I'm
No Dummy
(2009, 2015/MVD Visual DVD Set)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: B- Main Program: C+
Are
you a fan of the art of ventriloquism? If so then you want to check
out I'm
No Dummy
(2009), a documentary spanning the history of the art form and
showcasing some of today's (and the artforms) most talented
performers including Jeff Dunham, Jay Johnson, and Lynn Trefzger.
The comic documentary examines and deconstructs this obscure art form
through clips, photos and interviews with many of the greatest vents
(what
they call themselves in the industry)
from today and yesterday as well as their iconic puppets that have
been captivating audiences on stage and on screen for years.
The
idea came to Director Bryan W. Simon while on a bike ride in Los
Angeles, as he kicked around ideas for a new project and decided to
focus on a documentary about something he loved as a child and
something that may be borderline disturbing for some. The film was
originally completed in 2009 (before Johnson's hit Broadway one man
show, reviewed elsewhere on this site) and is now finding its way
onto disc. This is a nice little release from MVD and I'm glad that
they including the extra disc and went the extra mile.
The
main stars are Jeff Dunham, Jay Johnson and Lynn Trefzger and this
also features Kelly Asbury, Tom Ladshaw, Jimmy Nelson and Willie
Tyler. Archival footage of Edgar Bergen (with Charlie McCarthy),
Paul Winchell and Senor Wences is also included in the feature.
Some
focus points of the documentary are the questions What is
Ventriloquism, why do they do it? How do they master the art of not
moving their lips? The humorous question of where do dummies go when
die? Which features the only museum in the world that's dedicated to
the art of ventriloquism known as the Vent Museum.
Presented
in standard definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of
1.85:1 and a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. The two-disc set
looks fine on DVD with optional English and French subtitles.
Extras
are bountiful including over two hours of extras including Terry
Fator and Winston and more from the Vent Haven Museum, Interview
Outtakes with Jay Johnson, Jimmy Nelson, Willie Tyler and others.
The film itself clocks in around 84 minutes.
This
is a fun documentary on a subject that isn't explored too often and
serves as more informational and a showpiece for the performers. If
this subject interests you then this is definitely worth checking
out. The re-playability for me is a little low, but fans will feel
otherwise.
-
James Harland Lockhart V
www.facebook.com/jhl5films
