For the uninitiated, Bottom was a popular English TV comedy series running from 1991 to 1995. It starred Rik Mayall as Richie Richard and Adrian Edmondson as Eddie Hitler, continuing their collaboration from The Young Ones and Filthy, Rich and Catflap. Revolving around the lives of the two main characters and the ways in which they smash their way through the boredom of life, the main themes of this series are violence, sexual references and toilet humour - and all are done to perfection. For those that are familiar with this series, then it's more of the same, only this time it's live and uncensored.

Recorded at the Southampton Mayflower Theatre in 1993, the first in a string of live shows continues the theme of the TV series, only this time there is more vulgarity and swearing. The plot is very simple. Richie receives a letter from the solicitor, Eddie plans to kill Richie and Richie has a girl coming over for sex. The setting is, as usual, their disgusting flat. The show holds up very well against the series, maintaining the theme and adding to it immensely. There is the usual violence and toilet humour, but being a live show they can get away with so much more, and they do. At times the jokes can be very English, with references to television, football and cricket stars, but these take nothing away from the show itself.

For those that have never seen this series before, or maybe those that enjoyed The Young Ones, you may need to watch this a couple of times to get to know the characters, but it is worth it. For the loyal devotees of Bottom, this is a must have DVD. Alright matey?

Presented in full frame and therefore not 16x9 enhanced, there is little to find fault with in this transfer. The picture is sharp with terrific colours, considering it is a stage performance. Blacks are also deep and shadow detail is not a problem. Camera work is also excellent. The layer change occurs at 55:49 between act one and act two and is therfore not a concern.

Audio supplied is English Dolby Digital 2.0 and it's quite sufficient. Dialogue is clear at all times with sound predominantly coming from the centre speaker. Side speakers are used to great effect for sounds across the stage. Let's face it, do toilet noises sound better in stereo or surround sound anyway?

There are no extras with this release, only scene selection.