Best Of The Improv
Picture: C+
Sound: C Extras: D Episodes: B-
The A&E Network scored an early hit with Evening At
The Improv and this new Best Of The Improv set offers six hour-long
compilations on six DVDs that offer a look at a slew of stand-up comedians,
many before they hit it big. They are:
Brad Garrett (host 1)
Jim Aleck
David Spade
John Byner
Diane Ford
A.J. Jamal
Rich Shydner
Greg Travis
Janeane Garofalo
Steve Harvey
Bill Maher (host 2)
Brian Hailey
Rick Rockwell (one of the worst here)
Hugh Fink
Paula Poundstone
Martin Lawrence
Denis Leary
Jeff Marder
Anthony Griffin
Rita Rudner (host 3)
Rich Hall
Margaret Cho
Carol Siskind
Chas Elstner
Lizz Winstead
Stephanie Miller (brief, future talk show host)
Bobby Collins
Jack Gallagher
Rick Overton (host 4)
Tim Allen
Jerry Seinfeld
Charles Fleischer
Norm MacDonald
Richard Jeni
Dennis Wolfberg
Ray Romano
Richard Belzer (host 5)
Max Alexander
Will Durst
Murray Langston
Mike McDonald
Ellen DeGeneres
D.L. Hughley
Dennis Blair
Larry Miller
Carrie Snow (host 6)
Franklin Ajaye
Rosie O’Donnell
Chris Rock
Jack Coen
Stephanie Hodge
Jeff Foxworthy
John Mulrooney
Scott LaRose
Judy Tenuta
Drew Carey
The Cho, O’Donnell & Tenuta segments repeat what was
seen on the Funny Ladies set.
The fourth and fifth volumes are the strongest, as denoted by the hosts
on the list above. It is hit and miss,
as was the Funny Ladies set, but in more cases here, the lesser knowns
surprise more often. It is a somewhat
stronger set than Funny Ladies, and not just because there is 50% more
material, but because this is better edited and more diverse.
The full frame 1.33 X 1 image is from all the older NTSC
professional tapings of the series from years ago and is as clean as its going
to get. The Dolby Digital 2.0 is weak
and monophonic and the set is totally devoid of extras. This is a good stand up comedy set, but Best
Of The Improv could have offered more.
For fans, this will do.
- Nicholas Sheffo
