Comedy Central Highlights: The Daily Show, Chapelle's Show and Reno 911!
Directors: Various
Producers: Various
Writers: Various
Features: Commentaries, Deleted Scenes, Bloopers, Reports, Featurettes.
Characters:
Various
Genre: Comedy
Review:
A message from the editor-
You may or may not have noticed, but the site has seen very little updating as of late, with exceptions from DVDFuture’s George and newcomer Ryan (thanks). More or less, to our avid readers, fear not, I’ve just been pretty busy. I’ve been spending most of my time working, moving and getting engaged (yay). It’s been stressful, but I’m pretty much settled in at my new place (I finally have my computer and the internet!).
In order to cover the recently released DVDs, I’ve decided to lump them together in one mass review, well two actually, one for Fox and one for Comedy Central. There were some great titles released in May and June from both studios that are defiantly worth checking out. The format here won’t be the same as typical DVDFuture style, but I assure you, this is merely a one time thing. Enjoy!
-R.L. Shaffer
Chappelle’s Show: Season Two Uncensored
Dave Chappelle keeps the comic hilarity coming in his sophomore season. During his second season, Dave Chappelle created several great, and now classic characters modeled after Rick James, Lil’ Jon and Prince, which took his show to a whole new level. If you’re not familiar with them, you sound take a crash course. The Charlie Murphy stories are worth the price of the discs alone. They aren’t ‘laugh out loud’ funny per say, just damn interesting.
Comedy Central was nice enough to provide the uncensored versions of all thirteen episodes, but for some unknown reason, the nudity has been censored. This, however, wasn’t the case in the first season. This isn’t too annoying, but it’s certainly not as ‘uncensored’ as the box claims. Regardless, the set is worth owning as it’s riddled with true comic genius from a comedian who hasn’t even hit his peak.
Extras are plentiful and quite fun. We’re treated to several insightful commentaries from Chappelle and the show’s co-creator Neal Brennan. We’re also treated to an extended interview from the late, great Rick James and two additional Charlie Murphy stories. To top the whole set off, there’s an hour of deleted material, bloopers and stand-up. This set tops the previous boxset in almost every way, making this a must own for virtually every fan: casual or hardcore.
Show Scorecard:
As entertainment: 10
As a show: 10
Overall: 10
DVD Scorecard:
Video: 6
Audio: 6
Extras: 9
Overall: 9.5
Unrated
* Running Time: 275 Minutes
* List Price: $36.99
* Available on DVD: May 24th 2005
Reno 911! Season Two Uncensored
Reno 911! is one of those shows that’s absolutely hilarious, very clever, and features characters that are lovable in their own weird way, but something’s missing from it all. When boils down to it, the show is lacking somewhere. Sometimes the show walks a very thin line between clever mockumentary and low grade sketch comedy. Nevertheless, the show does have its moments and is well worth a watch. During Season Two, virtually every element of the show is improved. Hopefully, Season Three will be able to keep the momentum going.
Comedy Central has provided uncensored versions of all sixteen episodes, but for some unknown reason, the nudity has been censored, but even so, do we really want this show to be uncensored? The bleeps are half the humor. Hearing these characters actually swear takes away from their charm. This is one case where being ‘uncensored’ hurts the show quite a bit.
The extras are pretty good here, but not as juicy as with Chapelle’s Show. We’re treated to several audio commentaries from the cast and crew. As with Season One, these are not very insightful, but fun to listen to regardless. We’re also treated to a hilarious Drug Prevention Seminar and over 90 minutes of alternate, deleted or extended scenes and bloopers. Unfortunately, there are too many here as it grows tiresome after a while, but hardcore fans of the series are sure to enjoy the hell out of it.
Show Scorecard:
As entertainment: 8
As a show: 7
Overall: 7.5
DVD Scorecard:
Video: 6
Audio: 6
Extras: 8
Overall: 8
Unrated
* Running Time: 340 Minutes
* List Price: $38.99
* Available on DVD: June 14th 2005
The Daily Show: Indecision 2004
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your DVD shelves...here comes one of the funniest shows in their first ever DVD set. Jon Stewart heads up a crack team of knuckleheads as they examine the wacky and crazy world of democracy, particularly democracy during one of our nations dirtiest campaigns.
I actually liked Stewart’s 2000 coverage of the Bush-Gore election more. I found the live shows here to be lacking quite a bit from their regular ‘taped’ shows. The enthusiasm just wasn’t there. Thankfully, the correspondents, including Samantha Bee, Rob Corddry, Ed Helms and Stephen Colbert keep up the comic spirit with their hilarious reports.
There are so many awesome extras on disc three--it’s really amazing. Comedy Central has compiled a definitive playlist of all your favorite election moments, from the announcement that John Edwards was running for President to the Daily Show correspondents singing the Nation Anthem. This set has everything to relive all the fond, not so fond and down right embarrassing memories of the 2004 Presidential Election.
Show Scorecard:
As entertainment: 8.5
As a show: 9
Overall: 9
DVD Scorecard:
Video: 6
Audio: 6
Extras: 10
Overall: 9
Unrated
* Running Time: 299 Minutes
* List Price: $39.99
* Available on DVD: June 28th 2005
Well, that’s that folks. Three sets solidly recommended. Fans of these series should pick each one up. Newcomers should give each set a good spin, particularly the Daily Show and Chappelle’s Show. I look forward to more exciting sets from Comedy Central.
----R. L. Shaffer