DVD to raise £1m for tsunami aid

Some of the top names in comedy are donating footage for a new DVD expected to raise more than £1million for the tsunami appeal.

The track listing of The Best Comedy DVD In The World has not yet been finalised, but clips already confirmed include Ricky Gervais, Little Britain, Richard Pryor, Monty Python, Wallace and Gromit and Phoenix Nights.

The release is being backed by Britain’s entire video industry, with the extracts donated for free and the discs being produced at cost price.

It means that at least £4 of the £9.99 will go to help Unicef’s work with the children hit by the disaster.
 
Unicef UK’s David Bull said:  “The tsunami emergency is no laughing matter.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a laugh to raise money for the work being done across the region for children affected by the disaster. We’re thrilled that those with the ability to make us laugh are allowing us to do so for such a seriously good cause.”
  
The DVD is being organised by independent label Revolver, with the backing of the British Video Association.
 
Managing director Justin Marciano said: “Such co-operation between the video industry’s major players is simply unprecedented and we are overwhelmed by the fantastic response we’ve had.

“This is a really special project to everyone concerned and a rare occurrence. Never again will you be able find all these comedians on one DVD.”

No release date has yet been set, but the producers are hoping to get it onto the shelves by first week of February.

You can pre-order it from Amazon here.

Published: 16 Jan 2005