Chris Rock: Bigger And Blacker

Released By:

HBO Home Video, Distributed by Warner Home Video

Features:

1999; 65 Min; Not Rated; Dolby Surround English; Original Full Frame Presentation.

Extras:

"Best of the Chris Rock Show" Trailer.

Review:

Chris Rock is one of the hottest comedians currently around. He has been anointed as the heir apparent to Eddie Murphy, by much of the entertainment industry. It was no surprise then, that HBO decided to release his most recent comedy special Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker on DVD. HBO had a moderate success with a Jerry Seinfeld DVD last year.

I don't exactly know how to review this disc. I can't really quote the good stuff, it might offend people. Not that I hold back in my editorials, but you know what I mean. To say Rock has an interesting perspective on life, is an understatement. Being a comedian, he can get away with a lot more than you or I can say in public. This isn't different from most comedians, such as his predecessors Eddie Murphy, Whoppi Goldberg, Richard Pryor and the late Redd Foxx.

I personally feel Chris Rock's take on the whole Columbine tragedy is dead on (essentially chapters 1,2 & 3), and hilarious. He ask the logical questions, and exaggerates them perfectly. When it comes to racism, he's taken the road travelled by Whoppi Goldberg in the early days, which got her in a lot of trouble with other black spokespeople. But that isn't all bad, it lets you reflect on the current situation.

I didn't enjoy this as much as when I first saw Eddie Murphy's Delirious, which to this day still cracks me up. But I will say it's better than Eddie Murphy's Raw, which hasn't seen the light of day since it's initial video release. Paramount will probably release Delirious at one point, but Raw? I'm not too certain.

The technical side of this disc? C'mon, it's a comedy routine. The picture is no worse than the broadcast master, while the audio is surround sound, for a comedy routine. You're placed in the audience. HBO did throw in a preview for the "Best of Chris Rock Show." but no big deal.

Hopefully, the release of this disc, as well as Jerry Seinfeld's, will lead the studios into their vaults for more of their comic gold. Such as, the previously mentioned Eddie Murphy product, as well as other comedians Bill Maher, Bill Cosby , Robin Williams and my stupid favorite Gallagher, the original. Screw Carrot Top.

A definite buy for Chris Rock fans, but be warned, the language is harsh. To be honest, if you didn't realize that going in, what comedies routines have you seen lately?

Movie: 4
Picture: 5
Audio: 3
Extras: 1/2

Reference System A

Dan Linzmeier, FIT Productions
Fitprod@aol.com
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