What Ventriloquists do you have performance DVD's (or videos) of? Which ones do you like, or dislike and why? I've been collecting performance videos since I started and am always looking for something I don't have.

Again, this is directed at performance video - but if you'd like to recommend instructional I'm sure the information will help someone.

Tom
http://www.ComedyVentriloquist.com

I have David Pendleton, David Strassman and Bill Demar

Im planning to get John Pizzi and Jeff Dunham DVD's

Very entertaining DVD's

as for intructional...I have

Bob Rumba, Bill DeMar's 2007 Convention Manipulation Lecture, Mark Wade, Bill Boley, Paul Winchell and Liz VonSeggen

Hi Tom,

OFF TOPIC:

I was just wondering and maybe you would know...is Tillie the Troll used by Ronn Lucas the same as Bill DeMar's?

Wanlu

No clue on that one Wanlu. Maybe you should e-mail Bill over at World Vents and get the info from him.

Back on topic (Wanlu) lol....

To quote Tom...

"What Ventriloquists do you have performance DVD's (or videos) of? Which ones do "you like, or dislike and why?"

Instructional DVDs can also me commented on and listed.

As I said, I collect them - so I'll share one to start:

I found David Morgan & Chucky earlier last month. David is not a ventriloquist and claims that - but his comedy and interaction with Chucky is priceless. The puppet's feet in his pants was worth the price of the DVD.

Again, not a ventriloquist - but his interaction and comedic timing is worth studying. You can find his DVD at: http://chuckytheduck.com/
(he's got video there too if you aren't interested in purchasing.)

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for the heads up on Chucky the Duck. Very funny! My vote goes for Spark of Insanity & Arguing with Myself by Jeff Dunham. Both very cheap on amazon....

Ken

Ken,
I agree that Jeff's DVDs are excellent. He is currently the most popular vent out there today and watching him work an audience is a real lesson.

Another DVD I recently purchased was Ian Varella's. I saw one offered on eBay and bid, but ended up going directly to Ian's site and getting it from him. He was extremely nice and shipped the DVD quickly. He is a pro who is worth watching.
Tom
http://www.ComedyVentriloquist.com

Hey Tom

Will you buy my DVD in the future?

I doubt if you will pick up anything from me but I'll guarantee a laugh or two

You will also learn two things...compassion and gratitude.

You'll feel sorry for me and you'll be grateful you're not me Strassman

Wanlu -
When you offer a DVD let me know! I've found I learn something from all of them.

Strassman has two DVD's - do you have both? I found Strassman Live to be excellent. The Chuck You tour was good, but repeated bits of material from the first. The thing I like about Strassman is his interaction with the characters. They are extremely well defined, their voices are distinct and each becomes a believable entity. Plus he's very funny! I'd love to catch his live show.

Dan Horn also has an excellent DVD called "Stand-Up Ventriloquist." I got mine on his web site, danhorn.com. He is one of the best manipulators out there.

I also highly recommend "Paul Zerdin Live" from England. Great technique and very funny characters.

Bill Boley DVD's (available from Tom Ladshaw--contact him at gottleogeer@aol.com) are classic.

Jim Barber has some DVD's available which include interesting clips from his early career.

Marc Rubben has 3 DVD's available ranging from squeaky clean to his midnight show.

You can find most of these by going to their websites or googling their names.

And don't forget there are lots of vent clips on YouTube.

Happy hunting!

Bob

Bob- I just went and looked at Dan HOrns web site and do not see videos for sale. What was the title and perhaps I can e-mail for information.

Thanks =)

Ken Groves has a DVD of several of his performances.
http://www.kengroves.com

Here's my partial collection

Marc Rubben – Live on the Las Vegas Strip
David Pendelton
Mark Merchant – Naked Full Length Mirror
Ken Groves
Al Stevens – Comedy Ventriloquist
Don Bryan – Life’s A Cruise
Michele La Fong – Live at the Flamingo
Russo Lewis – Wall to Wall Laughs
Dale Brown- Close To a Thrill
Paul Zerdin – Live
Jeff Dunham- Arguing With Myself
Jeff Dunham- Spark of Insanity
Darren Carr
Dan Horn – Stand Up Ventriloquism
Bob & Marty Hamill – Live on MS Maasdam
Taylor Mason – Here We Go
Ronn Lucas – Who’s In Charge

My favorite - Russo Lewis. I've watched that at least five (5) times and have laughed every time. The man is simply a MASTER ventriloquist.

Coming in second place is Darren Carr.

My .02¢

...and Russo Louis, if I'm not mistaken, is using just ONE figure--Brooklyn Birch-- in his whole, full-night shows!

What a great talent!

Neat collection Donald...

where can I buy a Russo Lewis DVD?

I might also get one from Darren Carr, he bought a couple of my vent masks, I hope he has those in his DVD

You can order Russo Louis' DVD here:

http://www.russocomedy.com/

What a great information packed thread.

Many thanks Guys!

Jonathan

Wanlu,
Darren performance DVD does include a routine with a mask and it does appear to be yours.

I'll second creativemac. My favorite two performance videos are both 'Russ Lewis'. One is his act on the Ed Sullivan show when he was around 20. It's great. His speed and timing were very impressive. The other is 'Wall to wall laughs'

Others I have are Dave Pendelton, Mark Thompson, Bill Boley, Bill DeMar, and Ronn Lucas - 'Who's in Charge'. That's my next favorite.