Take It Or Leave It (DVD + Blu-ray)

Discover the origins of one of Britain's most beloved bands with Take It Or Leave It, a highly entertaining film chronicling how Madness first came together. Filmed in 1981, after the band had achieved significant chart success and captured the public's imagination with their unique music videos, this film delves into the story of seven friends in Camden Town during the late 70s. It explores their journey from everyday jobs to forming a band, detailing lineup changes, disagreements, laughter, and the evolution of their signature ska-pop 'Nutty Sound'.

Produced and directed by Dave Robinson, this feature film was created without a written script, relying entirely on real events and improvised dialogue. The soundtrack is a vibrant mix of live and studio recordings, featuring hit songs such as "One Step Beyond," "Night Boat to Cairo," "My Girl," "Baggy Trousers," and "Embarrassment." This Dual Format Edition offers both DVD and Blu-ray versions, newly restored in 4K by the BFI for high-definition and standard-definition viewing.

Key Features:

• Dual Format Edition including DVD and Blu-ray
• Newly restored in 4K by the BFI
• Presented in High Definition and Standard Definition
• Features a mix of live and studio recordings from Madness
• Includes hit songs: One Step Beyond, Night Boat to Cairo, My Girl, Baggy Trousers, and Embarrassment
• Filmed with improvised dialogue based on real events
• Aspect Ratio: 4
• Run Time: 1 hour and 26 minutes
• Rated: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Language: English

Extras:

• Audio commentary by director Dave ‘Robbo’ Robinson and Chris ‘Chrissy Boy’ Foreman (2002)
• Interviews with Suggs, Mark ‘Bedders’ Bedford and Dave Robinson (2026)
• Music videos (1979-2022, 22 mins): One Step Beyond, My Girl, Bed and Breakfast Man, Night Boat to Cairo, Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, Grey Day, Madness, and The Prince
• Restoration demo (2026, 2 mins)
• Original trailer (1981)
• Restoration trailer (2026)
• Newly created optional English descriptive subtitles
• Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film and music videos, and an original review by Neil Tennant (First Pressing Only)

Specifications:

• Brand: Bfi
• Format: DVD + Blu-ray
• Number of Items: 2
• Release Date: 19 October 2026
• Package Dimensions: 17 x 13.6 x 1.6 cm; 147 g
• Item Model Number: BFIB1577
• Director: Dave Robinson
• Actors: Carl Smyth, Dan Woodgate, Lee Thompson, Mark Bedford, Suggs

This BFI Dual Format Edition of Take It Or Leave It is an essential addition for fans of Madness and British music history.