"THE BEST OF WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?: UNCENSORED"
DVD Review
by Kevin Carr
| MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: ** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Drew Carey as HIMSELF Wayne Brady as HIMSELF Colin Mochrie as HIMSELF Ryan Stiles as HIMSELF Not Rated Available on DVD June 9 Official WB Video Shop site Studio: Warner Bros. Back to DVD Review Home |  |
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
The American version of the hit British improv show offers a sampling of some of the best episodes from its eight-year run. Master improv comedians Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady and Drew Carey have some fun on stage with a variety of games in which the points don’t matter. Ten episodes of the show include uncensored footage and guest stars like Richard Simmons, David Hasselhoff and Jerry Springer.
WHAT I LIKED
Although I was never an avid watcher of the original British show, my sister showed me a bunch of episodes while I was in college. When the show came over the pond, I didn’t watch it in its initial run. However, upon seeing some of the best episodes, I can say with confidence that I liked this version better. The games are punchier and a little more creative.
With the anchor cast of Wayne Brady, Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” hit a stride for the American audiences. At least in these ten episodes presented on this two-disc set, there’s not too much down-time. Being the “best of,” there’s at least one or two hilarious bits per episode, and some (like the one featuring Richard Simmons) is packed with funny moments.
Considering that part of this show’s run found itself on ABC Family, it’s expected that the bluer elements were snubbed by the censors (and any fan of comedy knows how quickly comedians will go blue). The gags, which really aren’t that offensive, are presented in their full glory and often turn out funnier than any clean version could give us.
In retrospect, I kind of regret not watching this show when it was on American television.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
Too much of anything can wear thin, and watching ten episodes of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” can definitely get old fast. While many of the gags and “games” the contestants play are funny, there are some serious duds in the bunch.
Most of these duds happen when audience members are brought into the fray, simply because they are untrained and tend to act more embarrassed and flabbergasted in front of the audience. I do wish they’d leave the comedy to the professionals.
And, by watching the batch of shows in one fell swoop, a bit of the improv musical magic is lost when you realize that many of the made-up songs are simply re-canned versions of previous tunes.
DVD FEATURES
Although I’d argue against this being classified as a special feature, there is an hour-long special included on the second DVD called “The Best of Whose Line Is It Anyway?” This very funny compilation special collects highlights and previously censored material from the first two seasons of the show.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
Fans of improv comedy.
