After Henry – The Complete Fourth Series (1991 – 1992/Network U.K./Region Two/2/PAL DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: D Episodes: C
PLEASE NOTE: This DVD can only be operated on
machines capable of playing back DVDs that can handle Region Two/2/PAL format
software and can be ordered from our friends at Network U.K. at the website
address provided at the end of the review.
After Henry badly wants to get Prunella
Scales in another hit after her landmark success with John Cleese in Faulty Towers, but despite running four
seasons, the show is nowhere nearly as good or as funny, though I did like the
idea that it focuses on older persons and family characters in a real way. Six half-hour shows are offered and though
they are watchable, they did not stay with me or hold up well.
The
sitcom and last Golden Era of Britcoms were over and maybe the show had run its
course by this season, as I have not seen earlier shows. However, I was very interested to see it just
to see how it played, so perhaps the earlier seasons are funnier and the
writers were counting on loyal viewer familiarity. Hope that did not kill the show. Now the whole series is available from
Network, so those most interested (or fans) can take a look themselves. Joan Sanderson, Janine Wood and Johnathan
Newth also star.
The 1.33
X 1 color PAL image is a bit on the soft side throughout, looking a bit softer
for its age than it should be despite an otherwise good transfer of what is
midway color PAL material. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 Mono is also an issue with lower volume levels, harmonic distortion
and sonic limits TV audio at the time (especially for videotaped shows) that TV
on both sides of the Atlantic suffered.
There are no extras.
As noted above, you can order this PAL DVD import
exclusively from Network U.K. at:
www.networkdvd.co.uk
or
http://www.networkdvd.net/
- Nicholas Sheffo
