Filth

Filth, the latest adaptation of Irvine Welsh's work and the best since Trainspotting, arrives on DVD and Bluray with a welcome slew of extras.

The by now obligatory director's commentary not only features the film's writer/director Jon. S. Baird, but also author Irvine Welsh. Their easy, self-deprecating banter comes across straight from the opening credits, as does their clear admiration for the fine collection of actors appearing on screen.

Whether it's Welsh's attempts to explain the meaning of 'stoat the baw' to non-Scots viewers, or pointing out the inaccuracies of having a 'nonce' as a Hibs fan; or Baird merrily seeking to remove any credit for the success of the film from Welsh, their accompaniment to the film is entertaining and, just occasionally, illuminating.

Also included are a series of interviews with Welsh, Baird and lead actor James McAvoy. All come across well, clearly enthusiastic about the film and proud of their work. McAvoy describes Filth as one of the 'best scripts I've ever read' and details his preparations for the role: half a bottle of whisky a night and plenty squared sausage.

Baird and Welsh discuss the process of adaptation, both appreciative of the other's work - with Welsh having been particularly keen for the novel to make it onto screen. Both are also nothing less than glowing in their appreciation of McAvoy's outstanding performance as Bruce Robertson. Welsh didn't think he was right for the role initially - too young, handsome and, well, nice. But witnessing McAvoy's 30 minute transformation in a Soho hotel room into the degenerate, misanthropic 'wanker' Bruce Robertson, was enough to convince both that they'd landed the perfect man for the role.

If there's one criticism of the interviews featured here, it's that they are perhaps too stilted, and rigidly scripted. There's a sense that more could've been gleamed from the fine minds involved in the film, had the interviews had a more laid back feel to them - but it's a minor quibble.

Rounding out the extras are a selection of deleted and extended scenes, as well as the typically amusing outtakes. One of the deleted scenes finds Welsh turning up as a newspaper man, quizzing Robertson after the death of a man in the street. You get the sense Baird cut it out just to annoy Welsh. If so, mission accomplished.

Another scene in an airport finds McAvoy in particularly fine fettle, manipulating a tourist into racially abusing two fellow travellers. As the man is carted away, McAvoy quips: "Take this man away. He's delusional and quite clearly American". There is another amusing deleted scene, which involves a bit of amateur camera work from Bruce, a dog and an attractive Eastern European woman. Not much else from the scene is fit to print.

All in all a good selection of extras for those seeking to know more about the film and the people responsible for bringing it to the screen.