Russell Peters – Red, White & Brown (2008/Comedy Central DVD/CD)
Picture: C
Sound: C+ Extras: B- Concert: B-
After
suffering through several bad, unfunny stand-up comics on DVD, Russell Peters – Red, White & Brown
(2008) was a relief because the man actually takes risks, has something to say
and can be funny. The majority of
stand-up comics are bad in what is one of the worst generations (maybe the
worst) of such performers ever. Peters
has an advanced understanding of his material, has decent comic timing and his
panache in dealing with social issues is a gift.
He also has personality, the camera likes him and his
energy is pretty good. The DVD lasts 79
minutes, while the CD is almost as long and a nice touch to add as this is
hopefully not the last concert we’ll see released. Of course, there is room to expand in his
routine like so many great comics and I believe he could be the next big thing
if he keeps this up. When I did not
laugh, I was smiling, which led to more laughs and that comes from someone how
is not easily amused.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is a
disappointment, looking far softer than a new taping should, though color can
be good and you have to wonder if the downtrade to DVD got botched
somehow. Either way, it could be better
and is more tolerable than usual because he is compelling to watch. Otherwise, brace yourself. The Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0 Stereo on the
DVD is not bad, but the two are about even and even with the PCM 2.0 16/44.1
Stereo on the bonus CD, telling us that the levels are recorded or transfers
lower than they should have been. This
does not affect us hearing him, but is not the best comedy concert audio on DVD
we’ve encountered. Extras include a few
bonus clips of Peters in other concerts, with optional commentary by him and
the bonus CD.
- Nicholas Sheffo
