Spaceballs invade your Blu-ray player

Spaceballs is not Mel Brooks' funniest movie, nor his most well made. Yet, it holds a special place in the hearts of many, many fans, a highly quotable (and enjoyable) film that can be watched over and over again. Primarily spoofing Star Wars, it's a comedy set in space, with plenty of references mixed in with the jokes. Now, it is available as a 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray.

The story of Spaceballs is familiar. That's not to say that it rips the plot directly from Star Wars, as it only loosely follows that story, leaving out the pathos and the Luke Skywalkers. But Star Wars didn't tell an original tale, either. Both are the hero's journey, rescuing a damsel in distress, and defeating a powerful villain to save the larger world, done in similar ways.

Lone Starr (Bill Pullman, Torchwood: Miracle Day) is that hero, though the damsel, Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga, One Tree Hill), as in many modern versions of the story, is anything but helpless. Because this is a comedy, they are joined by the half man, half dog, Barf (John Candy, Planes, Trains & Automobiles), and a sassy robot named Dot Matrix (voiced by comedian Joan Rivers). Together, this group consults the "wise" Yogurt (Mel Brooks), and battles the forces of darkness, led by the bumbling Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis, Ghost Busters) and President Skroob (also Brooks). The best part? No endless sequels!

It will come as no surprise when the good guys win the day, and the baddies get what they deserve. Yet, that isn't the point of the movie. The plot is secondary to the humor, which comes in many ways, some of them unexpected. Whether it's a giant vacuum cleaner in space, or something more clever, like the play on merchandising, and the bad guys being able to fast forward and rewind the movie to see where the protagonists have gone, Spaceballs delivers in spades. Perhaps the jokes aren't as good as in other movies, but they are memorable, and many fans quote them incessantly.

For this new edition, there has been an update in picture and sound quality. It still looks dated, especially in the special effects department, which admittedly doesn't matter all that much. But it isn't very grainy most of the time, and is certainly good enough to engross viewers without them being distracted by fuzz.

Most of the special features are from past editions, including audio commentary (available in English, Mawgese, and Dinkese), a documentary, conversations with Mel Brooks, a tribute to the late Candy, flubs, galleries, and trailers. Some of the previous extras have been left off, so this isn't a comprehensive release, either. But there is one new featurette, a little over fifteen minutes in length, that provides a bit of new insight into the film, with the benefit of additional hindsight.

The bottom line is, most fans of Spaceballs already own this movie. Should they buy it again? That depends. If one's copy is an old VHS or even an early DVD, lacking the remastered quality, and it is still pulled out to be watched at least occasionally, then yes, for a modest price, one should definitely upgrade to Blu-ray. However, if one already owns the previous Blu-ray release, purchasing this edition only nets one new feature, so it's probably worth it only for the most die-hard of fans. It's a great release, but it could be better with a few more treats tossed in for the fans.

Spaceballs The 25th Anniversary Edition is on sale now.

Commiserate with Louie The Complete Second Season

Louis C.K. is a very special type of guy, and fans can finally see that in FX's Louie, which recently released its second season on Blu-ray and DVD. Impossible to summarize succinctly, each episode is its own short film, usually finding Louie (Louis C.K.) in a situation where his life is miserable and he tries to persevere, but only succeeds in a limited way, as he does not possess a cheery dispensation.

Louie is a comedy, but the laughs are had at Louie's expense more than anything else. The situations that happen to him are humorous, in a schadenfreude fashion. The way he is so honest and open amid people who are typically closed off is refreshing, though it doesn't always help him along. It's also artistic, with continuity abandoned in favor of the tale that is being told. What siblings Louie has or the actresses playing his daughters may vary, but each episode is so thoroughly good that no one cares.

Louie is very funny, but often in ways that make the viewer feel bad for laughing, or groan internally when something negative hits home. Underneath the laughs are painful insights into how the world works, and the essential qualities of mankind. It makes for an odd combination for a sitcom, but also a welcome, enjoyable one. Louie isn't like anything else you'll find on television. A large part of that may be credited to the extremely small budget and vast control Louis C.K. has over the project. He is being allowed to illustrate his voice on the air, not forced to work by committee, and it's a privilege to see the results.

Louie questions conventions. One of the themes of the show is fatherhood. Louie's parenting style is an interesting one, casually imparting the cruel truths of the world on his young children. For instance, in "Pregnant," Louie gives one daughter some fruit and not the other. The hungry child says she "gets" something, too, but Louie says, no. Her sister is lucky right now, and she is not. No one "gets" anything, and life will never be equal and fair. While all of this is accurate, the flippant way in which he speaks to the girl causes a bit of cringe. Is Louie doing her any favors by not protecting her from reality, or is he just needlessly upsetting a kid? Either way, it's intriguing, entertaining television.

Because Louie is such a bold and innovative project, he attracts some serious talent to appear on the show. In the season two episode "Joan," Louie meets comedic legend Joan Rivers (herself). This occurs while he is working a lounge at a Trump hotel and casino. She has a stage show, and he approaches her after her act to compliment her. She invites him up to her suite to talk, and the two discuss why Louie just quit a steady job over stupid reasons when gigs in their field are so hard to come by. The night ends with a very awkward romantic hookup.

Joan seems to stand in for Louie's other half as he argues with himself. Their words could easily have happened completely inside Louie's head. His instinct is to quit this job that he loathes, especially if they won't let him be himself. But Joan is recommending what is best for Louie, and he is wise to listen to her. It's slightly surreal.

Louie is just as strong without the famous faces around. In another season two episode in this set, "Duckling," Louie goes on a USO tour to the American troops in Afghanistan. When he lands, he discovers that his youngest daughter has hidden a duckling in his luggage, a class pet that Louie was taking care of the night before, with a note that it will keep him safe. Louie is frantic, whether it be because he is afraid he will be caught with the duck, which he hides, or because it's an innocent life dropped into a very dangerous situation. But in the end, his daughter's prediction proves true, and the duckling diffuses a hostile situation, saving Louie.

To use the innocence of a duckling to ease tension is a brilliant move. Louie gives credit to his real-life younger daughter for the idea of the episode in the ending credits, and if so, it's a true "out of the mouths of babes" treasure. "Duckling" doesn't focus on politics, or why our army is overseas. It is about the harsh reality, and how something cute and simple can appeal to the human nature in everyone. As the armed Afghanis sit down with the American troops to pet a baby duck, there is a real connection. Louie leaves the duck with the locals, and viewers are left with a comforting assurance, though not spoken, that the creature will be well taken care of. A spot of light in a dark situation. 


It's a humbling experience, to come face to face with the soldiers. One that would not typically take place in a sitcom. Which may be why Louie chose to shoot "Duckling" in a more cinematic fashion. The camera shots and the picture quality do not feel typical for an episode of Louie, but rather, feel more crisp and grand in scope. There's definitely a different tone, and while I cannot say for sure, it appears that the episode was filmed on location in the Middle East, even if some (if not all) of the events are staged. One part tribute, one part realistic look at life, with a dash of Louie's style tossed in. "Duckling" is a true artistic achievement.

"Joan" and "Duckling" are just two examples of the episodes in this two disc set. Each in uniquely different, and there are eleven more to explore.

Louie The Complete Second Season is sorely lacking in extras. Louie does provide a pretty neat commentary for the first five episodes, but not for any of the last eight. It's like the project of adding the talk tracks was abandoned early on, and I very much wish that he had kept going, especially for "Duckling." There is also a four minute featurette at the Louie season two premiere, where reporters speak with C.K. and one of the actresses that plays one of his daughters. That's it.

Extras aside, this is an awesome set, well worth the purchase. Whether you want to relive these fantastic episodes, or are just discovering the series for the first time, it's a valuable buy. There is no need to watch them in order, or even see season one first. Just jump right in!

Buy Louie The Complete Second Season, on sale now, and watch fresh episodes every Thursday on FX.


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Article first published as Commiserate with Louie The Complete Second Season on TheTVKing.com

"That Show" with Joan Rivers an unearthed treasure

Before Ellen, before Oprah, there was Joan. Well, briefly.

Synergy Entertainment and Film Chest recently began putting out "That Show" with Joan Rivers on DVD. The most current item, which just recently went on sale, includes Volumes 1-3 of the series, a full eighteen episodes of the daily daytime talk show from 1968. All three volumes were released separately late last year, but are now in a single box set. Each half hour has two guests, as Joan and her friends discuss and laugh about a topic.

"That Show" isn't an unfamiliar format. Each episode begins with Rivers delivering a sort of monologue to prepare her audience for that show's topic. Then she brings out two guests, one an expert on whatever it is they will be talking about, and one a showbiz person. Often that celebrity has no knowledge or connection to the topic, to the chagrin of some of the "expert" guests. Though not all of them are unhappy with the circumstances. Some take the situation with good humor, or even a zeal in getting to educate others of such notoriety. Either way, the three talk about the issue, and Joan and the famous guest often get in some really good zingers, though they are rarely rude. Then, Joan takes questions from the audience.

The guest list for "That Show" is pretty impressive. Among the Hollywood types that appear are Johnny Carson, Jerry Lewis, Soupy Sales, Dick Cavett, Florence Henderson, and Shecky Green. And these are just in the first 18 episodes. Wait until the others make it to DVD!

The topics are varied and interesting, too. For instance, the first episode finds Rivers and Johnny Carson discussing the finer points of nudism with a woman that runs a nudist resort. Carson is asked by audience members about his personal experiences with nudism, and while not particularly interested, he also avoids passing judgment in those that are into such practices.

No topic is too daring, as Joan brings up natural childbirth, hypnosis, catering, teenagers, maids, speed reading, men's furs, and yes, even cosmetic surgery. It's a wonderful time capsule, made all the more relevant by the fact that the issues being spoken of are still things people are interest in today. The set may be dated, as is the guests' penchant for lighting up their cigarettes on air, but the conversations and laughs hold up rather well.

In 1968, few people were as funny as Joan Rivers. For those who think that she's become a bit of a joke now, especially as a plastic surgery and reality show punchline, it will be an eye opening experience to watch "That Show". "That Show" proves just how hilarious Joan can be, riffing on a variety of topics, often about her marriage. Her timeless quips, and keeping current events mostly out of the series, make this collection just as amusing now as it was in 1968. Or so I assume, since my mother was only nine years old then.

It appears that this release covers about 25% of the series (Hulu currently has 65 episodes available for streaming), though its hard to be sure. Information on "That Show" is scarce online, given its age, and the fact that it isn't even a prime time series. Which makes it even more special that this treasure has been released now.

The picture quality is not great. The press materials state that "That Show" has been remastered, and true, there are plenty of times when the video and audio quality appear a bit better than they probably were when it originally ran. Or at least as good. But contemporaries in the earliest days of color TV, such as Star Trek and Doctor Who, have raised the bar high, as more work and money have been put into the releases for those types of shows. Not that anyone expects a talk show to spend as much on restoration as a sci-fi adventure. Still, for its age, and how rare "That Show" is, it's hard to complain at all when someone takes the time to lovingly transfer it onto DVD for public consumption.

There are no bonus features, unfortunately. It would be interesting to hear what Joan herself thinks of the show, given her current reputation in the world, and the history she's had. Sadly, nothing like this is included.
"That Show" with Joan Rivers is a true gem, and a delight to finally get to see, more than four decades after it aired. Thanks are owed to Film Chest and Synergy Entertainment for making this available. For anyone who is a fan of comedy, "That Show" cannot be recommended highly enough. Buy it today.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To buy this and other DVDs go to amazon.com. Article first published as DVD Review: "That Show" with Joan Rivers on Blogcritics.

Louie meets "Joan"

     This week, on FX's Louie, the titular character (Louis C.K.) meets comedic legend Joan Rivers (herself) in "Joan." This occurs while he is working a lounge at a Trump hotel and casino. She has a stage show, and he approaches her after her act to compliment her. She invites him up to her suite to talk, and the two discuss why Louie just quit a steady job over stupid reasons when gigs in their field are so hard to come by. The night ends with a very awkward romantic hookup.

     Louie often explores Louis's life in funny and interesting ways, coming at things from unexpected perspectives. Joan seems to stand in for Louie's other half as he argues with himself. Their words could easily have happened completely inside Louie's head. His instinct is to quit this job that he loathes, especially if they won't let him be himself. But Joan is recommending what is best for Louie, and he is wise to listen to her. It's slightly surreal.

     As for the sexual stuff, it's got to be awkward with the two of them in their current states. There's just no other way. It's an unexpected ending, and because of that, it's funny. The two have great interplay, and going out on such a limb ratchets the joke up another notch. Fantastic.

     Setting aside that Joan may serve as Louie's other half, she is also a legend unto herself, and so it is wonderful to see her appear. She keeps her own sassy, self-deprecating humor, not completely unlike Louie's own trademark brand. As she berates him, it's in her own voice. Rivers is recently enjoying a career resurgence, one of many over the years, with her turn on The Celebrity Apprentice and getting her own reality show with her daughter. Ironically, these events take place in her Apprentice boss's building. Under any circumstances, Joan is welcome.

     As mentioned, Joan has struggled, and so has Louis C.K. Having had failed TV shows before, he is supremely lucky that FX takes another chance on him. But FX gets Louis in a way that other networks have not. Louis's comedy is a truly unique vein, and trying to box him into a generic, "popular" vehicle does not work. Allowing Louie the freedom to do what he wants to do provides a much more fitting, brilliant series. Critics' raves are not unfounded.

     In the end, when someone working so hard fails, their fans want to pick them back up. It's why Joan keeps coming back after many a stumble, and it's why Louie, even having limited success with Louie, gets the attention and support of his fans rallying around him. In this series, there is both critical success and ratings disappointments. But he gets to make it, and that's what's important.

    Also in "Joan," if you like scatological humor, there is a doozy during Louis's stand up segment at the beginning. I generally don't care for this brand of humor, but somehow, Louis makes it acceptable. Even when going to totally wrong places that should never be spoken of. There is a mental image you will never be able to take back.

     I highly recommend that you buy Louie The Complete First Season, and then watch new episodes Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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