(Credit: Amazon.com)
Created by
Vernon Chatman
John Lee
Cast:
Vernon Chatman …. Chauncey
John Lee …. Him
Alyson Levy …. Sthugar
Evan Seligman …. Wonder Showzen Kid
Ryan Simpkins …. Wonder Showzin Kid
Trevor Heins …. Wonder Showzen Kid
Scarlett Sperduto …. Wonder Showzen Kid
David Cross …. Junkyard Jessip
Not sure where it started, but it seems as though pushing the envelope as to what is acceptable or even funny on TV has really intensified in the last decade and a half. From Mr. Show to South Park, the bar has certainly gotten further and further out there, probably causing more and more censors to pull their hair out. To the extreme there is Wonder Showzen, which will hopefully be the pinnacle of this type of show.
The premise for Wonder Showzen is like if the writers and directors of Sesame Street were all on crack. Not that the show isn’t funny, but there seems to come a point where a show can simply go too far. How far is that you say? How about having a child go to ground zero in New York City and asking the citizens when they’ll be able to laugh again. There’s also a segment where a puppet that is supposed to be the body fat left after liposuction surgery makes loves to another puppet that is supposed to be a discarded pile of feces. Sound funny to you? Then Wonder Showzen – Season 2 is for you. Otherwise, run, don’t walk away from this.
That’s not to say that the show doesn’t have its moments. In the second episode, a cartoon depicting a Robocop spoof entitled Winobot is pretty hilarious. The cartoon is done in this 60′ or 70’s style animation that reminded me of the old Spider-man cartoons. A lot of the “Beat Kids” segments, which feature pint-sized reporters asking tough questions, can also be really funny. One such segment has the kids at a beauty pageant where the ladies are asked about bulimia and other goofy subjects, which is pretty funny.
My favorite episode of the bunch is “Time” which features Chauncey (puppeteer Vernon Chatman) building a time machine, but being undermined by Future Chauncey from two minutes in the future. Abandoned by his friends, Chauncey decides to build a new time machine, but then decides instead to go to China, because on the Chinese calendar it’s already 4046. A detour into Hell provides some other laughs as well.
Other funny installments include the episodes “Knowledge”, which features a Hee-Haw spoof called Horse Apples, with David Cross showing up for the fun, and the episode “Cooperation” which features knock off Wonder Showzen declaring war on Chauncey and the gang. Each has its share of laughs, but be ready for the crudeness. Then again, if you’re looking for light comedy from Wonder Showzen then you’re in the wrong place to begin with.
Wonder Showzen – Season 2 features a lot of laughs, but a lot of groans too. There are just too many jokes that fall flat in the name of being shocking instead of being clever. Wonder Showzen may appeal to those with a higher tolerance for this type of humor, but others will want to really stay away.
Score: 5.5
The Video:
Well, if nothing else the show looks terrific. The image is clear other than “vintage” or “bootleg” materials used on in the series. The show is presented in Fullscreen with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1
The Audio:
Wonder Showzen – Season 2 is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 and sounds pretty nice. I didn’t notice any degradation at any point, and every sounded pretty good.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Outtakes, Featurette, Audio Commentaries, Promos, Storybook.
1st Ever Wonder Showzen Story Book – This “Story Book” is built right into the DVD case, which is actually pretty cool. Plus there’s some pretty funny content.
Audio Commentaries of Episodes “Time” and “Justice” – Michio Kaku, a professor of theoretical physics discusses Time travel in this episode, which is actually pretty interesting. Less so is the commentary on “Justice” which features Screamin’ Steve Hawkins and Pulitzer-prize winner Samantha Power which is really just a bizarre discussion on genocide.
PSA and Daymares – These are a bunch of fake promos and PSA that are also kind of funny.
“Clarence” and “Beat Kids” outtakes – These are also really funny, as we get more ridiculous questions from super annoying puppet Clarence and the “Beat Kids” reporters.
Horse Apples outtakes – Five more minutes of Horse Apples tomfoolery that may be funnier than any other extra on this set. This almost makes you want to see an entire season of this instead of Wonder Showzen.
“Knowledge” Featurette – A focus group used in the episode “Knowledge” is actually shown the episode and sits in stunned silence.
Trailers – You also get trailers for Wonder Showzen: Season One, Wildboyz — Complete Seasons Three And Four. The Andy Milonakakakauis Show — The Complete Second Season, South Park: The Complete Eighth Season, and Beavis and Butt-Head: The Mike Judge Collection
Score: 8
The Inside Pulse
Wonder Showzen – Season 2 is tough pill to swallow if your pallet is not ready for it. The show is about as crass as they come, but isn’t quite as clever as it wants to be. On the other hand, this set loaded with Extras and will keep you busy for a while if you’re a fan.
