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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 1.78:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  Languages
  • English: MPEG Stereo
  Subtitles
  • None
  Extras
  • Animated menus
  • Web access
Roy Chubby Brown - Thunder B*!!*cks
Universal/Universal . R4 . COLOR . 57 mins . R . PAL

  Feature
Contract

Roy "Chubby" Brown is back for another serve of the bluest and crudest humour around. "Chubby" (real name Royston Vasey) is a British stand up comedian who has made a career out of four letter words, some clever crowd interaction, and the ability to incorporate local news items into his routine. In this, he is not unlike Billy Connolly. Both men are very funny and have huge followings, especially in the UK and mainland Europe, but the main difference is that "Chubby" is a master of the one-line gag, whereas Connolly tells stories that interweave. Hence, the subject matter for "Chubby" Brown tends to mostly be about sex, sex, genitals, sex, genitals, Gary Glitter, sex, genitals, and sex.

Royston Vasey (honoured by The League of Gentlemen, who named their fictitious town after him), has been doing Roy "Chubby" Brown for almost thirty years and became a comedian by accident whilst drumming for a local band. A power failure at a gig threatened to turn nasty, but it was his handling of the situation, and his ability to make people laugh, that saw his comedy routine immediately worked into the band's show (despite his initial reluctance). The rest, as they say, is history.

Thunder B*!!*cks was filmed over two nights at the SECC in front of 6000 adoring Glaswegians, and the self-proclaimed "Fat Bastard" is in fine form dishing it out (and taking it - sometimes) to all and sundry. There are a lot of local references made, and although this was filmed sometime in 2000, a lot of the jokes are related to news items that we are not familiar with here in Australia. Keep in mind that none of his humour is politically correct and the sensitive should steer clear. Roy "Chubby" Brown is only a character, and that's why he can get away with it. Part Benny Hill, part Kevin 'Bloody' Wilson and part Billy Connolly is probably the best way I can explain it. A warning though, for those offended by the sight of near naked 'fat bastards', "Chubby" does his own Full Monty to close this show, and if there are any children present, do not let them see this!

Roy "Chubby" Brown is still not a household name in Australia, although he has a dedicated following. He has toured here, but like me you probably missed him. Rest assured, however, when "Chubby" gets through treatment for his recently diagnosed throat cancer, the world tour will be on again, probably mid 2003. In the meantime, enjoy this latest DVD, Thunder B*!!*cks, safe in the knowledge that there are plenty more to follow, including two shows filmed recently that will be edited into one and released in time for Christmas 2002.

  Video
  Audio
  Extras
Contract

This is another very pleasing transfer of a "Chubby" Brown title. It is as good as the first, Stocking Filler, and looks and sounds impressive. It is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and is 16x9 enhanced. Visually, this is a very clear and clean transfer. It has excellent definition, and the image is as sharp as you could expect. Colours are true, and "Chubby"'s outfit looks a treat. Shadow detail is very good, and black levels are deep and even. There is no evidence of noise, some minor aliasing in "Chubby"'s coat, but there are no other artefacts. There was no layer change, but as the show runs for less than an hour I would not have expected one.

Being a stage show with little to no special sound effects, the MPEG 2.0 does a more than adequate job. All dialogue (and that's 98% "Chubby") is evenly balanced with no noticeable separation. "Chubby" is always audible even over the loud crowd noises (applause, laughter etc.) and there is one gag that uses an off stage voice-over (Mastermind) which sounds nice and hollow and distant. There are no synchronisation problems and unlike Stocking Filler there are no subtitles, so when "Chubby"'s accent gets the better of you, too bad!

There really aren't any extras in my books, but there is the choice of a Joke Menu which is handy if you want to show your friends the highlights. There is also a Link to the Web, but when I pressed 'entere after highlighting nothing happened and I could no longer navigate to any other part of the menu. Fear not, "Chubby"'s web site address is clearly displayed at the end of the show.

If you haven't yet had the pleasure of his company, check out Roy "Chubby" Brown: Thunder B*!!*cks. Leave all sensibilities at the door, and send the kids to bed early, as this is definitely not for the little folk. He is one of the funniest stand-up comics I have heard, but also one of the filthiest. Best enjoyed with company, good friends, and maybe a beer or two, this is not intellectually challenging stuff, nor is it going to win any prizes for comedy (are there any?). He is a 'Fat Bastard' with great delivery, wonderful timing, and the ability to laugh at himself. Oh, he tells fart jokes as well, and as my Mum always says, "Never underestimate the comedic power of a good fart joke."


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  •   And I quote...
    "The self-proclaimed 'Fat Bastard" is back, and it's business as usual - funny business that is!"
    - Terry Kemp
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Akai
    • TV:
          TEAC CT-F803 80cm Super Flat Screen
    • Receiver:
          Pioneer VSX-D409
    • Speakers:
          Wellings
    • Centre Speaker:
          Wellings
    • Surrounds:
          Wellings
    • Subwoofer:
          Sherwood SP 210W
    • Audio Cables:
          Standard RCA
    • Video Cables:
          standard s-video
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