Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10443 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-09-09
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 145 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Some comedies secure cult status after just one episode. The first series of Phoenix Nights, created by and starring Bolton-born comic Peter Kay, is one of those rare gems that few saw on first showing but that everyone was soon talking about. Wheelchair-bound Brian Potter (Kay) runs the Phoenix, a shabby social club populated by an assortment of wonderfully observed characters. It's grim up North and despite the best efforts of the staff to inject life into the proceedings--be it an alternative comedy night, a version of Robot Wars in Potter's beloved Pennine Suite or a Wild West extravaganza--each evening's entertainment always ends badly. Undaunted, the Phoenix denizens continue to strive for their dream: a world in which "clubland never dies".

Even though Kay is the focus of the show (having also directed and penned the series), this is no star vehicle; the hapless security guards, the club entertainer Jerry, and Ray Von the dodgy DJ all combine in an ensemble comedy the like of which hasn't been seen since Fawlty Towers. You have to watch it a couple of times just to catch all the visual gags, let alone pick up on all the nuances of the brilliantly written script. If you missed it first time round, now's your chance to own one of the best British sit-coms of recent years.

On the DVD: Phoenix Nights on disc comes with a plethora of extras to enjoy. "One Man and His Horse" is behind the scenes footage of Trigger and his handler (who is almost as entertaining as his charge); there are some great deleted scenes, trailers for the first series and an episode-by-episode sequence of outtakes where the cast hilarity is definitely contagious. A commentary from Kay and some of the team consists more of reminiscence than information, but is well worth a listen. --Kristen Bowditch

Special Features
16:9 Wide Screen
DVD 9
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital Stereo English
Dolby Digital Stereo
Documentary
Deleted Scenes
Outtakes
Uncut Armchair Super Store
Peter Kay Commentary

Synopsis
The complete first series of this now-cult comedy series written by and starring the multi-faceted Peter Kay. He stars as a multitude of crazy characters, particularly wheelchair bound club owner Brian Potter. Potter and his employees have been rebuilding Bolton's Phoenix Club following a fairy-lights fire last Christmas. The series charts the comic attempts Potter makes at luring punters back from rival club The Banana Grove. He must combat racist folk groups, unseeing psychics and a drunken horse, cue "Talent Trek" Night--a sure-fire success!

Customer Reviews

Long Live The Phoenix!
It's brilliant, this!

I'm a big fan of Peter Kay and already own the video of the stand-up concert he did at Blackpool Tower, so I was really looking forward to this. I wasn't disappointed.

I watched this on Channel 4 last year (twice, thanks to the marvel that is the modern video recorder!), and couldn't stop laughing. I've just watched it again the second time around and laughed just as much.

As well as being part of a continuing storyline, each episode stands alone as a comedic masterpiece. Great characters like Brian Potter, Max and Paddy the bouncers (what've you done to your 'air? Is it a wig?), Jerry St Clair and others, together with excellent scripts make this a series not to be missed.

If you've already seen the series on Channel 4, you've probably already got this video on your shopping list. If not, buy it anyway. You won't regret it.

I'm getting the word "nonce"...
The fact that I've been motivated to contribute a review about the Phoenix Nights DVD says it all...Without a doubt, the funniest, most original comedy I've seen in years. Phoenix Nights turns over more material in the opening pre-titles sequence than most shows offer in 30 minutes. Each episode is a mini-classic: the opening show with TVs own Roy Walker having to pay 30p to get in ("And don't forget the raffle!"), Keith Lard's photo showing "a look of satisfaction rarely seen on an Airedale", Clinton Baptiste's psychic show ("Hands up, who can't have children?") and of course, Brian Potter's attempts at seduction ("You haven't seen me jukebox yet - have you got any change? It's 5 for £1"). Watch out for the (many) visual gags in the backgound - you'll spot a new one each time you watch it. I've watched the DVD end to end dozens of times, and it still make me laugh out loud. Excellent DVD special features include a great commentary by Peter Kay, Dave Spikey, Neil Fitzmaurice and Patrick "Paddy" McGuiness. If you haven't got a DVD player yet, here's your motivation!

Are my eyes dreaming?
This is compulsive viewing for anyone who likes a laugh. Enough catch phrases and subtle in-jokes for it to be a classic. I can still watch it all the way through without any fear of reaching for the skip button. Absolute genius and it's even funnier if you turn the commentary on to hear Peter's high pitched, girly laugh!!!