Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Rodney Dangerfield was the King of Comedy. When he was on, there wasn't anybody funnier on the planet. So I was looking forward to the release of this 3 DVD set that would chronicle Rodney through the years. The discs contain 3 shows that ran on network TV in the early 1980s along with 4 HBO specials where Rodney was the host, but the main focus was on the young comedians of the day (you see Tim Allen, Roseanne Barr, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Townshend all before they hit the big time along with others who you never saw again). Also included was Rodney's appearance on ONE Tonight Show episode (Rodney appeared on the show over 70 times according to the disc). In addition, a 45 minute standup routine taped in 1995 is included as well as a segment of "This is Your Life". The network TV shows are disappointing because they primarily contain fairly lame skits and lame musical numbers (although I did get a kick out of "Rappin' Rodney") and because they were network shows, they were not very risque. The HBO shows also disappoint because the focus is not on Rodney, but the other comedians. He does do an opening monologue in each along with skits in between performers, but these also don't generate a lot of laughs (except for the skits Rodney did with Roseanne, she actually was pretty funny). Sam Kinison also does a funny bit at a piano in a skit with Rodney. The "This Is Your Life" segment was interesting as they trotted out people from Rodney's life, but having read his recent autobiography, I knew most of the information anyway. The 1995 standup routine was disappointing because most of the jokes were the same ones he told 15 to 20 years earlier on the "No Respect" album. It doesn't appear like he added much new material. And I believe the audience must have heard the jokes many times before because they don't seem to be laughing much. Rodney also seems very cranky as well and it looks and sounds like he just wanted to get off the stage. In addition, the video quality of this is very poor for something done in 1995. The best part of the disc is his appearance on the Tonight Show (I would guess in the late 70s or early 80s). It was Rodney at his very best. After a funny monologue, he went to sit next to Carson and just started rifling off one liners in rapid fire motion. All were fairly fresh and the timing was perfect. Carson knew when to interject to set Rodney up. The only disappointing thing about this is that it is only about 8 minutes long, but its the best thing on the set. I'm glad to see something come out for this late, great comedian. I just wish it would have better showcased his talents. I would love to see a disc of his best moments on Carson's show. That would be great.