Brittas Bursts Out

The Chris Barrie sitcom is scheduled for release on DVD.

16 May, 2003

It's been a long time since this writer wheeled out his Gordon Brittas impersonation. Feel sorry for my colleagues, then, as The Brittas Empire finally gets the DVD release it deserves.

For those who don't remember, The Brittas Empire was set in Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre - an innocuous location disguising some of the most brutal chaos in television history. Chris Barrie starred as the man who took a tricky situation and helpfully turned it into a disaster. His co-stars included Philippa Haywood, Julia St John, Harriet Thorpe, Judy Flynn, Tim Marriott, Russell Porter and Jill Greenacre.

The first series of six episodes originally aired between 3rd January and 14th February 1991. They were Laying the Foundations, Opening Day, Bye Bye Baby, Underwater Wedding, Stop Thief and Assassin. Another seven series followed - making the late arrival of this top-rated show even more surprising. Only a single 'best of' tape had previously been available.

Eureka Video are changing all that, though. As given away by these exclusive packshots, Series One is due out July 21st, spread over two discs and complete with a few wee extras - stills gallery, Brittas Fitness interactive quiz, Royal Variety Performance clip, Chris Barrie biography and a trailer for Series Two. Currently Eureka are aiming to follow with Series Two in October, and hoping for future releases later on.

Altogether now: "Naa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ah... Colin."

It's like he's in the room, innit?

The Brittas DVD will be available from the all-new Red Dwarf Shop.