Sex Pistols: There'll Always be an England review

It was perhaps the most unexpected of comebacks. But the Sex Pistols return to active duty during the autumn of 2007, proved to be a major leaguer rock attraction. This concert video, beautifully captured by Punk-auteur Julien Temple at London’s Brixton Academy, bristles with energy and excitement. A cocktail of techniques, it combines shaky-cam footage, with sweeping crowd shots and snarling band close-ups; the editing is as frenetic as the music. That Temple should get the gig is curious in itself, given that he helmed The Great Rock N Roll Swindle, which Lydon apparently abhors. But his execution is pitch perfect.

The soundtrack, an atmospheric 5.1 mix, is all colliding guitar and drums, but the anthemic nature of the songs holds it together like antique spittle. The gig is short, not quite 80 minutes, but pretty much every Pistols tune of note is present.

Supplemental extra The Knowledge is also a treat. Part social document, part band interview, it provides an interactive map of London, wherein individual Pistols recall places and times long-past. Overall, a fabulous live DVD, and a must-have for lovers of era.

Freemantle Home Entertainment, R2 DVD, £16
HCC VERDICT: 5/5

Pictures copyright David Wainwright.