Plot: What’s it about?
Until recently, Dennis Miller might have best been known for his work on the acclaimed television show, Saturday Night Live. Miller was part of a rather diverse group of cast members that included Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon, Jon Lovitz, Mike Myers and many more. Though he took part in skits, his main game was as anchor of the Weekend Update part of the show. Personally I don’t think there ever was or will be a better person for that role. Miller’s comedy, though, is almost too smart for his own good. A lot of people simply don’t get his talent and, more to the point, his jokes. I do. Now this brings us to the “until recently” part…Miller was recently one of the co-host’s of one of the most popular shows in television history, Monday Night Football. Though I only caught him a few times, his humor was still there but we have to wonder how many of the members of the audience actually got his jokes. People want to watch football, not hear a comedy routine. Nevertheless, he doesn’t have that job anymore and has returned to what he does best, standup comedy.
Miller has another DVD on the market, filmed almost ten years to the day prior to this act. Live from Washington D.C. was the title of that and when comparing the both of them, it’s clear how much has changed in the world. He’s gone from telling the horrors of married life to discussing the length of Circuit City receipt tapes. And yes, maybe he’s been inspired by “Seinfeld” just a little bit. But though things have changed, Miller does what he’s best at, discussing pop culture and in a span of ten years; things to change. Personally, I’ve always found his brand of humor to be just my cup of tea. Even I get jokes long after they’re already passed, but it’s interesting to say “Oh…that’s what he meant” when referring to his act. Miller seems to know his own audience and his own typical type of humor (I’ve heard him utter the phrase “Please stop me before I sub-reference again”)! If it’s classic Dennis Miller you’re after, then look no further. He’s got a little less hair and some grey in his beard, but he’s still the same comedian he was on Saturday Night Live and just as funny.
Video: How does it look?
Presented in the same 4:3 aspect ratio that it appeared on HBO, the transfer doesn’t disappoint. Though it doesn’t benefit from anamorphic enhancement, it’s on par with shows of this nature. Very little artifacting can be seen and things that plague movies like edge enhancement and black levels aren’t a factor. For something that aired on television recently, we can expect a great-looking transfer and that’s what we have here. If anything, the image is a bit better than when broadcast on television. This more than delivers here and what we’re left with is a great-looking picture.
Audio: How does it sound?
The only track is a Dolby Surround mix that’s comparable with what was aired on TV. Naturally, this is a comedy act and the use of surrounds or a subwoofer is pretty much out of the question. A rather robust mix in the front channels delivers all of Miller’s jokes. There’s really nothing else to say here, the disc relies on dialogue and we hear it all in the perfect clarity of a Dolby Surround mix. No complaints here.
Supplements: What are the extras?
No bonus materials have been included. I can only imagine his commentary track would be about the exact as his regular act!
