Click above to purchase "Sandra Bernhard - I'm Still Here
Damn It" at amazon.com
Sandra Bernhard
I'm Still Here... Damn It
review by Tony Medina
Not Rated (Parental Advisory for Explicit Content)
Studio: Palm Pictures
Running Time: 90 minutes
Starring and Written By Sandra Bernhard
Directed by Marty Callner
Retail Price: $24.95
Features: 30 Minutes Of Unseen Footage, Palm Previews,
Artist Bio, Weblinks
Specs: 1.33:1 Full Screen, English Dolby Digital 2.0,
Chapter Search
The truth according to Sandra can easily explain what you
will see and hear when you view Sandra Bernhard's "I'm Still
Here Damn It!" This filmed record of Sandra Bernhard's One
Woman Show filmed live at San Francisco's Slims Nightclub
captures every bit of wittiness and spunk that has made this
show the talk of the town when it played here.
Originally shown on HBO in a 60 minute format, this DVD
includes as an added feature, 30 minutes of footage that
never made the HBO Broadcast.
Not only does Sandra show us how to take life as it is
but, she makes us laugh, cry, feel good about ourselves and
even sings several numbers that showcase her vocal talents
as well. To top it off, Miss Sandra was pregnant during the
filming which adds an interesting view to the show.
The one regret I have about this recording is that the
opening song "Walk Tall" featured on the CD and in the live
show is missing. As Sandra is introduced, we hear several
bars on the piano and then as she walks onstage throught the
audience, the camera cuts to her back and the song ceases to
exist. Despite that, Sandra makes up for it as she is on
stage for no more than two minutes and she has the San
Francisco Crowd worshipping to hear more.
Sandra's Cynical and humorous commentary shows us that
like all of us, we are trying to figure out why we are the
way we are and she provides a lot of insight on society with
topics ranging from Caller ID, the music industry,
celebrities and life itself. You can tell that Sandra is
loving every minute she is on that stage. At one point in
the evening, she has a short discussion with a "Drag Queen"
in the audience and she makes sure that he gets the
spotlight for a moment of fame. After seeing Sandra perform
live a couple times, I can say that she realizes how
important her audience is and makes time for them.
As with many DVDs that contain additional footage, I wish
that the added scenes that were originally part of the show
would have been re-edited into the film to become one full
length feature.
A couple of highlights of this show are Sandra's
"stories" about Christine McVie and her versions of
"Nightingale" and "Midnight Train To Georgia." When I first
saw the show at Theatre on the Square, I knew she was a
comedian but, I had no idea what a terrific voice she had.
Sandra reminds me of a cross between Bette Midler and
Ellen Degeneres with Miss Sandra at the helm of it all...
The full screen filming of "I'm Still Here Damn It!" is
visually enriching. The colors are natural looking. With the
use of film as opposed to video, we are left with a natural
looking presentation that is sharp, colorful and looks as
though you are looking at the performance the way it was
intended. The definitions are sharp and the lighting on the
stage highlights the audience well as Miss Sandra. All in
all, I would say the video is superb for a live show
captured on film. You will feel like you are sitting in the
club watching her while you are viewing this DVD.
Being a live show, the use of Dolby Digital enhances the
feeling of being there. Sandra's vocals utilize the main
front speakers while the rear channels pick up the audience.
At some points, I found myself looking back when I heard the
audience forgetting that I had the DVD in surround mode. The
surround mode captures the feeling of sitting in an
auditorium. The voice is well distributed in the front
speakers and is sharp.
Thirty minutes of footage not shown on HBO are included
as an added feature and work nicely. Each of the 12 pieces
of excised footage is presented in a chapter stop and are
fun to watch. The one regret I have as I said is that they
were not inserted back in the sections where they were
excised from.
Along with previews of Palm Picture's Releases, we have
an artist bio and a web link to Palm.
What can one say when the truth is spoken? We either
stray away from it as it makes us feel uncomfortable or we
listen and try to judge for ourselves. While viewing this
DVD, you will hear things that you can relate to, you will
hear things that will make you laugh and cry. You will also
hear things that may seem touching but yet, disturbing. In
short, you will hear the world according to Sandra. You may
laugh at some of her commentary but, if you truly think
about it, you will see there is a lot of validity to what
she says. This filmed record of her successful Broadway and
Touring Show is a must for anyone wanting a laugh, something
to think about and anyone wanting to see life as it is... In
all honesty, I was not well familiarized with Sandra
Bernhard before seeing this show live. After the show was
finished, I went directly to the store to purchase the CD
and I was hooked. On one note, Sandra has a book titled "May
I Kiss You On The Lips Miss Sandra?" and all I can say is,
if you are a fan or want to feel like Sandra is talking to
you as if she were live on stage, pick this book up. I feel
the book is a wonderful accompaniment to this show.
 (4/5 - NOT included in
final score)
(4/5)
(4/5)
 (2/5)
(4/5,
NOT an average)
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