very good comedy
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Had this previously on VHS in fact think it's still in a box in the attic classic Steve Coogan in the role of Alan Partridge AH-HA
This DVD set contains 2 discs upon which reside the entire Knowing Me, Knowing You TV series and the Knowing Me, Knowing Yule Christmas Special. It is (chronologically) set after the "Knowing Me, Knowing You" Radio series and before the two "I'm Alan Partridge" television series. A precursor series of "Knowing Me, Knowing You" was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and various cassette tapes and CDs are available on the BBC label. I personally think radio comedy is often stronger than the televised version, because the show hangs on the strength of the writing and the oral delivery: Dead Ringers being a case in point. However, Steve Coogan's Knowing Me, Knowing You, benefit's from being televised, since one can really appreciate the painful embarrassment of Partridge's narcissism and clumsy handling of his guests. While the infamous line "let me on the telly" peppers the Radio version of Knowing Me, Knowing You, the televised series really delivers the treat of seeing the spectacular failure of Partridge's short-lived television hosting career which he has wanted for so long. The humour of Coogan's Partridge sways between simple comedy and belly laughs (the garish suits, the odd surprising guest question, the Abba tribute band, etc) and that form of painfully embarrassing voyeurism which the current 2000's generation is familiar with courtesy of Ricky Gervais' The Office. If you cringe (and yet, perversely enjoy) watching David Brent explain why he's such a great boss who cares so much about equality in the workplace, then Alan Partridge asking his guests why they're so great, while at the same time trying to crowbar in his own over-inflated ego, is almost certainly for you. With Knowing Me, Knowing Me, Coogan is a superior forerunner to Gervais. Partridge is a brilliantly clever creation, whose rudeness, inappropriateness and clumsy failure with a golden opportunity (i.e. a career in television) ensures the viewer can enjoy what unfolds with a sense of distanced superiority. And the genius comedy moments throughout ensure the viewing is never a trial or too painful: it is just downright funny. The fact that Partridge's episode-closing catchphrase "And on that bombshell…" is now heard frequently throughout television, is testament to genius of Coogan's creation. If you want a comedy which appears light and entertaining on the surface, but upon closer inspection reveals extremely cleverly written material and observations, coupled with Coogan's spot on acting as Partridge, then this DVD is for you. An entire Partridge series in one DVD, plus a Christmas special, allowing you to see how Partridge "puts the chat amongst the pigeons": Don't miss out! A real British modern classic!Read full review
I was very pleased to find a DVD with both Knowing me, Knowing You and Knowing Yule. I had the originals on video and found that the DVDs were difficult to get hold of in the shops, as the shows are quite old. Any DVDs I did find in the shops were around £7 each, so this DVD is a bargain, and a must for Alan Partridge fans.
The prequel to I'm Alan Partridge really builds up the character best known for 'Toblerone scoffin' and driving his Lexus around pedestrianised Norwich. Knowing Me Knowing You is superbly written and full of ridiculous guests where everything that can go wrong does. If you like Coogan's I'm Alan Partridge series then you will love this as it is just as good, if not better. Coogan plays a stereotypical chat show host on a less than typical show. Not a moment goes by when there is not a laugh or a cringe-worthy moment, which is a credit to Coogan's comedy genius. It is a must have for any Alan Partridge/Steve Coogan fan.
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