Pads & Panels

Comedy Central Round-Up No. 2
Hannibal Buress, Reggie Watts, Paul F. Tompkins

Reviews by: Bill Jones

When it comes to stand-up comedy on television, Comedy Central more or less has the market cornered. And the network’s DVD and CD departments have been pushing out plenty of the television specials in the uncensored and uncut format (really, the right way to watch a comedian’s set) for home consumption. Pads & Panels decided to help its readers wade through some of Comedy Central’s latest offerings.

The Comedian: Hannibal Buress

The DVD: Animal Furnace (Also on CD)

Rating:

The latest stand-up special from Hannibal Buress, Animal Furnace may be Comedy Central’s best release of the year to date. The Chicago native has been a writer on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, which speaks to his background in comedy. But for once the quotes on the back of the box actually go a long way in letting people know why he’s worth checking out, or at least the list of names that provided those quotes — Chris Rock, Jim Gaffigan, Demetri Martin and Mike Birbiglia. Toss in dash of Kyle Kinane (not on the box), too, and it’s easy to get an idea of both the quality and style that comes with his performance. With an infectious smile, Buress appears to have a great time on stage as he launches into stories about the TSA, stolen credit cards, Canada, college newspapers and even food. The CD doesn’t deviate from the DVD, but it’s better in my opinion to have the visual in his case. The DVD also includes and awesome bonus feature chronicling the week before recording his special. (more…)

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Comedy Central Round-Up No. 1
Jo Koy, J.B. Smoove, Patton Oswalt

Reviews by: Bill Jones

When it comes to stand-up comedy on television, Comedy Central more or less has the market cornered. And the network’s DVD and CD departments have been pushing out plenty of the television specials in the uncensored and uncut format (really, the right way to watch a comedian’s set) for home consumption. Pads & Panels decided to help its readers wade through some of Comedy Central’s latest offerings.

The Comedian: Jo Koy

The DVD: Lights Out

Rating:

Many may recognize Jo Koy from his roundtable appearances on Chelsea Lately, which may also tell a lot of people whether or not this is a guy they want to check out. But don’t be deterred. Despite that background and some over-animated box shots, Lights Out proves to be an entertaining show. The comedy comes in a decidedly traditional formula, with Koy tackling topics like fatherhood, growing up with Filipino women and sleep apnea. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a good time watching this one-hour special. The DVD also contains two special features, one of which sees Koy’s mother interviewing him for the radio, which is a fun little twist. (more…)

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Title: South Park: The Complete Fifteenth Season

Format: DVD

Creators: Matt Stone, Trey Parker

Starring: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mona Marshall, April Stewart

Studio: Comedy Central, Paramount

Season Rating:

DVD Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

The Season

After 15 years on television, it wouldn’t be unfair to assume most shows would be scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas. Luckily, South Park has evolved into a topical satire (though it often still remains a damn silly show) that hinges on weekly trends and can find humor in the mundane of everyday life. And after conquering Broadway, Matt Stone and Trey Parker don’t seem to be short on any ideas for the South Park universe they created. (more…)

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