Dave Chappelle and I are the same. Well, he’s a year younger than me. And he’s black. But we’re both from Washington DC, but I live in the suburbs, and usually never go into the downtown area unless someone dared me. But he’s a lot funnier than me, and Comedy Central decided to give him a 12 episode commitment on their network after seeing him in such films as Half Baked, Screwed and Undercover Brother.
And quietly, Dave has put together a smart, funny show that every one instantly dismisses, and yet will watch as long as it airs. To watch a crackhead talk about drug awareness at a public school is quite possibly some of the funniest stuff on television in the last 3 or 4 years, and many of the new episodes on Comedy Central leave me in tears. Thankfully the network along with Paramount decided to put Season 1 out on DVD in a two-disc set, in all its uncensored glory. The 1st disc has eight episodes, while the 2nd has the remaining 4, plus a decent helping of bonus material that is sure to keep the laughs going long after you’ve turned off the TV.
Some of the bits do repeat in terms of basic premise, but they are still hilarious with the way Dave ramps on them, and the Player Haters Ball is also hilarious as well. If you can find this, get it, you won’t regret it. Or watch the show before making a decision.
Video
Chappelle’s Show comes to DVD in the usual TV format of 1.33:1 full frame, and everything looks good, much as it should be for episodes that aired a couple years ago.
Audio
The sound is in Dolby Surround 2.0 only, and considering how recent it is, everything sounds well also, as it should be because some of the bits are accompanied with music, and the musical guests sound good too.
Special Features
5 of the 12 episodes come with commentary by Dave and co-creator Neal Brennan. They spend their time watching more than explaining too much, and considering Dave’s amazing improv skills, you can’t really add much background to what’s there. The two do reminisce about the people they found to do the show, some production anecdotes, along with the understandable fights with standards and practices, but overall, there’s nothing to listen to on these tracks. In addition, there is a half hour full of outtakes and deleted scenes here as well, many of which are hilarious, and in today’s new age of FCC-supervised entertainment, were left out for obvious reasons. These also include commentary with Chappelle and Brennan, and not much is gained from listening here either. But there is more Popcopy, more Trading Spouses, more Player Haters Ball, and more Tyrone for your buck here. The uncut version of Ask a Black Dude with Paul Mooney is included also, running about 12 minutes long. Most of what is here has already been seen in the episodes on the set, but there are a few here that are good too. Completing things are 2 Comedy Central promos for Reno 911 and Crank Yankers.
Closing Thoughts
For a $28.95 SRP you get two discs of some of the edgiest, funniest comedy on in recent memory and watching one or two episodes will instantly get you hooked, and immediately waiting to see what he does next. If you get this, you will rewatch it many times. Highly recommended.
