Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.0

George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya Blu-ray Movie Review

Is this disc bad for your Blu-ray collection?

Reviewed by Martin Liebman November 27, 2008

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 often leaves his audience in a perpetual state of laughter through "It's Bad For Ya's" 69-minute runtime. Carlin begins the show with a discussion of old age and death, himself recently having achieved the age of 70 (a fact the comedian bemoans, missing his favorite number, 69). He embraces old age, discussing the benefits of the golden years, including its providing of a built-in excuse to forego dull activities and the newfound lack of responsibility. With old age comes death, a scenario the comedian picks apart from every direction -- chiding empty words at funerals and his disbelief in a spiritual afterlife. Carlin effortlessly slips to several other topics throughout the remainder of the show, discussing parents' obsessing over their children, the new trend of not allowing children to feel like failures, proper telephone etiquette, a routine belittling organized religion, and offering his thoughts on human rights.

For anyone unfamiliar with George Carlin's work, it is important to note the comedian's unapologetic use of crude and foul language as a cornerstone of his performances, enough to certainly distance himself from many audiences. Clearly part of his everyday lexicon, even a candid interview with the comedian found in the supplemental section of this disc features a slew of four-letter words. Even in the absence of foul language, Carlin's unforgiving and honest scathing of many social, political, and religious issues may drive away segments of his potential audiences, too. His is certainly a polarizing outlook on life; Carlin may at one moment deride a belief one holds in high regard while in the next chastising a political figure or policy that resonates with the same audience member. Agree or disagree with his take on the issues or his incessant reliance on foul language to drive his point home, there is no denying that Carlin's unabashed honesty and willingness to speak his mind is refreshing in a world where brutal, honest opinion is often discouraged. Carlin's take on "rights" as heard late in the program is a reflection of his style as he describes his belief that anyone has the right to say anything, anywhere, and at anytime.

George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"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 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

"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 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

"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 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"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.