Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8046 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-05-13
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 82 minutes

Customer Reviews

behind the sceinsfeld
Seinfeld's "Comedian" looked at first glance to be an exploitation of a distinctive brand of humour, with the promise of a look at Seinfeld's new material following the 'retirement' of his old routine. However, "Comedian" offers much more than this since the viewer is offered a back stage insight into the difficulties of writing and performing a long set, as well as the struggle to break into stand-up stardom illustrated nicely by the side story of Orny Adams, who, as you will see, finds the experience of performing on stage different to that of the seasoned Seinfeld. This DVD cleverly interweaves the behind-the-scenes action whilst whetting the appetite of the viewer with a taster of Seinfeld's new material.
Perhaps it is a cynical ploy to sell more concert tickets, however I came away from watching "Comedian" with a renewed respect for the performers of comedy. One particular scene is also worth looking out for: when he forgets a joke in a club and has to consult his notes. The viewer will also find out what Seinfeld's favourite showbiz story is, and whether he really is funny off-stage.
It must be noted that this DVD is region 1 only and will not work in the UK without a multi-region DVD player. However, if this is not a problem I strongly suggest all fans of stand-up comedy to purchase this DVD, especially due to the extras which include live performances from the David Letterman Show by both Seinfeld and Adams.
Overall, I would give this DVD 4/5 microphones. Perhaps it could have shown a few more jokes, but then I suppose people would be less inclined to see Seinfeld live, and that, of course, is not the point.

wheres the comedy?
first lets get one thing straight,jerry seinfeld is one funny man,'im telling you for the last time'hits the funnybone every time.this however is a tedious exercise in naval gazing.seinfelds "getting back to reality"schtick wears kinda thin and sounds increasingly hollow as you see the poor man being ferried to his next gig in his new porsche or in his private jet and massaging ego's with the likes of chris rock and
bill cosby,both of whom have always had the savvy to know that if they want to stay sharp and on top they had to keep on with the stand-up.
the stand up routines are fine but you only see them in 30 second bursts and the recording quality is dismal,much of the dvd is shot in a restaurant and unless you can lip read you've had it.
the dvd also includes the side story of a newcomer who is trying to break into the circuit.this talentless twerp is both so crap and such a big head(apparently some of the most experienced names in the buisness know less than him)that he fails spectacularly in fact the biggest laugh to be had from this dvd is seeing him having felt himself too wonderful for jay leno and
will ferral and waiting for the phone call to stardom.
if you're after seinfeld being(very)funny buy the cd or dvd mentioned at the beggining,if your after an insight into the mind of a comedian you'll not find it here.
bit of a disapointment I'm afraid.

The most insightful DVD about comedy
Firstly, do not be fooled into thinking this is a comedy DVD, it is not, it is a documentary about the comedy buisness. When Jerry Seindfeld finished his sitcom he bought a mansion in upstate New York and had a child. For two years he did not do a days work.

This documentary catches up with Jerry as he begins to do comedy again. In the late 70's and early 80's Jerry worked his craft in the New York clubs. Now he's back and just like before he is doing new material and is struggling to get back on form.

This DVD is an incredibly insightful and interesting look at comedy. We see Jerry a man at the top of the profession and we also follow a comic named Orny Adams as he tries to rise to stardom. There is hardly any stand-up but that is not the point. The documentary is designed to show the public the highs and lows of this buisness. And does so in a fun and interesting way. There is never a dull moment, which is a testiment to the filmakers as this is a film about two men writing jokes.

If you are seriously interested in how the comedy industry churns out stars and the work that these people have to put in to reach the top then this DVD is perfect for you. If you just want to laugh at Jerry Seindfeld's legendary at trend-setting brand of humour get "I'm Telling You For The Last Time". Or get both, they are both fantastic.