Rating: 
Summary: A comedy before it's anything lesbian
Review: Don't be so hasty...
I've had many guests who were itching to watch this, only to be diappointed because they expected a big dose of homosexual humor. While this act does touch on everything from coming out to sex toys, there is about as much discussion of animals as there is of sex. And that is quite a bit. What this special brings to mind is, though many may argue, that we knew Ellen was a comedian long before we knew she was a lesbian. We're not let down in terms of gay material, especially by the opener, but Ellen pounds home the reality that she's a comedian first. All in all, she's at the top of her game, showing off the versatility of her impeccable wit. As long as you're not determined to watch an hour and a half of "What do you call a lesbian...?" jokes, "The Beginning" will either make you realize that you love Ellen or that you still love Ellen. As far as chosing between the VHS and DVD, the special features just aren't there, so VHS wins out here. Bottom Line
Cuddles: **
Tissues:
Hotness: ***
Laughs: ****
Quality: ***
Rent unless you're partial to owning standup.
Rating: 
Summary: Back to Basics
Review: Ellen does a wonderful job. Hilarious, quick witted, the stand-up stage is where she belongs. You won't be disapointed.
Rating:
Summary: Laughed my behind off!
Review: Ellen is in fine form in this video, mixing her trademark easy going humor with just the right amount of comments that make you stop and think a little. Her big, blue eyes take on the look of total innocence as she gazes up into the audience after a particularly telling punch line, but behind that innocence is the mischievous gleam of shared experience and fun. The video makes you want to invite Ellen in to sit on your couch and chat, but not before putting on rubber covers in case you get laughing a little TOO hard. <GG>
Rating:
Summary: You Gotta Love Her!
Review: Ellen is just honest and funny! She has a point, but doesn't let you dwell on the serious side for too long. I laughed through the whole thing....but I am a fan from way back. A definite "must have" for all...gay or straight!
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but needs moe extras
Review: Ellen is really funny so any DVD of her performance will be good. But the makers are not expoliting the medium of DVD properly, might as well have bought it on video.
Rating:
Summary: Welcome Back Ellen
Review: Ellen live in the Beacon Theatre, and welcome back Ellen! Good to see you again!
Best moments include the shampoo bottle jokes, and Ellen's interpretative dance routine at the beginning.
Otherwise, standard Ellen fare (and that's no bad thing) with Ellen going off on every possible tangent.
More please!
Rating:
Summary: HA HA HA HA!!!
Review: I am a huge Ellen fan, so I may be biased but she cracks me up. I saw this wonderful material live, and enjoyed watching it on DVD again. Very funny stuff.
Rating:
Summary: loved it loved it loved it
Review: i gotta say its honest and funny... she hits on some issues that are are real importance but always gets you right back off from the seriousness of it to the humor she is famous for
i loved it!
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: I saw this concert live in Seattle, and laugh harder and harder each time I watch the DVD. You just can't go wrong with Ellen.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific concert not done justice by HBO
Review: I was in the audience at the Beacon Theater when this was taped. I haven't purchased the DVD yet, but probably will. The evening was wonderful and funny and joyous and everything you'd expect from Ellen. There was also a slight sense that something was a little off. I wondered was it the cameras? The media scrutiny? Now, in hindsight, was it personal? Anyway, from the second I got to the theater, where I started an ovation for her mom, all the way to the question & answer section at the end, the evening was magical. I watched the special on HBO, and somehow in the editing and selection, the concert lost a little of the magic. I understand when other reviews comment on her timing and such. But I truly think that fault lies with the director and the editor. Anyway, the recording is an excellent document, if not a perfect one. This was Ellen's triumphant return, because yes, we really do love and admire her. Now if only she could find material that truly lives up to her remarkable talents.
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