Da Ali G Show: Da Compleet First Seazon

Booyakasha! It took an invasion of America for the western portion of the globe to recognise the brilliance of Sacha Baron Cohen and his multiple identities. The British comedian is best-known for his gold chain-sporting Ali G persona, a genius character that has gained him his most attention, and for good reason. Portraying the hip-hop slang-dropping reporter is where Cohen shines the most, gaining access to round table discussions, exclusive interviews with politicians and even a tour of the United Nations. He even manages to get "Boutros, Boutros, Boutros" Gali to deliver the line "put down your gun and listen to Bob Marley." The other role that Cohen is famous for is Borat, a Kazakhstan representative who doesn't adapt well to American customs and often manages to blurt our inappropriate statements about his dead wife or love for prostitutes. Borat can be hysterical at times, but will easily make you squirm in your seat with his uncomfortable presence. The last transformation for Cohen is one introduced for this HBO incarnation of the show and that's Brüno. This flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter lacks the laughs generated by Ali G or Borat but does manage to expose the designers of the world as being complete idiots who will play along with anything as long as there's a microphone in their face. All three characters manage to get different reactions from the public: Ali G leads them to believe today's youth is doomed; Borat tends to bring confusion and pity but gets away with murder because he's a foreigner; and Brüno surprisingly tends to blend right in. This DVD contains the mere six episodes that make up the first season, with few extras, but does manage to fit in the hysterical Spyz film that Ali G pitched to Hollywood producers in its entirety. Other goodies include footage of Borat bumbling around at the Hamptons Horse Show and commentary with Cohen and writer Dan Mazer on just the first episode, but the duo manages to explain the show's concept and complications all within the 30-minute track. Ali G gives further proof that the British are still very much on top when it comes to dry wit and that the Americans are simply no match for Cohen's blend of moronic genius. Respect. Plus: glossary of Ali G words and phrases. (HBO/Warner)