Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2119 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

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.)

Nostalgic fun - not just a triangle on legs
I used to watch Bod in bewildered awe as a small child (the bizarre leg movements intrigued me) but I'd forgotten all about Alberto the Frog, which is very funny and frightfully English. It certainly brought the memories flooding back.

One of the best things about Bod is the truly strange plots (woman saved from drowning by police helmet, a prophecy about strawberries that comes true when most of the cast falls down a manhole, etc.). The animation is unashamedly poor, but it adds a magic to the show that is entirely unique. You simply could not make a programme like that in this day and age.

Classic kids nostalgia
For all those of you who affectionately remember Bagpuss, The Clangers & Mary, Mungo and Midge, Bod must also be a firm favourite.

This new edition not only has all 13 episodes of Bod that were made on it, but also 5 episodes of the lunchtime special they were shown on.

Help Alberto the frog decide what flavour milkshake to choose...strawberry, I think!! And don't forget to play Bod snap at the end!!

A must for all true cult kids classics fans!