Product Description

Following the departure of the show's original cast and creator after five seasons, SNL in the '80s is a look back at a decade of turbulent, often uncertain times that included the hiring and firing of several casts, numerous writers, producers and ultimately the revitalization of the show with the return of executive producer Lorne Michaels. Documentary filmmaker Kenneth Bowser juxtaposes '80s musical acts from the show to illustrate the mood of the times with interviews and stories from SNL alumni Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Gilbert Gottfried, Jim Belushi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Al Franken, Kevin Nealon, Nora Dunn, Jon Lovitz, Dana Carvey, Robert Smigel, and Conan O'Brien to give you a first-hand look at the highs and lows that occurred behind the scenes. SNL in the '80s also features rare performances by artists James Brown, Queen, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Harry Connick, Jr., Don Henley and The Kinks as well as interviews and footage that have never been seen before!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10590 in DVD
• Brand: UNI DIST CORP. (MCA)
• Released on: 2008-03-04
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 87 minutes

Customer Reviews

A new perspective
I caught most of this program when it aired on NBC a year or two ago, and I was fascinated by the turmoil behind the scenes that almost killed SNL and the developments that revitalized it in the mid 80s, when I fell in love with the show. I was excited when I learned the special would be coming to DVD so I could put it on my shelf next to the similarly excellent "First Five Years" special.

Besides being a solid documentary overview of SNL in the 80s, we get a sampling of important moments, candid commentary and excerpts of the wide range of musical guests over the decade. I was particularly amused to finally see the infamous moment where Charles Rocket uttered the most unmentionable word on television.

The package notes an "Bonus Featurette" which turns out to be nearly an hour of extra interviews and clips - essentially deleted scenes from the main show. Nice value!

The Rejects of SNL
Obviously the 80's were a rough go for the revolving door of writers, directors and cast members of SNL, this restrospective puts that to the forefront, but leaves you feeling a little sad.
Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy are credited as saving the show from total obscurity and ridicule, retaining rhe praise of their co-cast members as team players and generally talented people. While Jon Lovitz is shown as the only cast member beloved enough to survive one cast literally going up in flames at the end of a season.
The interviews are not complete downers, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is pretty chipper about the experience (obviously she had some success afterwards), Kevin Nealon recalls his time at SNL with great fondness and Victoria Jackson's memories are just fascinating to listen to.
The sad part is watching the footage of the sketches, which were just words being thrown into the air and the audience seemingly laughing at the hope of hearing something funny.
Also Gilbert Gottfried is terribly glum about the situation, with his basic message being "this was my chance and they set me up to fail".
There is a light at the end of the tunnel however as 1989 leads into the promise of the 1990's and true comedy to come, but of course we aren't treated to that footage.
If you're looking for a perspective from movie star cast members like Robert Downey Jr., Joan Cusack, Anthony Michael-Hall or Eddie Murphy, you won't find it here.
But if you want a reason to appreciate the magic of the original cast or the joy that was the 1990's, by seeing just how bad it could be and was, then buy this DVD.

SNL in the 80s Lost and Found..sort of...
After the spectacular run of the original cast, it was mighty difficult for any new cast to look good compared to them. They tried, but oh, how awful and oh how mediocre it was. But Eddie Murphy was worth the price of admission, (Gumby, Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood)and Joe Piscopo was adequate, with moments where he showed that he had some talent. All in all, if you are an 80's survivor, give this a look.