"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!!
J. Nelson | 01/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
A Bargain At Under $10
Raymond A. Mardo | USA | 07/18/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Artie Lang certainly gives bang for the buck here. You get very good stand up, a short film of his, and behind the scenes footage. That's better than most DVDs.
This is typical Artie, he's usually pretty bombed, witty, and funny. During a skit where he expalins how he is the only white guy playing basket ball with blacks and uses a racial slur when asking one of the other players to throw him the ball, I had to rewind several times until I finished laughing. Very funny stuff.
The overall feel of the DVD is somewhat amatuerish. It is not a high quality production, but it doesn't skimp on humor. If you're looking for a slick DVD made by a huge film crew, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a few good laughs at an affordable price, pick this up."
Artie Lange Rules
Noodleboy | connecticut | 01/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this - got it through a friend of the Stern show. Artie rules. This is the dvd you bring out the bong, shot glass and mushrooms and watch with your mom and dad. Its well worth the $11 - you'll watch it over and over. I don't understand how this guy isnt in a sitcom...."
Artie Lange - Funnier Than Ever
James Gray | 08/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an awesome DVD! Well worth it at any price. Amazon had it for less than anybody. Artie at his drunken funniest!"