Product Description

Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 02/08/2005 Run time: 47 minutes

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15549 in DVD
• Brand: Image Entertainment
• Released on: 2005-02-08
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 47 minutes

Amazon.com
As this fearless 47-minute set amply demonstrates, Artie Lange is not your typical observational comic that goes for the universal experience. "You know when you are [defecating] in the woods…and you're on heroin?" is a representative query. Lange, who appeared on Madtv before holding court as a core ensemble member on Howard Stern's radio show, clearly has issues, and free from FCC-mandated restrictions, he riffs through them all in graphic and profane detail. Lange is at his best when tackling his vices (drinking, drugs, gambling), his lackluster movie career (he refunds one audience member's $10 when he offers a Dirty WorkDVD for Lange to sign), and phobias. In a politically correct world. Lange asks, "Can't we be offensive anymore?" Short answer: Yes, he can, as witness his hysterical bit on Sesame Street's inclusion of an AIDS-diagnosed character to the Muppet ensemble ("Here's Grover with today's letters: H-I-V"), and his hilarious homophobic spin on a Foghorn Leghorn cartoon. Lange is a raging bull onstage, but with his unshaven countenance and his rumpled jacket and jeans, he suggests another Robert De Niro character; Travis Bickle gone to seed. Put him in the driver's seat for Taxi Driver 2. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews

Artie Lange - without the dump button
If John Belushi's character in Animal House had become a comedian, he would have been Artie Lange.

Artie Lange had been on both television (MAD TV) and in movies (most notably DIRTY WORK) before joining the Howard Stern show as Jackie the Jokeman's official replacement. It was Stern's show that has given him the most exposure.

The concert on this DVD was shot in April 2004 in Tempe, AZ and contains many inside references that Stern fans will recognize (including imitations of Jeff the Drunk and Artie's trademark AC/DC scream "FIRE!"). The show is fair and balanced and will equally offend both extremes on the political left and right. And while some of Artie's schtick here has already been on the Stern show, there are some great moments including his discussion of a street basketball game and his analysis of a classic Warner Bros. cartoon character. What's amazing is how many people in Arizona are tuned into Artie's distinct brand of New Jersey humor, right down to detailed descriptions of New York sports teams.

The DVD also contains 2 special features:

a) GAMEDAY, a short 17 minute film, made in 2000 and written by Artie. Artie's ease in front of the camera is apparent and really the only reason to watch this short. I think Artie included this on the DVD for sentimental reasons, it's the weak portion of the disc.

b) BACKSTAGE PASS, a 24 minute documentary following Artie to two of his concerts in New Jersey. The first show was in May 2004, the second show is June 2004 and was a benefit for the Rev. Bob Levy to raise money for his divorce expenses. Watching Artie here is like watching a train wreck: from shoveling down truckloads of processed meat to washing it down with his trademark Jack and water, the man is clearly in a lot of pain. And yet, the film is strangely compelling as you see that, despite years of living in Los Angeles and having become a national celebrity to Stern fans, Artie is the same guy who used to work the piers in New Jersey.

If you enjoy Artie on the Howard Stern show, you will enjoy this DVD. Maybe this will be more like the Artie we hear when Stern moves his show to "eh, eh, eh."

Artie is hilarious!!
Fans of the Stern show will love this DVD, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart or for those easily offended. It is a way to enjoy Artie's uncensored stand up act in the comfort of home. You get the feeling that Artie might say or do anything after downing several shots, so actually going to a show might be a risk. You might get a great set or you may just get to watch a drunk act stupid. However, you can't go wrong for the price of this DVD.

Artie Lange - Funnier Than Ever
This is an awesome DVD! Well worth it at any price. Amazon had it for less than anybody. Artie at his drunken funniest!