Chris Rock: Bring the Pain [DVD] [1996]

Chris Rock brings the pain and a whole lot of laughs as well in this DVD release of his breakout HBO special. The hour-long performance looks and sounds superb, as Rock paces back and forth in front of a hugely appreciative audience. Chapter titles like "The Good Side of Crack" and "O.J., I Understand" make it easy to access key rants. The supplements are first-rate. A half-hour interview by author Nelson George sees Rock in a candid, humble mood. Rock's thoughts on the importance of Bring the Pain to his career are fascinating. A South Park-like animated short provides a couple of laughs. Two champagne-themed music videos complete the package: the gut-busing "No Sex" and the rap-video spoofing "Champagne."