Product Details

• Actors: Louis C.K.
• Format: Multiple Formats, NTSC
• Language: English (DTS 5.1)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Dubbed: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: FX Network
• DVD Release Date: June 21, 2011
• Run Time: 282 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B003R4ZMOA
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,875 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Louie: Season One (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in DVD Packaging)" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The brilliance of Louis C.K.'s semiautobiographical sitcom came into focus in just the second episode, in which a caustic poker game among comedians turned into a trenchant discussion of homophobia in comedy, with Louie himself uncomfortably on the hook for things he's said. Every episode of Louie has moments like this, when what's funny peels away to reveal surprising insights into human behavior. Louis C.K.'s humor cuts through social illusions in the tradition of George Carlin and Lenny Bruce, but with a unique sense of ruefulness; Louis C.K. doesn't seem angry so much as perplexed and frustrated. He tries to get motivated but sags into an orgy of ice cream and marijuana. On a date, he faces a teenage bully and ends up humiliated--and then he follows the boy home, where he ends up sitting with the boy's father, commiserating about parenting. Even scenarios that could be fodder for conventional gags, like going to the dentist, end up in strange places; under the influence of the dentist's gas, Louie hallucinates talking to Osama bin Laden and convinces him not to be a terrorist. Much of the comedy revolves around Louie's status as a divorced dad with two daughters. Arranging play dates, buying a dog, and trying to give the girls moral lessons are all opportunities for chaos, embarrassment, and examinations of the subtle but potent social forces that shape our lives. It's a little ridiculous to argue that comedy or television can be important, and Louis C.K. would probably scoff at the idea--but truly, Louie feels kind of important. And at the same time, it's really, really funny. --Bret Fetzer

Product Description

From the uproariously unrestrained mind of comedian Louis C.K. comes the year’s most outrageously original comedy! As a newly-divorced, well-meaning father raising two young daughters, Louie struggles to cope with his strenuous mid-life shake-up, and his stand-up comedy provides a gleefully warped reflection of his hectic, everyday reality. There are disastrous first dates, indecent proposals, high school bullies, booze-addled play dates—and more. Featuring stellar guest stars such as Matthew Broderick and Ricky Gervais, Louie is unfiltered, off-kilter, and hilarious!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Comedy Winner For FX--Louis CK Refines His Sitcom Formula And Provides Some Of The Year's Biggest Laughs April 27, 2011

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:Blu-ray

Somehow, the FX Network has become the go-to channel for cutting edge entertainment. Their successful comedy line-up features some of the brightest and most daring programs on the air--embracing an outrageous lewdness that regular network TV doesn't touch. Louis CK is certainly a talented comedian and I've followed his exploits for many years. But in truth, I was no huge fan of his short-lived HBO endeavor "Lucky Louie." With so many peripheral characters, this non-traditional family sitcom simply spread itself too thin and never felt particularly cohesive. There were moments of brilliance, but the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach to comedy never really allowed a closeness to the main characters. I say this not to be berated by its fans (which will happen) but to explain that I almost didn't watch "Louie." And that would have been a big mistake. Here, Louis CK has refined his character (pretty much playing himself) into a lovably awkward every man struggling to get by.

I feel, without a doubt, that this is his break-through moment and performance. Incorporating comedy club footage into each episode (but to more laughs and purpose than Seinfeld did), some of these sets are fall-on-the-floor funny. Pushing past the edge of good taste, Louis CK leads you right into the crudest scenarios possible but never loses you. I won't contend that this was the best show of the year--but it easily had some of the biggest singular laughs of the current TV season. Interspersed within the club material, we see Louie struggle with life's daily misadventures. Whether taking care of his daughters or exploring the dating realm, this is a guy you can identify with and share in his frustrations and challenges. I feel like Louis CK really lets the viewer into his world and invites us to partake in the unified silliness of humanity.

Of course, Louis CK is the primary creative force behind the show so it's refreshing to see such openness. And it really does pay off. As with any sitcom, you will have your favorite episodes. Season One consists of 13 complete shows (even though as of 4/27/11, Amazon has the runtime of this DVD listed incorrectly as 23 minutes). A particular favorite in our household was the recurring character of Ricky Gervais--and old friend of Louie and a doctor on the show. The irrepressible Gervais lives to torture his old buddy and the humor in these sequences is so disturbingly wrongheaded, it borders on offensive genius. "Louie" may not be for the most sensitive of viewers--it is not an old fashioned sitcom--but if you like a little edge and bite, I'd definitely say you should give this a try! Season Two pops up on FX on Thursday, June 23--so they haven't given you much time to catch up via DVD. But it's an easy recommendation--and from someone who almost didn't watch the show! KGHarris, 4/11.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mold breaking show. June 12, 2011

By Booya! Werewolves!

Format:DVD

If you've seen Louie's stand up you know what to expect, laugh till you're in pain humor. But more than the gleeful excess of serious and honest gut laughter this show provides, there are also some really painful moments in which we find Louie put into an awkward or terrible situation. These scenes are so tense and gut wrenching it's almost painful to watch, but in a good way. It's not like the stressful wacky scenarios of Seinfeld, but situations that evoke real feelings of discomfort and embarrassment that's I find really compelling, and an excellent partner to the in your face comedy of the inappropriate.

The balance between regular joke humor and the much more subtle comedy of these horrific situations is struck admirably.

I think this show is a good example of what a real genius in the field can do with complete control of a production.

Its unique, shameless, and most importantly insanely funny, much like Louie himself. So glad it's getting multiple seasons.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Series, but a disapointing DVD/Blu Ray Release August 11, 2011

By M Brooker

Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase

Louie Season 1 is comedy spliced with some thought provoking moments and general insight into a comedians life, be it heightened dramatically for more comic effect.
Now the season itself is great, but the Blu-Ray/DVD combo release is a great idea but can fall short on some fronts.
I have to admit one big issue being you can get fingermarks on the discs which isn't such a big deal, but some temperamental players will then struggle or not play the disc.

The other issue is that this is a release to the public so carries an adult rating, so why does it still have censored swearing and censored remarks? I'm all too aware that on American t.v. this is normal procedure, but really a DVD release needing the same treatment?
I'm not bringing this up as i want to sound like the swearing is a big deal or i need this to enjoy the Season, but if its going to be ultimately censored even when it comes to release to DVD and Blu Ray you might as well consider cutting those scenes as the viewer is not getting the material as it was intended to be delivered.

Great Season, DVD/Blu Ray Combo is a decent idea which could well be utilized better in future. I look forward to more seasons, but uncensored DVD/Blu Ray would be more prefered as it feels like your not getting the material in its entirerity as Louis C.K probably wished you to view/hear it.