Joe Rogan Live (DVD-Video Concert)

 

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

 

 

I have heard of Joe Rogan before and he seems to be involved in some interesting TV productions.  However, he is also a stand-up comic and Joe Rogan Live (2005) is a nearly hour-long concert where I was surprised and even impressed by the boldness of his jokes and observations.  At his best, he has the energy and boldness of Lenny Bruce.  At least he is trying.

 

Yes, he did work on the underrated TV situation comedy NewsRadio (reviewed elsewhere on this site) and I bet he learned much from Phil Hartman because some of the expressionistic high points of this act remind me of Hartman at his best.  No matter what, Rogan is comically gifted and I hope he pursues this because he potentially has something to offer here.  Now, you can see for yourself.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image looks like older digital High Definition and has detail limits throughout, but is watchable for this kind of program.  The audio is more difficult, with the Dolby Digital 5.1 harsh and artificially pumped up, while the Dolby 2.0 may be weaker, but much more natural.  Unfortunately, some echo got into his jokes.  The one extra is a featurette Joe Rogan: Beyond Fear where he is interviewed about his life and some of his beliefs.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo