Only a handful of creative works succeed in capturing the totality of human existence, from birth to death, through love, transfiguration and redemption. "A Bit of Fry and Laurie," the BBC television series co-starring Ste... more »phen Fry and Hugh Laurie, has been said, on two occasions, to be among this group. Over 40 sketches in two programs of fun and frivolity.« less
Toni G. (toilingant) from BATON ROUGE, LA Reviewed on 8/16/2009...
Brilliant sketch comedy from two hilarious Brits.
Movie Reviews
Finally!!
redSG | Glasgow, Scotland | 06/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Capitalizing on the success of "House," the BBC have finally decided to release "A Bit of Fry & Laurie" on DVD, and I couldn't be happier. I got hooked on Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry while watching the Blackadder series, and have followed them through to other projects (Laurie's "House" and his book, "The Gun Seller" and Fry's fantastic program in the UK "QI") with great satisfaction. However, being from the States, and living there during the run of "A Bit of..." I hadn't been able to see much of the series til now.
The DVD doesn't disappoint. The duo's comic prowess comes through clear as a bell from the start of the disc. Ironic, urbane, witty, and cheeky--it's British sketch comedy at its best. There's a lot of great word play, and great comic timing throughout. I'd highly recommend it to any fan of BritCom."
A five star comedy
Eddy | amazon.com | 06/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"'A Bit of Fry and Laurie' ranks as one of the greatest sketch shows ever to hit British television. However its fame is nowhere near as widespread as that of its counterparts 'Fawlty Towers' and 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'. Because of this lower profile it is rarely re-run on television and DVD and VHS releases are very limited. This is why it was with great joy that I heard of the DVD release of their complete first two series.
Having seen what Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie have to offer, it is difficult to understand why they have not had more widespread success. Their humour is fantastically witty and posesses the sophistication and finesse that other programmes so sorely lack. Stephen Fry's manipulation of the English language is always amusing and his talents fused with those of Hugh Laurie are a potent mix. Indeed it may sometimes remind the viewer of their other collaboration on 'Jeeves and Wooster'.
It is great news that this series has finally been committed to DVD and not simply a 'best of'. I would urge all comedy fans to buy this DVD and enjoy what is a top class comedy programme."
One of the best sketch shows ever!
L. Bowen | 06/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Four seasons were not enough of this wonderful, hilarious show written and performed solely by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie (okay, in the fourth series they had some famous guests like Imelda Staunton and Phyllida Law and a few extras here and there throughout the run of the show, but mostly, it was just the two of them.)
Their writing is amazing and their performances are doubly so. I highly recommend buying these discs. Fantastic."
Awesome!
ZeppoGirl | Rochester, NY United States | 05/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i'm so glad they're finally putting this show out on DVD (and not just 'the best of')! Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry are hilarious in this show, the skits they do, portraying different characters (even women); they have to be a top comedic duo!"
A 'bit' better would have been nice
Smeddley | 07/18/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
""...you cast me as the mouse in your little cat drama"
This series is slightly reminiscent of Monty Python, only not as (I hate to put is so bluntly) good. The problem mostly lies in the fact that many of these skits are parodies and reference pop culture and events - more like Saturday Night Live. So when watching something from that long ago - and from that far away - it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as if I'd been able to get all of the nuances. That's not to say that none of it was enjoyable (there certainly were moments that made me laugh) but it could have been better.
I know, nothing tops the great Monty Python, so I should be disappointed. But, given how much I've enjoyed Stephen Fry on Whose Line is it Anyway? and Hugh Laurie as House, well, I was a bit let down. I'd say summing up this as a cross between Monty Python and Saturday Night Live, 20 years out of date, is the best description. Not a waste of time, but not the best use of time."