DVD Review

Stella: Live In Boston

Official Synopsis:

Stella is the unique comedy trio known for their critically acclaimed Comedy Central® series, long-running nightclub show and wildly popular series of shorts on the web. Now, for the first time on DVD, Stella (Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and David Wain) are captured live in concert in all of their uncensored glory. In addition to pursuing their own individual projects, Black, Showalter and Wain have been collaborating for over 20 years. They cofounded The State, a comedy troupe whose MTV series ran in the early '90s, and also teamed up on the cult comedy film Wet Hot American Summer. Wain's hit movie Role Models was released last year, and Showalter and Black's new series Michael & Michael Have Issues debuted on Comedy Central in summer of 2009. This Stella performance features the ensemble's signature mix of smart and silly, high-brow and low-brow humor, highlighted by the brand-new Stella short "Birthday".

Our Take:

Boy, oh boy, do I love Stella. Sarcasm is easily my favorite form of comedy; there is just so much you can riff on with inflections in your voice and the three men of Stella are masters at the art form of sarcastic delivery. Whether it be for a filmed skit or a live stage play (which is what we have here in the form of Stella: Live In Boston) be prepared to laugh hard at some dumb comedy in a smart suit.

There are some really incredible bits tucked into this live show. There’s singing and dancing and yelling and swearing, slideshows, poetry and sex. Fun for everyone! Watching this disc made me really sad that I never got to see this show in person. It was still completely fulfilling watching the crew on TV but their performance was just so fantastic I wish I could have lived through it.

Special Features:

Encore - Ice Cream
3 Wainy Day Episodes
3 Michael Showalter: Showalter Epsidoes
Footage From 2003 Fez Performances

Conclusion:

If you don’t know who Stella are by now, then odds are that you’re not going to like them. They have a very unique style of comedy that plays on sarcasm to an extreme level. Luckily for me I’ve never been annoyed by sarcasm and always find it amusing – especially when you can sit back and watch people get so upset by it. Stella are masters of delivery and this Live In Boston special more than proves it.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Overall Picture:

Movie: A
Extra Features: B-

- Landen Chase Pelish
Staff Writer