DVDs in Review

Bill Maher Live!

Title: Bill Maher Live!

Release date: July 20 2009

Certificate: 15

Format: DVD

DVD RRP: £12.99

Rating: 3.5/5

Bill Maher is a funny guy. He's also politically astute in a direct sort of way. First and foremost, the trouble is that he's very American, very immediate and very focused (usually on the state of American politics, specifically the Bush administration).

All this is very well and good, but when you're a comedian it limits your audience somewhat. Maher goes as far as joking he was the only threat to American security who got fired after 9/11. His show 'Politically Incorrect' was pulled after he called the government "cowardly" after the World Trade Centre attacks, and Maher has remained deliriously unapologetic throughout.

This show, better known as 'I'm Swiss', comes from 2005 and to a British audience in 2009, it feels very much out of date. His rants at Republicans and god-fearing Americans seem to be limited to the year or so surrounding 2005, as he frequently name-checks politicians and government policies that may fly over the head of a passive European viewer today.

Maher's comedy never really opts for that timeless observational approach highlighting what's wrong with everyday life over the ages like, say, Steve Martin or Robin Williams might have done. Even Maher's own highly celebrated film 'Religulous' was more expansive in its condemnation of religion.

This particular show doesn't feel as accessible, which is shame because Maher is obviously very talented and the few jokes that aren't non-political attacks (such as his translation of rap lyrics for a middle-aged, white audience) are excellently judged, timed and delivered.

Maybe it's just because this DVD is nearly half a decade old before it hit the shelves that doesn't work as well as it should. Then again, anyone who has held a passing interest in American politics over the last decade or so will definitely appreciate this. And the pre-show introduction with a man protesting against Maher's show outside the theatre is sublime. Test the water online and then pick up the DVD available via Revolver Entertainment.