THE ERNIE KOVACS COLLECTION (Shout Factory, 1951-61) Creator: Ernie Kovacs, w/ Kovacs, Edie Adams . Rating: NNNNN DVD package: NNNNN Rating: NNNNN
The Nairobi Trio is one of the great comic sketches, up there with Monty Python’s Dead Parrot. It involves gorilla masks and a lovely tune called Solfeggio.
In a string of shows through the days when television was radio with pictures, Ernie Kovacs worked with effects, odd camera angles and throwaway surrealism. He satirized television and exposed its workings to the viewer. One half-hour is dialogue-free and features recurring character Eugene, who draws his world into existence and encounters water that flows sideways. Another turns a Bartók piece into film noir via lighting, camera, a street set and a few characters who barely move and don’t speak.
The extras offer bonus sketches, commercials (also funny), a couple of interviews and other bits and pieces adding up to a portrait of a great comedian.
The shows have been transferred from kinescopes, so picture and sound, while acceptable, aren’t pristine.
EXTRAS Bonus sketches, commercials, promo films, interviews, essay booklet, more. Full-frame, b&w. English audio. No subtitles.
