"THE MIGHTY BOOSH: VOL. 1-3"
DVD Review
by Kevin Carr
| MOVIE: ***1/2 (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Julian Barratt as HOWARD MOON Noel Fielding as VINCE NOIR Michael Fielding as NABOO Rich Fulcher as BOB FOSSIL Dave Brown as BOLLO Not Rated Available on DVD July 21 Official BBC America Shop site Studio: BBC America Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Possibly the most difficult part of writing a review of “The Mighty Boosh” is this section – encapsulating what the show is about. Rather than being susceptible to a blurb, “The Mighty Boosh” must be experienced to be understood. On the surface, it appears to be a wacky little show about two British zookeepers who experience a series of adventures in time and space. However, “The Mighty Boosh” has as much in common with classic British sketch comedy like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” as it does a traditional series. Think a British “Mr. Show” with more cohesive stories.
WHAT I LIKED
I would not recommend just watching a single episode of “The Mighty Boosh,” for to truly experience it, you must immerse yourself in it. It is an enigma of a show, and that’s what makes it hilarious. The story follows Howard Moon (Julian Barratt) and Vince Noir (Noel Fielding) as zookeepers, appearing to be more like a children’s television show... until you hit all the jokes about drug use, kangaroo nuts and transsexuals, that is.
The sketch comedy nature of the show can be hilarious, but even more so is how these “sketches” are woven into a greater story. The film seems grounded in Saturday morning television reality but explodes into silliness and esoteric references to keep things fresh.
The show’s premise feels like “The New Zoo Revue” or “The Banana Splits Show” or even “The Wiggles” or “The Imagination Movers.” It’s what our cute little kids’ shows have grown up after suffering through a wretched adolescence.
The cast is hilarious, with Barratt and Fielding playing off each other perfectly. The acting isn’t great in their main roles, but the do stretch quite often in various roles of trippy proportions. Helping make things fun is Rich Fulcher as Bob Fossil, the incompetent American managing the zoo. Also hilarious is the psychedelic guru Naboo (Michael Fielding), rounding out the weird characters populating the zoo.
When I first started watching the show, I was confused. But I laughed. After a couple episodes, I was sucked in. “The Mighty Boosh” defies explanation, but it does not defy praise. If you haven’t seen the Boosh, give it a shot. It will make your face melt... in a good way.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Like any off-the-wall British comedy, one can find things to criticize in its irreverence and silliness. However, an off-kilter show like “The Mighty Boosh” finds its strengths in its own confusion.
I would caution, however, against watching too many episodes in one sitting. Like sugar, cheesecake and pork fat, there’s only so much a body can take at once.
DVD FEATURES
Each volume of “The Mighty Boosh” comes with two discs with approximately three hours of shows. Although the show is broadcast on America’s Adult Swim channel, the DVDs each come with an additional 35 minutes of “Boosh” episodes.
The DVDs also each have a nice slate of bonus material, covering the behind-the-scenes of the show.
Volume 1 bonus material includes outtakes, commentaries and a picture gallery, along with the featurettes “Inside the Zooniverse,” “History of the Boosh” and “Boosh Music.”
Volume 2 includes the original pilot episode, commentary on all episodes, a photo gallery, outtakes, deleted scenes, a featurette about the making of the second series and a spotlight on Boosh publicity.
Volume 3 includes more commentaries and outtakes, along with a trailer for the third series, a Mint Royale promo, deleted scenes, publicity and featurettes on the making of “Boosh 3” and Boosh music.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Fans of British comedy and anyone who wants to watch an adult kids’ show.
