Search - The Original Kings of Comedy on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Adult Humor, Profanity Movie Release: 2000 DVD Release: 02/27/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 55 mins Studio: Paramount Total Copies: 20 Genres: Comedy, Concerts, Standup Comedy See Also: The Original Kings of Comedy

In 1997, four of America's leading African-American stand-up comedians -- Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley, Bernie Mac, and Cedric The Entertainer -- joined forces for a concert tour that became one of the top money-earning attractions of recent years, consistently selling out 10,000 to 15,000 seat arenas from coast to coast. The Original Kings of Comedy captures the tour's rough and raunchy humor on film. The concert documentary was shot in February of 2000 during a two-night stand in Charlotte, North Carolina (which was the site of the tour's first date three years earlier). Spike Lee served as director. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Steve Harvey
D.L. Hughley
Cedric the Entertainer
Bernie Mac

Paramount's release of this Spike Lee comedy concert film is a commendable package. The anamorphic widescreen image presents colors vividly, especially the blue and darks, though there is a consistent flatness to the overall image that can be disappointing at times. As the original was shot on video rather than film, this transfer does not have the depth of field expected from a DVD, and the contrasts between lights and darks are often out of balance. The music is helped by the Dolby Digital Surround Sound. Interaction from the audience is more definite than the usual tinny laughter of most comedy concert films. The only drawback, at times a major one, is when it comes to the actual comics' monologues. Often there is a lingering din and muffled reverberation that can be a strain to the ears. For a film almost completely based on its sound, this is a notable glitch.
For the most part, however, kudos to Paramount, especially in the features department. As well as the expected theatrical trailer, there are bonus scenes cut out of the final edit -- more likely for timing's sake than for quality of content -- and they are hilarious. There is a music video for "Stunna," by Big Tymers, and scene/subtitle selections as well. As this is a Spike Lee film, a director known for his involvement in the entire package of a project, it would have been nice to see some behind-the-scenes film or anything providing background information on the genesis of the project. Still, all in all this is a great entertainment product for DVD audiences looking for a great laugh. ~ Marsha Mehran, All Movie Guide