DVD Corner

Richard Pryor: Live On The Sunset Strip 4K UHD Review

“Richard Pryor: Live On The Sunset Strip“ is a top tier live comedy film. 

It’s no secret that the 1980’s were the heyday of stand-up comedy with comics even getting their own theatrical live special movies. Richard Pryor was, of course, one of those comics. You don’t need me to tell you that he was one of the best to ever step on stage. He changed the game. 

In 1982, director Joe Layton’s “Richard Pryor: Live On The Sunset Strip” (filmed in Los Angeles) hit the screens. Wearing a red suit, Pryor (who wrote the material alongside Paul Mooney) hits the ground running by telling stories about sex, nerves, money, marriage, prisoners, racism, a trip to Africa, and animals in the wild. He even brings back one of his characters Mudbone for a lengthy bit. There’s plenty of laughs to be had here during the first two-thirds. The stories about scoring with a Playboy Bunny, men dealing with heartbreak, and his experiences in mingling with the mafia were particularly noteworthy.

What really sets ‘Sunset Strip’ apart from other specials though is Pryor’s honest and reflective story that closes the special out. The comedian gives an almost cathartic talk about his dope addiction and how he caught on fire. Horrifying and tragic as the story is, Pryor manages to spin the ordeal into a spellbinding comedic bit. He’s not afraid to open up and make light of the situation and acknowledge that he has changed from it. That’s an incredibly difficult task to pull off and it’s a reminder of why Pryor is such a renowned comedian.

Visually, there’s nothing particularly out of the ordinary with this special from a directorial standpoint. Aside from the occasional crowd shots, Joe Layton puts the focus on Pryor which is the way it should be. He’s the storyteller here. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p With HDR. How does it look? ‘Sunset Strip’ seems an unlikely candidate for a 4K release, but here we are. The film maintains its grain but does offer up richer colors. It’s certainly not the type of 4K that will blow anyone away, but it’s an upgrade nonetheless.

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a crisp and clean Mono track.

Extras include a trailer and a Digital Copy.

September 4, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | 80's Movie, Live Comedy, Richard Pryor, Richard Pryor: Live On The Sunset Strip 4K UHD Review, Stand-Up Comedy