Comedy

Occasionally, through some convergence of timing, observation, and sheer nerve, a comedian comes along with a bit so inspired it hits a universal funny bone like it's never been hit before. These are those bits, delivered by stand-up gods so mighty, they can fatally smite you with thunderbolts of funniness. What a heavenly way to die.

A microphone, a stage, and a decent audience are all a comedian could ever ask for. Once in a blue moon, they turn those basic ingredients into something extraordinary, as these irresistible humour-nuggets amply demonstrate: caps off, as Monty Python pays tribute to the log-men of British Columbia with "The Lumberjack Song."

Quit your laughing for just a moment, as we deliver the funniest bits that haven't been misquoted to death. Fellow countrymen Bob and Doug McKenzie (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) perform their duty as cultural ambassadors on "This Is Our Album, Eh?" and the Champ indulges his habit of "losing it, snapping and over reacting."

For half-a-century comedians have been recorded right where they live and breathe: the stage. Seriously, folks, these gut-busting bits will leave you in stitches. All these stars were hit so hard with the funny stick at birth that every utterance prompts a ripple effect of mass global hilarity, from Richard Pryor's landmark musings on "Cocaine" to the inspired, rambling nonsense of Eddie Izzard, and the brilliant invective of Lenny Bruce, Bill Hicks, and Lewis Black. Laugh, cry, wet yourself, and singalong (with Tenacious D) as we present the most essential comedy Essentials ever deemed essential.