Rating: 
Summary: Why isn't this man in a lunatic asylum?
Review: I never watched the TV show, but I ordered the Curb Your Enthusiasm DVD based on an interview I heard on NPR (think it was Fresh Air, and I think the guy that plays Larry's agent was being interviewed by Terry Gross).After watching the DVD, I can say that the show IS funny, but sort of a one-trick pony. I tired of Larry's foibles towards the end. He is so off-the-wall that in real life he would be arrested or committed. He had three physical confrontations over two episodes, and that's not too funny. In fact, I get the impression that when the writing or improv breaks down, they go to the physical stuff, and that's hard to pull off. I don't regret buying this, but I'm pretty certain I won't get the next set. ALSO - if you are considering, be sure to buy it here on Amazon. It's $27.99. I saw people offering it on EBAY for the same or more... and you get free shipping here, since it is over $25.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the funniest things I have ever seen
Review: I never clearly understood until now the tremendous influence that Larry David had on "Seinfeld." Truly a behind-the-scenes personality on the show, and unquestionably the source of its genius, David strikes out on his own with "Curb Your Enthusiasm," which, believe it or not, is even funnier than "Seinfeld." I bought the two-disc DVD set and recommend it highly. It contains the first season's worth of episodes, and each one is a gem -- a bitterly satiric, bitingly hilarious masterpiece in which David is constantly getting himself into trouble (usually when he's just "trying to be affable!"). David is wonderful playing himself, though for some people, a little of this self-involved curmudgeon can go an awfully long way. He is greatness. I also love the supporting cast, including Jeff Garlin as David's manager and the adorable Cheryl Hines as his (fictitious) wife. Richard Lewis also makes the occasional amusing cameo (though a little of him can last a lifetime). For "Seinfeld" fans, this show is a revelation, a reminder of the kick the old show once provided (and still does, I guess, in reruns). "Curb" is highly reminiscent of "Seinfeld" (the slightest faux pax can result in unintended catastrophe), but David takes his largely improvised plots to new extremes of anxiety, awkwardness and self-loathing. I love all the episodes on the DVD, but "Porno Gil," "Beloved Aunt," "Affirmative Action" and "The Wire" are the best. And the one-hour episode that started it all is a classic in its own right. I just want to mention: the DVD package itself is utterly cool. I've never seen anything quite like it.
Rating:
Summary: Leaves you wanting more
Review: The only bad thing about this DVD set is that with only 10 episodes, you are left wanting more. The show truly got funnier as it went into the second season, and many of the well-known classics are from season 2. Season 1, however, is packed full of the humor that has made this show an instant classic. Essentially, as most of you know, Curb Your Enthusiasm is Seinfeld with the "F" word. When you first watch this show you realize exactly how integral Larry David was to Seinfeld. That same sort of humor completely permeates all these shows. Will they ever run out of uncomfortable situations for Larry to find himself in? It sure doesn't seem like it. This disc is a great value. Each episode has a little description and preview to it (a mini-trailer, so to speak), and some of them have commentaries, which are often hilarious. There is also an extended interview with Bob Costas. This is terrific - many clips from season two are shown and a great deal of insight is revealed as to how the show is written, produced, and filmed. And lastly, there is the one hour documentary that started it all - the special that HBO originally did with Larry David that spawned the show. The only negative thing - there isn't a "play all" option on the DVD, where you just hit one button and let it play through all episodes. This would be helpful for me, since I often put it on in the background while I'm working, and I don't like to stop after each episode and scroll to the next one. If you have seen this show and even remotely enjoyed it, buy it immediately - it will grow on you with each episode. If you haven't seen it but liked Seinfeld and aren't easily offended, I can recommend purchasing it - it's worth the risk. You'll not only laugh yourself silly, you'll also find a stimulating new use for Tabasco sauce.
Rating: 
Summary: Bashful's DVD Summary #025
Review: Best: 1) This series is a return to old-style situation comedy where the actors get no scripts (only general scene outlines) and spontaneous humor is encouraged. It reminds me a lot of 1950's live TV shows.
2) You're bound to run into episodes (or scenes) that remind you of your own life, striking you as especially funny.
3) Larry David is usually hilarious playing the neurotic guy who gets very little respect. He ends up being a cross between Richard Lewis and Rodney Dangerfield.
4) There are many guest star appearances, interviews and behind-the-scenes stuff. Worst: 1) Some of the comedy situations were obviously forced and thus tedious to watch.
2) The unfairness of Larry David's (make-believe) problems and treatment by others may actually make you angry at times. Recomendation: If you were a huge fan of "Seinfeld" (especially the character George) then you'll definitely appreciate the comedy of it's main co-creator. Watching each episode is like drinking whiskey - it may not taste good, but it sure gets you drunk. Give it a try and let Larry grow on you.
Rating:
Summary: One of the finest TV-to-DVD Sets
Review: (...)
What happens when you mix Charlie Brown, Woody Allen, Ziggy, and Los Angeles? You get Larry David's "Curb your Enthusiasm." The DVD of Season one is out, and packs a walloping 360 minutes of content on 2 discs.
Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld, stars as, well..., himself: Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld, whose daily life is more bizarre and absurd than anything he could possible write about. Cheryl Hines plays Cheryl David, a remarkably patient and wife to Larry. Jeff Garlin plays Jeff Greene, Larry's agent and long-time friend. Other cameos in the series include Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and multiple recurrences of Richard Lewis, all who play themselves. The series is shot on digital video, in a documentary, hand-held style that emphasizes realism. Another unique quality is that the scripts are based on improvised dialogue; the scenes sometimes contain exceptionally long takes which feel utterly real and unscripted. The two discs span season one, encompassing 10 episodes which remarkably work well on their own, and even better in sequence, as some storylines connect from show to show. Standout episodes include "The Pants Tent", a show that will have some of us men re-evaluating our wardrobes, "The Bracelet", an episode which explores helping out those in need, and the final episode of year one, "The Group" which can be described as watching a train wreck in slow motion. There is no nudity or violence to speak of, but there is an occasional profanity as the dialogue is naturalistic. Some of the shows also deal with mature themes (see "The Group", "Porno Gil", "Affirmative Action"), but in a funny, real, and honest way. This is very much like Seinfeld, just with a PG-13 rating. The series is presented in Full screen (TV ratio) format, and is a suitable transfer. Since it was shot on digital video, and transferred to DVD, there are no artifacts to speak of, but the typical garish colors, occasional blown highlights, and slight fuzziness that are associated with video are present here, but overall, it looks good. Sound is presented in an archaic 2.0 format, but for a show like this, it's not expected to shine in this area. The audio is clean and crisp, but you won't obviously use this as a demo for your new surround system. The special features include a one-hour comedy special, in true "mockumentary" style, that follows Larry David as he negotiates with HBO to produce a stand-up comedy show. There is also, disappointingly, only one commentary track - Episode one, "The Pants Tent", which teams up Larry David, Cheryl Hines, and Jeff Garlin, who banter back and forth from the hilarious "We decided the night before we wouldn't have kids in the episode because we'd have to put stuff on the fridge", to the serious, where Jeff Garlin reveals at the end of the episode how his stroke had effected his speech. Another extra, a 30 minute interview with Larry David conducted by Bob Costas is included, but contains sparse substance or insight. Curiously and regrettably absent are any real behind the scenes outtakes, bloopers, or improv sessions. Discs similar such as "Office: Season One" contain such gems and they really enhance the show for fans and viewers alike. Great comedy has been described as "ordinary people in extraordinary situations", and that is this series. Woody Allen trademarked neurotic behavior and modern improv acting in cinema, and Larry David follows in his footsteps. As a fan of "Seinfeld", as well as BBC's "Office" series, "Spinal Tap", and Christopher Guest's other improv offerings "Waiting for Guffman", "Best in Show", and "A Mighty Wind", I consistently find this type of humor and acting refreshing - and often brilliant. The writing is painfully razor-sharp, the acting is magical, and the whole series plays as one hilarious tragic real-life situation after another. The cast, top to bottom, make the show go, with Larry's wife an incredibly talented co-lead. Even the side characters, including Mike Meyer's wife, are more than solid. The shows including Richard Lewis, in a hilarious turn as himself, are my favorites, "Pants Tent" and "The Bracelet". I find some insider jokes in this series, but the everyday/everyman storylines dominate more often than not. If you love truly smart, sometimes subtle, sometimes controversial humor, this is for you. I haven't shown it to anyone who hasn't enjoyed it one way or another. I buy few TV series on DVD and I consider this one of my finest. Highly Recommended. Purchase it now, thank me later, and please guys - Watch for the "Pants Tent".
Rating:
Summary: Larry David is my idol!
Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm is the best comedy on television. Leave it to HBO to have the best drama (The Soprano's) and the best comedy (Curb Your Enthusiasm) in its fine station. Enthusiasm follows the (daily?) life of Larry David. What a character! How could a man with seemingly everything be so misanthropic? The smallest things set him off, much like myself. Larry David is my idol
Rating:
Summary: Pretty .. pretty ... pretty .... pretty good
Review: Last night me and my bud watched Larry for hours, I can never get enough of this American Jewel.
The recent episode SURVIVOR made me roll on the floor and it was so funny it hurt my stomach.
I haven't seen a show this good for a long time.
Sometimes I get queer eyes from fellow workers because I can't help myself to laugh whenever Curb comes on my mind.
Rating:
Summary: It's like Red Bull you kinda like it but aren't sure why...
Review: Larry David is undoubtably brilliant. As others have mentioned concerning his sizable writing contribution on Seinfeld (and it's diminishment with his leaving that show). As for his acting talents I am not entirely convinced he should have starred in this role. I don't have cable, so had never seen CYE on HBO; I purchased it on good advice from several friends. My experience watching the DVDs was a mixed bag. I saw strong shades of the inimitable George Costanza, who is in my humble opinion one of the greatest characters ever on television. But this show lacked Jason Alexander's delivery and frenzied struggle with the cruel tricks life can throw at you. Larry also lacks George's willingness to sink to any level to get what he wants. As Elaine said to Jerry in an episode of Seinfeld where he was slated to take a lie detector test and thought it would be easy to "beat" the machine, "Who do you think you are? Costanza?" The "about nothing" and "comedy of coincidence" traits that made Seinfeld a classic are all here, yet somehow didn't elicit the same laughs - for me anyway. I knew it was funny, but yet it doesn't make me laugh out loud often. Perhaps Larry seems to take too much of it lying down, or it feels forced in spots. I didn't "buy it" much of the time. The fact he and his wife seem like a very unlikely pairing didn't help. Overall it's a fun ride, but unlike "The Office" I don't feel the desire to rewatch episodes to pick up on missed subtleties. Worth a watch on the plane I think.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, almost hard to watch
Review: This is brilliant comedy and writing. The situations are so embarassing and frustrating, I found it almost difficult to watch.
Rating:
Summary: Larry David is great
Review: I never would have survived this past semester of college if it weren't for HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David is brilliant. His improv, his actors, as well as his plots are so well crafted. I find myself thinking "wow I'm acting like Larry" sometimes. He's addictive. I'm hooked and couldn't be happier.
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