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: Louie: The Complete First Season

Format: Blu-ray/DVD 2-Disc Set

Created by: Louis C.K.

Starring: Louis C.K., Hadley Delany, Nick DiPaolo

Studio: FX Network, 20th Century Fox

Season Rating:

Blu-ray Rating:

Review by: Bill Jones

The Season

As FX Network has risen in notoriety with a host of ballsy original programming for cable television, it both got lucky in scoring and helped to make Louis C.K. one of the biggest stars in comedy today. And though his debut season of Louie gets off to a slightly slow start, it quickly becomes a fascinating piece of not only comedy, but a serious expression of controversial ideas on television. And it’s hard not to see it as a sort of perfect blend of what Louis C.K. has to offer in the television format.

Throughout The Complete First Season, Louis C.K. splices together stage spots and sketches, though this reviewer would hesitate to call it all stand-up and sketch comedy. For much of the first season of Louie, the show can be hilariously funny, but it’s not all jokes. Louis C.K. tells some jokes and creates some comedic moments for sure, but he also takes time to develop his thoughts about issues such as the use of homosexual terminology in comedy, being middle aged and a divorced father, religion, dealing with opposing political beliefs, dating, and what it’s like to be a performer and actor. (more…)

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