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Drunk History- The Complete Series DVD Review

The complete series set of “Drunk History” hits DVD.

Based on the web series of the same name, Comedy Central’s “Drunk History” was a sketch comedy series that lasted 6 seasons and 70 episodes. Hosted by Derek Waters (who also created the show), the series finds Waters talking to a guest who drunkenly narrates a true story that involves places such as Boston or Philadelphia, subjects (the Old West or WWII), biographies, rivalries, or what not. Each story is then dramatized with mega stars who lip synch the narration. Among the topics covered in the series are the Scopes Trial, Mark Twain, Battle of the Alamo, the making of Citizen Kane, Harriet Tubman, Roswell UFO crash, the invention of the bra, first space walk, Stonewall riots, the birth of Hip Hop, D.B. Cooper, Joan of Arc, Black Sox Scandal, Typhoid Mary and much, much more. Viewers can expect to see stars such as Jack Black, Seth Rogan, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Ryan Gosling, Jim Carrey, Winona Ryder, Kristen Wiig, Jordan Peele, Laura Dern, Steven Yeun, Johnny Knoxville, Octavia Spencer, Kat Dennings, and so on. Each episode usually contains 3 stories per episode.

“Drunk History” certainly developed quite a fanbase over its run, but personally, it never did much for me. While it’s a plus that every story is historically accurate and educational (the dialogue not being so accurate however), it was very much a one joke show. If you are amused by drunken storytelling by all means check this show out. I think part of the issue is that the dramatizations do little for the show. It was more or less a gimmicky visual aid with Hollywood A-listers lip synching the narration. Of course comedy is the most subjective art form so I’m sure there are plenty of people amused by this show. It’s just not my cup of tea.

Despite me not being much of a fan, I will fully admit the series had a few highlights. The very meta Lin-Manuel Miranda episode on Alexander Hamilton was a treat as was the clever episode “Are You Afraid Of The Drunk?” about Mary Shelley creating Frankenstein which spoofed “Are You Afraid Of The Dark?” (I may be biased as an “Are You Afraid Of The Dark?” fan though). The Rich Fulcher narration on ‘Afraid’ is especially noteworthy. On top of that, anytime Matt Gourley showed up it’s a good time. He’s an underrated comedic talent to be sure.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? Expect the picture quality to dramatically improve with each subsequent season.

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The drunken speeches are perfectly audible.

The set includes numerous extras for each season such as deleted scenes, drunk outtakes, sober reveals (commentary on scenes), and extended scenes. 

July 14, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Comedy Series, Drunk History, Drunk History- The Complete Series DVD Review, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Will Ferrell