Review of Absolutely Fabulous: Complete Series 1

Introduction

`Ab. Fab` as this is affectionately known was first aired in 1992 as a follow on from a French and Saunders comedy sketch about a tearaway mother and her terribly sensible teenage daughter - the exact opposite of what one normally sees on television.

This is the BAFTA award-winning first series and contains a couple of my favourite episodes, namely `Fat` and `France`.

Video

Video quality is up to the usual BBC standard, 4:3 full screen as the original TV series and very nicely transferred. The BBC must keep their masters nice and clean!

There are no obvious digital artefacts, colour is always presented brightly, and the blacks are black not muddy brown - no complaints here.

The menu is slightly confusing at first but it`s very much in the Ab. Fab. style and works well enough.

Audio

Dolby Digital Stereo as one would expect. Crisp, clear - no complaints in this department.

Features

Not stuffed full of features but the 15 minutes of out-takes are an excellent addition, especially as sometimes it`s difficult to see where the acting stops and the people begin.... they obviously had great fun making these!

The original French and Saunders sketch is included for completeness and is still funny today, especially if you are human.

There`s a fairly pointless picture gallery too.

Conclusion

A must have if you are a fan and well worth getting even if you are just an admirer!

Like all good comedy shows, these stand the test of time well and even get better on subsequent viewings.

Thoroughly recommended viewing and worth the extra over a video as you`ll probably wear the tape out - and you can jump straight to your favourite bit.