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Hugh and I: Series 1 & 2 (TV)
R2 - United Kingdom - Simply Media Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (23rd August 2015). |
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The Show
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** Meet the BBC’s answer to Laurel and Hardy! Young bachelor Terry Scott (Hancock’s Half Hour, Terry and June) lives with his mother at 33 Lobelia Avenue in Tooting. He passes his days dreaming of easy wealth – no hard work required. Simpleton Hugh Lloyd (Cider With Rosie, Foyle’s War) is Terry’s lodger. When he’s not hard at work at the local aircraft factory, he whiles away his free time getting haplessly roped into Hugh’s get-rich-quick schemes. This hilarious sitcom sees the unlikely twosome encounter all sorts of scrapes and mishaps as bully boy Terry pursues wealth and glory, with the kind but dim-witted Hugh trailing along behind. The series also stars Molly Sugden (Are You Being Served?) as snobby neighbour Mrs Crispin and Patricia Hayes (A Fish Called Wanda, The Never Ending Story) as the altogether dodderier neighbour Mrs Wormold. Produced by master of the sitcom, David Croft, who was also responsible for co-writing Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served?, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi and ‘Allo ‘Allo. Relive the magic of this electric comedy pairing with all the surviving episodes from Series One and Two.
Video
Independent distributor Simply Media bring "Hugh and I" to home media for what I believe is the first time world wide. They present the show in the original non-anamorphic aspect ratio of 1.33:1 in PAL format. Overall, it is adequate, but certainly far from flawless. Included on this set are all surviving episodes of the first two series (S01E09 is considered lost). The general quality is good, though some episodes have some persistent issues that are not found throughout the three discs. The very first episode of disc one, "Fully Incomprehensible" has a vertical line on both the left and right hand sides of the frame, and although it doesn't really intrude into the picture too much, it can become a little distracting. The show was a victim of wiping, hence why so many episodes are lost, and it is likely that the source used was old stock that had been used for a previous show. The episodes are all in black and white, and definition between shades is good. Clarity and sharpness is lacking slightly but has held up well in some areas with distinguishable smaller background items in some scenes. For a show which has suffered from the BBC's practices of the 1960s, I'm happy that the transfer is at least satisfactory. I have based my score on these factors, and whilst some will certainly disagree, I think it is important that these vintage shows at least become available to the wider public. I have included some screenshots below for further detail, though it looks better in motion. The episodes are uncut. For a disc breakdown, view the comparison.
Audio
Simply Media have provided an English Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono track for this release, which, like the picture, is generally adequate but not without issue. One of the initial major issues that can be found is the low level background hiss which perseveres throughout the two series and is slightly louder in some episodes than in others. Episode five of the first series - "A Fete Worse Than Death" - is the first to suffer the biggest issue from the dated audio. There is a buzzing sound like someone is trying to relay a message via morse code running throughout. This is obviously an issue with the source, and although I would love to see something of a better quality, I believe it is highly unlikely that will happen unless a new source magically rears its head from somewhere. There are some light crackles, pops and scratches present too, but these are forgiveable and don't interfere with the enjoyment of the show. Optional English subtitles have been provided for the hard-of-hearing.
Extras
Unfortunately nothing. A short featurette about how episodes have been lost would have been a nice inclusion (or even some text screens).
Overall
The majority of Hugh and I's six series have been lost with only series 1 and 2 coming through relatively unscathed. It is a shame that Simply Media could not include the few surviving episodes of the later series, or even the sole surviving spin off episode of "Hugh and I Spy" which was uncovered in 2013. Still, it is great to see this show available on home media, and I enjoyed my first viewing. The transfer isn't great, but considering the likely source and the fact most episodes are no longer even known to exist, it still looks surprisingly competent. Audio is also satisfactory despite some major issues. For vintage BBC comedy fans, I give this the lightest of recommendations. 
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