Word: formatting
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...David Lean's 1962 epic possibly be adapted for the tube? Yes! The videotape (RCA/Columbia) looks smashing, and the laser disc (Criterion), with its superior sound and visual resolution, even better. Both offer the fully restored film that was successfully rereleased in February, and both preserve its wide-screen format...
...rivals are already sniping at each other. "We think our format takes better advantage of the strength of comedy than just a clip channel," says Tom Freston, head of MTV Networks. "Comedy has traditionally been character driven and story driven. It takes time to work." HBO executives snicker. "Why should their channel succeed in doing original long-form comedy?" says Fuchs. "The three networks spend hundreds of millions of dollars trying to do original comedy, and one show succeeds every two years...
That, of course, could be the problem: too much comedy clutter. HA!, at least in its early stages, looks like yet another warehouse for comedy shows, old and new, available in ample supply elsewhere. The Comedy Channel, with its all-clip format, could wind up looking like nonstop previews of coming attractions. (Like MTV, the Comedy Channel is acquiring most of its clips free, since producers assume they will help the movies and videos from which they are excerpted.) Not to mention the indignity of seeing classic films and TV shows strip-mined for their "funny" parts. Oh, well; comedy...
...show, for both good and ill, reflects that boyish, MTV-inspired energy. To his credit, Hall has shaken some of the dust off the stodgy talk-show format. His set has no desk; instead, Hall interviews guests on a modish chair-and-sofa ensemble, leaning forward intently. There is no Ed McMahon- style sidekick; Hall prefers to trade quips with the crowd or play around with the band in recurring bits like the "poetry moments," featuring various sidemen reading silly verse. Musically, the show has brought on a host of rock performers -- Kool Moe Dee, Living Colour, Winger -- who rarely...
...star can't sit still, and the audience can't get enough of him. On the guest couch, rap groups rub elbows with Hollywood stars. Johnny Carson's newest challenger has grabbed a young audience by dusting off the stodgy talk format and holding a weeknightly party. Be there or be square...