DVDs in Review

The Best of Never Mind the Buzzcocks

Title: The Best of Never Mind the Buzzcocks (2009)

Release date: November 15 2009

Certificate: 18

Format: DVD

DVD RRP: £19.99

Rating: 4.5/5

Best-of DVDs tend to be a royal waste of money and a complete cash in on the behalf of the producers, and while this is certainly a Christmas-timed money spinner, it’s a hilarious addition to any fan’s shelf.

What sets this aside from being just another ragtag collection of hit and miss clips, spliced together without much consideration are the contributions from the host and panellists.

In effect, it makes ‘The Best of Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ a miniature, satirical documentary on the show itself. As such, Simon Amstell is interviewed to uncover why as simply a mediocre presenter, he has managed to land a part on the show.

It’s all staged but it doesn’t stop it being funny. It’s all refreshing to see stars like Bill Bailey, Phil Jupitus, Dermot O’Leary and Noel Fielding analyze completely irrelevant parts of the show like Amstell’s ‘signature’ opening catchphrase “Good evening!”.

The clips themselves are nothing short of hilarious. Seeing them back-to-back makes you wonder why Top Gear gets so much flak for being controversial while ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ actively insults its guests and nothing comes of it.  

All the classic moments are here – Amy Winehouse spitting on the floor, Simon Amstell and Phil Jupitus’ impromptu dance and Preston from Big Brother storming out (Amstell: “Oh well!”) being just three memorable examples.

If you, or any one you know, loves the show, buy this. It’s priceless. The best-of is split into three parts, totalling around 90 minutes alongside about 45 minutes of extra features.