 Alternative comedy.
What the fuck does that even mean anymore?
Sure, in the late '80s/early '90s when comedy was transforming from the traditional lounge lizard imagry into something more personal and observational, the “alternative” label actually meant something (note my lack of name-checking to keep the comedy snobs at bay, including myself), but the continued use of the phrase seems misused at this point. Eventually, stand-up succumbed to these changes and, well, when the alternative becomes the mainstream, where do you go from there?
Theoretically, this is the point where the phrase “…and that's where Zach Galifianakis comes in,” should enter this review, but it doesn't because it's not true. Sorry. Well, maybe just a little bit, but not too much. Actually, no. Sorry.
However the “QUIRKY COMEDY!” sticker affixed to the shrink-wrap, while kind of disgusting to look at, is quite accurate.
Zach Galifianakis is tremendously funny, this is true, though his technique isn't overly groundbreaking; his combination of gags, puns and one-liners (with and without his tender piano playing to accompany quick lines like “I'm going to open a maternity shop and call it 'We're Fucked.'”) resembles an even more disjointed Steven Wright. In addition to that part of the act, Zach goes a more conceptual(not to mention confrontational) path and proceeds to berate the audience, himself, the (alternative) comedy scene,  hipsters and whatever pops into his head in a chameleon-like character turn, resembling Andy Kaufman's notorious battle with his audiences, or even as of late Sacha Baron Cohen's line-up of freaks.
However, what makes Zach Galifianakis shine above many comedians is his dedication and sincerity to his crazed vision - the “sad clown” stereotype that portrays comedians as being broken people manifests greatly in Galifianakis' set, which features Zach burying his head into his hands in a desperate attempt to disappear throughout the DVD's running time. The line between Zack Galifianakis the real person and Zack Galifianakis the comedian is frequently blurred throughout the disc (and even in the Comedians of Comedy documentary DVD, where he looks truly uncomfortable amongst his peers). Zach mugs onstage for the audience, while documentary footage featuring Zach having a panic attack in a cramped elevator suggests Galifianakis might be closer to the onstage persona than expected.
Zach Galifianakis: Live At The Purple Onion features Zach's polarizing comedy stylings, combined with on-the-road documentary footage and interviews with Zach's “twin brother” Seth. Like a lot of newer stand-up DVDs, the idea of bringing something more than the traditional one-man-standing-in-front-of-brick-wall technique is appreciated, but sometimes you just want to get to the jokes. The road footage doesn't really bring much to the table (in one scene, Zach and his friend go to a goodwill shop to try on dresses), while the Seth interview footage in itself is funny (and almost worth it for the Fugees and Funyuns bit), but it really takes the steam out of the short hour-long running time.
 As for the stand-up footage, the performance is an intentional mixed bag: Galifianakis, getting restless performing the same jokes night after night, wings it throughout his set, breaking from the well-known piano/pun combination to mingle with an audience with an understandable deer-in-headlights syndrome. As inconsistent as it may be, there are many moments where the improvisation pays off. Just watch the moment where Galifianakis' thought process is clearly captured on video during a moment he confronts a humorless cameraman with “I want to combine the NAACP with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and call it Mothers Against the Advancement of Colored People,” and his glorious tantrum when the cameraman doesn't break.
That moment alone just might encompass Galifianakis' whole routine: A giddy playfulness gives way to an inhuman rage that makes you question the motives behind the act of stand-up itself, or if it's just a complete put-on from yet another goddamn hipster comedian.
 Presentation
Shot on video, the anamorphic widescreen image looks good enough when considering the lo-fi nature of the product. However, in the darker shots (read: on stage), the contrast has been boosted and noise is quite present. Also, the overall image seems a tad too red, flesh colors coming off especially unnatural at times. The sharpness is generally pleasing, especially in close-ups where Zach's beard looks especially textured. Overall, for a cheap stand-up show, it ain't bad.
The audio is presented in both Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and basic stereo. The 5.1 track was not available for me, and I can only assume it probably doesn't add too much to the experience. The stereo, also not designed to impress, keeps Zach up front, while the audience's laughter is spread appropriately
Extras
If you enjoyed the peculiar humor that permeated throughout the film itself, the extras will give you more of the same. Most of them are descriptive enough in title that you'll get it without me having to describe it (The Awkward Slapping Bit, Zach Shaves, Outtakes from Brian Unger's Interview with Seth Galifianakis), while the MORE… option doesn't lead to another screen with more material, but excised footage from the main feature, including Zach's riffing on DVD extras. In general: nothing important, but all enjoyable.
Overall
Zach Galifianakis: Live At The Purple Onion is not for everyone. In fact, it might not even be for casual fans that have caught sight of the comedian via either late night talk show guest appearances, or Comedy Central specials - at least, not for a blind purchase. Be brave. Rent it, watch it, let it sink in and then sleep on it.
(FUN FACT: I had the word “Galifianakis” in my clipboard throughout the writing of this review)
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