Technically speaking, the two disc set is recommended.
Without a doubt, "Def Comedy Jam" is geared toward a certain demographic. There is an attempt to diversify the audience and the comedians, yet this is almost certainly an urban-skewing production. I think that´s where most of my problem comes with the season included here. I can´t relate to the humor, to the experiences or the language. It turns into a deadly combination, not to mention a dreary proposition after the series gets past the first episode.
The technical aspects of the actual production are beyond repute, though. It never looks like a cheap affair, most likely owing to both Simmons´ and Hughley´s participation. Is this a crown jewel in HBO´s schedule? Probably not, but it brings in a different demographic than their more critically acclaimed dramas, with the exception of perhaps "The Wire." Are there any standout acts included on these discs to rally around and follow? Maybe Gina Yashere, though not because of what she says. She´s billed as the first Brit on "DCJ," giving her a place in obscure television history. Rasheed and his Uncle Dope routine, along with B. Cole´s Head Day (a spin on Sweetest Day which reminded me of Love Day from "The Simpsons"). Sadly, Rasheed passed away in November of last year, thereby depriving us of any new Uncle Dope installments.
VIDEO:
The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation is about as good as it could get, considering the age of the material. Any problem with a production as recently produced as this has been would have earned major negative marks. I´m happy to report-maybe I expected it, too-there is nary an issue here. The black levels are appropriately deep while all admittedly limited color palette comes across very nicely. My only very minor quibble is occasional and isolated distortion on microphone shafts. Yes, I did say is was a minor quibble, right? In reality, it doesn´t amount to anything.
AUDIO:
All we have is a 2.0 English track; not shockingly, it´s strong, clean and crisp. Again, I don´t see how any could have expected anything else as with the transfer. I am a bit surprised, though, by the decision to not supply an enhanced 5.1 mix. Not that "Def Comedy Jam" needed it; it just seems as though standard practice is to soup up the audio even when it isn´t needed. At any rate, what we´re given is suitable for the material. Both discs are closed captioned, though not subtitled.
EXTRAS:
A slate of five extra sketches ranging in length from two to four minutes comprise the extras. The first two are "man on the street" segments with one of the comics; the other three are short sketches with the (intentional?) side effect of making your skin crawl. All of them engage in stereotypes, never rising above the level of the last sketch on any given episode of "Saturday Night Live." You know, the one the writers just threw together to fill out some time. Don´t believe me? How do "Every Black Show" and NOD America" sound? (The last stands for "Nigga on Demand"…)
PARTING SHOTS:
In one word: blech. This is by no means my cup of tea, though I won´t disparage the comics too much since some audiences will enjoy the humor. Technically speaking, the two disc set is recommended. Just know what you´re getting yourself into.
The technical aspects of the actual production are beyond repute, though. It never looks like a cheap affair, most likely owing to both Simmons´ and Hughley´s participation. Is this a crown jewel in HBO´s schedule? Probably not, but it brings in a different demographic than their more critically acclaimed dramas, with the exception of perhaps "The Wire." Are there any standout acts included on these discs to rally around and follow? Maybe Gina Yashere, though not because of what she says. She´s billed as the first Brit on "DCJ," giving her a place in obscure television history. Rasheed and his Uncle Dope routine, along with B. Cole´s Head Day (a spin on Sweetest Day which reminded me of Love Day from "The Simpsons"). Sadly, Rasheed passed away in November of last year, thereby depriving us of any new Uncle Dope installments.
VIDEO:
The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation is about as good as it could get, considering the age of the material. Any problem with a production as recently produced as this has been would have earned major negative marks. I´m happy to report-maybe I expected it, too-there is nary an issue here. The black levels are appropriately deep while all admittedly limited color palette comes across very nicely. My only very minor quibble is occasional and isolated distortion on microphone shafts. Yes, I did say is was a minor quibble, right? In reality, it doesn´t amount to anything.
AUDIO:
All we have is a 2.0 English track; not shockingly, it´s strong, clean and crisp. Again, I don´t see how any could have expected anything else as with the transfer. I am a bit surprised, though, by the decision to not supply an enhanced 5.1 mix. Not that "Def Comedy Jam" needed it; it just seems as though standard practice is to soup up the audio even when it isn´t needed. At any rate, what we´re given is suitable for the material. Both discs are closed captioned, though not subtitled.
EXTRAS:
A slate of five extra sketches ranging in length from two to four minutes comprise the extras. The first two are "man on the street" segments with one of the comics; the other three are short sketches with the (intentional?) side effect of making your skin crawl. All of them engage in stereotypes, never rising above the level of the last sketch on any given episode of "Saturday Night Live." You know, the one the writers just threw together to fill out some time. Don´t believe me? How do "Every Black Show" and NOD America" sound? (The last stands for "Nigga on Demand"…)
PARTING SHOTS:
In one word: blech. This is by no means my cup of tea, though I won´t disparage the comics too much since some audiences will enjoy the humor. Technically speaking, the two disc set is recommended. Just know what you´re getting yourself into.
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