Pilkington's reactions are the opposite of those you'd associate with 'safe' TV globe-trotters like Palin and co. It seems gloriously spontaneous, but I wouldn't be surprised if some on-the-hoof scripting takes place before the cameras start to roll (e.g., the now-classic "The fact that this is called the 'Great' Wall of China annoys me. I'll decide if it's great or not. It might end-up being the 'All Right Wall of China' to me..."). The also show benefits enormously from excellent direction and photography, deft and pacey editing, and Vik Sharma's jaunty title theme and perfectly-pitched incidental music. Top stuff - screamingly amusing - highly recommended.

One person found this helpful

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Mrs. E. L. Price

Excellent value for money

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2011

Verified Purchase

After reading blog about Karl I decided to search for this DVD and was surprised to find it on offer for £5.99. Well worth £5.99 and would have been happy if I'd bought it at full price.
There is just enough of Ricky and Stephen added to the mix but Karl is without doubt the unwilling star of the show, his Brit abroad attitude to presenting the show adds a certain unexpected charm and you find yourself reaching for holiday brochures to Clacton-on-Sea rather than Calcutta as his 'phobias' of all thing foreign become apparent very quickly.
Its very difficult to sum the whole DVD up but I'd say take a chace and buy it;you won't regret it,Karl Pilkington is an underrated comedian and presenter who seems to slip slightly under the main stream radar and although Ricky Gervais isn't always my cup of tea he knows how to produce a decent tv show and give viewers something different. Look forward to a future series.

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AL.B

One Of The Best Live Documentary Funny Brits Moment .....Karl !

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2012

Format: Blu-rayVerified Purchase

I was a little bit skeptical on getting this Blu ray disc as sometimes I just can't get British jokes but this one really makes me laugh hysterically (and I am only on the first two episodes China and India) !!!

Karl really will leave you laughing from the moment he steps down the plane till the end of each episode. All that happens are basically a natural way of how Karl sees the world/country that he is in. A real no holds bar thingy. I can't imagine a better guy from bringing us a different look and style of a travelling documentary (if even you can call it a travelling documentary) !!!

This Blu ray comes highly recommended (for whom that appreciate a different view of funny life moments by a man named Karl Pilkington)

One person found this helpful

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Office Magenta Audiovisuel

Home, sweet... what?

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2015

Format: Blu-rayVerified Purchase

Brilliant as all the episodes of this collection. It's pure comedy and yet it makes you think about intercultural communication and opens your mind. Poor Karl will never be the same again. These rocky and adventurous trips to the 7 world wonders he's been sent on by Ricky Gervais definitely shake up his beliefs that home is always the sweetest place on earth but Karl also gives us his candid and often pertinent comments on things (tradition is not good in itself, you should always question it).

One person found this helpful

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Kevin Long

Forget Michael Palin...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2011

Verified Purchase

Even writing the review makes me smile.

A truly remarkable piece of television, and so funny at times you can't breath. Karl's outlook on these places he visits is so honest and also true, the way he describes places and interprets whats going on is just so funny, but for me not in an idiot sort of way, more a common sense way, I have to admit, I do think like him a little when on holiday, but I think thats just being an English man abroad. I won't give anything away as that would spoil it, but forget Michael Palin, if you want to visit these places this is the travel guide you need, and then many things will not be such a shock !

I salute you Mr Pilkington, well done mate, and please do another series!

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Amazon Rose

Karl, the REAL traveller

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2012

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No airs or graces - he speaks as he finds. I admire Karl for taking the plunge time and time again, even tho' Ricky sets him up in challenging situations/lodgings for his own amusement. How Karl copes I don't know, poor guy never seems to get any luxury. This is a 'down to life' account of his travels. It's very interesting to meet the people he meets who are as unique as Karl is. Watch Karl attempt to eat foreign dishes - this is so funny, even though it's not for Karl who suffers the consequences. This dvd is educational with a twist. I can't wait for my copy of 'an idiot abroad 2'. Why not treat yourself to some 'arm chair' travelling.

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I. S. J. Roberts

Is he for real?

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2011

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Very entertaining series, Karl's either unbelievabably stupid or some sort of comedy Genius!

Karl's attitude does grate at times especially when it comes to trying the local food but mostly it's just damn funny.

The final episode, a sit down chat between Karl, Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant when they discuss his trips and show a load of previously unseen footage is probably the best epsiode.

I don't have sky so hadn't seen the series before buying it but having loved there podcasts I didn't think I could go far wrong for £[].

Shame there won't be a second series! #UPDATE# How wrong I was there is a second series!

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Bon Dignam

One of the funiest series I've ever seen!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 15, 2010

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I haven't laughed so much for a long time!
I was unsure on the first program whether it was just a big wind up and very very good acting but you just have to laugh, Karl Pilkington's take on things around him is just so fresh and funny and on some levels so very much what you'd probably think yourself if you weren't hung up on being politically correct or worried about appearing world wise.
There is a degree of simplicity that I would love to have in my life!
I rarely buy series but I got this one because I know that next time I watch it I'll laugh just as much as I did first time round.

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Susan Hampson

An idiot abroad was a genius in the making

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 7, 2010

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I watched the series on sky 1 and cried with laughing. This is pure genius, Karl Pilkington became my guilty pleasure every week. I have now purchased 4 copies of this through Amazon for xmas presents for various members of my family and have firmly placed it on my xmas list from santa. Karl visits the 7 wonders of the world all arranged by Ricky and Steve. He sees the real parts of these countries with hilarious results. The firworks episode made my tummy ache for ages after the prog finished. I am now a Karl fan buying books he has also wrote, just as funny, including the idiot abroad book. An amazing buying.

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Betty Boop

An Idiot Abroad - A must have!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 16, 2011

Verified Purchase

I was sceptical at first, because I can't stand Ricky Gervaise - However, although he does briefly appear in it, its not enough to spoil the DVD. The real star is Karl Pilkington, dont be fooled, this is not a Judith Chalmers holiday programme - its an hysterically funny, one man's warts and all view of his travel around the 7 wonders of the world. My 16 year old loves it and has actually seen some of the episodes in his Geography lesson at school. This DVD is a must for any collection, just put it on and have a laugh! Easy viewing.

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L. Garel-jones

louise

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2011

Verified Purchase

I didn't know what to expect with such a silly title. I like wit not slapstick. However the reviews were good and I thought I must give it a chance. I was very pleasantly surprised, it's original, it's funny and it is full of weird and wonderful local customs in countries with reknown sites, so you travel the world as well. Mark Pilkington's dead pan earthy remarks about what he is experiencing are akin to the best stand up but are real life situations. Can't wait for the second series which I believe is out now. Do not miss.

2 people found this helpful

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Savvyconsumer

Funny viewing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2015

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I love this. It is so funny, Karl Pilkington is a man way out of his comfort zone in the series. There are faces pulled by him that just add to the humour. It's easy viewing with witty interference from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant harassing him over the phone at the most inoportune moments! If you are after funny viewing then this is for you!

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Karen

Very funny guy. Has me in stitches

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2016

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Very funny guy. Has me in stitches! I think we can all relate to Karl pilkington whether it's something we think but don't say or that he reminds you of a friend. This is genius plus educational (I did actually learn about the places he visited) in a fun way

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MICH

Hilarious!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2011

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Im not usually one to write a review on a DVD, but i truly found this hilarious and would recommend to anyone with a sense of humour. Try not to be offended by Karl's complete ignorance - as at times even i was actually thinking some of the things that he would come out with lol. Watching him travel the world and literally slum it, at times, made me feel pity for him but at the end of the day, its an eye opener and well worth a watch - and the money spent just to be able to rewind certain scenes.

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Jules

An Idiot abroad

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2011

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An excellent DVD. Ricky Gervais and Steve Marchant send their friend Karl Pilkington on trips to see the seven wonders of the world to try to expand his mind. He not only sees the tourist parts of each country but other parts of the country and he has to stay in some very down to earth places making for a very entertaining, very funny production. With Ricky and Steve contacting Karl throughout the whole thing to see how he is getting on and to entertain themselves with his misery.

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