7.8 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.2 |
The comedian's 14th and final HBO special.
Starring: George CarlinComedy | 100% |
Video codec: VC-1
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: LPCM 2.0
English
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
It's kind of a digital purgatory.
The late, controversial comedian George Carlin makes his Blu-ray debut with "It's Bad
For Ya," his last of 14 HBO specials, performed on March 1, 2008 at the Wells Fargo Center For The
Arts in Santa Rosa, California, only several months before his death on June 22, 2008. The
comedian clearly -- and often bluntly -- makes his case for what he perceives to be life's most
annoying trends and traditions, running through a laundry list of issues with concise and
to-the-point clarity of what he considers to be "bull***." Never one to shy away from his own
style, clearly comfortable in his own body, and never pulling any punches, George Carlin's
performance is a reflection of a belief system clearly molded from personal experience and
self-discovery, certainly not formed by the worldly traditions he besieges throughout the routine.
George Carlin on stage in 'It's Bad for Ya.'
"George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya" debuts on Blu-ray with a 1080i, 1.78:1 transfer that is generally impressive. The transfer features a decent sense of depth during the brief scenes looking from the stage and into the crowds. The sense of being on-stage with George Carlin is palpable, and blacks are nice and deep in the back and sides of the image as the crowd melds into darkness. The detail across the stage is very good with a nice "being there" sense to it, looking strikingly real in the glare of the stage lights. The desk, the dictionary pedestal, the old wooden chair, and the bookshelves in the background all offer a nice level of eye-catching detail, appearing almost as good as if one were in the auditorium's front row. Carlin, too, looks good, a bit pale under the bright lights but every natural line of his face and each hair look appropriately lifelike in close-up shots. Most wont be buying a disc like this for the quality of the image, but MPI has not skimped, ensuring a pleasing Blu-ray visual experience that manages to impress, and this disc is definitely the next-best thing to having been in attendance at this performance.
"George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya" features a single audio track, a PCM 2.0 lossless presentation. The audio is nicely done; the feel of being in the auditorium is reproduced very well despite the lack of a rear channel presence; there is a sense of engulfment at times, particularly during the extra-loud applause and cheer moments. Carlin's voice comes through loud and perfectly clear over the center channel, with much of the ambient crowd noise flowing over the sides.
"George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya" arrives on Blu-ray with two bonus features. Too Hip For the Room - December 17, 2007 (480p, 30:34) features Carlin discussing his life story, describing his influences, his period of self-discovery, his mother's take on his career, and more. Carlin opens up with an honest analysis of his career and his positions, and this interview will be a fine treat for his biggest fans. Carlin on The Jackie Gleason Show - January 25, 1969 (480p, pillarboxed, 7:56) features a young Carlin providing a brief routine as he chides the television awards industry.
"George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya" is a special that is certainly not for everyone. Likewise, Carlin is not a comedian that will appeal to everyone's sensibilities. Carlin speaks with a passion for a belief system he holds in high regard, willing and able to deride most anyone and anything with which he disagrees. His final HBO special, "It's Bad For Ya," works as both a fine primer for newcomers to Carlin's style and as a fitting tribute for longtime fans. MPI has released a disc that is certainly more than adequate for a stand-up comedy special. Featuring a satisfying video presentation, a pleasing lossless 2-channel soundtrack, and a couple of good supplements, "It's Bad For Ya" is easily recommended for fans.
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