Review: Mr Benn Collectors Edition 4K UHD
Created by David McKee, Mr Benn (and the Red Knight) is a book first published in 1967, quickly followed by three more. These childrens books were so successful, they became the basis for an animated BBC television series called ‘Mr Benn’ originally transmitted by the BBC from 1971 to 1972.
In both the books and the television series, a bowler hat wearing, dark-suited Mr Benn visits his local fancy dress costume shop, where he is invited by the fez-wearing shopkeeper to try on a particular outfit. Mr Benn then leaves the shop through a magic door at the back of the changing room and enters a magical world appropriate to his costume, and then has an adventure.
Once he’s done some sort of moralistic ending to that story, the shopkeeper reappears and leads him back to the changing room, and the story ends with a promise to visit again soon. At the end of each story, Mr Benn returns to his normal life, but is left with a small souvenir of his magical adventure, also scenes before and after his adventure usually have some connection to the main story, such as the games the children are playing in the street as he passes.
As small children, both of us at 60MW Towers were huge fans of the magical adventures of Mr Benn. Its one of those kids programmes that stay with you. Watching Fabulous Films beautiful new 4K release of all the episodes was… a pleasure. Mr Benn is different you see. He doesn’t really ‘move’. This is a series of …illustrations – that tell the story. A filmed book. And its beautiful. Much like the actual box set.
Opening the box to find all the amazing illustrations and a BOOK that was never published inside was amazing. This really is one of the most beautifully packaged sets it has ever been our pleasure to review.
I think a younger adult audience who isn’t familiar with Mr Benn might not think their kids will like it in an age of AI and fast paced cartoons. Nope, Mr Benn is almost… languid. He strolls to hs next adventure, giving the viewer time to LOOK at the painting on screen, which has a million hidden jewels in it…something that adds even more layers to every rewatch.
Buy this for your kids, or grandkids…or yourself.
Just wonderful.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- As If By Magic – The Story of Mr Benn – documentary
- Mr Benn Advert Rushes
- Mr Benn Restoration Comparison
- Alternative revised soundtracks (5 WAV files) for The Balloonist, The Caveman, The Frogman, The Magic Carpet, and The Red Knight
Released on 9th November from Fabulous Films, featuring all 14 episodes, a documentary and bonus extras, beautifully packaged and containing a standee, booklet and a beautiful hardcover book. The series has been completely restored from original 16mm prints, and is available for the first time on 4K and Blu-ray.
Review by Tina from a 4K box set kindly supplied by Fabulous Films via Fetch Publicity.
