DVD
Roobarb & Custard Too
Volume 1 - Here Comes Trouble

Starring (voice): Richard Briers
Pathe Distribution Ltd
RRP: £12.99
P920701000
Certificate: U
Available 17 July 2006


They're back. 32 years after they first appeared on our screens, iconic duo Roobarb and Custard return for more wacky and wonderful adventures in this brand new series, Roobarb and Custard Too. Featuring the antics of Roobarb the ever optimistic green dog, whose inventions more often than not go spectacularly wrong - much to the delight of sarcastic pink cat, Custard. The gentle charm and edgy wit of the original series has been combined with a vibrant new look to give this loveable and unique show a modern update. So look out here comes trouble...

Volume One of Roobarb and Custard Too sees the return of the world's most famous green dog and pink cat. The producers have attempted to stay as close to the original cartoon's roots, while at the same time dragging the show kicking and screaming into the 21st century. As the first episode (When There Was a Surprise) opens, Roobarb is in the middle of building a new super computer. However, he need the brains of Mouse from Silly Cone Valley to ensure that it's up and running correctly. Meanwhile Custard watches on waiting for the inevitable accident to happen.

Richard Briers returns to provide the narration and character voices (well, it wouldn't be Roobarb and Custard with out him would it?); the animation still wobbles, and that familiar theme tune is still at the beginning of every episode (with a slightly tweaked animated sequence). The end credit music is slightly different, but close enough to the original to not have old fans moaning.

This collection contains ten seven minute episodes which cover subjects including Custard becoming a published writer, Roobarb putting on an air show for the locals, Roobarb discovering an elephant wandering around his neighbourhood and Custard, armed with just The Big Book of Puns, challenging Roobarb and his computer to a battle of wits.

Extras include character profiles for both Roobarb and Custard, as well as a seven minute featurette entitled Inside the Shed. This interviews Richard Briers and the makers of the new series and is quite entertaining. I particularly loved the tale that Briers tells about how his grandchildren made him turn off the original Roobarb and Custard video he bought them, because the screen movement made them feel sick.

While obviously not as good as the '70s series (we were only tiny then and easily amused), this new series will surely be just as fondly remembered by 30-somethings in 30 years time.

Amber Leigh

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