It’s quite hard for me to write an objective review of The Best Of The Kids In The Hall, Vol. 1. As a child I watched the series in its initial run with fierce dedication. The Kids In The Hall molded and shaped my own sense of humor, and I still feel its influence today. As a matter of fact, when the opportunity to interview Dave Foley arose, I couldn’t bring myself to volunteer in fear that it would turn into a sad ten minute worshipping session.

So now I sit here, staring at The Best Of The Kids In The Hall, Vol. 1, and I’m wondering how I’m going to pull this off without making it sound like a fourth grade mash note.

First off, I should say that this disc comprises of the four Best-Of episodes, which appeared on the original Kids In The Hall season box sets – two episodes per season. This disc also contains the commentary tracks that graced the original box sets, so if you have the sets there’s no reason to own this. But there is good news for a few people; if you’re new to the show and don’t have the courage to drop virtually dozens of dollars on unfamiliar sketch comedy, The Best Of The Kids In The Hall, Vol. 1 is a fantastic way to get a feel for the overall style of the series.

Compared to what would follow, Season 1 Favorites looks and feels quaint in comparison – though I’m saying that from memory, considering I don’t own any of tkidsbhe box sets myself (A&E? C’mon. Gimmie). One of the main themes of the season (let alone the entire show) is taking a natural situation to its most extreme conclusion – the “Citizen Kane” sketch is a dry example where two friends, in a heated argument over a movie that was on television the night before, quickly deteriorates from shouting match to heat-of-passion murder when one can’t be bothered admitting he’s wrong. Another sketch involves two downtrodden men hanging themselves in front of a house that’s owned by the banker that refused to give them a loan. Deadpan violence – a running theme of the series.

Monologues were an important part of The Kids in the Hall, and three are presented in the two episodes; two from Scott Thompson’s flamboyant Buddy Cole character and an odd little bit about Bruce McCulloch’s pride for his dying car.

While not a bad collection in any way, Season 1 Favorites does feel a little cluttered with sketches dedicated to Mark McKinney’s Headcrusher character Mr. Tyzik (five in total), who spends his time fantasizing about crushing heads between his fingers. Sure the character was a breakout for the series, but there were a few excellent moments from season one that I would have liked to see, such as the screamingly juvenile Running Faggot sketch, the oft censored Dr. Seuss Bible or anything involving Mississippi Gary.

Gaining popularity meant a bigger budget for season two of The Kids In The Hall , which led to actual sets and costuming, which in turn led the group to writing more high-concept material. Rather than wallowing in their budgetary excess, Season 2 Favorites shows the troupe excelling with the material and bringing a more cinematic approach to sketch comedy. A lot of the more recognizable bits surface in season two; we find Buddy Cole breaking out from the bar to coach a team of lesbian softball players in Girls of Summer, Simon and Hecubus surface from the depths of hell to show off just how evil they are (think movie spoilers), Scott Thompson makes himself quite at home in the controversial Comfortable, and the Chicken Lady manages to make everyone feel completely and utterly uncomfortable.

The only thing to complain about content-wise is the fact that The Terrier Song isn’t on the disc. I know, that was season three, but I don’t care.

Presentation
A low-budget production reveals a flawed image; Season One is soft, blurry and features a bit of ghosting – completely expected considering the material, while Season Two features a much sharper image, though at times is a bit on the grainy side. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, and you shouldn’t have any expectations anyway. The audio is presented in a stereo track that won’t blow your mind, but is clear and enjoyable. I hear them talk. I enjoy them talk! You will enjoy to hear them talk, yes?

The slide show is presented just the way I like them to be – fast-forwardable. But if you’re not in a hurry, you can watch them at a regular pace and enjoy a six-minute animated gallery featuring both group shots and individual members of the group. The slide show is complete with an extended version of the Kids in the Hall theme song, which grows quite irritating at the full six minutes. Catchy in it’s intro form, tiresome in its full version.

Finishing up the disc we have the standard biographies and the Euro-centric trailers advertising Little Britain, Mr. Bean: The Whole Bean, Benny Hill: Complete and Unadulterated, and The Complete Monty Python.

The Bottom Line
Fans of the series who have already consumed the box sets won’t find anything new on The Best Of The Kids In The Hall, Vol. 1. But for the neophyte who's having trouble deciding where to jump in, pick this up. If you like what you see, consider picking up the season sets.

		The Best Of The Kids In The Hall, Vol. 1
5		Feature - Groundbreaking and inspiring. And goofy.
3		Video - No amount of digital spit polishing is going to help how the Season 1 looks. Season 2 is a definite upgrade.
3		Audio - The same can be said for the stereo soundtrack.
3		Extras - Audio commentaries from The Kids is an interesting listen when they manage to calm down.

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