Run Time: 76 Minutes

Molly Shannon, best known for her extremely energetic and comic performances, joined the infamous Saturday Night Live cast in 1995, which lasted until 2001 when she departed from the show. During her Saturday Night Live career her popularity as an actor picked up. She's played several minor and supporting roles in films like A Night at the Roxbury (1998), Never Been Kissed (1999) [review], and Serendipity (2001) [review].

This compilation features a variety of Molly Shannon's "best work" during her Saturday Night Live career. Some of these skits in this best of feature include the skits like the very first Mary Katherine Gallagher, The Courtney Love Show, Jeannie Darcy in the Retirement Home, Sally O'Malley the 50 year old, and the Delicious Dish.

Mary Katherine Gallagher, a neurotic overly eccentric Catholic school girl that sniffs her fingers after rubbing them in her armpits who tries out for the school's talent show. During Shannon's career this one skit led to many others and Mary Katherine Gallagher became somewhat of an icon, associated with the word superstar. Eventually this led to Shannon's first feature in a Saturday Night Live film, Superstar (1999) [review], which pretty much bombed in the theaters. Nevertheless Mary Katherine Gallagher, superstar is perhaps one of Shannon's most known characters.

Another skit and perhaps one of my personal favorites is her character as Jeannie Darcy, the stand up comic who really isn't quite that funny. But the humor in this skit comes from the dead silent reactions of her audience as she continues the monologue in a complete monotone voice. Perhaps this scene is best known for the line she says after each poor attempted joke, "don't get me started, don't even get me started."

Of all the well known film actors who host Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin is my favorite. From his skit with Adam Sandler, Canteen Boy to his skit with Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer, The Delicious Dish with Pete Schweaty. Included the lineup of Shannon starring skits is the Christmas version of the Delicious Dish with Pete Schweaty. Here Shannon and Gasteyer play the two co-hosts of the Delicious Dish on National Public Radio. Baldwin stars as Pete Schweaty, a reoccurring guest star on the radio show, where he brings his delightful seasonal treats.

Other notable skits in this feature include the Sally O'Malley skit, where Shannon plays a 50 year old woman who likes to shimmy, kick, stretch, and kick. Next up is the Courtney Love Show, where Shannon does a wonderful and hilarious job at playing as the junked out, crude, and violent rock star.

The DVD

Spoken Languages: English

Non-Spoken Languages: none

Video:
The video is presented in 1.33:1 ratio full frame color, as originally presented for television. The picture looks pretty good as it contains some slight color distortions, but it is does not interfere with the picture. Also as stated by other reviewers of the Saturday Night Live Best of... releases, the picture quality does look improved upon when compared its television release.

Sound:
The sound is presented in Dolby digital 2.0 stereo surround sound. Dialogue throughout the feature is easily heard and volume levels stay relatively the same during each skit.

Subtitles:
There are no subtitles presented in this feature. Also note that I take off points from the audio/video ratings of this feature for not including subtitles.

Extras:
Dress Rehearsal: As described on the DVD, a breadth of skits are acted out live in front a studio audience before filming for the television debut. During which the runtime of the entire show is about 25 minutes too long. After the show decisions are made, the order of the skits changes and some of them get cut out. Here in this bonus feature, Molly Shannon, Ana Gasteyer, and Horatio Sanz with guest Bill Paxton star in a somewhat funny skit that never made it to television. It's worth a laugh or two, but there is definitely a reason why it never went to television.

TV Appearances: two clips when Molly Shannon guest starred on late night show Conan O'Brien

Other Extras: Outtakes, Photo Gallery

Final Thoughts:
While not my favorite (ex-)member of the Saturday Night Live cast, Molly Shannon has produced some great comedy and this compilation seems to grasp some of Shannon's best of moments. While the content of this feature is quite comical, after a viewing or two, it becomes less funny. These skits are great to see once and a while, but not to watch regularly. If you're looking for a few laughs from the realm of Saturday Night Live comedy or you are an undying fan, I suggest you check this out as a rental.