ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS (5-DISC SET) -- DVD Review by Porfle

 

 

Originally posted on 10/10/19 

 

Having never been a fan of Robin Williams' stand-up act, talk show appearances, or hit ABC television series "Mork and Mindy", it might be surprising to find that I'm recommending ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS (Time-Life), a 5-disc chronicle of his astounding stand-up comedy career.

I recommend it mainly to his many, many fans, who should find this collection a treasure chest of joy and laughter along with a bittersweet mixture of other emotions. 

And for those who, like me, never warmed up to his comedy style, it's a fascinating look at a man who gave happiness to others even though his lifelong struggle to find it for himself eventually proved too much for him to bear.

Disc 1 begins with Robin already a known and very popular commodity with HBO's "On Location--Off the Wall" (1978), then shows us how he got to that point in the featurette "Robin Williams--The Early Years." Then follows some of Robin's early TV stand-up performances, his "Dick Cavett Show" appearance, Robin's brief encounter with Frank Sinatra on "Laugh-In", and an interview with Robin's manager, David Steinberg.

Disc 2 features "An Evening With Robin Williams" (1983) along with a variety of featurettes including various stand-up appearances and his stirring patriotic routine "I Love Liberty."

Disc 3 gives us "Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met", one of the most glittering and prestigious showcases of his talent, along with several other featurettes.

Disc 4's highlight is "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway", followed by promos and interviews.

Disc 5 concludes the collection with the 2009 comedy special, "Robin Williams: Weapons of Self-Destruction", which showcases Robin at the height of his comedic powers before a wildly appreciative audience. Finishing off the disc is a selection of featurettes including People's Choice Awards presentations, a taping of "Shakespeare: The Animated Tales", and other items.

Through it all, we see hours upon hours of Robin Williams performing at a lightning-fast pace with comic improvisations pouring from his imagination, his frenetic style both profane and childlike, as his audiences respond with utter delight and affection. 

ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS gives us this utterly unique, once-in-a-lifetime comic superstar at his most happy and content, onstage and basking in the shared experience that only charged him to go farther, faster, and funnier.


Also available in 12 and 22 disc sets

(Portions of this review appeared in our look at the 12-disc version as seen HERE)

Disc 1: Off The Wall


    HBO On Location: Robin Williams—Off the Wall
    Original Air Date: October 27, 1978

    Featurette: Robin Williams—The Early Years

    The Second Annual HBO Young Comedians Show
    Original Air Date: September 24, 1977

    The Great American Laugh-Off
    Original Air Date: October 22, 1977

    Robin Meets Mr. Sinatra
    Original Air Date: November 2, 1977

    The Dick Cavett Show
    Original Air Dates: May 16 and 17, 1979
    
    Interview with David Steinberg, Robin’s Manager


Disc 2: An Evening with Robin Williams


    An Evening with Robin Williams
    Original Air Date: March 12, 1983
    
    Featurette: San Francisco—Where It All Began
    
    Director Howard Storm Demo Taping with Robin
    Taped 1982
    
    Comedy Celebration Day
    San Francisco: 1982, 1984, 1990

    I Love Liberty
    Original Air Date: March 21, 1982

    Catch a Rising Star’s 10th Anniversary
    Original Air Date: September 30, 1982

    The Comedy Store 10th 11th Anniversary
    Original Air Date: July 17, 1983
    
    The Comedy Store 15th Year Class Reunion
    Original Air Date: November 23, 1988

    Robin Remembers the Comedy Store
    Taped 2001


Disc 3: An Evening at the Met


    Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met
    With Introduction by Lewis Black
    Original Air Date: October 11, 1986

        HBO Press Interview
    
        Promo Taping
    
    “Beverly Hills Blues” with Bobby McFerrin
    Taped March 4, 1986
    
    The Young Comedians All-Star Reunion
    Original Air Date: November 15, 1986
    
    Superstars and Their Moms
    Original Air Date: May 3, 1987
    
    Interview with David Steinberg, Robin’s Manager
    
    Interview with Lewis Black


Disc 4: Live on Broadway

    Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
    With Introduction by David Steinberg, Robin’s Manager
    Original Air Date: July 14, 2002

        Interview with Robin and Director Marty Callner
    
        Noises
    
        Explicit Language
    
        HBO Promos
    
        HBO Promos Rough Cuts
    
        Robin’s Promo Riff
    
    E! Press Room after Robin’s LIVE 2002 Grammy Win
    Original Air Date: February 23, 2003


Disc 5: Weapons of Self Destruction


    Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction
    With Introduction by Lewis Black
    Original Air Date: December 6, 2009
    
        A Backstage Pass
    
        A View from the Director’s Chair
    
        Local Highlights
    
    Mrs. Doubtfire Toasts Richard Pryor
    Taped 1993
    
    People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a Comedy Motion Picture
    Original Air Date: March 8, 1994
    
    People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Motion Picture
    Original Air Date: March 8, 1994
    
    E! Press Room after Robin’s People’s Choice Wins
    Original Air Date: March 8, 1994
    
    Shakespeare: The Animated Tales—HBO Promos
    Taped August 25, 1995 

 

ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS (5-DISC SET) -- DVD Review by Porfle

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: JOHNNY AND FRIENDS FEATURING STEVE MARTIN, ROBIN WILLIAMS & EDDIE MURPHY -- DVD Review by Porfle

 

Originally posted on 6/22/17

 

"Will you welcome..." Johnny would usually say when introducing his next guest.  Over the years there were countless "Will you welcome"s on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson", some who would remain in relative obscurity, and others who would parlay their once-in-a-lifetime chance at fame all the way to stardom.

Time-Life's 3-disc DVD collection THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: JOHNNY AND FRIENDS FEATURING STEVE MARTIN, ROBIN WILLIAMS & EDDIE MURPHY is about three of those who became superstars in the field of comedy--Steve Martin, Robin Williams, and Eddie Murphy--thanks in large part to their early exposure with Johnny on his classic late-night talk show which is now such an integral part of television legend. 

Johnny, of course, was no stranger to either television or comedy, having labored in both fields since the 50s as host or co-host of various comedy, variety, and game shows such as "Carson's Cellar" and "Who Do You Trust?" before finally replacing Jack Paar as host of "The Tonight Show" in 1962.

Each show began with an opening monologue, which was basically a new stand-up routine every night.  It was here that Johnny really proved himself, getting more mileage out of bad jokes than most comics do with hilarious ones. In fact, his style was to willfully tell bad jokes--even telegraph them as being bad, building audience expectation--and then mine their groaning response for humor until he had them rolling in the aisles. 

It was a totally unique comic style and sensibility that set Johnny apart from all other stand-up comics, and he excelled at it night after night.  His loyal announcer and sidekick Ed McMahon, of course, played along beautifully, adding dry asides here and there in order to invite a sarcastic response from Johnny (often a mock threat to terminate his employment).  To which Ed would respond, naturally, with his trademark belly laugh.

The show was, importantly, for everyone, regardless of their political persuasion.  Johnny did get in some topical jabs here and there, but they weren't really all that caustic and he generally kept things goodnatured, unlike the profane, rabidly partisan hacks of today's late night shows. In other words, Johnny had something called "class", a quality in short supply on TV these days.

During the nine new-to-retail episodes in this Time-Life set, Johnny gives us old viewers some of our favorite bits such as "Stump the Band" and "The Mighty Carson Art Players." (Alas, there are no visits from either Art Fern, Karnak the Magnificent, or Aunt Blabby.)  Flamboyantly-dressed bandleader Doc Severinsen and his sometime stand-in Tommy "Mr. Excitement" Newsom come in for their usual ribbing, while Johnny and Ed play off each other like the seasoned pros that they are.

Disc one features three appearances by Steve Martin, beginning in 1976 with a stand-up that lets us see young Steve in his banjo-playing, "happy feet" prime.  A 1982 show finds movie-star Steve pushing his film DEAD MEN DON'T WEAR PLAID, and in 1991 a slightly more staid, reserved Martin talks about his starring role in FATHER OF THE BRIDE.  Each appearance is loaded with plenty of comedy in his familiar style. 

Other guests include the always beloved James Stewart, a spaced-out Karen Black, Sylvester Stallone (circa ROCKY III), comic Cathy Ladman, and singer Leon Redbone.  Some of the classic commercials of the era (if you choose to watch them--the DVD gives us a choice) include "Coke Adds Life", the "NesTea Plunge", and the little guy who wants to talk to us about...diarrhea.  In a 1982 segment Johnny jokes about upcoming TV shows such as "Silver Spoons" and "Knight Rider."

 

Disc two is a trio of hit-and-run appearances by the always hyper-frenetic Robin Williams, who would blow into the studio like a gale force wind and never let up.  Whether in 1984 or in his two 1991 shows, Robin is a non-stop whirling dervish of gags, voices, and flailing physical comedy that dominates not only his time with Johnny but that of the other guests as well.  It was as though he had no "off" switch, and was always dialed up all the way to eleven. 

Even fellow kooky improv comic Jonathan Winters barely gets a word in while sitting there with Robin. Other guests don't stand a chance, including good sport Phyllis Newman, dulcet-toned Steve Lawrence, and southern-fried Park Overall.  While Johnny does manage to converse with them in minimal terms, their presence is pretty much just another excuse for Robin to go wild.  His fans will be ecstatic, of course.

Disc three finds breakout "Saturday Night Live" player Eddie Murphy on his blazing rocket to fame, with all three appearances occurring in 1982 but already plotting a quick trajectory to superstardom. 

Eddie's first shot on the show is brash but in a controlled way--his ego has yet to become overinflated, and there's still a hunger in his clearly ambitious attitude.  He's already at ease and in his element in the stand-up spots, wowing the audience with his sharp humor and confidence.  He handles his time talking with Johnny well, too, easily getting laughs and charming both host and audience without breaking a sweat.  (Not that we can see, anyway.)

His second appearance is much more confident, and his stand-up features a bold use of the "N" word in an innovative and borderline abrasive way that has the audience in a tizzy of laughter.  By now, Johnny's regard for him has clearly grown, and by his third show, the cocky, brash, super-confident Murphy is getting a "superstar" ovation from the audience.

Other guests on this disc include McLean Stevenson and Wayne Rogers of TV's "MASH", boxer Randall "Tex" Cobb, Albert Hague of "Fame", and singer Angela Bofill. 

Watching this 3-disc set, I can't help but be filled with that old warm glow of nostalgia for a time when we could turn on the TV and watch Johnny and company every weeknight.  THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: JOHNNY AND FRIENDS FEATURING STEVE MARTIN, ROBIN WILLIAMS & EDDIE MURPHY gives both old and new fans of the show a chance to relive those times, courtesy of some of Johnny's funniest and most outrageous guests, and tune in to that unique vibe all over again. 


PROGRAM INFORMATION

Format: DVD/3 Discs
Running Time: 499 minutes
Genre:  TV DVD/Comedy
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audio: Stereo
Original Commercials: On/Off

Street Date: July 4, 2017

Read our original coverage

THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: JOHNNY AND FRIENDS FEATURING STEVE MARTIN, ROBIN WILLIAMS & EDDIE MURPHY -- DVD Review by Porfle

ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS -- DVD Review by Porfle

 

Originally posted on 11/18/18

 

Having never been a fan of Robin Williams' stand-up act, talk show appearances, or hit ABC television series "Mork and Mindy", it might be surprising to find that I'm recommending ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS (Time-Life), a 12-disc, two-volume chronicle of his astounding comedy and acting career and of his life which, despite moments of happiness, was the very personification of the proverbial "sad clown" character.

I recommend it mainly to his many, many fans, who should find this collection a treasure chest of joy and laughter along with a rollercoaster ride of other emotions.  And for those who, like me, never warmed up to his comedy style, it's a fascinating account of a man who gave happiness to others even though his lifelong struggle to find it for himself eventually proved too much for him to bear.

The first volume focuses mainly on his stand-up act, with him blazing into the public consciousness as a whirling dervish of comedy onstage and growing into a bonafide superstar appearing in numerous HBO specials, other TV appearances such as "The Dick Cavett Show", and, finally, glittering showcases such as the 1986 "Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met." 

Through it all, we see hours upon hours of him performing at a lightning-fast pace with comic improvisations pouring from his imagination, his frenetic style both profane and childlike, as his audiences respond with utter delight and affection.  It's here that we see him at his most happy and content, onstage and basking in the shared experience that only charged him to go farther, faster, and funnier.

An entire disc is devoted to his USO tours alone, with Robin and special guests traveling to such places as Afghanistan to perform at military bases where the shared love is almost overwhelming for both him and his admiring audiences.  There's an extra level of mutual fun, affection, and admiration in these appearances that exceeds even his most prestigious stateside shows. 

Volume two delves deeply into Robin the actor, from the initial starmaking success of "Mork and Mindy" to a burgeoning acting career that would lead to his winning an Academy Award. 

Never a fan of the TV show in the 70s, I now have a newfound appreciation after watching these seven episodes (including the two-part pilot) for this basically goodnatured show that allowed Robin free rein to perform stream-of-consciousness comedy in an ideal setting for audiences who can barely contain their enthusiasm.

Co-star Pam Dawber reminisces in a recent interview, as do friends such as Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Elaine Boozler, and Bob Goldthwaite.  The highlights of Robin's movie career are touched upon, as we see how his comedy genius translated into a deeply intuitive and emotionally resonant acting ability.  Several appearances on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" highlight his great talent as a sought-after talk show guest. 

Each volume is also replete with various award show appearances, promo clips and bloopers, behind-the-scenes footage, personal videos, and other featurettes.  But for me, it's the second volume's final disc, with the deeply-moving 2018 documentary "Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind", that really makes this collection worthwhile.

It's an intensely interesting story of a singular individual who grew up a quiet only child, broke out of his shell as an actor and performer while in college, and went on to become one of the most amazingly outgoing and brilliantly creative comic minds of all time--even as his personal life suffered such turbulent ups and downs that he seemed destined for a sad and lonely end.

By the fadeout of this exhaustive journey through his life, I was in tears--and now have a whole new appreciation for Robin Williams, a greater understanding of who he was and why he ultimately took his own life, and a deep sympathy for the man whose beatific, childlike smile hid an unbearable sadness.

As I said, those of you who are already fans will no doubt cherish the staggering wealth of material in this set (an even larger, 22-disc collection is also available). For me, making my way through ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS was an adventure of discovery, and an eventual realization that I was lucky to be there when this incredible person was with us.



Available at RobinWilliams.com

Type: DVD
Rating: N/A
Genre: TV DVD
Aspect Ratios: 1.33:1 (4:3) & 1.77:1 (16:9)
Audio: Stereo

CONTENTS:

Disc 1: Off The Wall
HBO On Location: Robin Williams—Off the Wall
Original Air Date: October 27, 1978
Featurette: Robin Williams—The Early Years
The Second Annual HBO Young Comedians Show
Original Air Date: September 24, 1977
The Great American Laugh-Off
Original Air Date: October 22, 1977
Robin Meets Mr. Sinatra
Original Air Date: November 2, 1977
The Dick Cavett Show
Original Air Dates: May 16 and 17, 1979

Interview with David Steinberg, Robin’s Manager

Disc 2: An Evening with Robin Williams
An Evening with Robin Williams
Original Air Date: March 12, 1983

Featurette: San Francisco—Where It All Began

Director Howard Storm Demo Taping with Robin
Taped 1982

Comedy Celebration Day
San Francisco: 1982, 1984, 1990
I Love Liberty
Original Air Date: March 21, 1982
Catch a Rising Star’s 10th Anniversary
Original Air Date: September 30, 1982
The Comedy Store 10th 11th Anniversary
Original Air Date: July 17, 1983

The Comedy Store 15th Year Class Reunion
Original Air Date: November 23, 1988
Robin Remembers the Comedy Store
Taped 2001

Disc 3: An Evening at the Met
Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met
With Introduction by Lewis Black
Original Air Date: October 11, 1986
HBO Press Interview

Promo Taping

“Beverly Hills Blues” with Bobby McFerrin
Taped March 4, 1986

The Young Comedians All-Star Reunion
Original Air Date: November 15, 1986

Superstars and Their Moms
Original Air Date: May 3, 1987

Interview with David Steinberg, Robin’s Manager

Interview with Lewis Black

Disc 4: Live on Broadway
Robin Williams: Live on Broadway
With Introduction by David Steinberg, Robin’s Manager
Original Air Date: July 14, 2002
Interview with Robin and Director Marty Callner

Noises

Explicit Language

HBO Promos

HBO Promos Rough Cuts

Robin’s Promo Riff

E! Press Room after Robin’s LIVE 2002 Grammy Win
Original Air Date: February 23, 2003

Disc 5: Weapons of Self Destruction
Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction
With Introduction by Lewis Black
Original Air Date: December 6, 2009

A Backstage Pass

A View from the Director’s Chair

Local Highlights

Mrs. Doubtfire Toasts Richard Pryor
Taped 1993

People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a Comedy Motion Picture
Original Air Date: March 8, 1994

People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Motion Picture
Original Air Date: March 8, 1994

E! Press Room after Robin’s People’s Choice Wins
Original Air Date: March 8, 1994

Shakespeare: The Animated Tales—HBO Promos
Taped August 25, 1995

Disc 6: Robin’s USO Christmas
Robin’s USO Christmas
With Introduction by Lewis Black
Taped December 2007

American Forces Network Interview: On Tour with Robin Williams
Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan
Taped October 2002
Bahrain USO Tour
Taped December 2004
Stand-Up in Al Asad, Iraq
Taped December 2004
Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan
Taped December 2007

People’s Choice Award for Favorite Funny Male Star
Original Air Date: January 8, 2008
Interview with Lewis Black


Disc 1: Mork & Mindy
Mork & Mindy
The Best of Season 1
The Mork & Mindy Special (2-Part Pilot)
With Introduction by Pam Dawber
Original Air Date: September 14, 1978

Mork Moves In
Original Air Date: September 21, 1978

Mork Runs Away
Original Air Date: September 28, 1978
Mork in Love
Original Air Date: October 5, 1978

Mork’s Seduction
With Introduction by Pam Dawber
Original Air Date: October 12, 1978

Mork Goes Public
Original Air Date: October 19, 1978

Interview with Pam Dawber

Disc 2: Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
Original Air Date: February 11, 1984
Robin Williams

Original Air Date: November 22, 1986
Robin Williams, Paul Simon

Original Air Date: January 23, 1988
Robin Williams

Disc 3: The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Original Air Date: September 27, 1991
Oprah’s Memories of Robin
Featurette: Robin Williams—Comic Genius

Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor
Original Air Date: January 17, 2003

Disc 4: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Original Air Date: December 23, 1992
Robin Williams
With Introduction by Jay Leno

Original Air Date: November 13, 1995
Robin Williams, David Lee Roth

Original Air Date: May 6, 1997
Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Kevin Nealon, Barry Manilow
Original Air Date: October 14, 2004
Robin Williams

Featurette: Robin Williams—TV’s Best Guest

Interview with Jay Leno

Disc 5: Inside the Actors Studio
Robin Williams: Inside the Actors Studio
Original Air Date: June 10, 2001
Great Moments That Didn’t Make the Cut

Disc 6: Come Inside My Mind
Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
Original Air Date: July 16, 2018

Illustrated booklet "Robin Williams Uncensored"

ROBIN WILLIAMS: COMIC GENIUS -- DVD Review by Porfle