Reviews (5)

Please rethink the format for the DVD release!
This is a fun blues video to watch. Buddy Guy is playing well and the selection of material is good. A purist may be disappointed that the backup band is led by G.E. Smith of SNL, but he and his band do an enthusiastic and excellent job.

The only complaint that I have about this VHS tape is that it is another example of the twisted production values that are often brought to these "authentic blues hero concert tapes". Nearly every time Buddy Guy gets deep into a solo, the director/editor decides to cut away to an interview segment. I like the interview segments, but I am not so shallow that I wouldn't watch them if they appeared at the end of the concert, or even between songs. Come on! Most people who buy this VHS tape probably play the guitar and want to watch Buddy's fingers during each and every solo.

I do hope they release this concert on DVD some day, and that if they do, they rethink the format. The interviews would make for a nice additional menu choice.

The good news is that the concert was also released on a CD without the songs being chopped up this way. So buy both of them and you can really dig how great Buddy Guy can be in concert and was for this particular gig.

A LITTLE BLUES HISTORY
Buddy Guy plays very good on this video, as well the Saturday Night Live Band. What stands out in this film is the footage of the old Chicago Blues Clubs that have been closed down and their present day look. Buddy gives informative background on the old days, his perspective on the Blues and the role he's had. Playing in a small club you get limited camera angles, so I saw better footage of Buddy Guy at the Muddy Waters tribute on PBS. It's still worth the purchase though because he's playing more straight Blues, keeping the "Hendrix Style" to a minimum.

Buddy is the REAL DEAL
I have been to Buddy Guy's Legends nightclub in Chicago and this video captures Buddy at his best jammin with GE Smith and the SNL band in Legend's itself...excellent direction with interviews with Buddy telling about the early days of the Chicago Blues scene...sound is excellent and I truly enjoyed watching Buddy and GE trade blues guitars licks...a must see video...

(Could've) been AWESOME...
Isn't Mr Guy receiving more than his fair share of attention these days ? This is a fine sample of what a young director can do with a copy of Adobe Premiere and a good PC ! Don't get me wrong, the music is TERRIFIC, sound is above average (it's recorded live at Legends, Guy's Club), the band is first class... Picture quality is OK, I guess, with 3-4 cameras buzzing around the place (a lot of angles, good thing) and a mediocre sepia-toning thing over the whole video, except -here comes! - the TERRIBLE cutscenes where your good frined Buddy Guy gets all-down-home-homey and warm, and starts telling stories of the past, his first cigar-box-guitar, the first time he met the blues, and, guess what ? ALL CUTSCENES are over solos! First song, first solo, Buddy breaks a string, everybody's laughing, oops.. a cutscene, solo in the back, picture comes back to the club after solo ends ! Poor editing? Buddy's tendency for overexposure ? Buy this tape for the music, and JUST LISTEN to it, no need to watch it (that is, if you're not fed up with his Royal Bluesness already)

Buddy Guy is without a doubt the real deal!
Buddy Guy is without a doubt one of the greatest guitar players in the world. This film, which showcases Guy live at his world famous "Legends" takes us on a musical journey. It not only shows us the immensly talented Guy playing with G.E. Smith and the Saturday Night Live band but it also features interview clips in which Guy recalls his early days, his influences as well as his brushes with other bluesmen as Muddy Waters. This film is brilliantly directed and filmed. The most important thing, however, is the music. It does not get any better with fiery blues riffs, solos, his charismatic stage presence and of course the trademark passionate voice of Buddy Guy, and live. A wonderful musical journey with one of the most talented and creative guitar players of our time. Buddy Guy is the epitome of blues greats and he is without a doubt the real deal. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the premiere of its untitled pilot episode on the Fox network in1997, Ally McBeal arrived as a comedy-drama worth watching. Springing from the observant mind of creator David E. Kelley, the show briskly established its well-cast ensemble of oddballs, legal sharks, neurotics, and semihappy couples in love, lust, or various stages of personality crisis. The pilot instantly sets the tone for the series, introducing Ally (Calista Flockhart), a young Boston lawyer who's just joined a firm where her now-married former boyfriend Billy (Gil Bellows) is also employed. To make matters worse, Billy's wife, Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith), is jealous of Ally's romantic past with her husband (a conflict developed in subsequent episodes), and Ally loses her first case in court. Through all of these emotional crises, this impressive pilot introduces meddlesome legal assistant Elaine (Jane Krakowski); Ally's former classmate and new boss, Richard Fish (Greg Germann), who excuses every tactless remark he makes with the word "bygones"; Ally's hip and headstrong roommate, Renée (Lisa Nicole Carson); and Vonda Shepard as the house singer at the nightclub that provides the show's after-hours pressure valve and watering hole. A slick, engagingly comedic study of human foibles, the pilot gets this popular series off to a rousing start.

"Silver Bells" (first season, episode 11) is a Christmas episode, following an impasse in the relationship between Fish and Judge "Whipper" Cone (series semiregular Dyan Cannon), while Georgia continues to stew when husband Billy confides in Ally over private marital matters. The episode also deepens the platonic affection between Ally and law-firm partner John Cage (Peter MacNicol), who, like Ally, is at odds with being perpetually single. Culminating in a memorable scene during an office Christmas party, this delightful episode conveys series creator David E. Kelley's expert ability to combine humor and melancholy in a way that perfectly captures the personalities of the characters, all of whom reflect some quirky manifestation of human strengths and weaknesses. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The pilot episode for "Ally McBeal" still holds up
This is certainly an interesting combination of episodes from the first season of "Ally McBeal" given that there is the very first episode, "Pilot," and then the "Christmas" episode, "Silver Bells." In searching for a common denominator the only things I can come up with would be that there is a lot of music in both episodes and the theme of being alone together is clearly present as well.

I tend to collect pilot episodes and so the "Pilot" written by David E. Kelley is of historical importance to me because it is what established the tone for the show. In retrospect, of course, it is interesting to watch this episode again and see how Kelley's vision was quickly refined over the course of that first season. The story of Ally McBeal (Calista Flockhart) begins with an ending as the Harvard Law alumna gets fired by her firm after a lecherous senior partner, Jack Billings, gropes her in the hall and she blows the whistle on him. However, he claims he has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and she ends up losing her job. Ally runs into Richard Fish (Greg Germann), and the joins the firm of Cage and Fish where we discover that Ally's world is not only quite imaginative but small. That is because Billy Thomas (Gil Bellows), Ally's first love not only works there but has a wife. You can tell this show is going to be different becuse Ally takes four arrows in the chest when she learns Billy is married and there are a dozen songs worked into the episode (including "Neighborhood," "Maryland," "Tell Him," and the theme from "Psycho").

In Kelley's "Silver Bells" (Episode 11 for those counting) Ally takes a case of two women and a man who want to have their unique relationship recognized as a legal marriage (one woman gave birth to three children one of which was the fertilized egg of the other). However, as is usually the case on "Ally McBeal," the case resonates with the characters, causing Judge "Whipper" Cone (Dyan Cannon) to yearn for commitment from Richard, while Ally and Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith) are both upset that Billy has been a better love with his wife since his ex-girl friend showed up. Ah, the bitter irony of it all. This episode features the Cage/Fish Christmas party where both Renee (Lisa Nicole Carson) and Elaine (Jane Krakowski) gets to do production numbers and even Fish sings ("More Today Than Yesterday").

Looking back on these episodes what I find most interesting is how Kelley uses legal cases to explore relationship issues. This is obviously truer of "Silver Bells" than the pilot, but in that regards the second episode on this tape is more representative of the series as a whole. You can also see how halfway through the first season the pace of the show had picked up considerably. Everybody has more to say and is saying it faster. Consequently, I am not sure that this is an ideal pairing from Season 1, but I find it insightful. I might have gone with "The Promise" instead of "Silver Bells," although the "Kiss" would be the obvious one to emphasis the Ally-Billy dyad. Since it is not, I kept playing with the idea that this pairing was appropriate until I came up with a rationale that justified the choices. You can decide if the circle gets the square.

If you love Ally, you can't miss it.
Personally among many of Ally Mcbeal series,I prefer Season one.That's why I can't help buying this VHS. This VHS has the begining story of Ally Mcbeal. That is really attractive. Sometimes I wonder how David E. Kelly who is not a woman, can describe the inner feelings of women like this.Unbelievable!
Especially, I like her voice over. It reminds me of Doogies diary in my childhood.
Well, if there is a DVD version, that must be a better choice...

Ally Rocks My World!
First of all, Ally Mcbeal is a brilliant show. I was very upset when Billy left the show and thought it would go downhill from there, but with the addition of Ann Heche, Robert Downey Jr., and Taye Diggs it keeps on rocking! If you love Ally these videos are a must have!

GET THIS NOW! YOU"LL LOVE IT!
Watching these episodes are like watching them for the first time. NO COMMERCIALS AND NO HOLD BARRRED as Alley and rest of the cast display their usual wackinest and sorrow. A sure hit! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas....
....without watching this episode of one of my favorite TV shows of all time, Northern Exposure. Christmas in Cicely, Alaska as experienced by the quirky, lovable characters of the town. This episode is filled to the brim with the spirit of the season, along with the not-so-spirit-filled attitudes that often go along with the season; in short - real-life! I've always been impressed with the way all the loose ends of the various plot lines are all resolved in the end - usually with only a musical score playing as we watch the characters go about the business of life. This episode is no different. I admit to getting choked up over Joel's gift to Maggie and Holland's gift to Shelly. Watch it and you'll see what I mean!

One of the Greatest TV shows ever!
"Northern Exposure" really is one of the best TV shows ever written. The show centers upon the real lives of an eclectic group of people living in a tiny Alaskan town. They all WANT to be there with the exception of Dr. Fleishman, a displaced New Yorker, who has alot to learn about life and living in Alaska. A must see for someone looking for more than just "fluff" and canned laughter. The location filming is an added plus to this wonderfully written and performed Emmy-award winning show. I lived in Alaska and the people who are there are truly special as this show most accurately captures.

A beautifully written episode, exquisitely performed!
This is probably my favorite episode of the entire wonderful "Northern Exposure" series. Everyone tries to deal with the holidays in their own ways...and to help their friends and loved ones through them. Maurice is surprised by a visit from the Korean son he didn't know he had; Maggie complains about having to go home for the holidays, but then is disappointed to learn that her parents don't want her to come; Joel seems even farther away from home than usual; Marilyn dances the ceremony of the raven; and to top it all off, Holling (John Cullum) sings the "Ave Maria" for a homesick Shelly. A beautiful episode that will linger in your heart!

VERY GOOD!
I loved this video is a video I have not seen before.. watched it and I just loved it.I am avid northern exposure fan... there not airing this on a&e so just bought it.. don't regret a penny of it

The best TV series holiday episode ever
As far as I am concerned, this "Northern Exposure" episode embodies the true holiday spirit, whatever one's religious or spiritual beliefs might be. The characters demonstrate how they truly care for each other and respect each other's traditions and beliefs. After I watch "Seoul Mates," I wipe away a tear and wish that real life could more often reflect this ideal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Chevy Chase's famous fall and trips over things on SNL!
My favorite part of every classic beginning on Saturday Night Live television history during the seventies is when he falls down or trips over things that were waiting to happen for Chevy himself. As he says in every opening credits to this show was "LIVE FROM NEW YORK IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT! And don't forget his zany antic on weekend update as he was the news anchor person. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Few topics have provided such ample fodder for Saturday Night Live as the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal. And while cast member Darrell Hammond has embodied many characters on the long-running television show (including Trent Lott, Ted Koppel, Phil Donahue, Sean Connery, John Travolta, and Jay Leno), he is best known for his dead-on impersonation of President Clinton, so much so that he appeared with the president at the Radio-Television Correspondents Dinner in 1997.

This collection of SNL skits, hosted by Hammond, contains nothing but parodies of the low moments of the Clinton scandal. The uneven quality of the skits is disappointing given the richness of the material; however, there are enough bright moments to make the video worth the watch. A series of mock Gap ads starring Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and Ken Starr are hysterical, as are some of the quite short gags in which the laughs last longer than the skits. Sadly, not enough clips feature John Goodman as Linda Tripp, although we get a taste for the character in "Oprah 2001" and in a montage of some of Tripp's best lines. Some of the skits are downright juvenile, as when a gaggle of female journalists turn a news discussion into a pajama-clad slumber party gabfest. Yet watching Lewinsky (Molly Shannon) guided by her P.R. rep (David Slade) interview talk-show hosts for her exclusive interview is comedy at its best. Overall this collection will please political pundits and fans of SNL. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Boy, all of history should be this funny!
Darrell Hammond's "Bill Clinton" and John Goodman's "Linda Tripp" have to stand as two of the funniest comic performances even done on the long-running television show.

They bring tears to my eyes and probably do the same for the pair parodied.

It was alright.
It was alright, but I wanted to see more of the skits with
Tripp in them. They cut a lot of them out of this, but it
was fun to watch anyway.

Great!
This is one great "best of." Every skit is so funny. I think if you love political humor, you'll love this one. It's worth viewing.

Funny, well worth a viewing
The Best of the Clinton scandal is a very funny collection of skits overall. This is mainly due to the fact that Darrell Hammond simply has a field day playing the President, getting the looks, mannerisms, pathetic attempts at apology; all down to perfection. As he mentions at the offset, he couldn't have asked for more prime material to work with. Some of the highlights include a series of T.V. personalities attempting to land Monica's tell all interview, including Barbara Walters, Howard Stern, Larry Flynt, Phil Donahue, Oprah(done very well by Tim Meaodows), and others. There are also scenes with John Goodman as Linda Tripp; a role that he was perfect for as well. There's even a Ladie's Man skit, where he does a demonstration of how he would have seduced Monica if he were in the President's shoes. The best thing about this tape is that for the most part it sticks to the topic. The last SNL video 'Game Show Parodies' was so all over the place that I was thinking this one may have had the same problem, but it didn't. A good one for the collection.

Saturday Night Live - The Best of the Clinton Scandal
Another great "best of" video. This one is great, a good reminder of all that happened on the show during that time. A must have to complete your collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Cro-Magnon" (first season, episode 12) will be remembered by Ally McBeal fans as the "dancing baby" episode, in which Ally--woefully celibate and tortured by the ticking of her biological clock--envisions a strutting, diapered infant who haunts her at home and office. The little tyke's appearance (accompanied by the "ooga-chocka" refrain from the 1970s hit "Hooked on a Feeling") coincides with Ally's obsessive attraction to a well-endowed male model she meets in a sculpting class. A prime example of the series' capacity for frank and hilarious sexual content, the episode finally gives Ally a chance to unleash her pent-up sexual energy (courtesy of the model), while the guys in the law firm are left to ponder if "size really matters." By the final scene, Ally (sporting the flannel pajamas that became a modest fashion trend) has come to terms with her imaginary dancing baby, and the episode closes with the two of them dancing happily together... at least for the time being.

"The Attitude" (first season, episode 7) finds Ally struggling to navigate the stormy seas of romance. She's coping with close proximity to Billy, the former love of her life, and the tension increases when Billy's wife, Georgia, is invited to join the firm of Fish & Cage. While Ally defends a woman (Brenda Vaccaro) who's been wrongfully expelled from her synagogue, Cage takes on Georgia's ex-boss on a sex-discrimination charge. During a disastrous dinner date Ally obsesses over salad dressing on her date's chin, and later she simultaneously offends and attracts the young rabbi who ousted her client, leading Ally to trade her pursuit of "Mr. Right" for more pragmatic dates with "Mr. Not-Likelys." As usual, this episode is blessed with Kelley's rapid-fire dialogue, but it's best remembered for the superbly written scenes between Ally and Georgia, who forge a friendship despite their shared history with Billy. Calista Flockhart and Courtney Thorne-Smith really shine here, making this one of the first season's pivotal episodes. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Ally takes some chances on a trio of Mr. Not Likelys
I keep trying to draw some significance out of the fact that the two episodes from the first season of "Ally McBeal" are shown in reverse order of how they originally aired, but all I can come up with is that the better known episode (where Ally dances with the infamous dancing baby) goes first. Both episodes, written by David E. Kelley, deal with Ally's decision to take some chances on some Mr. Not Likelys instead of waiting for Mr. Right:

"Cro-Magnon" (Episode 12) finds Ally (Calista Flockhart) and Renee (Lisa Nicole Carson) are taking a sculpture class where they discover that Glenn, the male model, is rather "gifted" (they need more clay). Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith) joins the class but it is Ally who actually dates Glenn. Meanwhile, in court our heroine is defending 19-yeard old Clint, who punched out a guy for insulting the virtue of his date and who's cute little behind has become the object of his lawyer's attentoin. The title of the episode comes from Ally's declaration that she likes a little Cro-Magnon in her man. Actually, this episode is one of the more heavy handed ones, with the contrast between the girls oggling the model and the guys watching a prizefight on pay-per-view lacking subtlety.

"The Attitude" (Episode 7) has Ally getting the hots for district attorney Jason Roberts, a colleague of Renee's, who fortunately asks her out before the theme from "Jeopardy" ends. Ally's client this week is Karen Horwitz, who is trying to get Rabbi Joseph Stern to grant her a divorce because her husband is in a coma (the poor guy was hit by a bus before he obtained a "get," the formal Jewish divorce decree). Ally cannot get the rabbi to change his mind, but she does get another offer for a date.

I would not label either of these as classic Ally McBeal episodes, but they are certainly representative of Ally's love life in Season 1, before things became increasingly bizarre in Season 2. I would have paired up "Cro-Magnon" with the follow up episode, "The Blame Game," where Ally and Renee take vengeance on Glenn by giving him "the penguin," but that is just my impulse towards narrative completeness.

These are the two best Ally McBeal episodes
I have the DVD box set thing, and it has these two episodes, and they are the strongest. So if you don't want to spend all the money that the box set costs, you can buy this. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Welcome to Mr. Robinson's neighborhood
The magic of Eddie Murphey's final season on SNL is captured on this best of 1983 tape... and when I say magic I mean Murphy truly went all out before departing from the show. You would have to see it to actually experience the magic that is Eddie Murphy on SNL. I don't want to give away any surprises, and believe me, if you've never seen it before then there are plenty of surprises. But obviously there's Mr. Robinson's neigborhood and Buckweet. No Gumbi on this one, but there is a really good sketch with James Belushi and Joe Piscapo. The star though is Murphy, doing an impersination of Michael Jackson that will have you laughing all night. The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is because they rolled the credits right in the middle of James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tom Hanks is a legend
This video shows the highlites from 3 seperate episodes as hosted by Tom Hanks. The video is hillarious featuring many great skits including "the deleted scenes from Big" which makes me laugh just thinking about it! Rare video so if you can snap up a copy I can't reccomend it enough! Check it out! ... Read more

Amazon.com

While hordes are ready to stream into any theater with his name on the marquee, you can actually experience the mother lode of Adam Sandler giggles in the comfort of your own home. This collection of nearly 20 skits from the comedian's 1991-95 stint on Saturday Night Live is an essential tool for anyone who's taking life too seriously. The classic characters are all present and accounted for: Operaman, Cajun Man, Gap Girl ("Didja cinch that?"), Kirstie Alley's exuberant bellboy ("Bellissima!"), and, of course, Canteen Boy, found here in a hilariously unsettling encounter with Alec Baldwin's randy troop leader.

The highlights, however, are the tunes, from "The Chanukah Song" ("Paul Newman's half-Jewish. Goldie Hawn, too. Put them together--what a fine-looking Jew!") to the all-out opus "Lunchlady Land," featuring a bemoled Chris Farley rocking out like no one in a hairnet ever has to the "Slop-Sloppy-Joes" chorus.

All in all, it's a nice trip back through SNL time. When it comes to getting in touch with his inner goofy 8-year-old, Adam Sandler is comedy's big daddy. --Bob Michaels ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A Sandler CelebraSHON
For me, Saturday Night Live stopped being funny enough to watch about the same time Adam Sandler left the show. This collection of Sandler moments is a little uneven and fails to include some of my favorites, but there is still plenty of great comedy to be found here. You get performances of such Sandler classics as The Chanukah Song, Lunch Lady Land, and a less famous little Christmas ditty (but, alas, no Red Hooded Sweatshirt song), not to mention his Springsteen performance of Dancing in the Dark alongside Courteney Cox. His Operaman persona is well represented with performances scattered throughout the 87 minutes of comedy mayhem. Cajun Man puts in an appearance, as does Lucy the Gap sales girl. The Canteen Boy segment is rather hard to forget, featuring the icky advances of Scout leader Alec Baldwin to Sandler's innocent persona. Proving that this comedy remains timely, Iraqi Pete shows up to draw the jeers of an American audience. There are a couple of skits of the typically inane SNL variety that seemed out of place here: the house-sitting and New York restaurant guide commercials; it is actually Chris Farley who manages to extract significant humor out of these otherwise unimpressive offerings. The selection from The Denise Show is very funny, but I would have favored the final one featuring Nicole Kidman as the better choice. I was very happy to see one of Sandler's Halloween costume suggestion skits included here; as funny as this selection is, though, I was a little disappointed that it was not the very first one-that was one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life. All in all, there is something here for every Adam Sandler fan; it is a tribute to his comedic genius that there was not enough room on this tape to include all of his fans' favorite moments from the show.

Please God, give me cancer now!
This is probably funnier than all of AS's films, and that is saying a lot! From the Zagat's skit (the book is gone, but the mouth keeps on!) to the now classic Schmitts Gay commercial, it really is the BEST of Adam Sandler, the best in the series. The Denise Show was a skit I don't remember, but it's funny as hell. (here's the part of the show where I absolutely lose it!) and of course Canteen Boy is another great one. (Alec Baldwin-a great SNL host) The Operaman montage is hilarious (I especially love the two Pearl Jam bits, the Al Gore song, and of course the Demi Moore "dry-humpo!" song) Cajun Man is in here, as well as the Hannukah song. Of course, the now classic "Bellissima!" skits are untouchable, and the Gap girl skits are hilarious. It's very hard to pinpoint the best skit on here, but I would say a tie between Canteen Boy and the Operaman montage. Opera Man, bye bye!

Omigod! It's The Best Of Adam Sandler!
While not as versatile as Dana Carvey or Phil Hartman, Adam Sandler had his own special brand of humor that made him one of "Saturday Night Live's" must - watch comedians during the early 1990s'. Relying more on characters than impressions, he had an intense flair for physcial comedy, something few castmembers were good at.

For a solid 70 minutes of laughter, this dvd can hardly be beat. All of his most popular charcters are here - "Canteen Boy" (in a rather memorable sketch with Alec Baldwin), "Cajun Man", Lucy the Gap girl and , of course "Operaman". Also, there's more than a few one - time characters who make their appearnaces. "Iraqi Pete" seems is hilarious, though has eerie echoes of what's going on in the world today. The bellboy from the "Room Service" sketch (actually, he also appeared in the "Il Cantore" sketch) is also funny. My favorite is Hank Gelfand from the "Zagat's" sketch, though Chris Farley actually does better than him here.
And of course, there's the music: "The Hanukkah Song", "Present Song" and "Lunchlady Song" (though in this one, Farley once again outshines him). Plus, there's his hilarious costume suggestions ("I'm Backwards Man").

I suggest this dbd. I guarantee you'll laugh your pants off. Here's hoping tha Lorne Michaels gets his stuff together and asks Sandler to host the show again soon.

Magnifico
During the years 1986 to 1991, a few new comedians joined the cast of NBC's "Saturday Night Live". Dana Carvey, Mike Meyers, Kevin Nealon, Dennis Miller, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Chris Rock, Victoria Jackson, Phil Hartman, John Lovitz, Julia Sweeney, Chris Farley and a host of others built what is arguably the only ensemble to rival the first five years with Gilda, Dan and Chevy. Another comedian who joined the show around this period was Adam Sandler, then a struggling comedian who (as one reviewer pointed out) had already starred in one movie called "Going Overboard".

"Saturday Night Live - The Best Of Adam Sandler" is an excellent compilation of some of his zaniest characters (and some in which he plays himself singing a song or giving costume suggestions to the unfortunate ones who couldn't find one for Halloween. There are 20 skits here, so I'm going to just the name a few of my favorites.

"Zagats" is my favorite. A bewigged Sandler acts alongside Chris Farley and David Duchovny (both in drag) as an elderly Jewish man who is celebrating his 35 th anniversary with his wife Bev (played by Farley). Sandler's insults and one - liners ("Give me cancer now, God") are among his best work. Liken him to Mr. Roper from "Three's Company", only Jewish.

"Canteen Boy" is a rather provocative skit, with not - so - subtle allusions to sodomy and homsexuality, with Alec Baldwin as a scout master pining for a more than a little uncomfortable Sandler. Very racy, but extremely funny stuff.

Finally, there are four different "Operaman" skits. Here is where you'll hear Sandler zing such notorious figures as Amy Fisher, Lorena Bobbit, George Bush, Hilary and Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks and a hilarious song about Pearl Jam in which Operaman expresses his non - gay crush on Eddie Vedder. John Lovitz and Glenn Close also pop as Operaman's brother and his sister - in - law.

Other skits like "The Denise Show", "Grandma" and "The Herlihy Boy"are equally funny and memorable. For me, the only skit not included that I wish they did was "Operaman's Lotto Ticket". But this is still an essential collection, especially if you are a big Sandler fan.

Not the best of Adam Sandler, but still fun for "SNL" fans!
During the early to mid-90s, a few comedians ruled NBC's "Saturday Night Live," and they got future film careers out of it all. Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, and now even Rob Schneider have all gone on to fruitful film careers, with Carvey finally getting back in the game (hopefully) after heart problems (though "Master of Disguise" didn't help him too much). Other funny comedians such as Kevin Nealon and Phil Hartman, though equally funny, never got very far. Nealon made some cameos in his fellow "SNL" friends' films ("Happy Gilmore," "Master of Disguise," "Anger Management"), while Hartman was shot by his wife before he got anywhere at all.

Adam Sandler has probably gotten the most out of "Saturday Night Live." He appeared in one film prior to his casting on "SNL." It was a film called "Going Overboard," and it is a true cinematic disaster. After "SNL," however, he has appeared in such flicks as "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore," "The Waterboy," "The Wedding Singer," and last year's "Punch-Drunk Love," in which he displayed his true feelings behind the goofy boy persona.

"Saturday Night Live: The Best of Adam Sandler" is a compilation of his greatest moments on the famed television show, ranging from skits involving original characters such as Canteen Boy and Operaman, to the host of "The Denise Show" and The Herlihy Boy Homesitter.

I stumbled upon this DVD while I was at my video store picking up another "SNL" DVD. I was happy because I like the early 90s segments of "Saturday Night Live" much more than the recent episodes, especially now that Will Ferrell has left the show. I was pretty excited that I had found it.

Which is why I was a bit disappointed. I liked this collection of his so-called "greatest moments," but I can't necessarily say that I've seen nothing better. In fact, some of the skits on this DVD are not that funny after a while. The Herlihy Boy Homesitter gets old pretty fast, and while I liked "The Denise Show," I recall seeing a much funnier sequence of the same fake TV show with Nicole Kidman as a guest star - and it was funnier than this one.

Thinking back, I didn't laugh a whole lot at all the skits. They weren't as funny or outrageous as those included in this year's "The Best of Will Ferrell." Is it because Adam Sandler himself isn't funny? Many people think so. I think he's good at what he does. I like his goofy comedies like "Happy Gilmore" because they put a smile on my face (though he's far from being a great comedian at all). Also included on the DVD is the song that inspired his animated feature film "Eight Crazy Nights," as well as Iraqi Pete (an odd skit but pretty funny). I had already seen a few of these skits on television before, including that involving Kevin Nealon and guest star Kirstie Alley being bothered by sex-craved Italians in a hotel.

My favorite skit, however, would have to be one that has Michael Keaton paying Chris Farley to keep an eye on his frail grandmother while he goes back to his room with a girl for a half hour. The grandmother (played by Sandler with a wig) wants Joey (Keaton), and she doesn't want anything to do with Farley. Farley tries to help her with everything but "she" screams and claims he's attacking her. Keaton comes out and beats up Farley a few times in the process. Funny stuff, but still a long shot from anything extraordinary.

And just as with "The Best of Will Ferrell," I am disappointed in this DVD's length. 73 minutes is short for a collection such as this. I understand that it originally aired on television, and with commercials it runs to a full 90 minutes. However, why not make it a full two hours with commercials? That would mean the DVD, without commercials (of course), would run closer to 90 minutes than 70. Or why not include a batch of extra "Best Of" scenes for the Special Edition DVD? That would interest many more buyers.

There are also no special features on this DVD, save one single photo gallery that scans through a handful of snapshots from the skits for about thirty seconds. The new "Best Ofs" contain dress rehearsals, outtakes, Conan O'Brian interviews, and photo galleries. I suppose there wasn't much footage left over since Adam Sandler's skits were filmed before DVDs and Lorne Michaels never thought of saving some deleted scenes and so on and so forth. But it would have been interesting to have more than a photo gallery. Maybe even trailers for some of Sandler's movies?

Strictly speaking, it's not an overblown Special Edition DVD like so many nowadays. It is basically exactly what it says - a collection of his best moments. No real special features, no commentaries, etc. Just the same as the TV broadcast only on DVD format. I guess that's OK.

If you're a fan of "Saturday Night Live" or Adam Sandler, I recommend picking up this DVD. However, if you want a good laugh, I recommend picking up "The Best of Will Ferrell" or "Dana Carvey," which I am told is hilarious and is next on my list. Steve Martin is always a good bet, too, but you may have more trouble finding older episodes - not many people care for them anymore. I'm still waiting on "The Best of Dan Aykroyd," "Chevy Chase," and "Gilda Radner," to name a few of many....

"Saturday Night Live: The Best of Adam Sandler" runs 73 minutes, and includes many different skits. It is not rated and contains some sexual content and language. Its single bonus feature is a photo gallery. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Steve Martin and Dan Aykroid
Everything on this tape is classic. My favorite, though, is Aykroid and Martin as the Frestrunk Brothers because they are... TWO WILD AND CRAZY GUYS! Anybody who is a fan of the show would enjoy this year. Garret Morris, Bill Murry, Steve Martin, and the Blues Brothers all perform songs in this one. Showing how musical the original cast really was. Other sketches include cheesebuger cheeseburger, X-Police, and the Coneheads. It's simply some of the most hillariousely memorable comedy ever filmed.

A Charming and Funny Experience
This is a great video, which is the best of the best of Saturday Night Live. It is hilarious, with cast members such as Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Dan Ackroyd, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and the rest shining as brightly as they ever have. With highlights such as Bill Murray as the Lounge Singer singing "Star Wars," and Steve Martin singing "King Tut," this video will not disappoint you! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Oh Noooo - Toonces Can Drive, Just Not Very Well
This is a hilarious 2 VHS set, featuring two of Saturday Night Live's best charachters, MR. BILL and TOONCES. The first tape features 19 great Mr. Bill skits, along with all of Mr. Bill's buddies, including Spot, Sluggo, Miss Sally, and of course, Mr. Hands. The second tape (my favorite) features Toonces (The Cat who Could Drive a Car). There are some great guests on the Toonces tape, including Steve Martin, Randy Quaid, George Wendy, Griffin Dunne, Karen Allen, Linda Hamilton, and SNL regulars like Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Julia Sweeney, and Victoria Jackson.

Toonces and Bill on video
I don't know much about this I haven't watched it all , I wasn't too interested in it, but Mr.Bill is a putty figure that keeps on getting killed in many ways and Toonces is some cat that likes to drive around and stuff. Sorry I couldn't give you enough info , this didn't really catch my attention. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The original cast of Saturday Night Live
This was in my opinion one of the best years ever for Saturday Night Live. The greatest comedy geniuses the world has ever seen all in one cast on one show. You can't beat that. Chevy Chase shows up for his final season as a cast member, John Belushi is excellent in Samuri Delicatessen, and he premiers the Blues Brothers in his killer bee costume while singin "King Bee". Gilda does her Barbra Walters impression, and my favorite is Dan Aikroid's Nixon sketch. If you enjoy classic timeles sketch comedy than you'll love this tape. I would recomend taking halucinagyns at the same time if you get a chance because this thing is a phsycadelic trip. Definetly a must for any fan of the show.

the best videos, the good old days
this was when the show was truly revolutionary. The got a load of influence from monty python and were ready to shock the world. Aykroyd, Murrey, Bulishi, curtin and even chase are amazing here. this is funny stuff that is really on of if not the best time for the show ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mothers and Other MONSTERS!
I have all 110 episodes recorded off the tv of Northern Exposure but this one was particularly relatable for any woman or man who still feels the need to "please" their parent who makes them CRAZY! Maggie's mom comes to Cicely and Maggie isn't happy with her overly critical parent. I love the scene at the beginning when the mother, played by Bibi Besch, comes into Maggie's cabin the first time and rearranged the flowers that Maggie had put out! My mom does that ALL the time and I have learned to go with it and change it later. Accidently, Mrs. O'Connell burns down Mags house and she wanders about homeless. Chris, seeking to fling a cow in one of his existential insights of angst, asks to use Mags piano after Ed tells him that a cow was flung by Monty Python. Chris uses a trepuche, a midevel catapult to FLING the burned out thing bringing a fantastic show for the people of Cicely and a cathartic closure to Maggie. Outsome footage of the "fling" in slow motion! "It's not the thing you fling, it's the fling itself",declares Chris. This episode reminded me to finish what you start and that endurance in the face of a tragedy is the key to surviving the wilds of Alaska. A GREAT episode! A+++

Brilliant script in a beautiful town
This is my all time favorite episode of Northern Exposure. Chris and Maggie each deal with their own struggles and it is handled in a realistic way. The piano fling is the cherry on top of this brilliant episode.

"It's not what you fling; it's the fling itself"
Beautiful quote from Chris-in-the-morning. This episode is considered the best by most of the actors. (stated in "The NX Book") As it is also a very popular episode with us fans. In it, Chris introduces `The fling`, and Maggie's mom visits...and...burns down her house......A must see for any NX new-comers! END ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Jesse Jackson was wonderful
I am looking for the episode of Saturday live when Jesse Jackson read Green Egg & Ham as a tribute to the death of Dr. Seuss. I believe that this episode aired on September 24, 1991 the day Dr. Seuss died. September 28, 1991 Michael Jordan / Public Enemy ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I expected more
After watching it a couple times, some of the skits grew on me, but in the beginning I was disappointed. I guess that I just didn't agree with what they considered to be the "best" of SNL for that year. But Mike Myers' "Phillip" skit with Nicole Kidman was hysterical... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Introduced by Wayne and Garth on the set of Wayne's World, the Saturday Night Live: Halloween special collection is frighteningly funny. Mining SNL's history back to the good old days of the Coneheads and the Land Shark, this tape selects an hour's worth of the best Halloween skits presented over more than 20 years. You'll see guests such as John Travolta and James Woods put through their paces by the SNL cast--Travolta is hysterical as a certain Transylvanian nobleman trying to convince his victims that they are mistaken about his secret (they think he's gay). All the stars you love, from Bill Murray to Adam Sandler, make appearances to poke fun at the weird, spooky pleasure we all share each year. You'll get tips on making scary faces, ideas for cheap costumes like "Johnny the Human Torch," and a new outlook on vampires in the age of AIDS, plus plenty more ghoulish laughs in Saturday Night Live: Halloween. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Thank you, Anthony!
Anthony - thanks so much for answering my question - you're the greatest! I added you to my favorite reviewers list :)

Great, Spooky Fun
"Saturday Night live - Halloween" was the first "SNL" dvd I bought not devoted to a cast member. While not as good as those retrospectives, this dvd captures the best "Halloween" - style moments on the show.

Most of the skecthes here are just random "Halloween" sketches. "Gay Dracula" features a hilarious turn by John Travolta as the famed bloodsucking count. Kvein Nealon and Jeneane Garrofolo play road - weary travelers who think the count is gay. "Vampire Dating" is the worst sketch here. James Woods turns in accurate Dracula, but I just didn't get the plot of the sketch. "Consumer Probe" is the oldest sketch here, a satiical take on the many complaints of dangerous costumes.

On this dvd, it's fun to see recurring sketches like "Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker", "Wayne's World", "The Richmeister", "Daily Affirmation With Stuart Smalley" and "Spartan Cheerleaders" put into a Halloween context, as it allows them to expand the realm of the ordinary, non - holiday sketch. Also, Adam Sandler's hilarious costume ideas ("Crazy Pickle Arm") ar here, as is Ana Gasteyrer's hilarious impersonation of Martha Stewart.

This is a hilarious dvd recommended to anybody who enjoys "Saturday Night Live". Also pick up the 8 - pack dvd set.

Can anyone answer a question?
Does this DVD contain the Adam Sandler "Crazy Pickle Arm Man" skit?

Howl - larious
Hosted by Wayne and Garth, "Saturday Night Livve - Halloween" is a great collection of old and new sketches hosted by Wayne and Garth, spanning from to the early days to the mid - 1990s'. Among the best sketches are "The Richmeister", "Sandler's Costume Suggestions", and "Return Of The Coneheads". There are some sketches I suggest you skip, but I won't name the, because you might actually enjoy them.

SNL, so funny it's spooky
It's lacking a few great skits, the Landshark opening was nice but one of the JAWS spoofs could have been added. It's definitley worth it but lets hope we see a season by season deal soon! Stuart Smalley, James Woods Dracula, Scream spoof with the
CheerSquad, Wayne & Garth's Halloween Costumes and Landshark are the highlights. But, come on, lets see NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT (live) Complete 1st Season on DVD soon! With Lorne Micheals & former Cast, Writers and Hosts interviews and behind the scenes stuff, maybe 5 discs? 4 for the show, one for extra's. It sounds good to me. "Oh well, good night and have a pleasant tomorrow"
Check out:
SNL-Christmas
SNL-25 Years Of Laughs
Nothing But Trouble-Chevy Chase
Caddyshack-Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield ... Read more