Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie is the big-screen continuation of the beloved British television series from the 90's. The film picks up with the same cast of characters as they go on a brand new journey. Fans of the series will be pleased with the return of the beloved characters and the new storyline. Newcomers may find it a bit confusing at times as this is a film clearly made with the fans in mind. Produced by Jon Plowman (Absolutely Fabulous) and Damian Jones (The Iron Lady, Millions) (and including executive producers Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders), Absolutely Fabulous is back again.

Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley), both now in their 60's, are back again (and still trying to live life as fabulously as they possibly can), but Edina runs into trouble when she can't get a book deal on her latest work. Edina still runs a PR company (but it's losing steam) and she hopes to write a bestseller about her adventures in the fashion industry. However, Edina can't get a writing deal and is told her book's "no good".

During a fashion party (with special appearances by celebrities like Lulu, Gwendoline Christie, and superstar Kate Moss) Edina accidentally pushes Kate Moss into the ocean. Believing Kate Moss to be dead, Edina becomes wanted for murder. Edina and Patsy go on a crazy journey overseas. Patsy tries to marry an old billionaire lover named Charlie (Barry Humphries) and everything builds as the two friends find themselves getting into one crazy mishap after another. The film becomes a comic odyssey of the characters going through bizarre situations all the way to the film's conclusion.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie has also has tons of characters making appearances from the original series, including Saffy (Julia Sawalha). Fans will be pleased to see a wide range of familiar faces with the entire main group of cast appearing (even if just for a cameo). The filmmakers made sure to include tons of cast members so it's a big reunion for everyone.

The cinematography by Chris Goodger (The Dumping Ground) is one of the most impressive things about the production. This is a slick looking film with great photography. The film is beautiful looking and it is remarkably well produced. The leap to the big screen has certainly resulted in a gorgeous film version.

The music score composed by Jake Monaco (Piper) adds some comic fun to the mix but in this case it's mainly an eclectic range of pop songs that helps the film find more energy. The film includes a theme song by superstar Kylie Minogue (This Wheel's on Fire) and other energetic songs throughout.

The production design by Harry Banks (Absolutely Fabulous, Miranda) is stellar with great set designs and location work. One of the strength's of the film is the incredible production work done for it. This is a high-quality effort which is certainly worthwhile and should please fans.

Costumes designed by Rebecca Hale (Absolutely Fabulous, The Vicar of Dibley) are also a big aspect of the film. It's no surprise given that the storyline revolves largely around the world of fashion. The fashion world is a big part of the story in the film and the costumes impress for these eccentric and entertaining characters.

Written by Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous, Clatterford), who is also the star of the series and film, the movie takes the characters on a big and surprising journey. Directed by Mandie Fletcher (Deadly Advice, Clatterford), the film has a fast pace and exciting energy throughout. It's a comic undertaking with such a loyal fan-base anticipating the big-screen continuation. For fans, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie is a heartfelt continuation of the television series with a lot of big moments.

The Blu-ray:

Video:

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie is presented on Blu-ray with a "absolutely stunning" (pun intended!) 1080p high definition transfer in the original 2.39:1 theatrical aspect ratio. The film looks amazingly good with excellent colors (which are vibrant and impress throughout), solid depth, and overall clarity. This is a quality presentation with a clean, modern, and sharp image. It's a top notch presentation with a high bit-rate encoding. A quality transfer which will satisfy fans.

Audio:

This is a superb lossless audio presentation in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. This lossless audio mix sounds terrific with surprisingly good dynamics and fidelity. The music score and songs certainly sound terrific throughout the film's presentation. The music adds to the film's fun significantly and helps the presentation to be even better. The use of surround sound is also engaging and well implemented in many scenes. Fans will not be disappointed and will be pleased with this quality sound presentation.

Subtitles are presented in English SDH (for the deaf and hard of hearing), Spanish, and French.

Extras:

Please Note:

This release is a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UV Combo Pack

Deleted Scenes (4 min.)

Outtakes (8 min.)

On Set with Dame Edna (14 min.)

Featurettes:

Have a Look, Sweet Darling! (14 min.) is an extended behind the scenes piece with interviews with cast and crew about the production of the film.

Locations (2 min.) offers a look at and discussion of the locations used for the production.

Legacy US (2 min.) discusses the impact of the series.

Cameos (2 min.) focuses on the many celebrity cameos in the film.

Drag Queens (2 min.) explores the drag queen appearances in the film.

Making Of (2 min.) is a brief behind-the-scenes piece on the making of the film.

Legacy UK (2 Min.) is another exploration of the series legacy.

Fashion (2 Min.) features interviews about the costumes and fashion world in the film.

Characters (3 Min.) focuses on the characters of Absolutely Fabulous.

Gallery containing photos from the film production.

Theatrical Trailer

Final Thoughts:

Fans of the series will be pleased with this continuation of the hit series. Newcomers may be left feeling a little confused by some events of the film because it's clearly made with series fans in mind. For fans looking for some more fun with their favorite characters, it's going to entertain. Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie is a slick, well-produced, and entertaining film continuation of the hit series.

Recommended.

Neil Lumbard is a lifelong fan of cinema. He aspires to make movies and has written two screenplays on spec. He loves writing, and currently does in Texas.