Product Details

• Actors: Lewis Black
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Comedy Central
• DVD Release Date: September 23, 2003
• Run Time: 116 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000C237Y
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,505 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Comedy Central's jittery, apoplectic commentator on all things absurd in politics and culture is superb on this disc's collection of four half-hour cable specials and bonus features. Fans and newcomers get a chance to see how much the comic has grown since his delightful 1998 show, in which Black characteristically sputtered this bit of social-scientific criticism: "It's absolutely stupid that we've lost the ozone layer. We've got men, rockets, Saran Wrap--fix it!" Black attacks Bill Clinton for obscuring the meaning of infidelity ("If curling is an Olympic sport, oral sex is adultery!"), Y2K hype, flu shots, America's power elite, Ross Perot ("He's the kid in Deliverance all growed-up!"), and even delivers a "Taxes 101" college lecture ("What would help IRS forms? Verbs!"). Bonus features include Black's "Indecision 2000" inserts--caustic commentary about the last Republican and Democrat conventions--for Jon Stewart's show. Highly entertaining stuff. --Tom Keogh

Product Description
Studio: Wea-des Moines Video Release Date: 11/18/2003

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He's Taxed Beyond Belief..., January 26, 2004

By	Michael Crane (Orland Park, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I first became familiar with Lewis Black from his appearances on the "Opie and Anthony" radio show before ever seeing him on "The Daily Show" or his comedy performances. I finally got a chance to see one of his specials on Comedy Central and was laughing hysterically. This guy is extremely full of anger and energy, and knows how to take no prisoners. "Lewis Black Unleashed" is a fine introduction for those who aren't yet familiar with his stand-up.

The DVD contains four half-hour specials that broadcasted on Comedy Central (one of them being called, "Taxed Beyond Belief"). He's a very topical comedian that doesn't do the "usual" stand-up gig. He talks about politics, the state of the country, scandals, idiotic people and much more. Once he gets going on a rant, he never stops. And the great thing about this guy is that he attacks EVERYONE. This isn't a democratic comedian who only attacks the Republicans; nor is he a Republican who attacks only Democrats. He attacks ALL OF THEM--regardless of who's in which party.

Lewis Black reminds me a lot of the late Bill Hicks (and that's a good thing). He definitely has a "Hicks" influence in him--not saying that his delivery isn't original. On the contrary, he has a certain style that works for him and would not work for anybody else. He's always on target and never misses a beat when it comes to delivering the goods.

Aside from the four half-hour features, the DVD also includes Black's commentary on the Democratic National Convention and the Republican National Convention. While there's not a lot of extras, that's to be expected with a DVD like this. It's a lot more impressive than most. Hopefully he will come out with a full hour special that's uncensored sometime in the near future.

"Lewis Black Unleashed" does a superb job of showcasing this very funny comedian's talents. He's mad, he's bitter--and he's downright hilarious! If you've never seen him perform before, be sure to give this DVD a try. While the specials are only a half-hour long each, it still makes an entertaining viewing. -Michael Crane

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a visual collection of Lewis Black..., October 13, 2003

By	J. Muthersbaugh (PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have seen Lewis Black on Comedy Central and enjoyed it, then this DVD is for you.

It contains all three of his "Comedy Central Presents" specials over the years and also his special on "Taxes" that is presented within a college auditorium. It also contains commercials shown during Comedy Centrals InDecision 2000 era featuring Lewis at the Republican and Democratic conventions.

If you enjoy political humor and sattire, this is definately something you'd enjoy as no political member is safe from Lewis' rampage on the U.S. government.

But he also attacks things such as holidays, Starbucks Coffee ruining our country, and even weather. There's a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy here.

The only downside is that due to the fact that these were televised events, Lewis obviously had to tone down his act a bit from the profanity filled routine we are used to from his CDs. But that doesn't damage his credibility and humor at all.

This is an excellent way to be introduced to the endless humor that is Lewis Black.

Definately recommended.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This Man, October 21, 2003

By	purerockfury "Gorillas" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

Lewis Black is in my top 5 favorite stand up comics ever. I saw him on Comedy Central for the first time about 2 years ago and was sold from segment #1. Lewis Black is unlike any other comic I've ever seen before or since. He steps out of the way of any categorization and serves as the agitated commentator on human stupidity.

The DVD contains all 3 of his Comedy Central presents specials, as well as his "Taxed Beyond Belief" special. To be honest, I would have liked it if Comedy Central would have done his specials uncensored like they did with Dane Cook's DVD but at this juncture, I'll take Mr. Black any way I can. The first special is from 1998 is by far my favorite with his rants on the weather, the famous "if it weren't for my horse..." rant and the Clinton trials. His 2000 special is my least favorite of the three but still maintains enough of his biting social commentary to warrant several viewings. The 2002 special si a close second with his bits on the 9/11 tribute combined with the Super Bowl, Starbucks and patriotism. Through it all, he comes through as very intelligent, witty and surprisingly "right on the money" 99% of the time.

I could honestly deal with a new release from Lewis Black once every 4 months but anything will do. Overall, you have got to hand it to Comedy Central: they have single-handedly given rebirth to the stand-up game and introduced the world to brilliant minds such as Lewis Black. For this alone, I am eternally grateful.