Bill Maher – Be More Cynical is a recording of a 2000 performance in San Fransico. Now, the jokes are a bit dated. Monica Lewinsky and George W. Bush, back then, were still prime fodder (in fact Bush still is, but that’s beside the point.) This performance lasts just over and hour and is an excellent introduction to Maher’s work. He’s one of those “edgy” comedians. He rants a lot about religion, drugs, and sex. But Maher’s rants are well phrased and his comic timing is well polished. The guy knows how t… tell a joke. If you’re a fan of his work, this DVD is a must pick-up. If you’re not…well…I guess you won’t watch it.
Audio
This audio track is in Dolby English 2.0. There are a few surround effects, like laughter and applause. The goal, I suppose, is to put you in the theatre itself. It’s a clean mix, and Maher can be heard quite clearly.
Video
The aspect ratio is a fullscreen 1.33:1. There are very few digital defects. I assume this performance was shot on digital video. I looks kind of dull. But the colors seem like an accurate representation of what the concert looked like. The mix is very clean, maybe almost too clean. Maher really looks like he really pancaked the make-up.
Special Features
None.
Final Thoughts
With Maher’s new HBO show currently on air, this HBO video seems well timed. Unfortunately, the jokes are not. Dated as this show is, overall, Bill Maher – Be More Cynical will appeal to the cynic in all of us.
