I don’t usually get into the habit of using ‘catchphrases’ that gain popularity because of the entertainment arena. I’ve rarely used the term, “Nanoo Nanoo” in my daily conversations. I doubt that I have ever tauntingly thrown out “Hasta La Vista, Baby” to anyone looking for a fight, and though I’ve said, “I’ll be back” numerous times, it’s never been with a menacing glare. When driving through my favorite fast food establishment, I have only once been tempted to spout, “Where’s the Beef?” Even when I’m perplexed by something being told to me, I have never queried “What you talkin’ about, Willis?” As a matter of fact I can only think of two famous phrases that I’ve been known to use with any kind of frequency. When the realization comes over me that I have done something stupid, I slap my forehead and say, “Doh!”, and when I feel the fingers of impending doom reaching out for me, my voice raises about 4 octaves and I cry, “Ohh Noooooooooooo!”

If anything this probably shows what an incredible influence the life and work of Mr. Bill has had on me over the years. I still can’t believe he is celebrating 30 years in show business. Could it really have been that long since I first saw Mr. Bill on “Saturday Night Live?” Was I ever really that young? Mr. Bill was more than a hero just to me; he has always been a hero to everyone who faces adversity on a daily basis. Seeing him beaten, smashed, stretched, smooshed, crushed, melted, electrified, flattened, run over, trampled, and shredded, gave those of us facing our own Sluggos to stand up and rebuild ourselves to face the next day. We had the understanding that we could bounce back from any adversity, just like Mr. Bill, and be ready for that next day. Or, if nothing else, we were secure in the knowledge that we weren’t the only ones getting the snot beaten out of us day after day.

In celebration of these 30 years of entertaining us, Lions Gate Home Entertainment is releasing a 3-disc anthology of his work. It’s called “Mr. Bill’s Disasterpiece Theatre.” The three discs have been previously available separately, but now you can own them at a fraction of the cost in this highly collectible box set. I can’t tell you what a joy it was re-visiting by childhood and remembering all the times I got pummeled by bullies, just like my hero, Mr. Bill.

I was so surprise to see that Mr. Bill’s good friend, Walter Williams, went to great lengths to make sure that we not only had an almost complete repertoire of films available, but also rarely seen extras. The first disc in the set has a complete set of the shorts that were featured on “Saturday Night Live”, but that’s not all. You can also find, by highlighting various areas in Mr. Bill’s apartment, various storyboards and photo albums. There’s even an occasional commentary that gives new insight into the breadth of the work. But perhaps the most thoughtful addition to this disc is the inclusion of G-Rated versions of these films. If you have little children who would be severely traumatized by the site of Mr. Bill being beaten, smashed, stretched, smooshed, crushed, melted, electrified, flattened, run over, trampled, or shredded, you can show them these versions. Edited in place of all the scenes of mayhem are photos of families, animals, and flowers.

The second disc doesn’t really have any extra features to speak of, but it features Mr. Bill’s adventures in Las Vegas, where he meets the likes of Jenna Elfman, Wayne Newton, and The Smothers Brothers. And if that wasn’t enough, we get a peek of his visit to Hollywood, too! What more could you possibly ask for? Perhaps maybe… a third disc? O-kay!!

The third disc is a veritable treasure trove of Mr. Bill goodies. The main events include “Mr. Bill’s Christmas Special”, and even his 20th Anniversary Special (which was directed by the master himself, Mr. Bill). Both of these have only been available on VHS in the past, but are graciously included in this set! As for the goodies I mentioned, there is an interview with Walter Williams, promos for “Saturday Night Live”, a scrapbook, and even unbelievable bloopers!

This is a DVD set that belongs in any household, and should be treated with the reverence it deserves. Mr. Bill is a true show business legend. He is one of a long list of entertainers who has yet to win a much deserved Academy or Emmy Award, but perhaps one day he will be recognized for some sort of Lifetime Achievement Award. Let us hope it comes before it is too late.

Directed by: Walter Williams
Starring: Mr. Bill, Sluggo, Wayne Newton, Jenna Elfman, The Smother Brothers
Extras:
Disc 1 - Commentary, Photo Album, Yearbook, G-Rated Versions of the Shorts
Disc 2 - None
Disc 3 – Interview with Walter Williams, SNL Promos, Bloopers, Unseen Shorts, Scrapbook
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: Lions Gate Home Entertainment
Release Date: 2/17/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
Website

We'll give Mr. Bill's Disasterpiece Theatre a B.