Directed by: Rodman Flender
Starring: Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter, Jimmy Vivino, Scott Healy, Mike Merritt, James Wormworth, Jerry Vivino, Mark Pender, Richie Rosenberg, Rachael L. Hollingsworth, Fredericka Meek
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 89 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars
So before I get into the review, I should note that I am not really a major Conan O’Brien fan. Don’t hate him…just don’t follow him. Growing up in New York, I have though attended numerous tapings of the Late Night show and have even met Conan personally. I thought this would be a chance to catch up and see what he has been up to. I really enjoyed the ride and his journey through his post-Late Night concert tour. Conan really knows how to entertain but this documentary is not just jokes. It really shows his struggles and hardships about being on tour and constantly being “on”. This is definitely worth a purchase for fans of Team Coco and also non-fans to get a look at the “real” Conan.
Obviously everyone knows about the battle of the Late Night TV hosts Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno…blah blah Jay Leno (aka asshole) bullied Conan off TV…in so many words. When Conan was paid off, he was told he couldn’t appear on TV for six months. He then came up with this idea to go on tour with a band and spread the word to his fans. This film documents that trip and covers a lot of the stops on his tour from Radio City in New York to his hometown of Boston. You really get to see a different side of Conan in this film. You always see him “on” like I said earlier and always funny. He is funny in this for sure but you see a more human side to him and get a glimpse of what really goes on behind the scenes.
Can’t really say much about the video since it is documentary but it was quite clear and crisp on Blu-ray. The sound is notable since most of the film is songs and music. The special features on the disc are great and definitely worth checking out. If you are fan of commentary, then this disc delivers with director Rodman Flender, Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter, Mike Sweeney, and Sona Movsesian. It is very funny and entertaining. There are also over 40 minutes of additional footage and the bulk of the footage is focused on the comedy between O’Brien and his assistant and writing staff. It is rare that this happens but some of it is better than what is in the film and not sure why it was not included. There is an interview with Conan O’Brien for AT&T U-Verse, which runs about 14 minutes and really digs deep into his life. Lastly there is interview outtakes which is always fun with Conan’s adlibbing.