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The Movie: Early in "Button Down Concert", Bob Newhart discusses how people always ask him if he actually did anything before "The Bob Newhart Show". However, many know that Newhart was a famed stand-up in the years prior to the popular series, and the star's deadpan, inoffensive humor packed in audiences. This 1995 special (which was recorded in California, despite all of the Chicago theatres visible on the cover) has Newhart going through many of his famed routines from his popular stand-up albums (his debut, "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart", topped the charts.) Throughout the hour-long show, Newhart - in his beloved and awkward deadpan style, goes through such classic bits as his thoughts on what a security guard at the Empire State Building may have done had he seen King Kong climbing up the Empire State Building ("King Kong and the New Security Guard") and a very funny bit about the inventor of baseball trying to sell the idea to game companies that think its absurd ("Selling Baseball to the Board Game Company"). Bob at the Unemployment Office The School For Rude Bus Drivers King Kong and the New Security Guard The Nervous Driving Instructor The Airline Captain Speaks to His Passengers Abe Lincoln's P.R. Man Cruise of the U.S.S. Codfish The One-Eyed Bullfighter Selling Baseball to the Board Game Company The Nude Police Line-Up Edison's Real Invention Sir Walter Raleigh Explains Tobacco The Tipsy Accountant's Retirement Party The DVD VIDEO: "Bob Newhart: Button Down Comedy" is presented by Fox in 1.33:1 full-frame, the show's original aspect ratio. Sharpness and detail are simply fine, as while the picture never appeared razor-sharp, it looked crisp and clean, with no apparent wear. In terms of flaw, no edge enhancement was seen, nor were any artifacting. Colors appeared natural and clean, with no smearing or other concerns. SOUND: The show is presented with a clear stereo soundtrack. Basic audio, but for something like this, it certainly gets the job done. EXTRAS: The only extra is a great one: there's a 20-minute interview with Newhart, who is very funny and shares some great stories about how he got into comedy, as well as his thoughts about the success of his stand-up albums. Also interviewed here is Don Rickles, who's wickedly funny sharing his thoughts on Newhart's success. Final Thoughts: Newhart fans will enjoy having this very funny concert on DVD, and the 20-minute interview does make for a good bonus. Recommended. |