The Aristocrats (DVD, 2006)

I had heard about this documentary for a while before seeing it...such was the cult status this has established!! When I finally saw it, it is 'interesting' to say the least...funny yes, twisted, most definately....and an unusual combination of a documentary and comedy at the same time...but it works!!
The documentary is based on an old joke, one that has been around for years in the comedy circuit and used by most comics at one point or another! However, what sets this joke apart, is the fact that each comic adds their own twist to the tale.
It typically begins with an audition, a family of four - mom, dad, brother and sister; the pet dog usually puts in an appearance too....then it rapidly degenerates into a bad, bad, joke...sometimes too hard to stomach, other times hilarious!!! And this is what the documentary sets out to explore...as the producers invite over 100 celebrities...most of whom are comics to talk about or present their take on the joke!!
There are too many names to mention but look out for comics as diverse as George Carlin, Drew Carey, Eddie Izzard, Billy Connolly, Jason Alexander, Lisa Lampanelli, Howie Mandel, Jon Stewart and Sarah Silverman to name but a few!! We also cannot forget Gilbert Gottfried who is shown with what is perhaps the funniest rendition of this joke at the Roast of Hugh Hefner!! He takes it to a whole new extreme and you cannot miss Rob Schidner's reaction which is simply hysterical!!
This DVD is NOT for anyone who is easily offended...this takes offensive comedy to the next level and then some, and for me, some renditions were hard to hear, but for the most part this is a funny and entertaining look at how the joke evolves and comedy in general!!