For most American viewers, The Office is all about Michael Scott (Steve Carell), the manager of the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of Dunder Mifflin, a paper company. However, purists know that David Brent (Ricky Gervais) is the one and only king of paper. The BBC series also starred Martin Freeman (Sherlock, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), Mackenzie Crook (The Adventures of Tintin) and Lucy Davis (Nitrate, The Mentalist, Married Single Other).
FACEOFF: MICHAEL SCOTT VS DAVID BRENT
The Office: Special Edition celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the original BBC series that spiraled into a successful comedy series on NBC. If you’ve never watched the original series, you will be surprised to learn that this groundbreaking show only had 12 episodes and a 2-part Christmas Special. Yet, its legacy cannot be denied.
It’s a little startling to watch the first few episodes of the BBC series if you’ve watched the NBC series. The first episodes are almost word-for-word translations. However, you will slowly come to see why Gervais received so much acclaim for the role. You also get a feel for how different his character David Brent is from Michael Scott. While Scott slowly becomes more of an empathetic character, Brent rarely if ever comes off as a successful “friend”.
The Special Edition gives viewers an abundance of special features. In addition to videos with Gervais and Merchant, other celebrities (both in comedy and drama) discuss the impact of this series. Matthew Perry, Ben Stiller, Richard Curtis and Hugh Jackman all appear on the first DVD to discuss how they felt when they first watched the series. It’s intriguing to learn how much these celebs looked to Gervais for inspiration as well as entertainment.
Each episode on the first disc (Series One) is introduced by Gervais, Merchant and one or more of the celebrity guests. It’s a great way to frame the first series and get viewers into the show. The creators discuss some of their favorite moments and share a few “new retrospective” laughs as well. Previously released extras are also available on this release, including the Documentary “How I Made the Office”.
This DVD set is a great way to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of this legendary comedic show.
Brand New Extras:
- Episode Introductions to Series One and Extended Interviews with Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Special Guests Matthew Perry, Ben Stiller, Richard Curtis, Hugh Jackman
- “Comedy Connections”
- Original Pilot
Original Extras:
- Exclusive Documentary: How I Made the Office
- Deleted Scenes
- Video Diary
- Outtakes
- Director’s Commentary
- Golden Globes Featurette
- Music Video
- Making of “Freelove Freeway”
BBC’s The Office: The Complete Collection on Digital Download through iTunes:
