Traditionally, TV networks scouted comedy clubs and improv troupes to find new talent. Today, they are probably more likely to log on to YouTube. That's where MTV executives found Human Giant—Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, and Paul Scheer—whose videos were everything MTV is not: sharp, edgy, authentically hip, and often very funny. Envelopes are not so much pushed as they are shredded with such bits as "Shutterbugs," about two ruthless talent agents who send up children for adult roles (their production of "Lil' 9/11" surely violates the tragedy + time comic equation), or the David Blaine/Criss Angel take-off "The Illusionators," which was a viral video sensation. The Human Giant troupe are even able to find a fresh take on the endlessly parodied To Catch a Predator series, while "Space Lords"—featuring three earth-conquering aliens who take over a Wienie King hot dog stand—is inspired silliness. All of the jokes can't be good, as Groucho Marx once said, but Human Giant is more hit than miss. Compiling all eight episodes from the 2007 first season, the series features appearances by Patton Oswalt, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Jonah Hill, and cult favorite Mr. Show's Bob Odenkirk, all of whom add to the show's way-cool cachet. A generous second disc contains a wealth of bonus features, including more than an hour of highlights from MTV's Human Giant 24-hour marathon (with appearances by the likes of Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Fred Armisen, and John Krasinski), over 90 minutes of deleted scenes and improv, and a cast and crew audio commentary. Unbleeped for DVD, the cover carries an “explicit content” parental advisory. Human Giant may only have a cult following now, but before long they might be giants. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)
Human Giant: Season One
Paramount, 2 discs, 160 min., not rated, DVD: $26.98 Volume 23, Issue 3
Human Giant: Season One
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