5 Star

Nostalgia in a Big Box.

Fetch Publicity brings us a huge slice of childhood, courteous of Fabulousfilms, whether you were young in the 1970s or in the 1990s you would have seen Mr Benn on the BBC. Those fourteen episodes by David McKee (King Rollo) have enthralled children of all ages for over fifty-years. Now this boxset comes with loads of memorabilia and extras (See Below), making this the best Christmas present for all ages.

Festive Road in London, a row of terrace houses, with children playing in the street, and parents idly chatting away the hours. Mr Benn resides at number fifty-two, and today he is headed into town wearing his usual black suit and his trademark bowler hat.

He wanders in the large stores and the high street, he heads down a small lane until he finds a small shop with colourful and interesting costumes in the window and deeper into the shop. Curious, he steps inside.

Wait for it…

As if by Magic, the shop keeper appears.

Yeah, the fez wearing shop keeper asks Mr Benn what would he like to try on? He has spotted a bright red suit of armour, he asks if it is OK to try it on, The shopkeeper shows him to the changing room, where Mr Benn transforms into a knight in not so shiny armour. He spots another door in the changing room, being Mr Benn he heads through this extra door and finds himself in a medieval setting, where dragons are real, and friendly.

When he has resolved a problem, (normally a moral story) he spots a man he recognises, mainly because he is wearing a fez who leads him into an alcove where he finds he is back in the changing room. With his adventure over he heads home, but promising to visit again soon. When he gets home he fishes in his pocket to find his keys and finds a souvenir from his journey.

Fourteen adventures to watch over and over again, plus the great voice of Ray Brooks (The Avengers, Danger Man,), and that unforgettable theme tune by composer Duncan Lamont (under the pseudonym “Don Warren”).

Mr Benn, pure nostalgia in a box, Awesome, get it as a present for yourself or maybe someone else.

Mr Benn: The Ultimate Collection is available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray

 

 

Bonus Features:

As If By Magic- Documentary on Mr Benn including contributions by David McKee, narrator Ray Brooks and composer Duncan Lamont
Mr Benn Restoration Comparison
Mr Benn Advert Rushes
Alternative revised soundtracks for the episodes: The Balloonist, The Caveman. The Frogman, The Magic Carpet, The Red Knight
Mr Benn Episode Guide
Reproduction Hardback Book of 123456789 Benn, the original episode that was never made!
Concertina Character Display
Mr Benn Mini Standee
Mr Benn Invitation Letter