Stunning 4K trailer for the restored classic Take It Or Leave It

The story of Madness, one of Britain’s most beloved musical acts, is getting a major cinematic revival. The band has successfully restored their classic film Take It Or Leave It in stunning 4K quality, and it is set to hit cinemas across the UK and Ireland later this year.

First released in 1981, the film acts as a mockumentary, capturing the band during their ascent to stardom. Without the use of any actors, the movie features Madness members—including Suggs, Bedders, El Thommo, Chas Smash, Woody, Chrissy Boy, and Barzo—playing themselves while reliving the pivotal moments of their journey. These are the rows, the line-up changes, and the gigs that forged their distinctive sound.

The production itself was a vibrant look back at the band’s formative years, shot largely on location, including iconic settings like Camden’s legendary Dublin Castle. The film is steeped in the sounds of their era, featuring classic tracks such as ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘Night Boat to Cairo’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, and ‘Embarrassment’ woven into its tapestry.

Now, over four decades later, this cinematic treasure is making its long-awaited return. The BFI has meticulously restored the film in 4K resolution, ensuring that the magic of the original remains vibrant for a new generation. The movie is scheduled to premiere in UK and Ireland cinemas on October 2nd, followed by its Blu-ray debut on October 19th.

Beyond the cinematic release, fans will be treated to an incredibly rich collection of behind-the-scenes material. The limited edition BFI Blu-ray/DVD will include brand-new extras, featuring interviews with Madness members, director Dave ‘Robbo’ Robinson, and founder Stiff Records Mark ‘Bedders’ Bedford. Viewers will also gain access to classic audio commentary from the creators, behind-the-scenes footage, the original 1981 trailer, nine Madness music videos, and an illustrated collector’s booklet.

The film itself, which was the feature debut of director Dave Robinson, is built around real events and improvised dialogue. It stands as a testament to the band’s unique cultural footprint. Reflecting on their journey, frontman Suggs noted that while they embraced diverse sounds—calypso, jazz, ska, and British pop—their collective identity always shone through.

Looking back at their history, Suggs admitted that maintaining a band of their size today is immensely challenging compared to the ‘good-old-fucking-days.’ He posited that while the musical trends change rapidly, what they created transcends those shifts. It remains a unique story, a true parade of serious people who found their voice through music.

Those looking to dive deeper into the history and making-of behind this cinematic achievement will find an abundance of new insight packed onto the special edition release.