Jeff Dunham: Unhinged in Hollywood

Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham occupies Hollywood's Dolby Theatre in this 2015 comedy special that originally aired on NBC in a shorter version (the disc includes both uncensored and family-friendly editions). Dunham brings out a lineup of his most popular wooden partners: the dyspeptic senior Walter, the good-natured Dixie dimwit Bubba J, the wise-cracking clone Little Jeff, the ebullient purple-skinned creature Peanut, and the turban-wearing skeleton Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Much of the comedy heavily plumbs contemporary newsmakers for obvious laughs, with pointed references to Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Donald Trump. Snarky riffs are also aimed at pop culture institutions such as Starbucks and NASCAR. Dunham's buoyant enthusiasm is shared by the approving audience, although he is often funnier without his dummies, especially when he receives a wonderfully tacky Hello Kitty humidifier. Some of the show suffers from a been-there/done-that vibe: Walter's grouchy comments about his allegedly overbearing wife feel like warmed over Henny Youngman quips, while the B.J. jokes sound too close to Larry the Cable Guy's act. The most original material is delivered through Achmed, although the politically incorrect humor may strike many as tasteless. Extras include a “Greetings, Hollywood!” mashup by DJ Steve Porter. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (P. Hall)