Fabulous Films has announced that the complete series of Film Fair’s Paddington will be coming to Blu-Ray and DVD on the 28th of October 2024. The show will appear on the format for the first time, fully remastered from the best available elements.
The release was first publicised in a pamphlet included in recent releases, but was only listed as “coming soon”. The set is now available to pre-order on Amazon.
What is Paddington?
Paddington was created by Michael Bond, who wrote a series of books starting in 1959. A TV series adaptation was first broadcast in 1976, and was made by Ivor Wood and Filmfair. It ran for 56 short five-minute episodes. It was narrated by Michael Horden. . The series follows a bear who has stowed away from Peru. He meets the Brown family at Paddington station, who take him home. A series of adventures follows. The character has since been seen in further books, TV series and movies.
Three longer specials were made by the same company in the 1980s: Paddington Goes to the Movies, Paddington Goes to School and Paddington’s Birthday Bonanza.
Information About the Release
The complete series, including three longer specials, will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on the 28th of October 2024. There will be two Blu-ray editions, one of which will have a limited edition slipcase with 3D Pop-Up Paddington Scene Artwork.
Paddington Bear has been capturing the imagination of children around the world for generations. Paddington first appeared on television in 1976 directed by Ivor Wood and narrated by the utterly brilliant Michael Hordern, this series brings to life each of these wonderfully charming and funny misadventures of a little Peruvian bear living in London, England. He was named Paddington by the Browns after they found him at Paddington Station as his Peruvian name was difficult to pronounce – he quickly becomes a cherished member of the family. Dressed in his characteristic duffle coat and oversized hat, Paddington has a fondness for marmalade sandwiches and always keeps one under his hat for emergencies. This timeless masterpiece is based on the internationally acclaimed books by Michael Bond and remains one of the most successful children’s programs ever produced in the UK.” Synopsis from Fabulous Films.
Special features include:
Barry Leith Film Fair Animator Feature
Paddington Restored Feature
Marmalade Sandwich Feature
Elsewhere for Fabulous Films
Fabulous films have been busy in the last 12 months issuing classic children’s TV on DVD and (occasionally) Blu-ray. Titles have included HD restorations of The Clangers, Ivor The Engine, Bagpuss, Willo the WispRoobarb Coming to Blu-Ray in 2024, Roobarb and The Trumptonshire Trilogy.
There have also been releases from the Thames Television kids library, as Count Duckula, Danger Mouse, Wind in the Willows and Jamie and the Magic Torch. The FilmFair library is due to get more releases, as The Wombles is coming soon.
Jamie’s Reaction
Finally! This is one of my most anticipated releases of the year. In my view, this is the definitive television adaptation of the Paddington story, as written by Michael Bond. Ivor Wood’s timeless and inventive animation, paired with the iconic theme tune and Michael Hordens’s narration, are what make it so.
I grew up watching this show on VHS and then DVD; I expect the restoration of film elements will make the show look as never seen before. I cannot wait!
