THE CHAPPELLE SHOW

Dave Chappelle is coming to DVD. That's right. Comedy Central has just released a two-disc DVD set of the first season of "Chappelle's Show."

Chappelle's show is a highly-rated hit for Comedy Central. Chappelle adds his comedic genius in skits dealing with racism, politics, musicians and society in general.

His style may be seen as edgy or offensive, but what's not funny about a crackhead giving an anti-drug lecture to an elementary class, a giant Dave Chappelle rampaging Japan in a short skit titled "Blackzilla" and a blind African-American man who happens to be the biggest white supremacist speaker in history?

The DVD set is excellent and offers the complete first season of 12 uncensored and unblurred episodes. It's six hours of hard-hitting, in your face comedy that, as Chappelle puts it, "Is guaranteed to offend."

Special features included on the second disc are 29 minutes of deleted skits and bloopers that are just as funny as the finalized shows and commentary by Chappelle and series co-creator Neal Brennan. This DVD also includes scenes from skits they felt were too risky to air and a look at the show's production.

You'll be able to pick this set up for $25, but trust me it's definitely worth the money. Other shows lag over time and run out of ideas quickly, but this show stays fresh.

Warning, this show isn't meant for children so don't plan a family night with this DVD. It features adult language and adult situations.

Ron Cole is a local movie buff and Olivet College student majoring in journalism.

Originally published Thursday, February 26, 2004