Customer Reviews

George Carlin - George's Best Stuff [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to successfully put together a "Best of Carlin" on CD or DVD. Why? Because it'd take up too much time. Carlin has done NUMEROUS bits that are now deemed classic, and personally I think almost everything the man does, is great. And yet, here is this DVD, "George's Best Stuff." Well, it is a start, but only covers SOME of the great things this very funny and unique man has said and done.

It's not a complete disappointment though. The bits and segments included are indeed funny. And, I love how a lot of the stuff included are from older shows and acts. I really do think Carlin shines the best in his older material, but the Carlin today is still very funny and on top of his game. It was nice to see some of these older bits from older shows, and I hope they come out on DVD sometime soon.

The DVD includes famous bits such as "Seven Dirty Words," "Stuff," "Al Sleet," "Dog Incident," "Fussy Eater," "Losing Things," "Driving," and much more. The DVD has a total of 17 chapters and adds up to the DVD being 87 minutes.

AH HA! There lies the problem. 87 minutes. ONLY 87 minutes?? 87 minutes for something with the title of "George's Best Stuff?" These 87 minutes should represent the entire comedy life of George Carlin? I hope not! Like I said, it's a nice start, but I think something of this magnitude should really be longer. There's so much that is left out on this DVD. So many classic bits that fail to appear on this package with the name "George's Best Stuff." The stuff that is included does indeed qualify as some of George's best bits, but I think there was a missed opportunity here. I really think more could've been done.

Is "George's Best Stuff" a complete disappointment? Of course not. Is it enjoyable to watch? Most definitely. Should Carlin fans check it out? By all means, yes. However, I really do believe more could've been done and that more could've been included. While "George's Best Stuff" isn't a total disappointment, it does leave you feeling that more could've and should've been done to honor the very title on the DVD cover, "George's Best Stuff." It's a start, but I'm afraid it is only that.

Mainly highlights from his best known earlier works- such as "Stuff" and "Seven Words." (1978 version) The "Seven Words" skit is used as a recurring skit interweaving his other works together. You will find general works here, and not those political skits particular to an era, such as his Desert Storm commentary or Reagan commentaries.

This video shows a score of live performance bits, including the seven words in 3 or 4 of the performance bits. It shows him at various ages from young to balding and greying where you can see him performing live. It tops his CD's because you see him live and see and hear the auduence's break-up reactions. Carlin is unique and unsurpassed. I could not recommend this video more highly.

Well now, it appears we've hit the mother lode with this gem of a comdy video! the reason for me stating so is that it, fortunatly and mercifully contains only classic pre '90's standup material for the absolute pleasure and enjoyment of Mr. Carlin's formerly devoted audience. I especially appreciate the presence of the '77 and '78 routines (blue and black shirts, respectively) that really stand out in the selection of "stuff" from times past that this video showcases. The material from '82,'84, and '86 is not legendary but still not too bad. However, the '88 and '90 parts are strictly mediocre and forgettable, I truly feel. Anyway, I am extremely glad that this, as well as the recent release of the "Little David Years" box set exists on the comedy album market today, in order to inspire up-and-comers and to remind us that the "Former Great" really did use to deliver memorable monologues that did more than make us laugh, they made us think as well. The most important thing for comedy fans to remember is: Classic Carlin is Cool!

I've always loved and admired George so of course this review may be a bit bias.
This particular dvd is a conglomeration of years and different venues. For instance the 'dirty word' pops up several times during this dvd but from a different time and place. He just adds to them. It's nice to see George while relatively young and see him age. But the humor doesn't change. His outlook on the world so matches my own, I only wish I could have made a living like he did. He has such a way of showing us how odd we really are. For instance, an attachment to our 'stuff'.
Back to the point. If you are a fan, you will be enchanted by this dvd.
RIP George!
MEF

I love George Carlin and I'm glad I have this DVD. This focuses on some of his earlier (and some would argue better) material so some of it is a little dated but it's still great. I'm 25 and was too young to enjoy the material when it came out but I find it hilarious and intellictually stimulating now. I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of George Carlin.

Poking fun at ourselves, making us laugh or reminding us to laugh (because we forgot to or did not realize) at those life's funny moments to howl in laughter WAS GEORGE CARLIN. Thinking up goofy s&^%t was his job and this album gives us samples of those best Carlin moments.

A Readers Digest collection of mostly ancient bits of his youthful beginnings--much of the routines is dated, maybe funny then but our new youth may not relate. Still George, but he has certainly improved with age.

What happened to the Hippy, Dippy Weatherman and so many other bits. I loved George Carlin from his start. I remember so much of his bits. 1/2.com has a really much better collection than here in Amazon.

George Carlin had several good bits and they are all represented here. The DVD is definitely funny but some of the bits have been shortened by editing and overall I don't believe these particular performances do the man justice. Funny material, but Carlin did them better in other venues. Still, I did have fun with this version and if you've never seen any of George Carlin's routines this serves as a good introduction.