Search - The Richard Pryor Show on DVD

Movie Release: 2004 DVD Release: 03/23/2004 Format: DVD SwapaDVD Credits: 3 Number of Discs: 3 Run Time: 4 hrs 6 mins Studio: Image Entertainment Total Copies: 1

This generous package from Image Entertainment does a nice job of capturing one of the more memorable oddities in the history of 1970s television. This box set presents all four episodes of this deliciously irreverent comedy series on two discs, plus the special that inspired the show -- 1977's The Richard Pryor Special? -- on a bonus disc. The video and audio for each of these exhibit the limitations of a shot-on-tape series from this era, but are delivered in a pristine transfer that makes them look and sound as good as is possible. Each disc also offers a variety of unexpected and often eye-opening bonuses. The first disc offers some deleted scenes, including the famous censored opening from the first show. The second disc offers more outtakes plus extended footage from one episode's improv scene and an amusing bit where Pryor fields questions from the show's audience. The best extras come on the third disc: a lengthy, hilariously profane monologue done as the character of Mudbone and the uncut version of the "Richard Pryor roast" scene from the show's final episode, complete with the searing rebuttal from Pryor to each of the roasters that was cut completely from that episode. This collection would have been entertaining without these extras, but their inclusion make the set essential for any Richard Pryor fan. All in all, this box set of The Richard Pryor Show is not only great comedic entertainment but also a valuable chunk of TV history collected in one tidy package. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide