On DVD: The Upright Citizens Brigade: The Complete Second Season

Starring Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts

The Upright Citizens Brigade was a hilarious surreal sketch comedy show that didn't last long enough in my opinion. Comedy Central gave it the axe way too quickly. But, lucky for us, Paramount Home Video recently released the first second on DVD.

The Series

Capturing the subversive genius of this show is going to be a hard task, but I will give it a go.  The Upright Citizens Brigade stars Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh,lan Roberts and Matt Besser.

Basically, The Upright Citizens Brigade are a group of well funded, covert individuals whose assignment is to create chaos in the general public. The come up with elaborate schemes, then, release them onto the unsuspecting masses. These missions are the skits and believe me, they are strange but wildly inventive and funny.

Take for example the episode entitled The Bucket of Truth. Only the Upright Citizens Brigade can bring together the Girl Scouts, The Unabomber, a room that manufactures hot chicks and a 1970's style TV police Sargent into one skit and make it work. In the second season, the agents have to deal with an infestation of friars. Yes, you read that right. And, they find out the origin of the drug Supercool

If I had to compare the Upright Citizens Brigade to another comedy group, I guess it would be to combine the off the rails approach of Monty Python and Kids in the Hall. Maybe through in a bit of Strangers with Candy and you get an idea of what you are in store for.

All of this makes for one fine night of entertainment when you pop these discs into the player.

So, if surreal sketch comedy is your cup of tea, this collection belongs on your shelf. If you think Everybody Loves Raymond is hysterical, this won't be your bag.

8/10

The Video

The Upright Citizens Brigade: The Complete Second Season is presented in the original full frame aspect ratio. The colors look vibrant and I did not notice any artifacts or glitches.

7/10

The Audio

The Upright Citizens Brigade: The Complete Second Season is presented in Dolby Stereo 2.0. The dialog is crystal clear and easily understood.

7/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features

The Upright Citizens Brigade: The Complete Second Season is presented in two slim amaray cases enclosed in a cardboard slipcover. Nice job, Paramount.

Some nice bonus features await your discovery on this release. There are episode commentaries provided for your entertainment with the cast. These are definitely worth your time and are side splitting. These were provided live at the UCB theater, so they are a hoot.

Also offered are Audience Q and A with the comedy troupe, early live performances with the troupe and deleted scenes.

Along with the expected promotions for other Comedy Central shows and dvd releases, this is a nice selection of bonus features for the dedicated Upright fan.

7.5/10

Overall (Not an Average) 7.5/10

The Movie 8/10

The Video 7/10

The Audio 7/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features 7.5/10

Overall (Not an Average) 7.5/10

-Suzie Lackey