Horrible Histories - Series 6 [DVD]

A new series of the highly popular bbc children's show 'Horrible Histories'. Based on the popular books by Terry Deary, it tells true and often outrageous stories from history in the form of a sketch show. The show was supposedly over and done with after it's fifth season. But it's popularity means it's back for more. Most of the original cast aren't, due to availability. But actors Simon Farnaby [Death. And others] and Jim Howick do return. As does Lawry Lewin as Oliver Cromwell. Many newer recruits to this season do double up in roles, and there are notable guest stars. Such as Rowan Atkinson as Henry the Eighth. Ben Miller as King John. And Sanjeev Bhaskar in a fair few parts. There are twelve episodes in this run, which are all twenty five minutes in length [approx.] Spread over three discs in this box set. Whereas the show previously was just a collection of sketches each week, with occasional regular formats for some of those, this takes a different approach. In that each episode looks at a different famous ruler. These being: King John. Alfred the Great. William the Conqueror. Mary Queen of Scots. Napoleon. Henry the Eighth. Cleopatra. George the Third. Boudica. Winston Churchill. Queen Victoria. Oliver Cromwell. Each episode sets the scene with an introduction from a minstrel band [who don't quite get on] in song, with Rattus Rattus on the drums. Before going on to tell the tale of the ruler in question. Sketches then follow to help with that. And each episode ends with 'Chatty Deaths' where Death interviews the deceased and sums things up. There are several regular sketch formats that pop up throughout the season, most notably 'History's craziest fools', as the well cool dude [or is he?] Mister H tells of people doing really stupid things. Historical grand designs. Historical toilets [as ever there's no gratuitous humour around such things, as the history speaks for itself] and some really good songs, that are all parodies of more famous ones. The narrative will also on occasion tell of things that were going on elsewhere in the world at the same time. It's a good approach, but there's a lot to cram into twenty five minutes. So with a couple of them you feel, most notably the Churchill one which barely touches on his early years - you feel as if you're only getting a bit of the bigger picture. The best episodes work very well indeed, though, in particular the Magna Carta one which really makes you think about the subject at hand. And the best of the sketches are very funny indeed. As ever. The dvd has the following language and subtitle options: Languages: English. Subtitles: English. There are no extras at all. And whilst it's billed as having fifteen episodes, the last three on disc three - rotten rulers, wicked world, and savage songs - are all clip shows using material from the other ones. So whilst the linking material with Rattus Rattus in them is new, the sketches will be familiar. Whilst this season doesn't have the ensemble feel that earlier ones had, it's still great when it clicks - which it does frequently - and it's a new lease of life for a show that it's great to have back. This dvd will keep fans of it well entertained. Here's hoping for more.

Lot of people prefer to see the familiar old cast, and forgot what this program is all about. It is still funny and informative in the same time, just with a completely different atmosphere. If you prefer to see the original cast, then forget about it, if you just go for the program and the fun education, it is worth to watch.

If only my history teach had been this funny, I'd have enjoyed my lessons better. Bought for my nephew, but are equally as funny and entertaining for adults. The songs are hilarious parodies of popular songs, with the team mimicking the group or singer...only the older viewers will get it! Hilarious!!

It's hard to watch this series without comparing it to the previous ones but on its own it's still got a great mix of interesting facts, good performances and funny sketches. I've tried to be open-minded about the new cast, as some of the original cast were unknown to me too when I first started watching the show, and the only thing I'd have to complain about is that as a group they don't have the same chemistry (yet) as the original cast. Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Lawry Lewin and Sarah Hadland return for specific roles, while some of the guest actors from the previous series (e.g. Dominique Moore) return too. Jessica Ransom (who I've been a fan of since Fast And Loose) and Jalaal Hartley in the new core cast also had guest roles in the previous series, so it's not a completely new cast. The new core cast are all good performers and I'm inclined to think I'll like them the more I see them. The new format, with each episode based around one historical figure, does make it feel a bit less like a sketch show than before. It would be great to watch if you were a child doing a school topic on a particular person. I'm dubious about whether they'll be able to find a similar number of historical figures of the same fame to fill any future series though. Also, aside from the traditional Savage Songs episode, there are two other compilation episodes which feel unnecessary. Overall, while I prefer the previous series, this still has all the elements of a great show and I still liked it enough to buy the DVD.

These are the most amazing way to teach your kids and us adults history. Even i love watching them all, such a very clever fun way to pass knowledge onto your kids. Very well done.

Great dvd and great price. My son loves it and was happy to receive this as a present as unfortunately this series is not available on Netflix. As it was a great price i was happy to purchase it!

Love horrible histories tv show even tho am 30 year old woman I just love watching it over and again love all the songs they do and the facts they tell you :-)

Bought for my son's 8th Birthday, as a gift from his younger brother. He loves the whole Horrible Histories series and is constantly watching on catch-up, so there were smiles all round when he opened this. I wish history had been made this interesting when I was younger

I got the DVD for the King John segment but I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing. What a surprise. The Henry VIII segment especially amazed me. A great addition to my collection.

Die Serie Horrible Histories ist für den CBBC (Jugendkanal des BBC) gemacht worden, also für Britische Jugendliche. Der Stil und die Thematik ist demtentsprechend jugendlich/Britisch. Sie unterscheidet sich aber grundlegend von den ersten fünf Staffeln (die ich auch auf DVD besitze). Neue Darsteller (bis auf zwei Ausnahmen), neuer Aufbau. Das tut aber dem Genuss kennen Abbruch. Diese DVD kann man sich immer wieder anschauen! Fans des Britischen Humors werden Horrible Histories auf jeden Fall mögen. P.S.: Die einzelnen Folgen sind nicht chronologisch auf der DVD als wie sie im TV gezeigt worden sind. Sämtliche Folgen der sechsten Staffel sind aber enthalten.

Not as good as the original series but still worth watching.

My sons has learnt so much from these DVDs! Thank you HH team-love your show. Very entertaining for 8yrs + and captivating for adults too.

Came in good shape. The videos are definitely for a younger audience, my grade 8’s find them pretty lame.