The Very Best Of Have I Got News For You?

Just to even the balance, I thought I’d provide a positive review of a vaguely Red Dwarf-related product. The Very Best of Have I Got News For You features Red Dwarf alumni such as Tony Slattery, Arthur Smith, Craig Ferguson, Tony Hawks, and of course Hattie Hayridge and Craig Charles.

Far from your average ‘best of’ compilation, the main feature runs at a whopping three and a half hours, and includes all the great moments. You can see Ian Hislop on the offensive against The Hamiltons, Piers Morgan and Paula Yates, special guest appearances from Colin The Parrot and The Tub of Lard, all the great running gags such as Brown Suit and Jet Packs, as well as the infamous Angusgate episode from earlier this year. The feature also includes never before seen post-show footage relating to famous moments. For example, Ian warning Angus that he faces a prison sentence for contempt of court and a Daily Mail journalist being singled out in the audience.

Also included is a great commentary from Paul Merton and Ian Hislop (not Angus, obviously). It reveals a lot about what they think about the guests, and they tell a lot of back stage stories. They also critisise the producers for some of the set-piece jokes that didn’t work, as well as for leaving some of their favourite moments off the feature.

There is also a collection of old trailers for the show, which includes a prophetic joke about Sven and Ulrika. There’s also a couple of archive clips relating to the show, such as a Newsnight feature about The Hamiltons’ appearance and Terry Wogan trying to persuade Nick Hancock to put the show into Room 101.

It truly is a brilliant release, good feature, good extras, and it’s worth watching for the haircuts alone.