Mr. Show: The Complete Third Season

The third season of Mr. Show improves on the first two by a considerable margin. The ideas are more focused and the execution is more precise. As such, these episodes are more consistently funny. For the uninitiated and curious, I definitely recommend the third season (rather than the first/second) an introduction to Mr. Show (not that there aren't quite a few moments of brilliance in the first two seasons, they're just spaced further apart).

Fans of Monty Python, the Kids in the Hall, the Upright Citizens Brigade, Tenacious D, and/or the State won't be disappointed by this DVD. Actually, I'm of the opinion that the "Pre-Taped Call-In Show" constitutes the most inspired bit of lunacy aired on TV since the "Ministry of Silly Walks". Fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm, "This Is Spinal Tap", Bill Hicks, and David Sedaris will probably dig Mr. Show too; not due to similarities, but rather, because Mr. Show also falls into the category of "brainy" comedy. People who enjoy Yo La Tengo, McDonald's New McGriddle (TM) and four-foot "incense burners" should also check out Mr. Show.

WARNING: If you're typically offended by "edgy" (lack of a better word) comedy (South Park, etc.), you may want to steer clear. Also, if you're more into physical comedy (Adam Sandler, Jackass, etc.), Mr. Show may not be for you. I'm not trying to be condescending or judgmental or anything, I think Jackass is hilarious, I'm just sayin' is all...

Oh, when the fourth season comes out, disregard everything I've said here and buy it. The fourth season of Mr. Show constitutes the funniest ten episodes of any television show, ever. And it's not just me talking here, either; it's in Guinness. Look it up. Swear.

The commentary tracks are excellent. They don't resort to the "Guest Commentator" thing (where a cast member pretends to be one of their characters from the show) as much, and when they do, it's not as cheesy. There's the usual portion of worthless onscreen trivia ("It was really hot that day."), but there's also a lot about bits they loved, bits they hated, bits that didn't quite work, and why.

The bonus features are short and almost worthless. There are two lame joke biographies, apparently extracted from Bob & David like a homework assignment, a "Best of Mr. Show" feature that collects clips from seasons 1 & 2 (which you've probably already seen, if you bought season 3), and a few funny clips from an HBO-sponsored comedy festival.

If you're a Mr. Show fan, it's worth buying just for the commentaries.