Chappelle's Show: Season 2: Uncensored

DVD - APPROX. 275 MINS. - 2004 - US Rating: UR
Will it change anyone’s views on race in America? I doubt it. But it sure as hell is funny.
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It´s not everyone´s cup of tea but if you like Dave Chappelle and want to check out his uncensored thoughts on the program, you´ll be in heaven. I find it hilarious and it´s a cultural touchstone. You´ll be in heaven.

Video:
The program is presented in its original 4:3 broadcast aspect ratio. Since it was originally presented on cable TV, you´ve likely seen good quality copies before and this is no slouch. The colors are bright, though the lines are a touch soft on the DVD presentation. I didn´t see any compression artifacting or scratches on the negative.

Audio:
Again presented in its original broadcast standard of 2.0 stereo, there aren´t a lot of dynamics to worry about with this comedy program. The dialogue comes through clear, at least when it´s not being masked by the laughs of the live, studio audience. The music cues, like in the Lil´ John and John Mayer skits are all clean and clear. Nothing remarkable but nothing to complain about, either.

Extras:
The first two discs contain the episodes themselves and a few scattered programs house a commentary from the two main show writers, Neal Brennan and Dave Chappelle himself. The two are amiable in their dialogue and recount the pains of creating the show and where they would come up with ideas. They opine on the good and the bad of the format and the humor they utilize. They were both intelligent and reasonable commentators who, I feel, added a lot to my appreciation of the program.

Each disc starts off with a host of forced Comedy Central previews and quickies for upcoming and current DVD products like "South Park" and "Reno: 911." You can access them from a menu on the disc as well.

The third disc houses the majority of the extras on this 3-disc set… and it is certainly a packed house.

It begins with about 17 minutes of Dave Chappelle doing bits from his standup routine. Unlike his uncomfortable and forced clip introductions Chappelle is completely at home doing his standup.

Of course, with any comedy show there will be flubs, adlibs, and general chaos and there is over an hour recorded on this DVD. It´ll be a treat for fans of the program who know these routines backward and forward. Thankfully Chappelle and Brennan are along for the ride to tell you what in the blue hell is going on.

Just in case you didn´t get enough of Eddie´s brother Charlie Murphy, the complete "Charlie Murphy Stories." Charlie stands in front of the camera telling… well… stories. Interesting. That boy can talk.

Rick James´ complete interview is recorded. It´s interesting to look at it now, since the man is no longer with us. It´s fascinating to watch.

The final two extras recount Charlie Murphy telling more tales of his exploits in Hollywood, riding on the "Raw" coattails of brother Eddie.

Film Value:
"Chappelle´s Show" is not for everyone. It´s got a very youth-oriented sensibility. If you´re easily offended by profanity I´d recommend you stay far away from this series. If you don´t mind a racially charged set of gags and a mockery of popular culture you´ll find a lot to enjoy in this second, and far better polished, "Chappelle´s Show."


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DVDTOWN.com rates this DVD:
Video
8
Audio
7
Extras
7
Film value
7
Learn more about our rating system.

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