Number 96 – The Beginning and the Bomb

Everyone’s favourite 1970s boobs-and-bums extravaganza, Number 96, continues to get the loving DVD treatment with this package. Clocking in at over 450 minutes, this DVD combines 16 colour and 16 black-and-white episodes. Sure, the production values are cheap and the storylines are dated, but it provides a fascinating look back at a time when Australian telly — and culture in general — was remarkably liberal. Gay relationships, nudity, sex — it’s all here, and celebrated, albeit in a shlocky, slightly exploitative sort of way.

This DVD release comes with a host of special features: audio commentary with the Hon Michael Kirby (what doesn’t he do?) and TV historian Andrew Mercado, plus interviews with cast members and directors.