On Location: The Roseanne Barr Show (1987 TV Special) User Reviews

Roseanne Scores with a great stand up routine

[davidalanbartlett · 8/10 · 20 June 2005]

Roseanne has been criticized for everything from bad acting to bad taste in men but you have got to respect her brilliant comic talent. And nowhere is that talent more clearly displayed than in "The Roseanne Barr Show" from HBO. She delivers great one-liner after hysterical one-liner during this one hour show that leaves you gasping for air and clutching your sides. Barely a month goes by since I purchased this video years ago that I don't watch it again and I still laugh out loud. She pokes at her acid tongued trailer park darling image by showing up at the theater towing a rusty old trailer. She talks about being on the road and delivers a sizzling opinion as to why only a man can accurately read a road map. She also explains to us why sexual relations between husband and wife drop off dramatically after marriage and gives women advice on how to be more aggressive in bed. Naturally, anyone who employs her marital advice is either an absolute fool or looking to get out of a marriage but to witness her giving this advice makes for a delicious comic moment. I can't recommend it or Roseanne highly enough.

Bright, original, funny

[cockezville · 8/10 · 5 July 2005]

I remember first seeing this show on HBO, not to be confused with the situation comedy that ran for many years. This was a special in which Roseanne demonstrated her unique comedy style, and introduced us to the concept of "Domestic Goddess" This show was funny, outrageous and had me splitting my sides with her sarcastic banter of what it was like to be a "trailer trash" housewife.

I am certain that ultimately "Roseann" the long running comedy skit was created as a birth from this comedy sketch. Roseanne's stand-up act was one of the best. This is a fun watch!

Bill Pentland Roseane's first husband was one the writers of this show, as he was one of the brightest and best writers of the the original series show before Roseanne got so nuts. Tom Arnold also shares writing credits, long before they were married. The best parts of this DVD are when Roseanne is without the sketch family and simply gives us her impressions of life as a "Domestic Goddess", as she sits on the couch, eating Cheetohs and just doing her routine. That is classic Roseanne Barr.

Must See!

[Luna Sees · 10/10 · 4 October 2001]

This is the first show Roseanne put together for a HBO special. It predates her actual TV show (Roseanne)yet the characters on that hit series can be seen in raw form on this special. Many of the jokes contain the essence of the Roseanne character and landmark beginnings of what was to become one of the most successful TV shows of all time. Her down to earth attitude and mid-class America persona was identified with most by middle America making the women a legend in her own time. This special is intended for adults so the language is harsher as is the attitude. Roseanne may be controversial but she is real and that is a big relief for Hollywood.

Great beginnings!

[mfreeland-1 · 10/10 · 12 July 2004]

This is a special that preceded the actual TV show! The previous comments are misleading. Regardless, Roseanne was a breakthrough comic that finally brought it home! The housewife syndrome is taken to a new level! The actual TV show is my favorite sitcom ever! I watched it from beginning to end! The first season was shakey on the acting, but she was a comedienne turned actress! I am not a huge fan of her other work but, I am a huge fan of her and her style of comedy. I love her bluntness and I believe she has rubbed off on me in some ways. The show "Roseanne" has been a large part of my life , from grade school to adulthood. I wouldn't be the same without her! Love you Roseanne!!!