Directors:
Joe Gantz
Harry Gantz
Cast:
Brenda ROman ………. Herself (Taxi Driver)
Chris Moriarty ………. Himself (Taxi Driver)
Michael Gerstein ………. Himself (Taxi Driver)
The Show
Back in 1995, HBO released a show that was far ahead of its time. It allowed viewers to watch as unsuspecting cab riders in New York City revealed their most vulnerable sides. This show went on to win an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Informational Special”. Ten years later, HBO created the 11th edition of Taxicab Confessions and set it back in New York City after an eight-year hiatus.
Taxicab Confessions: New York, New York follows the same format as previous editions of this show. A few of the producers of the show pretend to be cab drivers in New York City. The cab is filled with hidden cameras. The drivers pick up random passengers, who happen to reveal the most intimate stuff to the drivers. At the end of the taxi ride, passengers are asked to sign waivers allowing the hidden camera footage to be used on the program.
Much of what goes on in the taxi is verbally or visually graphic, including very explicit sexual discussions and even live sex acts performed in the back seat of the taxi. This edition of the show is no exception. Some of the wild rides featured here include a skinny guy who has a fetish with big women; two girls and a guy who leave a karoke bar decide to sing topless; a guy who once had a girlfriend who would answer her mother’s phone calls during sex; a man and his transsexual girlfriend; and other stories of sex, heartache, love, and life in New York City.
HBO is known for some outstanding documentaries and this is one of the originals. The newest edition, which is not that new, is no exception here. It’s amazing to hear the words coming out of these people’s mouths. Even more amazing how they would say all of this to strangers in a cab without much coaxing. After watching this documentary, you almost want to become a cab driver yourself just to hear and meet the wacky characters that get into your cab each night.
This is a short documentary, but there is more than enough action to go around. Most of the conversations are funny, some are even sad, but all are very interesting. It’s a big world out there with some interesting people with crazy stories to tell. Only HBO could bring you into this world and pull off a show this entertaining.
The Video:
The video is given in fullscreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Transfer is good with minimal distortion. The quality is decent, but nothing special. Good enough for this show, though.
The Audio:
The audio included is available in English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound. There are subtitles available in English, Spanish, and French. It’s pretty standard quality for a TV show. The dialogue comes out crisp and clear.
The Extras:
Two Bonus Rides –
These are two extra rides that weren’t in the original feature. One features a painter who likes to paint intimate female body parts. He was also abandoned as a child. Another guy makes DVDs. He talks about his crazy sex life with one certain girl.
I don’t think I can recommend buying this as it’s only one hour long, but if you find it cheap enough it’s worth it. It’s good way to laugh for an hour. Very interesting personalities and some crazy stories. What else do you need? Oh, it’s HBO too. Rent this for sure.
