Shunned in their homeland, the demented denizens of Tromaville found their late-night sanctuary across the pond on Channel 4 with Troma's Edge T.V. (Vol. 1, 2002, 120 minutes). Under the weight of melon-heavy breasts and gratuitous gore, the half-hour comedy series reportedly crushed its competition, which aired mostly dart matches and old Benny Hill episodes. Now, brave CineSchlockers can sample this inaugural five-episode collection of truly Tromatic television for themselves.

The movie: First up is the "Sex" episode (#9) deemed too hot by British censors. Thrill as NY host Trent Haaga schools viewers in "How to Pick Up a Prostitute." Spontaneously combust as LA host Tiffany Shepis (a.k.a. Super-Tromette Bulimia) writhes scantily-clad atop a Corvette while demonstrating "alternative" uses for fruits and vegetables. Other bits include Penis Monster Theater's animated re-enactment of Princess Diana's fatal crash. Next is the "Family" episode (#11) with a hilarious homage to Old Mother Troma (Lloyd Kaufman in drag). Plus, Bulimia's rotund mama Consumption pays an unscheduled visit. Followed by the "Drugs" episode (#12) featuring Haaga's exploration of a real-deal "crack" house and a street interview with a ninja who just shortly before ripped a man's nose off with salad tongs. (How that's related to drugs is difficult to fathom). Next is the "Horror" episode (#19) with a CineSchlocker-friendly visit to the museum/home of Forrest J. Ackerman whose collection includes original props like The Tingler and Ray Harryhausen's models. CineSchlocker fave Debbie Rochon also stars in a couple sketches, including a the world's ONLY funny Scream parody. Finally there's the "War" episode (#20) with Haaga on registering for the draft. Plus, oddly enough, plenty of clips from Troma's War. Actually, every episode is liberally peppered with clips from the studio's films such as The First Turn On, Mother's Day, Terror Firmer, Buttcrack and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part 4. Episodes also include T.I.T. (Troma's Intelligence Test) for a weekly dose of Troma trivia. But, best of all, are the lovely Tromettes who get nekkid whilst discussing Noam Compsky or theoretical astronomy.

Notables: 50 breasts. 36 corpses. Gratuitous urination. Masturbating cow. Canine cannibalism. Sex toy abuse. Group fondling. Mop polishing. Decapitation. Squirrel porn. Confused Catholic school girl. Glow-in-the-dark fat guy. Pillow fighting. Lesbian tongue rasslin.

Quotables: A typically satirical rant by Mr. Kaufman: "War is beloved by one and all. It divides families who are probably going to break up anyway. It restores economies. It also provides wonderful entertainment on the evening news. Where else could children see pictures of severed limbs and squashed heads and guts spilling out all over but on CNN? Prime-time news! War! It's the best! Of course, as Americans, we love war more than anybody. That's because we can kick just about anybody's ass whether they threaten us, or whether they don't threaten us. Why we love war so much we'll get into conflicts that have nothing to do with us. We'll make war on anything that moves. We'll make war on anything that doesn't move. Such as the useless and expensive drug war. Our nation's economy relies on the billions of dollars that war contracts create for cool, but goofy equipment such as the Star Wars stuff that's supposed to shoot down atom bombs. When they fall down, WHO do they land on!? America didn't become the greatest nation on Earth through embracing pacifism. Noooo! America became great through courage, conviction and the greatest lust for blood seen on this side of the 20th century!!!"

Time codes: Too numerous to document.

Audio/Video: Presented in fullframe as originally broadcast. Utilitarian Dolby Digital 2.0 track.

Extras: There's about 22 minutes of "Too Hot" segments like Kaufman's fleshy short-film Cannibal Lesbian Hoedown and drunken Troma Team revelry at Cannes. Don't miss the 12-minute clip of "Mistress Sonya" beating the tar out of a semi-willing male "sub" for the amusement of you the at-home pervert. Easter eggs abound. Seek and find "The Ronni Raygun Show" featuring the DVD guru tormenting Joe Fleishaker (2 mins). More exploration will reveal a tasty photo gallery and a three-minute brawl between ever-delish Ms. Shepis and woefully out-matched Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. in front of gap-jawed horndogs at the Chiller Theatre Expo. Other extras right out in the open include a promo reel for Tromadance and the ubiquitous "Radiation March." Trailers for Citizen Toxie, Toxic Avenger 3 and Terror Firmer. Motion-video menus with audio.

Final thought: The bonus material is ALMOST better than the episodes themselves in this generously-portioned feast for both Troma fans and neophytes. Recommended.