Dave Attell – Captain Miserable (Stand-Up Comedy Concert/HBO DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Concert: C

 

 

Dave Attell has made a name for himself as a comedian, but can you name from where or tell one of his funny jokes?  No?  That was the odd experience I had watching his new HBO DVD concert release, Captain Miserable and if dwelling on anti-social behavior is supposed to be made funny, he should get points for ambition.

 

Unfortunately, it becomes a one-joke show for its nearly hour-long length, only saved by some boldness and a few minor moments that are actually funny.  Otherwise, it is not very funny and is quickly forgotten as a time killer at best when it is all over.  So someone finds him hilarious or he would not have made it this far, but if you make it far enough to see this show, don’t be surprised if you are not that impressed.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image was shot in digital HD and though colorful and consistent, is a bit softer than expected, with alight digititis throughout.  The D.L. Hughley concert form the same HBO time period looks better.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 is surprisingly flat, mixed oddly towards the center channel and in Pro Logic playback worse than straight stereo.  Extras include bonus snippets of either Attell doing more routines or entertaining the troops overseas.  For fans only and certainly an acquired taste.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo