Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2017 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-09-24
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 111 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Those who remember the children's animation Bod from the 13 episodes broadcast by the BBC in 1975 generally recall, with considerable precision, not stories but images. This is because the stories that constitute Bod, created by Joanne and Michael Cole, are mere wisps of narrative, in which, almost always, almost nothing happens (in "Bod and the Cake", for example, no cake arrives), serene anti-dramas which are elusive and thus hard to remember as stories. Its images, by contrast, are the heart of its minimalist charm and its unforgettable strangeness, from narrator John Le Mesurier's unvarying announcement, "Here comes Bod", to the moment the unvarying fivefold cast sashay towards the horizon at the end. Bod is small and bald, with a yellow dress and a Buddha-like imperturbability. He and his four eternal companions--Aunt Flo, Farmer Barleymow, Frank the Postman, PC Copper--are animated as sparely as a 60s cartoon from the Eastern bloc. In each episode, the five gather one by one, each arriving to their own characteristic perky jazz-folky theme, in their own characteristic gait (indeed, like a zen riddle, the walk itself is far more important than where they're walking to, or why). Some viewers consider the cartoon's mysterious pastoral stillness alarming, as if something terrible were going on that we're never told about or shown--"Waiting for Bodot", as it were--but most found its calmness both beguiling and addictive. As in the original Watch with Mother format, Bod is paired with Alberto Frog and his Amazing Animal Band (in which an all-animal orchestra plays the classics, then guesses what flavour milkshake their frog conductor will reward himself with). Who knows how tots so exposed to the over-active kids-fare of today will respond, but the grown-ups in their charge will find The Complete Bod soothing, seductive and bizarre. --Honey Glass

On the DVD: the DVD contains all 13 episodes of Bod. Five of these are extended, as originally broadcast, to feature animal identification games, counting songs, Bod snap and Alberto Frog and his Amazing Animal Band.

Special Features
English
Region 2
Play All
Select Episodes
Alberto

Synopsis
Bald of head and always in the same strange yellow outfit, BOD is a seventies cartoon classic and cultural icon. Bod is fondly remembered by those who grew up with it. Includes all 13 episodes.

Customer Reviews

Shame
It is a shame I had to go and watch Bod again - I have several of the 1960s & 70s childrens TV series and this is one I wish I hadn't revisited. Don't listen to the Amazon reveiwer on this one as they do love their purple prose and do read an awful lot into simple little Bod, ironically not giving him much of a reccomendation in the process.

The story lines are not very good, the writing is poor to say the least, one never gets a good story as one does with say, that saggy old cloth cat-puss. Where the story goes is important and with the better Postgate/Firmin (they rule!) programmes one always gets an utterly brilliant story and the little ones can learn as well as be entertained.

I was having a discussion with a colleague about revisting programmes of our childhood and we agreed that this one was one we could drop off at the charity shop - but just let anyone try and separate us from our Bagpuss, Clangers or Ivor the Engine!

For TODAY'S Little Ones Too!
This is beautiful stuff. Forget Teletubbies and the manic Tweenies and squeaky Fimbles - Treat your toddlers to Bod (and Button Moon).

The animation is very simple but highly effective. The narrators voice is crystal clear, with excellent diction. Bod has an adventure (always fun, or funny) and then your child has a short more overt educational moment (playing guessing games or snap, for instance). Plus, Alberto the Frog, and his Amazing Animal Band, introduces children to a little classical music.

My daughter (aged 2.5) only really liked 'Come Outside' or 'Maisy'. Yet, Bod (and Button Moon) is entertaining and clever enough to hold her spellbound. It's one of the few programmes I don't feel guilty leaving her to watch. Bod is ages old. Don't be daft and think it's outdated though. For those of us who like something that bit more 'wholesome', it's a guaranteed winner! (My 7 and 4.5 year olds like it too.)

bod rules!
oh my god... "here comes bod!!" i totally loved bod as a kid although i could never really make out if it was male or female.. (erm... does anybody actually know??) actually none of it made sense but i still loved it all the same.. in fact i still do! the guessing of albertos milkshake always made my day.. i always seemed to get it right!! and i used to copy the noises he made drinking it (in public) much to the annoyance of my dad! and u really cant beat bod snap.. what excitement!! it may be boring and even weird to some of u but bod certainly used to make me happy as a kid!! hehe *smiles*