Customer Reviews:
Rich the King of Comedy.......2007-08-21
He's the real King of Comedy
He died way to early.
There are a lot of funny people, but no one can touch him.
I whould say Rich forever.
A GREAT SET! CLASSIC PRYOR LIVE ON SUNSET STRIP.......2007-06-24
This is one of Pryor's funniest sets! The first show is good the second is great. You can't beat the price for this double feature and the DVD is a very good transfer!
Richard Pryor: Stand-Up Comedy Double Feature.......2007-05-26
Two of the greatest of Richard Pryor's stand-up routines. I have had this on vhs for several years now and just had to have it on dvd. To my delight the video resolution was far clearer on dvd!
The godfather of comedy.......2007-05-08
This DVD contains two shows. The first show (first cd, 3 stars) shows a less energetic and funny Pryor. Although funny, it lacks far behind the spectacular show of the second show (second CD,5 stars). In the second show you get to see Pryor at his best. Back to business after some years, it shows the true spirit of Pryor and shows why he is the godfather of comedy.
Comedy Genius.......2007-05-06
Richard Pryor was without a doubt a genius in the world of comics. He set the standard for standup comedy very high. There have been no others, with the possible exception of Redd Foxx that could even stand in the same building as Richard. It was amazing the way that he was able to integrate his personal trials and tribulations into his comedy routines and to be able to make the horrible tragedies so funny. The world was dealt a terrible loss on the day that Richard died, and I think that the government should make some sort recognition of this great man.
You can't go wrong with your purchase of this two concert package deal, it is a deal of a lifetime as far as I am concerned.
Amazon.com
Watching Pryor go from imitating a drinking deer to a woman debating about going in the woods gives just a hint of the comedic genius of the man. Crude, foul, and real, this is the first and best of his concert films. Pryor does dead-on impersonations of the respective races, cussing, trying to act tough, getting kicked in personal spots. But it's his imagination that elevates him to a different level. He gives his impressions of what animals think, from his own animals (a monkey, a Doberman) to police dogs, and it seems so exact, so prescient. Not to mention the fact that he is self-deprecating in the extreme, and has as much fun skewering himself as any other subject. Still vibrant, still funny. --Keith Simanton
Description
Crude. Foul. Real. In a word, that?s Richard Pryor: Live in Concert. In this, the funnyman?s first and best concert film, Pryor does dead-on impersonations of the respective races, cussing, trying to act tough, getting kicked in privates. But it's his imagination that elevates him to a different level and hints at the comedic genius of the man. He gives his impressions of what animals think, from his own animals (a monkey, a Doberman) to police dogs, and it seems so exact, so precise. Not to mention the fact that he is at his self-deprecating best, skewering himself as much as any other subject.
Customer Reviews:
Maybe the funnest thing EVER!.......2007-08-07
When asked for an example of something to "hot" to be included in the National Recording Registry, Gene DeAnna, the director of the recorded sound division at the Library of Congress, immediately replied: "The example that comes to mind, to me, is a Richard Pryor record." He continued, "I think out of context, the language and often edgy, racial overtones of the recording could be put against the library and it could hurt feelings." Given a chance to see "Richard Pryor - Live in Concert", you'll be laughing to hard to find your feelings hurt!
According to Former Kennedy Center President Lawrence J. Wilker, "Richard Pryor was selected as the first recipient of the new Mark Twain Prize because as a stand-up comic, writer, and actor, he struck a chord, and a nerve, with America, forcing it to look at large social questions of race and the more tragicomic aspects of the human condition. Though uncompromising in his wit, Pryor, like Twain, projects a generosity of spirit that unites us. They were both trenchant social critics who spoke the truth, however outrageous." To get an impression of the wide ranging scope of his talent, search out a biography and note the list of performers and writers that he worked for and with - it's truly amazing!
Richard Pryor is possibly the funniest person ever, and this is a masterpiece. His storytelling at it's best, and the improvisational banter with the audience is incredible. A must-have for anyone (everyone!) who enjoys a thought provoking, mind expanding, belly laugh!
Funny as ever.......2007-03-15
it was funny then and more than 20 years later its still funny
Pryor at His Absolute Best.......2006-10-21
Released in 1979, Richard Pryor's first concert film is a landmark of comic brilliance that he never could surpass -- though "Live on the Sunset Strip" certainly has its moments. Pryor sets the Long Beach theater ablaze with a rapid-fire array of personal and social observations that made him one of America's most incisive humorists. "Live in Concert" remains the ideal showcase for his unique talents and the best way to remember him.
Richard Pryor - Master Storyteller.......2006-09-30
You know it kind of bothers me when folks label others. Especially when the label minimizes a person's worth. Ask just about anyone to describe Richard Pryor and most likely you'll hear - he was a funny dude, a comedian. While of course both are very true it's also an incomplete and unfair assessment of Richard Pryor because he was much more than that.
Along with being the quintessential stand up comedian, he was an incredibly talented writer, actor, cultural scribe and comedic visionary. But, one of Mr. Pryor's most overlooked talents was that of Master Storyteller.
When Richard Pryor talked about events from childhood through adulthood or shared an observation it was more than just a bunch of funny anecdotes strung together. He carefully, skillfully recreated the moment, the mood, the scene and the context of that story. You weren't just hearing a simple recollection of his experience; he actually took you there and was almost able to witness it firsthand. Richard Pryor tells his stories by bringing together special elements and ingredients and expertly mixing all into an amazing experience. You can say it's like watching a tapestry being made - all the parts big and small, no matter how inconsequential that they may appear to be individually, combined with a master's touch you have a fine work of art.
This 1979 release of Richard Pryor in Concert is a wonderful film that illustrates those talents and more. Seeing this movie again made me realize how nice it was to have someone so talented as Richard Pryor to entertain us and make us laugh until we wet ourselves, but yet sad that he's gone and there will probably never be someone as talented or as remarkable again.
His best stand-up...ever.......2006-02-17
If you've never seen Richard Pryor's stand up, then watch this one...it's the best he's ever done.
Average customer rating:
- Don't call it a comeback...
- Awsome, the king
- Peerless Pryor Proves Perfect
- You Will Laugh Until it HURTS!
- Larry The Cable Guy funnier than Richard Pryor? Never.
|
Live on the Sunset Strip
Starring:
Richard Pryor ,
Jesse Jackson ,
Gene Cross , and
Julie Hampton
Director:
Joe Layton
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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Similar Items:
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Richard Pryor - Live in Concert
-
Richard Pryor - Live & Smokin'
-
Richard Pryor - Here and Now
-
Richard Pryor - I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!! (Uncensored)
-
Richard Pryor: Stand-Up Comedy Double Feature
ASIN: B000031EGO
Release Date: 2000-01-11 |
Amazon.com
Taken together, Richard Pryor's concert films, the essential Live in Concert, the virtuoso Live on the Sunset Strip, and even the lesser Here and Now, provide a more incisive autobiographical portrait of the groundbreaking comedian than the fictionalized Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling. In Sunset Strip, Pryor relates two life-changing experiences. The first is his trip to "the motherland," Africa. As funny as is the routine in which Pryor gives voice to a couple of cheetahs poised to prey on unsuspecting gazelles, he brings the audience up short with a moving revelation that leads him to forswear ever again calling another black person the "N-word." The second, of course, is his near-fatal freebasing accident, which Pryor at first jokingly passes off as an accident involving milk and cookies. Then, he takes the audience step by harrowing step through his growing cocaine addiction (abetted by his untrustworthy pipe which speaks to him in reassuring tones), alienation from friends, including the formidable Jim Brown ("Whatcha gonna do?"), the explosion that resulted in third-degree burns over the upper half of his body, and finally, the agonizing rehab. It is even more unflinching and savagely funny than his Live in Concert routine about his heart attack. Other memorable bits include his experiences as a 19-year-old stand-up comedian working at a Mafia-owned club, a monologue from one of his signature characters, Mudbone, and his visit to a penitentiary while filming Stir Crazy. Sunset Strip captures Pryor's triumphant return to the stage. He is a survivor, unbowed, winning this round over the demons that plagued him throughout his career. --Donald Liebenson
Customer Reviews:
Don't call it a comeback..........2007-08-11
Richard Pryor is in good form on the Sunset Strip. He seems to be a bit uneasy at the beginning, but as talented as he is, he manages to deliver a great show regardless. The laughter ceases during certain periods - such as when Pryor discusses his freebasing accident, his drug addiction, and his abandonment of the use of the N word - but there are still plenty of laughs here. Live on the Sunset Strip is not quite as good as Live in Concert, but still to be highly recommended.
Awsome, the king.......2007-05-07
What can you say about a legend of comedy. an awsome DVD, extremely funny.
Peerless Pryor Proves Perfect.......2007-04-18
Richard Pryor was beyond funny and this show proves it. The quickness of his mind, the incomparable quality of his voice and his ability to mimic, his timing, his honesty...funny is just the beginning of appreciating Richard Pryor. Here is a guy famous for dropping N-bombs throughout his career, publicly declaring to never use the word again. And this was in 1982...25 years ago! Think of the latest news involving Don Imus, of Michael Richards' onstage comedy rant using the N-word...Pryor was a quarter-century ahead of all the gangsta rappers in moving past negative racial epithets. He seems to have no defenses whatsoever about himself or his behavior in this filmed concert. His imitation of a Mafia clubowner is about as good as comedy gets. Pryor to my mind set the bar so high maybe only Eddie Murphy can attempt the heights of comedy Pryor reached in his lifetime.
You Will Laugh Until it HURTS!.......2006-11-23
I first saw this in a campus film festival. This has got to be one of the FUNNIEST routines I have ever watched! I laughed so hard I thought I'd break my ribs from laughing. Richard Pryor was a gifted comedian and a hell of a story teller! His Africa routine and the one about the wino was just too funny for words. I was actually gasping for breath between laughs on this one.
Although Pryor used rude language, that still does not take anything away from the sheer humor of his stories and wickedly funny brand of story telling. He even jokes about his own then precarious health as well as the dissolution of his marriage and how his perspectives in general changed when he went to Africa. He could take the most serious topics and convert them into sheer hilarity. To this day I can't watch him for 5 minutes without keeling over laughing.
Don't drink anything before you watch this movie. If you fear you might spontaneously urinate while laughing, then you might want to wait a few hours after you've had any liquids.
Larry The Cable Guy funnier than Richard Pryor? Never........2006-09-20
I must first preface my comments by saying that I think Larry the Cable Guy is funny guy, but he is no Richard Pryor. I am a white anglo-saxon who thinks that Richard Pryor was one of the most funny people who ever lived, and if you asked Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, or Ron White who was the better comedian I think they would all pick Richard Pryor because Rich could find humor in the most unlikeliest sources, whereas Larry is rather obvious in his basis for humor. Good though, but not as profound as Richard Pryor. This along with the other two Richard Pryor stand up films should be the proof of what a comedian is all about. Yes, Rich used rough language, but listen to words between the cuss words, he was a very smart comic who had all the ablities needed to be the legend he was.
Description
Hosted by Pryor, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the 80's, the hour-long tribute includes appearances from a few special friends, including Dave Chappelle, Margaret Cho, Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, Denis Leary, Robin Williams, and many more popular entertainers. The program also features clips of previous concert appearances, recordings, and unreleased diary excerpts. The entertainer describes the irreverent special himself: "It's not a B.S. didn't-he-USED-to-be-great tribute. It's a funny (expletive) show. I may have MS, but I ain't dead yet, (expletive)."
Customer Reviews:
Pretty good.......2007-05-07
not bad. A great tribute to one of the best comedians of our time.
Wish I'd Never Had Bought This DVD!.......2007-03-03
Waste of money! If this DVD would have cost one dollar it would have been too much money. I wish I would have read the reviews before buying it, I would have saved myself from getting the worst Richard Pryor DVD ever made! I don't care to type anymore about it because once I really get started I won't shut up and this DVD is not worth my time. I didn't want to even give it one star but in order to do this review it showed I had to give at least one star. I think if it doesn't deserve a star it shouldn't get one!
Great Comic. Terrible DVD........2006-06-02
Perhaps the worst tribute DVD I have ever seen. Jump cut editing will give you ADD (we're talking literally two-second sound bytes!), the grabs are pointless with very few comedians talking about Pryor getting more than one sentence in before they jump to the next trendy talking head. None of them say anything funny or enlightening either, which is surprising for something that is supposed to be a comedy/tribute DVD. A handful of Pryor clips from an existing concert (just one) and two short clips from the Richard Pryor show. The sycophantic background laughter at EVERYTHING their interviewees say (and I mean EVERYTHING, it's pathetic) is really grating. And there's too many terrible comics on here - Margaret Cho, Cedric the Entertainer, George Wallace, Jamie Foxx and a bunch of sub-Martin Lawrence jarheads. Spend your money on one of his live concert DVDs. This is rubbish made by people who think they have a sense of humour. It's a beer coaster.
The Great One.......2006-03-17
Very nice tribute. need to do a beeter job of packaging and handling your dvd movies this is the case for all the dvds i've bought from you guys so far.
Not that funny.......2006-03-04
I was expecting a glimpse of some of richard's funniest acts. the DVD does not do that. It merely interviews people who knew him and give you a glimpse about his career with some takes from some of his stand up shows.
I was under the imppression that I am purchasing a DVD that shows some of his funny shows, stand ups and maybe a DVD of something new about richard. (A never before seen show or something like that)
Never the less, He never fails to be the funniest comedian that ever lived.
Description
Richard Pyror is one of the most innovative standup comics of his time. After serving in the Army, Pryor began his career spewing lewd thoughts and words at audiences around the country. He was fresh and groundbreaking and his use of extreme foul language made a statement. Soon Pryor began writing for the screen (Blazing Saddles) and acting (Stir Crazy, Lady Sings the Blues). But his real genius resided onstage in the hazy smoke-filled concert hall, microphone in hand. Now you can watch his earliest stand-up days at the New York Improvisation. Live and Smokin' was taped on April 29, 1971 and captures many classic Pryor routines, including the beloved "Wino Preacher and Willie the Junkie."
Customer Reviews:
A star is born.......2007-08-19
The birth of a baby is a wonderful event, but it is something that I would rather not witness firsthand. Live & Smoking is the birth of Richard Pryor. I'm the first to argue that Pryor is the greatest, but this early performance is very hard to watch. Pryor is obviously drunk or high, very nervous, and not funny at all. The footage is ugly and between the low sound quality and Pryor's occasional incoherent rambling, thank heaven for subtitles. This DVD is of interest to diehard Richard Pryor fans only. It is amazing that he could take this seemingly terrible act and somehow refine it and polish it to grow into the star that we love. To casual comedy fans Pryor says after the credits, "I guess the [show] wasn't as funny as we hoped." Heed his warning and check out his other shows.
Early Richard Pryor.......2006-12-03
Live & Smokin' does contain some funny material but this was one of Richard's first video recordings (if not the first) and he was very nervous. He was also recording in front of the wrong audience. They barely laughed at some really funny stuff. It is at times uncomfortable to watch because you find yourself feeling embarrassed for him. He wants to do well but the audience doesn't cut him any slack. It sounds like the audience is eating (you can hear silverware clashing in the background) and they weren't giving him their undivided attention. This video was shot in the wrong place. It should have been filmed in Atlanta or Detroit. I believe the response from the audience would have been better.
This is Richard Pryor in his embryonic stage. He was performing for the audience instead of performing for himself. If this video had been filmed years later, after his act had been polished, he probably wouldn't have given a flip about the audience being a drag. He would have just done his thing. Bless his heart, he was so nervous. At one point, he even asked the audience to pretend that the cameras weren't there. And if you watch it through the ending credits he even says himself, "This ain't as funny as we thought it was gonna be." You just want to go through the TV and hug him. The material was funny, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I give it 3 stars because of the film's location and because of the horrible ending. The editor just cut him off in the middle of a wino routine. If you are a die-hard Richard Pryor fan (like myself), I would recommend this video. But if you just want to see some good-old fashioned Richie Pry at his best, polished and all, "Live In Concert," or "Live on The Sunset Strip" may be a better choice for you.
A Genius Begins.......2006-09-25
What can I say about 'Richard Pryor - Live & Smokin''? First, a big thank you to the filmmaker who had the insight to document this amazing comic genius on film. To see the beginnings of a man who would redefine comedy forever is a joy. Sadly, there is no film of Little Richard at his zenith in concert in 1956 & '57 and precious few concert clips of early Chuck Berry. But here enshrined forever is a 1971 concert of a slightly nervous, possibly high possibly in an attempt to kill the nervousness (not that that should be an excuse) Richard Pryor trying out his then-untested material that he worked diligently to develop the previous year in Berkeley, CA when he left his Cosby-copying, highly paid jive career. This film shows him trying to find his true comedic voice. One last thing--Pryor was unafraid to 'close a room' (I believe that's the term) I think it means to not be afraid to go there; to make members of an audience walk out midway through the performance. Pryor was fearless and it showed in his later work. He had to push it. He wouldn't be Richard Pryor if he didn't.
Early Genius.......2005-10-29
There is a long sequence where Pryor plays two roles: one of a wino and one of a junkie. It starts off very funny, but then Pryor gets deep into the psyches of these damaged people, and it is heartbreaking. The piece turns into a brilliant piece of theater. Yes, there are more misses than hits in this 1971 performance, but there is no mistaking what a genius Pryor is.
just not really funny.......2005-10-28
If you aren't really into jokes about the difference between black/white, sex, drugs and how bad gays are this is not for you.
I had seen other stuff by Pryor I always liked but this time I never once really laughed out loud. It was dissapointing, good thing he has so many other good stuff
Average customer rating:
- Still on fire
- Fantastic! Misunderstood! Bring your brain *and* your gut. This is the most socially conscious of Pryor's stand-up movies.
- Not his best, but has its moments
- Pearls Before Swine
- PART OF THE BIG 3
|
Richard Pryor - Here and Now
Starring:
Richard Pryor
Director:
Richard Pryor
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Stand-Up
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
| HBO Stand-Up Comedy
Richard Pryor
| Comedy Stars
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Pryor, Richard
| ( P )
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| Stores
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( P )
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| Page, Anthony
| Pakula, Alan J
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| Parisot, Dean
| Park, Nick
| Parker, Alan
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| Parker, Trey
| Parks, Gordon
| Parriott, James D
| Parrish, Robert
| Parrott, James
| Pasolini, Pier Paolo
| Pasquin, John
| Passer, Ivan
| Pate, Jonas
| Patterson, John
| Payne, Alexander
| Payne, Dave
| Pearce, Richard
| Peck, Brian
| Peck, Ron
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Similar Items:
-
Live on the Sunset Strip
-
Richard Pryor - Live & Smokin'
-
Richard Pryor - I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!! (Uncensored)
-
Richard Pryor: Stand-Up Comedy Double Feature
-
Richard Pryor - Live in Concert
ASIN: B00005U8EO
Release Date: 2002-01-29 |
Amazon.com
Did you ever have a good concert spoiled by yahoos in the audience? In Richard Pryor: Here and Now, the last and least of Pryor's three concert films, Pryor's consummate comic genius is put to the supreme test by audience members who shout out, heckle, and otherwise break the spell during even the more potent, personal pieces, such as the near 15-minute character sketch about a junkie from Pryor's old neighborhood. Filmed in New Orleans, Here and Now is not as primally funny as Live in Concert and Live on the Sunset Strip. At this point, Pryor is seven months sober. At different points in the concert he reflects on his substance abuse. A routine about acquaintances from those days reminding him about his outrageous behavior is a more graphic variation on Shelley Berman's classic routine about "the morning after the night before." But he keenly confronts and challenges racial attitudes when speaking about white panic when drugs reach beyond black neighborhoods into their own homes. "Epidemic," he observes, "is when white folks are doing it.... Maybe the next time you see black people in trouble, you'll help." (Prophetic pre-Katrina words!) Even with less-than-inspired material, Pryor is mesmerizing to watch, whether evoking frigid Illinois winds or getting inside the head of a crab that an audience member presents to him during the show. --Donald Liebenson
Customer Reviews:
Still on fire.......2007-08-12
Richard Pryor Here and Now demonstrates that he's arguably the greatest stand-up comic of all time. It's true that this concert is by far weaker than Live in Concert and Sunset Strip. There are more slow spots here and the frequent interruptions and distractions by the obnoxious audience throw Pryor off of his rhythm. Part of what makes this fascinating to watch is how Pryor handles these people and saves the film. A lesser comedian would have been crushed. Richard Pryor, even when not in top form and with so much working against him still manages to be very funny. "This ain't Johnny Carson MFs!!!" Prudish people with an aversion for adult language and content, or uncomfortable with in-your-face discussions of race relations or the dark side of American history shouldn't watch this or any other Richard Pryor concert.
Fantastic! Misunderstood! Bring your brain *and* your gut. This is the most socially conscious of Pryor's stand-up movies........2006-02-13
Don't believe the negative reviews. I repeat: don't buy the lukewarm responses.
If you are looking for uninterrupted gut-busting laughter, and an audience laugh-track to cajole you on, you might be better served by Pryor's other movies or the works of artists like Sinbad, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Bernie Mac, George Carlin and others who followed in his footsteps.
In "Here and Now," which Roger Ebert called a "90-minute documentary of one man talking," Richard Pryor evokes a cadence and relevance that none of the above could reinvent. He rises from gift to genius and from talent to savant. Make no mistake, this film contains some of Pryor's best moments.
Yet these moments are not done justice by the superficial label of "comedy." When Pryor ties his arm off and shoots up heroin, wincing with intensity as he stiffly pauses waiting for the hit to materialize, and then transitions into a liquid shiver of euphoria before his entire body falls limp-- it might disappoint those reviewers who were expecting to see Moe, Curly, and Larry.
The rest of us can be spellbound by the power and poetry of the man who is to comedy what Jack Kennedy is to politics; a rare achiever stifled too young and not paralleled since. Pryor is masterful, ad-libbing and sketching us on a roller coaster of laughter, tears, and pure marvel at the human condition.
To those who buy this to appreciate cheap thrills rather than being intellectually and politically prepared to be moved, I say this: "You're no Richard Pryor."
Not his best, but has its moments.......2005-12-12
I saw this at the old Jefferson Square Theater in Columbia, SC when I was in college in 1983. Pryor's last concert film, and not one of his better ones. Some interesting moments though. Mudbone appears in one of his rare filmed skits (compare this with the "Richard Pryor Show" DVD which repeats the classic Mudbone performance from "Is It Something I Said"). There is a really interesting moment when Pryor talks to a fiddler crab that crawls on his stool that is the kind of one-man theater that distiguished Pryor from his cursing copycats who had all of the profanity but none of the profundity of the master. He also does a frightfully accurate rendition of a junkie going on a nod. You can tell that he knows what he's talking about. In either case, this is for fans only. Rest in Peace brother Pryor.
Pearls Before Swine.......2004-10-02
Pryor was brilliant in this set. However, as other reviewers have pointed out, his audience seemed to be composed of the inhabitants of every podunk village in Louisiana, who saw attendance at his show as the crowning moment of their lives, and wanted to make sure Pryor and the rest of the world knew just how momentous it was by announcing it at the top of their lungs, never stopping their celebration long enough to actually listen to Pryor's routine. He had to contend with a constant barrage of drunken heckling but he still managed to weave spellbinding stories and make brilliant impromptu observations about everyday life. In fact, he frequently turned the boorish behavior of the audience to his advantage, and constructed several brilliant bits of business from their sometimes bizarre antics. Still, it was particularly sad to watch the contrast between the profundity of Pryor's depiction of a broken down junkie and the audience's complete incomprehension of what Pryor was revealing. All the same, Pryor manages to transcend his audience's limitations and create a world of characters and experiences that was fascinating, touching and hilarious. If you can manage to do the same, and overlook the audience and immerse yourself in Pryor's world, it will be well worth the effort. Don't sleep on this one.
PART OF THE BIG 3.......2004-10-02
Not funny? Huh?!?! How can anyone who enjoys Pryor's humor not consider this funny? Granted, RICHARD PRYOR LIVE and LIVE ON THE SUNSET STRIP our the two better installments of this succession of three great shows (RICHARD PRYOR LIVE is an absolute classic) but this is nonetheless still great comedy. The only downer of this whole set is the often annoying audience. Pryor answers back to the hecklers with sharp humor but the interuptions are certainly annoying.
Still, this is yet another great example of the most honest funnyman of our time.
If, however, you have not seen any of his stand-up, by all means, look to RICHARD PRYOR LIVE first, then get ON THE SUNSET STRIP. But if those two classics tickle your funnybone, I can't imagine why you wouldn't find much to enjoy here.
Not as good as the others, but 1 star? Please!
Amazon.com
Watching Pryor go from imitating a drinking deer to a woman debating about going in the woods gives just a hint of the comedic genius of the man. Crude, foul, and real, this is the first and best of his concert films. Pryor does dead-on impersonations of the respective races, cussing, trying to act tough, getting kicked in personal spots. But it's his imagination that elevates him to a different level. He gives his impressions of what animals think, from his own animals (a monkey, a Doberman) to police dogs, and it seems so exact, so prescient. Not to mention the fact that he is self-deprecating in the extreme, and has as much fun skewering himself as any other subject. Still vibrant, still funny. --Keith Simanton
Customer Reviews:
Maybe the funnest thing EVER!.......2007-08-07
When asked for an example of something to "hot" to be included in the National Recording Registry, Gene DeAnna, the director of the recorded sound division at the Library of Congress, immediately replied: "The example that comes to mind, to me, is a Richard Pryor record." He continued, "I think out of context, the language and often edgy, racial overtones of the recording could be put against the library and it could hurt feelings." Given a chance to see "Richard Pryor - Live in Concert", you'll be laughing to hard to find your feelings hurt!
According to Former Kennedy Center President Lawrence J. Wilker, "Richard Pryor was selected as the first recipient of the new Mark Twain Prize because as a stand-up comic, writer, and actor, he struck a chord, and a nerve, with America, forcing it to look at large social questions of race and the more tragicomic aspects of the human condition. Though uncompromising in his wit, Pryor, like Twain, projects a generosity of spirit that unites us. They were both trenchant social critics who spoke the truth, however outrageous." To get an impression of the wide ranging scope of his talent, search out a biography and note the list of performers and writers that he worked for and with - it's truly amazing!
Richard Pryor is possibly the funniest person ever, and this is a masterpiece. His storytelling at it's best, and the improvisational banter with the audience is incredible. A must-have for anyone (everyone!) who enjoys a thought provoking, mind expanding, belly laugh!
Funny as ever.......2007-03-15
it was funny then and more than 20 years later its still funny
Pryor at His Absolute Best.......2006-10-21
Released in 1979, Richard Pryor's first concert film is a landmark of comic brilliance that he never could surpass -- though "Live on the Sunset Strip" certainly has its moments. Pryor sets the Long Beach theater ablaze with a rapid-fire array of personal and social observations that made him one of America's most incisive humorists. "Live in Concert" remains the ideal showcase for his unique talents and the best way to remember him.
Richard Pryor - Master Storyteller.......2006-09-30
You know it kind of bothers me when folks label others. Especially when the label minimizes a person's worth. Ask just about anyone to describe Richard Pryor and most likely you'll hear - he was a funny dude, a comedian. While of course both are very true it's also an incomplete and unfair assessment of Richard Pryor because he was much more than that.
Along with being the quintessential stand up comedian, he was an incredibly talented writer, actor, cultural scribe and comedic visionary. But, one of Mr. Pryor's most overlooked talents was that of Master Storyteller.
When Richard Pryor talked about events from childhood through adulthood or shared an observation it was more than just a bunch of funny anecdotes strung together. He carefully, skillfully recreated the moment, the mood, the scene and the context of that story. You weren't just hearing a simple recollection of his experience; he actually took you there and was almost able to witness it firsthand. Richard Pryor tells his stories by bringing together special elements and ingredients and expertly mixing all into an amazing experience. You can say it's like watching a tapestry being made - all the parts big and small, no matter how inconsequential that they may appear to be individually, combined with a master's touch you have a fine work of art.
This 1979 release of Richard Pryor in Concert is a wonderful film that illustrates those talents and more. Seeing this movie again made me realize how nice it was to have someone so talented as Richard Pryor to entertain us and make us laugh until we wet ourselves, but yet sad that he's gone and there will probably never be someone as talented or as remarkable again.
His best stand-up...ever.......2006-02-17
If you've never seen Richard Pryor's stand up, then watch this one...it's the best he's ever done.
Description
In the late 1950s, a fresh, unconventional style of standup comedy emerged in sharp contrast to the standard "Take my wife, please" approach. It tackled such previously taboo subjects as sex, religion, drugs, and politics, and ushered in an avant-garde era of comedy that was decidedly more cerebral, satirical, and improvisational than before. Practitioners of this new art form included JONATHAN WINTERS, BILL COSBY, BOB NEWHART, SHELLEY BERMAN, and, later, RICHARD PRYOR, GEORGE CARLIN, THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS, STEVE MARTIN, ANDY KAUFMAN, and LILY TOMLIN, just to name a few.
Here are many of the maverick comedians who took those big risks years ago and paved the way for today's current crop of outrageous, in-your-face comics. Many of these rare television performances have not been seen in 30 or 40 years.
CARL REINER & MEL BROOKS (1966) JACKIE MASON (1961) BOB NEWHART (1966) SHELLEY BERMAN (1966) BILL COSBY (1965) JONATHAN WINTERS (1961) SMOTHERS BROTHERS (1974) STEVE MARTIN (1977) ROWAN & MARTIN (1964) LILY TOMLIN (1975) GEORGE CARLIN (1967 & 1975) RICHARD PRYOR (1967 & 1974) ANDY KAUFMAN (1977) HENDRA & ULLETT (1966) BILLY CRYSTAL (1976) JAY LENO (1978) DAVID LETTERMAN (1979)
BONUS: Comedian Commercials
Customer Reviews:
"CUTTING EDGE" COMEDIANS NOT CUTTING ENOUGH FOR ME.......2007-06-27
When I read about this DVD on Amazon I thought it would be a great compilation of some of the greatest comedians of yesteryear. Maybe I expected too much from clips that were made in the sixties and seventies, when broadcast regulations bolstered censorship rulings. George Carlin and Richard Pryor in particular, appeared bland and flat.
I guess for me the interesting thing about this DVD was witnessing the transformation some of today's most raucous and rebellious comedians made. Still, overall I was disappointed.
Total disappointment.......2007-06-18
Cutting edge comedians, without their cutting edge material. What a letdown... only the safest routines, with completely inane commentary ("One thing is certain. We all like to laugh." How profound.)
Don't waste your money.
An Amazing Lineup.......2007-04-10
What a fascinating "lineup" spanning decades of standup! Great fun to see some of the early standup work of Newhart, Sahl, Cambridge, etc. And the early-and-later appearances of Carlin and Pryor are nothing short of astonishing. They start as clean-cut, fairly conventional comics in suit and tie, then, when they let their hair down (literally), it's like they've become entirely different people. Never saw a lot of the color appearances with Andy Kaufman and Lily Tomlin. Very cool. Bonus of commercials with comedians is fun, too.
Description
Welcome to another evening of comedy from Tomahawk Productions. This evening of comedy was filmed at the prestigous Coral Springs Cultural Arts Center. This stand up comedy stars Dexter Angry who has been on BET Comic View 3 TIMES,Shon Greeene from the movies "Miami Comedy Explosion" and "6 Comics from Miami", Tomahawk from the movie "6 Comics from Miami' and "Comedy in the Living Room, Vol 1", also featuring Ramon Garcia from "Comedy in the Living Room, Vol 1", and introducing Randy Singer from Walmart.This movie combines the funniest professional stand up comedians working today. Check out the comedy you wouldn't be disappointed!! Check out our other titles. 3 Nude Models.
Customer Reviews:
This movie is so funny I had to watch it TWICE........2007-07-05
I had to watch this movie twice because I was laughing so hard I missed alot of the jokes. If your love Chris Rock, Robin Williams or Carlos Mencia you will LOVE these comics. I am recommending it to all my friends.
DVD:
- Robin and the Seven Hoods
- Saturday Night Live - Halloween
- She-Devil
- She's Out of Control
- Skinned Deep
- Some Like It Hot
- Son of Flubber
- Spice World
- State and Main
- Steve Martin - The Wild and Crazy Comedy Collection (Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid / The Jerk / The Lonely Guy)
DVD
DVD
Eddie Murphy Raw
