I don’t think I’m in strange company when I say that I had no idea that David Cross was a stand-up comedian. I’m very familiar with him from films and TV, and those of you who don’t know the name will certainly know the face. Heck, the guy’s been around since the early 90’s and if you pop in a copy of “Waiting for Guffman”, either of the two Alvin and the Chipmunk movies, or “check out episodes of “Arrested Development”, you’re certain to go, ‘Oh THAT guy!!” I had some passing knowledge that he was a part of the famed “Mr. Show”, but honestly I had never seen an episode. So I was extremely surprised when a recent concert DVD found its way onto my desk, enticingly titles, “David Cross: Bigger and Blackerer.” The cover caught my eye as well, depicting the incredibly white and nerdy Cross as if he were a soul singing, black superstar. It’s a great artist’s rendering and I could see someone not paying attention and picking it up expecting to watch the next Otis Redding.

Well, Otis Redding he’s not. What David Cross does offer is an hour of stand-up sure to offend most non-intellectuals who can’t take joke. Though he rather mellow in his delivery, he surprises by touching on some very… well… touchy subjects. He’s not afraid to make jokes about Anne Frank, nor does he shy away from anything that might be considered politically incorrect, ie; racist. And while his brand of humor might not appeal to everyone, rest assured if you have a sense of humor… you’ll laugh… a lot. In a way he reminds me a little of a non-musical Stephen Lynch, always ready to shock to get the laugh.

The DVD offers up the hour long concert, which appears to be culled from two separate performances. And here lies the only issue I have with the concert as a whole. Occasionally it feels a bit pieced together, as if the editing just wasn’t as tight as it could have been. This may be difficult to do anyway, as only a handful of professional comics deliver the exact show night after night. Still, despite these cuts, Cross comes across as damn funny and I’d definitely take the time to see him live if he ever came to our neck of the woods.

There are only a handful of extras, most of which are made up of pieces cut from show. Only one part is from an older 2004 concert. I do like the packaging on this set as well, as the DVD comes housed in a sturdy trifold cover. Bottom line, Cross is one funny dude.

Starring: David Cross
Studio: Sub Pop
Release Date: 5/25/2010
MPAA Rating: Not Rated

We'll give David Cross: Bigger and Blackerer a B.