Nick Swardson: Seriously, Who Farted? DVD: Review By B. Alan Orange

Nicholas Swardson is best known for playing the roller-skating prostitute on Reno: 9/11, as well as Jeff in Grandma's Boy (both of which he discusses here at length). He's been on the comedy circuit for a while, and this is his first Comedy Central special, released as part of their long-running Spotlight series. If you are familiar with Nick's work, you may recognize some of these bits, but there is plenty of new material here as well. Jumping in and out of quirky voices, such as "Gay Robot" and "Nick's Grandma", Swardson's stage show flows in a freeform diatribe of stories and antidotes that are sure to make even the most stone-faced curmudgeon laugh. He's best when telling one of his long form tales, and there are a few doozies here that make this disc a must-have for stand-up enthusiasts. His tale "Old Lady Hand Job" is equal parts captivating and horrifying, and his musings on booze will have you cheering along with the crowd. The pace moves so fast, you might be a little bummed when Nick's show comes to its inevitable conclusion. As they say: It's always better to leave them wanting more.

Nick has gone out of his way to stack this with worthwhile special features. Extras are usually missing from Comedy Central's DVD Spotlight Series. Not here. We get the full two-song opening live act from rappers Beardo and Dirt Nasty. Both songs are classics in the neo-parody musical genre, and will get you quite pumped for the show (its best to watch this first). Nick's short film "28 Drinks Later" is also present. This spoof of 28 Days Later finds the American populace under the influence of alcohol. "Nick Swardson: Timeless Comedian" is a mockumentary that follows Nick's stand-up career throughout the ages. And there is a holiday short entitled "A Very Terry Christmas", featuring Swardson's character from Reno: 9/11.

The special is presented in its original Full Screen TV aspect ratio of 1.33:1. In color. The runtime is 59 minutes.

The special is presented in English Dolby Digital. No subtitles.

Nick, in his velvet smoking jacket, looks about twenty-years older on the front of this DVD box than he actually is. Which might turn off some of his younger audience. The black and white image doesn't necessarily compel me to pick this out of a comedy line-up. And I have no starting reference point for the "Seriously, Who Farted?" tagline. The back of the box is a little more festive. Swardson is seen guzzling booze, while some retro-fifties sluts snort coke off a table and drink copious amounts of whiskey. The color scheme is attractive, but still. Who is this old man? And who farted? I'm not sure I want to find out.

Nicholas Swardson is one funny fellow, and this is the type of stand-up special you'll want to share with friends. Its one of the best Comedy Central Stand-Up Spotlights released in recent months. Buy it, sucker!