Customer Reviews

Steven Wright: When the Leaves Blow Away

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

You probably don't need me to tell you that Steven Wright is a comic genius. If you doubt it, punch his name into Google and check out the compendiums of his one-liners. On a good day he can outdo Groucho Marx. Some of the material on this DVD isn't up to his best, but my main beef about this offering has to do with its length. The live set on this disc lasts only 42 minutes. Then there's a half-hour short film that's long on arty B&W cinematography but short on laughs. And then there's a grab from a 1988 performance which lasts - wait for it - a whole 2 minutes and 16 seconds. Given the paucity of Wright material on the market, it's a pity the people behind this DVD didn't put together a far more generous package. By all means buy it - just know what you're letting yourself in for running-time-wise.

This is a great DVD, featuring a full show of the classic comedian Stephen Wright. His classic one liners and endless rambles, with his classic emotionless delivery. I'm glad some of this is finally captured to DVD. The film "one soldier" that was at the end, written and directed by Steven is alright, but I just lost interest about 10 minutes into it, so that is why i did not give this a 5. However, the bonus featurette of 2:30 seconds of an old show in boston in 1988 is a classic bit of his routine, a fine touch to finish off this piece. Worth buying and having on hand.

This was a very funny DVD and I'm a big Steven Wright fan, but I was really disappointed that this was the same performance as that found on his recent CD "I still have a pony." For many people this will not be a problem, but it is something to be aware of before you buy.

The stand-up portion of this DVD is the main attraction, and while it is too short (42 minutes), if you're a fan of his dry, surreal humor, this classic material will have you pausing the DVD so you can quit laughing long enough to catch the next jokes. By the time it was over, my sides hurt.

The short film "One Soldier" is another animal altogether. At first, it appears to be an obvious parody of art-house cinema from Federico Fellini to Jim Jarmusch (with Jarmusch's "Dead Man" being an obvious influence), but as it progresses, it darkens, until by the end, you're left somewhat shellshocked by Wright's seemingly bleak, almost nihilistic, and deeply disturbing worldview. Avoid watching it if you're remotely depressed.

As for the early material, it was good but disappointingly short. Someone else mentioned the wealth of classic Wright material out there, and why none of it has made its way to DVD is a mystery. I've got the Comic Relief shows, and his sets are always among the highlights. So why can't they give fans some of the classic shows from that era on DVD?

Still, even at its length, this DVD is well-worth the price. If you're a Steven Wright fan, it's essential.

The strengths in Wright's early work were that his humor was much smarter and much cleaner than most comics, while being fall-off-the-chair funny.

This work is that funny--Wright's genius for wit is still working. But he relies much more than he used to on vulgarity.

And then there's the short film. I'd like to watch that with someone who gets it, because I didn't. It was all Wright's blandness without any of his brilliance. I didn't even make it through.

I am a real fan of Steven Wright, I just felt that much of this material was very thought provoking but not as funny as I know he is capable of being.

Several great one liners to his credit. I would recommend it to true fans of his, but otherwise it gets a 3 out of 5 star rating.

Finally he puts put another DVD since his 1985 HBO special. I got a chance to see him in Canada so I know this DVD is great, you get over 2 hours footage. You won't be disappointed. He is one of my favorites along with Mitch Hedberg, Austin Peterson, and Dimitri Martin.
Enjoy.

I'm pretty new to this fellow. I'd heard a bit on the radio from his one and only CD I Have A Pony. I laughed so hard, I'm lucky I didn't have a car accident! :-)I first saw this special on Comedy Central, and no surprise here, I wasn't disappointed! I'm so glad it came out on DVD! I'll be sharing this with everyone I know.


"When worse comes to worse, we're screwed" lol

I happened to DVR this off of Comedy Central. I took the DVR to a chrismas party and people were laughing so hard they were missing jokes because its one after another after another. This Steven Wright is the best ever. Some people might actually die laughing on this one. A must have.

I purchased this disc thinking that it was an actual stand-up routine. I does indeed have a stand-up routine on the disc but only about half of it. The other half is a "movie" that is not that funny and makes no sense at all. Pick another Steven Wright release.