QI-Series 9 (2003)

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General		Extras
Category	Comedy	None
Rating
Year Of Production	2003
Running Time	448:00
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered Multi Disc Set (3)	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	None Given
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	None Given
Case	?
RPI	?	Music	Piers Burbrook de Vere Jeremy Yang Christopher Spurr

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English Dolby Digital 2.0
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	None	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     QI is an extremely different quiz show. When first watching an episode most people are left confused because the show does not have a logical or even clear scoring system and the 'winner' seems to be a fairly random choice. You cannot really watch this as a quiz show per se, it is better to think of it as a comedic panel show which covers all sorts of interesting trivia and facts is something vaguely resembling a quiz show format. In some ways it is very high-brow, hosted by the very erudite Stephen Fry and in others quite low-brow depending on the comedic style of the guests. Regardless, this is a fascinating and hilarious show which is always entertaining and interesting. Each season of the show uses themes for each episode which are based around one letter of the alphabet. The first season in 2003, had A related themes, through to this season which has H related themes, such as Hoaxes, Holidays, History and Hanimals (or Animals starting with H). One thing I don't really get is why this is being marketed as Season 9, when it is the 8th season which has been produced; also, H is notably the eight letter of the alphabet not the ninth. Anyway, whether it is labelled the 9th season or not this is definitely the H season.

     In addition to Fry, the panel consists of 4 other members, generally comedians of which one is always Alan Davies. The others change but there are regulars such as Bill Bailey, Rob Brydon, Phil Jupitus, Sean Lock (who is always hilarious), Ross Noble & Rich Hall. Incidentally, the name QI stands for Quite Interesting, which is how the contestants need to be to score points rather than by being right.

     This show has had a bit of an odd history on DVD. The first three seasons were released in the UK, and then here was a three season set. Since then there has been a Best of disc but this is the first full season since 3 which has been released. I read that there is some sort of legal rights issue preventing the others from release, which is a shame. This season does not seem to have been released in the UK yet either.

     This release contains all 16 episodes of the H season spread across 3 DVDs.

     Highly Recommended.

Video

     The video quality is good but has some issues.

     The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is the original aspect ratio. It is 16x9 enhanced.

     The picture is quite sharp but this is affected by some of the other issues. Shadow detail is pretty irrelevant for this brightly lit television show.

     The colour is very vivid, probably over the top and the overall picture is a little too bright.

     Artefacts include some grain and noise, probably related to the brightness and some aliasing and shimmering.

     There are no subtitles which is a shame.

    The layer changes are not noticeable.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

     The audio quality is good.

     These discs contain an English soundtrack in Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. The sound is obviously quite front focused.

     Dialogue was easy to understand throughout except where things were mumbled or spoken in a difficult accent.

     The theme music sounds good and fits the show well.

     The surround speakers and subwoofer were not used.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

Menu

    The menu featured music and allowed for episode selection.

    This series does not seem to be available in other regions.

     A fascinating and hilarious comedy panel show hosted by Stephen Fry.

     The video quality is good.

     The audio quality is good.

    No extras.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall