Release Date: 10/9/07

The Show

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of sitting on an improvisational session, then you pretty much know the routine for Whose Line Is It Anyway? (Uncensored) – Season One Volume Two. In the late 1990’s, Drew Carey was riding the wave of success of his television sitcom, The Drew Carey Show. Well, at that point, ABC saw it fit to give Carey another show based on a UK series. And thus, the American version of Whose Line Is it Anyway? was born.

Carey acts as the improv master, handing out topics and scenes while the live audience pitches in here and there. There are 4 comics, ready to improvise sketches, impersonations, and songs based on the suggestions and whatever props are on hand. The show has its moments of organic humor, but for the most part, watching grown men, which includes the likes of Wayne Brady belting out a standard whenever he gets the chance, coming up with bits on the fly does little to entertain this reviewer, live or in broadcast television. I love Drew Carey’s work, but come on, you gotta give me a little more than this!

The 2-disc set comes with the first ten episodes from the first season with a Play All option found on each disc. It’s all fine and dandy, but what’s a little confusing is the decision to place the episodes out of chronological order across the discs.

The DVD

The main menu comes with static stills and music. Submenus include silent stills.

The video transfer is offered in 1.33:1 Full Frame. The picture does the job just fine with little to no grain and an average color palette. I’m sure it looks better than when it originally aired on broadcast television, but with material like this, does it really matter?

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 2.0. The sound is serviceable and given the content, you don’t need very much more than a clear dialogue track. Subtitles are offered in English.

The Extras

The 2-disc set comes in a single standard Amaray case with an extra flap housing the extra disc.

The bonus options offer 9 Unaired Games with a Play All option spread across both discs. Also included are 2 Gag Reels.

Final Thoughts

Whose Line Is It Anyway? (Uncensored) – Season One Volume Two is just a rental to me as the show’s concept was obviously way over my head on DVD.

- Morris Tang