Customer Reviews

Mr. Show - The Complete Third Season

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the late 90s, the pioneering sketch comedy of Monty Python's Flying Circus was seen through to its logical conclusion via the work of David Cross and Bob Odenkirk. Offering both blistering social commentary (David's fellow castmembers criticize his lifestyle choice when he reveals that he is, in fact, bald) and extreme flights of absurdity that, remarkably, retain coherence (In one sketch, a group of "Sopranos"-style mafioso argue over what the highest number in existence is), five years after the end of its run, the world of comedy has yet to catch up to "Mr. Show".

The third season of Mr. Show improves on the first two by a considerable margin. The ideas are more focused and the execution is more precise. As such, these episodes are more consistently funny. For the uninitiated and curious, I definitely recommend the third season (rather than the first/second) an introduction to Mr. Show (not that there aren't quite a few moments of brilliance in the first two seasons, they're just spaced further apart).

Fans of Monty Python, the Kids in the Hall, the Upright Citizens Brigade, Tenacious D, and/or the State won't be disappointed by this DVD. Actually, I'm of the opinion that the "Pre-Taped Call-In Show" constitutes the most inspired bit of lunacy aired on TV since the "Ministry of Silly Walks". Fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm, "This Is Spinal Tap", Bill Hicks, and David Sedaris will probably dig Mr. Show too; not due to similarities, but rather, because Mr. Show also falls into the category of "brainy" comedy. People who enjoy Yo La Tengo, McDonald's New McGriddle (TM) and four-foot "incense burners" should also check out Mr. Show.

WARNING: If you're typically offended by "edgy" (lack of a better word) comedy (South Park, etc.), you may want to steer clear. Also, if you're more into physical comedy (Adam Sandler, Jackass, etc.), Mr. Show may not be for you. I'm not trying to be condescending or judgmental or anything, I think Jackass is hilarious, I'm just sayin' is all...

Oh, when the fourth season comes out, disregard everything I've said here and buy it. The fourth season of Mr. Show constitutes the funniest ten episodes of any television show, ever. And it's not just me talking here, either; it's in Guinness. Look it up. Swear.

Mr. Show is an innovative, intelligent, and utterly hilarious sketch-comedy show that has gone unsurpassed since it first aired on HBO. The only series to rival the legendary Flying Circus, Mr. Show delivers perfectly timed humor mixed with subtle social commentary. Led by David Cross and Bob Odenkirk, this wonderfully talented cast of character actors provide hours of entertainment. Twisted and wicked, clever and outrageous, smart and always incredibly funny, this is a must have for anyone who appreciates comedy.

Okay, so I stole the above line from Jeneane Garafalo. But it is true, nonetheless.

Fans of Mr. Show who were ecstatic upon the release of Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD are now reaching a climax with the release of Season 3. Bob and David hit their stride even more smoothly in Season 3, and delighted us with some truly inspired and ingenious comedy. The part I was looking forward to most was the "Pre-Taped Call-In Show", which even the cast reveals on the commentary track to be their favorite sketch of the series. The fact that the sketch is inordinantly complex for a comedy bit makes David's flawless execution of it more than funny - it is masterful! And he performed it without the aid of cue cards, which I would have REQUIRED if I were doing it.

I don't care where you buy this or how much you have to pay for it. Just get it! Bob and David have set the bar so high with this series (Season 3 in particular) that nearly every other comedy sketch series seems just that much paler in comparison. This series, Bob, and David belong in the Comedy Hall of Fame.

Mr. Show -- a Famous Mortimer production.

If you desire sketch comedy that is more than the same three lame re-occuring characters wrapping themselves in layers of refried concepts, then feast your eyes, ears and most importantly cerebral cortex on this Show of Shows, Mr. Show. Discovering this television series in the bowels of the largest pay cable distributor HBO years ago made me and my college roomates feel like part of a comedy cult that had truly been blessed to watch two "unconventional" looking comedy geeks surgically destroy any logical conventions of traditional sketch comedy without making anything that unfolded in each episode feel the slightest bit forced or funny at the sake of being cheap. Comedy shows had been abstract to the point of absurdity before Mr. Show, rolled one scene into the next before Mr. Show and tackled deep societal issues before Mr. Show, but none in my opinion have acheived such hilarity simultaneosly working on as many comedic levels as this show is constantly juggling, never letting any of these concepts override the others.
The greatest thing about this show is watching its evolution from aspiring greatness in the first two seasons to disgustingly brilliant by the time the third season's sizeable budget lift occured, finally letting the props and sets shine as much as the comedy always did. The genius of a sketch such as "Druggachusettes" would have always been funny, but the adult 70's cartoon lunacy of the elaborate prop and costume creations this season afforded turned the sketch's wordplay into neon-colored wackiness. Quite simply, this show is for anyone who likes to laugh hard both as an outward display as well as having inward cranial explosions, marveling at the amount of satirical information a piece of media can throw at you at once while just being plain ol' DAMN HEE-LARIOUS. This collection will prepare you nicely for the fourth season, of which is an even inconceviably more incredible final season in its perfection of the Mr. Show "formula" we have grown to be astonished by! Tera Dulu to all!

Mr. Show, season Three, is quite possibly one of the funniest things you will ever see. Unless you're blind, then you're SOL.

The mad minds behind the first two brilliant seasons, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, return to reprise their roles as "Bob" and "David" (apart from understudy Kedzie Matthews, who takes over for Bob when he has to go shopping). They bring the funny, they make you laugh, they make you wonder how such a glorious creation could exist in the absence of a just and caring God.

Quite simply, this is the finest American sketch comedy I've ever seen (and yes, I have seen Mad TV). If you want smart, savvy, hip and hilarious comedy...this will have to do. No, it's better than that. It will change your life.

I used to be in debt all the time, then I got Mr. Show...I'm still in debt, but the laughter they elicit in me distracts from my gnawing hunger pains!

Anyway, get this when you can (preferably before the Rapture)

I'm a relatively new fan of Mr. Show, and after seeing the first and second seasons I was anxiously awaiting the third.

This DVD definitely does not disappoint. I have to disagree with what one reviewer commented on though. I feel as though this season is a lot more polished than the first and second...they seem to have hit their stride during the third season and it really shows.

If you're a fan of groups/shows like Kids in the Hall, Upright Citizens Brigade, or Monty Python, you definitely must see this, as well as the first and second season DVD.

Mr. Show...what can I say? This is probably one of the funniest sketch comedy shows I've ever seen. I do not get the HBO, but I did manage to see a couple of shows back when this aired in the mid to late 90's, and so, when I saw the series was being released on DVD, I knew it would be something worth getting.

The show, which stars Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, is a blend of sketch, live action, and pre-recorded comedy. The humor, while not for most, tends to really cut deep at times, dealing with a wide variety of social issues and beliefs. Smart, funny, witty...things we don't often see so this is definitely worth looking into if you are looking for something a little edgier than SNL.

Probably one of my favorite bits that I can remember is the one where David Cross is playing the host of a television program called 'The Pre-Taped Call In Show'. Only problem is the viewers calling in can't seem to understand the concept that the show that is currently airing was the one recorded the week before, and the topic is different...sounds confusing, and even had me going, but that is what was so funny about it. As more viewers call in and ask about the wrong topics, the host gets increasingly agitated. Finally, he shows a series of his previous shows to try and illustrate a point, and we see the first show with him being very optimistic and having a full head of hair and the subtle loss of said hair and growing temper as the show progresses. This really must be seen to be properly enjoyed, as I know I am unable to convey the humor properly.

This two-disc set contains a number of special features, including a commentary on each episode and some promotional spots, but the real gold is in the episodes. If you are easily offended then I would say skip this, as it will probably upset you...if so, just go enjoy a nice peanut butter and egg sandwich...with dice.

Absolutley brilliant. If you're a fan of alternitive comedy (i.e. Mtv's The State, The Kids in the Hall, The Ben Stiller Show) then you will LOVE Mr. Show. This season is when Bob and David really started finding there rhythm to the show. Not every scetch is perfect, but even at Mr. Shows absolute worst they are still funnier and more clever than pretty much any show on television today. Buy it, buy it now.

Tera delu to you my friend! It is I, The Bob! Mr. Show is the true way! Does everyone have their bags packed? I have already left my earthly body and have become a purely video image so all I'm bring with me is a toothbrush and an extension cord. All right everyone, stay calm! It's time to eat the poisoned s'mores. Get them while they're poisony, that's when they're best. We're gonna go up Heaven's Chimney soon and visit our Grandfather in the sky! Now buy this DVD and know what the heck I'm talking about (die-hard fans join me!)

What can I possibly say about these two comedic GENIUSES--Bob Odenkirk and David Cross--that hasn't been said? They GO FARTHER with their skits/humor than ANYONE (except maybe Lenny Bruce) has dared to go. Even on HBO, I can't IMAGINE how these guys survived for 4 seasons, but thank heavens they DID.

Mr. Show is an antidote to ALL the UNFUNNY stuff on today's network TV (and even Comedy Central to some extent). Buy the whole set--all 4 volumes--and you will NOT regret it (oh, unless you are offended by some pretty graphic language and situations)...at times, it's like South Park with REAL people..except that Mr. Show is much funnier and less juvenile than South Park. I love these guys!