The Complete Steptoe & Son [DVD] [1962]

What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this series?The history of British sitcoms lay right here and it’s a pleasure to see real working class people being portrayed in a time when it was so, so rare to see actors without an upper-class accent!Harry H Corbett, a brilliant actor taken far too soon and he plays Harold with finesse and passion, it really blows me away. He was a fine actor and a fine man, such a loss to the industry. He played, Harold with a dream of the future, with kind, decent soul but always had a dream to better himself, and he always had his Dad there.Wilf Brambell as Albert Steptoe, he brings in the politics, laziness and greed of a dirty old man. He was a class actor and a great foil to Harry H Corbett’s Harold. Albert Steptoe, He was a Wiley, selfish, insecure, dirty but honest man (in the sake of honour at least) but he had such warmth and no matter what, he loved his son. But they had each other, especially at a funeral or when it mattered.There is so much history in this show, I could rabbit away for hours discussing it, but I’ll refrain myself from doing so. But if you’re a sitcom buff, check out Susannah Corbett’s criticism of Wilf and Harry hating each other. Same with Galton and Simpson (The writers).If you want a real feud to read about of the Uk Sitcom variety, check out Nearest and Dearest and the hatred of Jimmy Jewel and Hylda Baker, that was sitcoms worst feud.Anyway back to this dvd.You get a lovely box, with individual disc holders (sick of overlapping discs! So this this is a treat) and you get the two Christmas specials at the back on separate discs.You get an episode select, play all and you don’t get many extras. And you also don’t get the two films, but they’re cheap enough.I’m so happy this has aged so well, and it’s just a classic.Even the Politics back in the 60’s haven’t changed now, with the same language being used.If you’re a sitcom buff look out for younger and familiar faces like Are You Being Served’s, Mollie Sugden and Frank Thornton (Playing many roles)! And a younger Leonard Rossiter from Rising Damp in two fabulous episodes as well as Joanna Lumley and the wonderful Yootha Joyce from Man About The House and George and Mildred. Saying that, there’s a wealth of absolutely amazing guest stars that I could mention. Pause the credits and see and Google some of the names like Kenneth J Warren, George Tovey to name two.Very few colour episodes exist, saying that I struggled with watching it colour after seeing it in black and white for so long, but don’t let that put you off or you’ll be missing some great comedy.Anyway, the picture quality is as good as it gets for the age, so don’t hesitate, if you want to waste some hours and have a serious laugh then you’re in for a treat.Highly recommend!I’ll add some photos of the box at a later date so you can for subtitles and aspect ratio etc.

We’ll worth the buy. All episodes included. My dad was delighted

They never changed the recepie and that makes this show a complete success.

This handsome box set collects together all 56 TV episodes (and two Christmas specials) of `Steptoe and Son', possibly one of the most unique series to have ever been aired in this, or any other, country.From the pen of Galton and Simpson, who had previously done sterling service scripting `Hancock's Half Hour', the series tells the stories of everyday life for a pair of totters (rag and bone men) in East London. Life was tough and money scarce. Never far from the breadline, and often struggling to put food on the table, the setting is grim and realistic. However, from this unpromising background, comedy gold was spun.Apart from the exceptional writing, what made the series was the fantastic acting of Wilfred Brambell and Harry H. Corbett in the lead roles of dirty old man Albert, and his idealistic dreamer of a son, Harold. They brought the characters to vivid life in a display of acting that could put several Oscar winners to shame.The series revolves totally around the two leads. It is really a study of an abusive relationship, with scheming, crafty Albert never willing to let Harold go, terrified of a lonely old age by himself. Harold is constantly trying to break away, but is always conned into staying by his cunning old dad. Doesn't sound funny does it? But I assure you it is absolute comedy gold. The witty one liners and sarcasm, along with some bizarre situations, cleverly set up, contrast with the grim setting (while never seeming disjointed or out of place) to give rise to howls of laughter.The series fell off a bit in later years, after the move to colour filming, as the tone became a little more slapstick and less reliant on the characters and clever plots. There are still a few gems to be found in the later series though, especially my all time favourite episode, `Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning'.All the episodes are collected onto 13 discs, in a large book about the size of 4 normal DVD cases thick. There is a short note from Galton and Simpson regarding the genesis of the series on the back, and an episode listing and air dates inside the front cover. There are no other notes, nor are there any extras on the discs. But that doesn't really matter, the series was so good it doesn't need extras.The picture has been restored, but bear in mind the poor source material, so despite restoration some of the early episodes look a bit ropey. Again, this doesn't matter too much and it is good to have all the episodes in one place.Fans might also want to hunt down the two films, `Steptoe and Son Ride', and `Steptoe and Son Ride Again'. There was also a recent West End play, which concluded the story of Albert and Harold in a very well done and touching way; if ever you get the chance I can really recommend you go see it.