Review of Last Fast Show Ever, The: Volume 1

Introduction

It`s the last Fast Show ever. Well, it probably is. There were rumoured to be no more after series three, but the gang (minus Caroline Aherne who I believe was tied up with her own show "The Royle Family") all got back together for some more gags and a few new characters, culminating in three shows broadcast on BBC 2 over Christmas 2000.

This DVD was actually released about 3 weeks prior to the broadcast of the shows, so if you bought it on release day you`ll have seen a lot of the jokes before your friends. The disc features a compilation of sketches from the broadcast shows, with about three quarters of an hour of material missing.

Whilst this would normally be an outrage, after having seen all of the broadcast material you don`t feel too let down. I`ll come back to that point later.

Video

The show is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, which is the format that it was broadcast in. It looks very good for a TV show, there are some grainier moments, but they do seem to be intentional. The quality is as good (if not better) than the BBC broadcast.

Audio

A DD2.0 stereo track here, which reflects the original stereo broadcast. Nothing to get excited about, it`s a TV comedy show and there aren`t likely to be any room shaking subwoofer moments or subtle sound placements.

Features

A nice little selection of extras to tide you over, with bits that you didn`t get to see on the telly.

Those bits are an alternative version of a sketch, some very funny out-takes, and a couple of Easter Eggs, which are pretty easy to find, and also very amusing.

Although menus aren`t proper extras, this disc has 2 sets of them. You can choose between a standard menu (featuring characters performing their lines) and a "Channel 9" style menu, which is very much in the "Channel 9" style. Nice to see this extra effort and it was certainly worth it.

Conclusion

The end of the Fast Show.

With the TV broadcasts, it felt like you were watching it die, as there was too much below-par material included, and the shows felt like they were dragging on. There were some great sketches broadcast over the three shows, and some classic Fast Show moments. But it wasn`t all quite as punchy as the Fast Show that many of us know and love.

Having seen this DVD in advance, it seemed like all the best stuff was on the DVD, which is obviously a big plus point if you`re thinking of buying it. Most of the best sketches are on it (with perhaps a few exceptions), and there`s certainly enough to keep you coming back. Add in the out-takes and clever menus and Easter Eggs and you have a good package overall.

A must for fans of the show and recommended for fans of sketch and catchphrase comedy.