THE MOVIE

Mr. Bean is an awkward, funny looking man who rarely speaks, and whose only friend is his teddy bear who he affectionately calls Teddy. Although he doesn't say a lot, Mr Bean is hilarious due to his own brand of physical comedy that arises out of everyday situations and problems. Arguably one of the best comedic characters of recent times with a unique bland of viciousness, innocence and ingenuity Atkinson truly shines as the title character. Highly recommended.

A true British comedy classic the entire series of Mr Bean is finally available in one impressive three-disc box set, The Mr Bean: 10th Anniversary Collection. Each episode features three sketches:

Volume 1
Mr. Bean
Bean takes an exam, goes to the beach and goes to church.
Goodnight Mr. Bean
Bean goes to the hospital, takes a tour of the Palace and has a few problems sleeping.
Mind the Baby Mr. Bean
Bean accidentally kidnaps a baby and brings it to a fair.
The Curse of Mr. Bean
Bean goes to a swimming pool, has a few problems in a parking garage, has lunch in the park and sees a horror movie with a girl.

Volume 2
Mr. Bean Goes to Town
Bean buys a TV, gets robbed and goes to a magic show and nightclub with his girlfriend.
Mr. Bean Rides Again
When he has car trouble Bean waits for a bus and ends up performing CPR, gets trapped inside a letterbox, packs for a holiday and catches a train and a plane.
Mr. Bean in Room 426
Bean checks into a hotel, goes to dinner, and gets locked out of his room naked.
Do-It-Yourself Mr. Bean
It's New Year's Eve and Bean has two dinner guests. Bean attends the January sales and conducts some home improvements.
Hair by Mr. Bean of London
Bean is mistaken as a barber, goes to a Pet show and tries to board a train without a ticket.

Volume 3
The Return of Mr. Bean
Bean goes shopping, goes to a restaurant for his birthday and meets royalty.
Back to School Mr. Bean
Bean attends a school open day, joins an art class, learns Judo, steals pants and his beloved Mini is destroyed.
Tee Off, Mr. Bean
Bean goes to a Laundrette and plays Mini-golf.
Merry Christmas Mr. Bean
Bean celebrates Christmas by going shopping, conducting the Salvation Army band and making dinner for his girlfriend.
The Trouble with Mr. Bean
Bean sleeps in, goes to the dentist and has a picnic.

THE TRANSFER

Video:

Each episode is presented in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The picture is a little disappointing and features the odd film artefact and quite a bit of grain throughout, especially in outdoor scenes. The colour scheme is limited and dull however it doesn't effect the enjoyment of the series. Blacks and shadow details are good especially for sketches set in the studio, but the level of detail does decrease in some location scenes. Overall a disappointing but acceptable transfer.

Audio:

The Mr. Bean Collection is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and sounds great. Vocals are clear at all times and the laugh track isn't too distracting. The use of the subwoofer is limited to the occasional sound effect and music. Music is mainly used during scene changes, although it is also used effectively to enhance the physical comedy onscreen. A good soundtrack for a sitcom release.

THE EXTRAS

Each volume in the collection contains bonus material. Volume One features the Best Bits, a collection of some of Mr Bean's funniest moments from all the Bean episodes and runs for approximately 72 minutes. Amusing although a little repetitive. It also seems to be oddly placed; including this on the third disc would proberly have been much more appropriate.

Volume Two has The Story of Bean a 49 minute documentary that examines the origins and development of the character of Bean up to the Bean feature film. Features interviews with Rowan Atkinson, the creators of the show, actors, comedians and Atkinson's friends and includes footage of Atkinson from other TV series and early stage performances. Extremely detailed and insightful, will be of interest for those who are fans of Atkinson's work.

Volume Three contains two additional sketches:
The Library - Bean goes to the Library and manages to destroy an old manuscript.
The Bus Stop - Bean terrorises a mother and baby and a blind man to ensure he is first in line for the bus.

SUMMARY

An absolute classic, The Mr Bean Collection is a must have for all British Comedy fans.