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Tracey Ullman's Show: Series 1 (TV)
R2 - United Kingdom - Acorn Media Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (14th February 2016). |
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The Show
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the show from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** The British comedy treasure Tracey Ullman (Three of a Kind) has returned to UK TV for her first sketch show in 30 years, with her unique take on some famous faces and some of the extraordinary characters who live in, or are visiting the global hub that is the UK. The hilarious all-new character-driven comedy series, features impressions of Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Angela Merkel and Camilla Parker Bowles and features guest appearances from Rupert Grint (Harry Potter), Steve Pemberton (The League of Gentlemen) and Michael Brandon (Episodes). Included with this release are all six episodes.
Video
Acorn Media have released Tracey Ullman's return to her homeland on DVD only at this time. They have provided all six episodes on a single disc with a play all option or with each episode available separately. The show receives a transfer keeping the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 (anamorphic). It should come as no surprise that a show broadcast in 2016, in a prime time slot on the BBC, receives a perfectly fan transfer without any issue. I did catch a couple of episodes in HD on TV so it is a shame no Blu-ray release appears to be forthcoming, but as far as TV on DVD goes, this disc presents no major stumbling blocks. As typical of sketch shows, there are quite a large number of locations and environments, which utilise very different tones. There is no colour bleeding present and the picture shows strong depth, with decent levels of shadow details during the rare occasion where required. Blacks are deep and inky, whilst lighter colours show vividity and pop well. Skin tones are natural. Details are perfectly acceptable, from an out of place hair, to the flowery patterns on decor and some clothing. Mid-range to long-range details are unproblematic with no complaints from me. I noticed no major elements of banding, aliasing or edge enhancement and no damage. The show is uncut, and presented in PAL format.
Audio
There is a single option available on the disc, a rather basic English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track as per the original broadcast. Channel separation is fairly minimal but is done well when it does occur. Dialogue is clear at all times, with no mumbling or incoherent moments, and volume levels are consistent throughout. This is very much a dialogue driven show so any sound effects tend to be pretty low key and kept to things like footsteps or general low level noise in the background of a coffee shop (during the app designer scenes). Still, they are well utilised and add some minor additional ambience to proceedings. Like the transfer, it should come as no surprise that there are no flaws with the track like damage or background hiss. Optional subtitles are available in English for the hard-of-hearing.
Extras
Just a photo gallery (1:17). Tracey Ullman recently appeared on Graham Norton's talk show to promote this, so a shame that could not be included as it was rather amusing.
Overall
Tracey Ullman's return to the UK is a successful one, only falling victim to character familiarisation by the final couple of episodes, something which happens in most sketch shows. The A/V is very good, though the lack of extras disappointing but unsurprising.
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