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Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe (2012)
Image Entertainment
DVD Released: 8/28/2012
All Ratings out of
Show:
1/2
Video:
Audio:
Extras: No Extras
Review by Mike Long, Posted on 9/3/2012
Here's an ironic something-something: The 1980s were the heyday of stand-up comics. Performers like Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, Robin Williams, and Richard Pryor were headliners and very popular. But, the only place to see them was in concert, in a cable television show, or on a late-night talk show. Today, stand-ups are still popular, but not as much. But, we can see them nearly anytime we want -- Comedy Central, HBO Comedy channel, downloads, YouTube, the comic's website, or home video. Therefore, if you like a comedian, it's unusual to see all-new material from them. Thus, I was glad to see the DVD premiere of Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe.
From humble beginnings on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien, Jim Gaffigan has built a reputation as a comedian who focuses on everyday trivialities and typically keeps it clean. Through touring, TV appearances, and cameo roles in movies, Gaffigan has become popular enough to warrant a shout-out on the teenage sitcom iCarly (and that must mean something). Mr. Universe was shot in front of a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. Gaffigan opens the show by announcing that he and his wife have just had their fourth child. After describing their take on childbirth, he talks about the challenge of having four kids and taking them all on vacation. He then talks about his failing efforts to stay in shape and how ludicrous going to the gym is. As someone who is frequently on the road, Gaffigan has stayed in many hotel rooms and he has some humorous observations about them. Those who are familiar with Gaffigan's unique routine about manatees will most likely enjoy his new material which deals with whales and their self-esteem.
One of the reasons which Gaffigan has gotten popular is the fact that he jokes about very general, everyday things to which most anyone can relate. He often talks about food and his rants about "Hot Pockets" have become the stuff of legend. In this special, Gaffigan turns away from "Hot Pockets" and has two new targets -- McDonalds and Subway. He goes on about McDonalds for over ten minutes. He doesn't make fun of McDonalds' food (actually, he praises it), but rather the fact that the restaurant and its patrons are often vilified, but given the success of the chain, many people must eat there a lot. He does take shots at the food at Subway, along with the employees, and the design of the restaurants. He links these ideas about food to a discussion about vitamins.
Mr. Universe is a great show. I’ve seen/heard several of Gaffigan’s shows and while I’m a big fan, he has a tendency to recycle material. (Yes, everyone loves the “Hot Pocket” stuff, but I’ve got that on two different CDs.) Mr. Universe contains material which is all new to me, and the laughs are constant. While Gaffigan still sticks with his normal topics (food, marriage, food, body issues, food, kids, food), he addresses some new things here. His take on childbirth is interesting, and while it may seem odd, you can’t argue with his points about hospitals. The working out jokes go on a bit long, and as someone who has never been to a gym (in the “I work out at home sense”, not in the “I’ve never exercised sense”), I got them, but they wore thin after a while. But, Gaffigan really hits his stride with the McDonalds material. It’s amazing to think that someone could talk about McDonalds that much, but the material is hilarious. As are his views on hotels. I’m glad that someone else noticed how expensive vending machines are in hotels. The Subway stuff is hysterical. I had no idea what a target for comedy Subway is, and while Gaffigan exaggerates here, this material is funny because it is true.
At this point, Gaffigan could just coast along on the “classics”, so it’s good to see him keeping things fresh. And, he also remains one of the cleanest comics around. He drops a few mild profanities, but overall, the show is fairly family-friendly for teenagers and up. Well, except for the last few minutes when he gets a bit blue. I was surprised by this and while it’s relatively mild, it still feels out of place. Still, Mr. Universe is a comedy treat and shows that Gaffigan is still one of the best comics working today.
Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe throws in a few corporate jingles on DVD courtesy of Image Entertainment. The show has been letterboxed at 1.78:1 and the transfer is enhanced for 16 x 9 TVs. The image is sharp and clear for the most part, but it does show some issues. Distortion is very noticeable (and sometimes distracting) on the microphone which Gaffigan uses. The wide shots show some pixellation, as if one was watching this on YouTube and not a DVD. The DVD carries a Dolby Digital stereo audio track which provides clear dialogue. The jokes are always clear and audible and they’re never drowned out by the audience’s applause and laughter.
The Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe DVD contains no extra features.
Review Copyright 2012 by Mike Long