Saxondale The Complete
Seasons One & Two (BBC DVD)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C- Film: C-
Yes, here is another series with a smart-alec protagonist
who is supposed to be funny and the show either works or does not. Tommy Saxondale (Steve Coogan) is a former Rock band roadie with
personal and relationship issues that are not getting resolved. He also has classic division annoyances and
can be annoying. Saxondale The
Complete Seasons One & Two offers more than enough episodes that show
what a self-absorbed dud the show is, let alone the character.
I was
never amused or impressed by anything here and as I watched, kept wondering
what the point was or if the show would ever pick up. Unfortunately, it just runs on and on feeling
desperate and where there is endless predictability, there are one-liners and
gags not making up for the lack of character development. But the show has some kind of following. Watch at your own risk.
The anamorphically
enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is not bad, but not great throughout the two seasons so
far, with detail and color limits that can be as dull as the shows. Add the editing and compositions and you
dont get anything special here. The
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (with some music changed from the broadcasts for
licensing reasons) is good for a new show, but again nothing special or
memorable. Extras include select audio
commentary, deleted scenes, stills, interviews for Season 2 and the On The Road making of featurette.
- Nicholas Sheffo