The more cynical amongst you may be rolling your eyes and wondering why another release of The Office is needed. Indeed, it’s tough to imagine anyone who hadn’t already purchased the DVDs forking out again for what is basically the same set repackaged.
But let’s veer away from any Christmas market/franchise-milking based conversation. At least they have the decency to let you buy the four discs for just over a tenner – excellent value for the newbie.
The Office has towered over comedy in the past decade with nothing coming close to its ferocious originality and pure vision. However, it should also be said that it’s difficult to imagine this set winning over any newcomers. By now, people are either on side or simply don’t get it.
Thankfully, the imitations have since faded away and the Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant “sitcom” is its own legacy. Many predicted the end of comedy as we knew it, but shows like The IT Crowd and Miranda proved that funny is still funny regardless of form or genre.
Watching these over again, we’re reminded just how hilarious each episode is; just how many laughs are packed into each of the 14 installments. The notion of the comedy of embarrassment or the awkward pause syndrome has dissipated, overtaken by our love for the characters and our joy at Brent’s depravity.
Without a shadow of a doubt, The Office stands alone in the history of television comedy and shows no signs of ageing. But we’re sure you already knew that.
Extras: Aside from all the excellent extras that were included in the original DVD releases (deleted scenes, documentaries and much, much more) there are also some new additions. The main special feature is the original pilot produced by Merchant and Gervais, which is pretty similar to the opening episode we all know and love.
As a reference piece it makes for a fascinating watch; even more so considering the vision of Gervais and Merchant remains unchanged – a testament to the power of the twosome.
Accompanying each episode from the first series are the “wraparounds” which were broadcast pre-titles and during the end titles when BBC Two broadcast their The Office night, although these interviews (featuring the cast and others like Hugh Jackman and Spinal Tap‘s Christopher Guest) are embedded onto the episodes and can’t be watched separately.
You’ll also find some content (more interviews with cast and celeb fans) that was initially an online exclusive and is surprisingly substantial considering Gervais’ opening salvo of describing it amusingly as “any old shit”.
It’s a satisfying collection of special features; though, if you’ve got all the discs already, then perhaps this purchase is worth giving a miss.
Released on DVD on Monday 24th October 2011 by 2entertain.
What are you favourite memories of The Office? Let us know below…