D.L. Hughley – Unapologetic + Jim
Norton – Monster Rain (HBO DVD)
Picture: C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C-/D Concerts: B/D
HBO has
been issuing hour-ling stand up comedy concerts forever and the two newest show
a contrast between how to do one and how not to do one. D.L.
Hughley – Unapologetic is a bold, clever, funny, daring, knowing concert
that shows the comedian becoming more powerful and sharper in his wit than
ever. Jim Norton – Monster Rain on the other hand is every predictable
gross, dull, boring joke around and a style of comedy this critic never laughed
at.
Another
difference is while Hughley is political and effectively so, taking a left of
center stance that gels well with reality as we are seeing it, Norton’s work is
self-centered, taking place in that alternate universe where everyone is bored
and has limited ambition. Burn out humor
can only go so far. Hughley in
comparison is funnier than ever and poised for a while new era of
groundbreaking hilarity if he keeps going in the direction he is. Don’t miss his DVD.
The 1.33
X 1 image on Hughley’s concert is actually on par with the anamorphically
enhanced 1.78 X 1 image on Norton’s, including better color and a more solid
looking picture. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo on both is about the same, though Hughley’s is a bit richer and clearer,
both with no surrounds. There are five
extra minutes of outtakes on Hughley’s disc, while the Norton’s discs extra
footage is a lame as the main program.
- Nicholas Sheffo
