Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #981 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-09-24
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Number of discs: 1
• 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

Spoilt my memory of this programme
I was very excited when I saw this old childhood favourite released on DVD. Sadly it now looks very dated. The picture quality is not great and I got bored before one episode. However the sound quality is good and I still enjoyed the theme tune. Strange when I was a kid I assumed Bod was a girl, only when I watched the DVD over 30 years later do I find he is a boy!!!

I have bought a few old favourites to share with my kids. Unfortunately Bod has lost its appeal. I wouldn't recommend buying this one, perhaps borrow it as I could not face watching even a full episode let alone the whole thing. This one will spoil your nostalgic memories. I had a much better experience with the 'Trumpton' DVD it still holds its charm.

At last some decent childrens TV
As a child of the 1970s, I can remember being an avid viewer of Bod and the gang. But obviously (!) I did not buy this for my own gratification, but for my own children, who are 4 and 8 years old.
What can I say? I had expected to be humoured by the streetwise, older than their years generation, but no! Both are transfixed by Bod, and love the music, games, and of course Alberto's milkshake!
Recommended for kids from 4 to 40.

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!