Entertainment :: Television
The Steve Coogan Collection by Brian Callaghan
EDGE ContributorTuesday Nov 17, 2009 It’s tough trying to think of an American equivalent to Britain’s Steve Coogan. The prolific comedian has created a vast cast of characters on several BBC series during the past 20 years. In some ways, he’s like a cross between Will Ferrell, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell.
Ben Stiller called his Alan Partidge character "the epitome of uncomfortable humor. One of the funniest characters to ever exist on television." Entertainment Weekly calls him "a great comedian," and the New York Times states Coogan is "on a level with John Cleese." High praise indeed.
American audiences will know him best for his roles in Night at the Museum, Tropic Thunder, and the recent remake of Around the World in Eighty Days.
Instead of wearing out their welcomes by running for years and years like their Yankee counterparts, it’s common for British comedy series to run for six or twelve episodes before calling it a day. Coogan has been a key player on numerous such shows since the early 90s. The Steve Coogan Collection showcases the comedian’s work on several series that ran on the BBC.
Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge has Coogan playing an incompetent TV talk show host on an exceptionally cheesy faux British chat show. All six episodes of the show are included here, as well as the special "Knowing Me, Knowing Yule" Christmas show. The character has something of a Stephen Colbert flair.
I’m Alan Partridge, takes the character to another level--showing him exiled into the world of radio after his fall from TV stardom. The series debuted in 1997 and was followed up with a second series in 2002.
The two seasons of Saxondale have Coogan playing a former rock and roll roadie, Tommy Saxondale, who’s now become a frustrated suburban exterminator with anger management issues.
Dr. Terrible’s House of Horrible has the comic playing seven different roles in this limited run horror series spoof. Episode titles include "Lesbian Vampires: Lovers of Lust," "Scream Satan Scream," and "Voodoo Feet of Death." It’s a bizarre collection of stories and characters.
The Tony Ferrino Phenomenon, the 1997 show on which Coogan played a faux 1980s Portuguese musical superstar and Eurovision Song Contest winner, is also included.
Coogan’s Run has the funny man playing various characters in a series of interconnected adventures.
Paul and Pauline Calf’s "Video Diaries" and "Cheese and Ham Sandwich" has Coogan playing a "lager lout" and pub philosopher.
The four hours of Bonus Features in this collection include:
- The original Knowing Me, Knowing You test shoot, a pilot recorded in 1994.
- Comic Relief ... with Alan Patridge has Coogan playing bumbling talk show host during an actual 1995 TV telethon, for three brief Alan Aid segments, one of which has him getting hit with pies.
- BBC Commericials for Coogan’s shows.
- Deleted scenes
- Biographies info and photo galleries of Coogan and his many series co-stars.
- Commentary tracks on several episodes
- Alan’s Jingle Jukebox allows viewers to play various jingles and radio ID tracks by clicking on a stack of audio tapes.
- Behind-the-scenes and making-of featurettes, Interviews and Production notes complete the package.
While the Steve Coogan Collection has a suggested retail price of $130, the 13-disc boxed set does contain more than 30 hours of great comedy, making it a relative bargain. Online discounts on the set, at Amazon and other sites are also likely, making it a great holiday gift for anyone who loves clever British comedy.
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