Review of Peter Kay: Live At The Top Of The Tower

Introduction

Released almost a year to the day after the equivalent VHS release, this DVD features a specially recorded performance from the little theatre at the top of Blackpool Tower. But would you be brave enough to record a live comedy show in front of your mum and aunties?

Peter Kay has been on the stand up comedy circuit for several years now and is one of a rare new breed of comedians who don`t have to resort to excessive swearing and jokes about genitalia just to get a laugh. Instead he recounts genuinely funny stories mixed in with a few good old fashioned gags.

Video

Well this is just a stand up comedy show. But someone went to a bit of effort, since it was filmed at a ratio of 1.85:1, and is presented on this DVD in 1.85:1 anamorphic. The VHS release was presented at 14:9 if the case is to be believed. So we get to see all of the picture, with plenty of wide shots of the audience.

The transfer is fine, although perhaps the blacks could have been a little more black. Other than that very minor niggle it all looks excellent.

Audio

A simple DD2.0 stereo soundtrack, which is all that is required given the material. Everything is clean and crisp, including the hammond organ playing "Sussudio" and "Deeply Dippy" during the introduction.

Features

And we even get some extras too. First up is some bonus footage, which was edited out of the original show (not sure why they didn`t edit it back into the main feature). There are also some out-takes which are genuinely amusing.

The other main extra is an interview filmed especially for the DVD, where Peter answers questions that have been sent to his official web site. This is quite funny and well worth watching.

And whilst menus aren`t extras, special mention must be given to the menu system on this disc, as it`s probably the best one I`ve seen all year. I don`t want to say too much about it for fear of spoiling the effect - let`s just say it`s based around one of the routines in the show.

Conclusion

A fantastic performance from Peter Kay, and one that left me crying with laughter. I`ve been a big fan since I first saw him a few years ago, and whilst some of the material here is repeated from back then, there`s a lot of new stuff too which is equally funny. He is a genuine entertainer.

He has mastered the fine art of telling a story, mixing in a few jokes and keeping some good running gags going too. His material is spot on, and his recall of products and events from his childhood really strikes a chord with the audience, who are all of a similar age.

The DVD is very good, with good picture, good sound and some bonus material not found on the VHS release. And don`t forget those menus.

All in all, very highly recommended - a must for fans and anyone who enjoys stand up comedy.