DVD Review: Capture Comedy Genius with ‘No Pryor Restraint: Life in Concert’

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

CHICAGO – One of the most remarkable and influential elements of Richard Pryor’s groundbreaking stand-up comedy was how completely bare he laid himself on stage through his art. He held nothing back. He shared not only jokes but personal stories, including the dark stuff. And so when Shout Factory named their massive tribute to the comedian “Life in Concert,” they got something absolutely right. You do get a glimpse into Pryor’s life through these seven CDs and two DVDs, capturing eight of his hit albums, three concert specials, and compilation appearances. “No Pryor Restraint” also includes two hours of previously unreleased stand-up performances and rare recordings. It’s a gift to comedy fans.

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Shout Factory really knows how to do these CD/DVD tributes right. They produced an amazing one in “The Incredible Mel Brooks” and this gorgeously packaged (it’s like a hardcover book) set is nearly its match. There are pages and pages about Pryor as well, including an exhaustive list of all of his appearances over the years. Fans of Richard Pryor, which is a group that may have expanded since Showtime’s “Omit the Logic,” about the legendary comedian, premiered last month, will have little to complain about. It might have been nice to include a hit film or two but this set focuses not on his screen work but his stage presence, one that has never been matched since he was taken far too soon.

No Pryor Restraint: Life in Concert was released on CD/DVD on June 11, 2013
Photo credit: Shout Factory

Synopsis:
With seven CDs and two DVDs that deliver over 12 hours of prime Pryor hilarity both familiar and rare spanning from 1966 to 1992, this essential collection features the best recordings from his early years as a still-developing stand-up, his ’70s-early ’80s glory years as a profane-but-profound comic icon, and one of his final onstage performances in 1992. The deluxe book contains rare photos, multiple essays, exclusive celebrity tributes, a discography, a filmography, and a personal note penned by Richard’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor. This is the most comprehensive collection ever devoted to the greatest comedian who ever lived.

DVDs include three complete concert films:
Richard Pryor Live In Concert (1979)
Richard Pryor Live On The Sunset Strip (1982)
Richard Pryor… Here And Now (1983)

CDs collect the best material from Pryor’s classic albums for the Laff, Stax and Warner Bros. labels, including:
Richard Pryor (1968)
‘Craps’ (After Hours) (1971)
That Nigger’s Crazy (1974)
…Is It Something I Said? (1975)
Bicentennial Nigger (1976)
Wanted/Richard Pryor - Live In Concert (1978)
Live On The Sunset Strip (1982)
Here And Now (1983)

As well as tracks released only on the following compilations
…And It’s Deep Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968-1992) (2000)
Evolution/Revolution: The Early Years (1966-1974) (2005)

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com