The Best of Eddie Murphy DVD Review

Before he was an international movie star, Eddie Murphy was a star of late night television. In 1980, at the young age of nineteen, Murphy made his first appearance on Saturday Night Live. Said to have single-handedly revived the skit show, which had sunk into a ratings slump, Eddie Murphy worked on the show until 1984 and later became one of the many breakthrough talents that went on to achieve super-stardom after leaving SNL.

During his tenure on the show, Murphy played many different characters, but he is best known for his portrayals of Buckwheat, Gumby, Mr. Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Jesse Jackson, and James Brown. Time Life has recognized Eddie Murphy’s overwhelming success and appeal by releasing a collection of sketches on a DVD entitled Saturday Night Live: The Best of Eddie Murphy.

The DVD features some of Murphy’s earliest television work and a collection of his greatest characters and impersonations, from the bendable Gumby to Stevie Wonder to everyone’s favorite rascal, Buckwheat. Also included on the DVD are a selection of skits and opening monologues that feature Eddie Murphy as himself.

Other sketches include the famous James Brown’s Celebrity Hot Tub, Black History Minute, Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, Buckwheat News, Little Richard Simmons, and much more. There are nearly 30 scenes in all. Fans of the series will also get an opportunity to enjoy appearances by Joe Piscopo, Robin Duke, Mary Gross, Tim Kazurinsky, and other classic SNL stars.

With the release of the Saturday Night Live: The Best of Eddie Murphy DVD, Time Life has created an excellent collection of Murphy’s work for his fans. The only disappointing aspect of the DVD is the long-lost sketches that were once included on the Saturday Night Live: Best of Eddie Murphy VHS. Famous skits, such as James Brown is Annie and Kill All the White People, were included on the original VHS release, however, they have been left out of the DVD edition. Those sketches could be considered politically incorrect and perhaps that is why they have been left out of the DVD. Of course, it could be for another reason, as the entire concept of Saturday Night Live is not exactly politically correct. On the other hand, most fans will not miss these particular bits given all of the other excellent selections that have been placed on the DVD.

Overall, whether you are a Murphy fan or not, you will enjoy this collection, which is lively and hilarious, featuring some of the best moments of the classic Saturday Night Live television show and the most memorable moments of Murphy’s SNL career.

Special Note: Saturday Night Live: The Best of Eddie Murphy probably shouldn’t be view by small children. (there are a few swear words), but the scenes on this DVD could probably be considered some of Eddie Murphy’s cleanest material when compared to his famous stand-up act and even some of his movies (Shrek and Doctor Dolittle aside).