Second to None

Even if you saw the original Second to None – the critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated documentary about the making of The Second City's classic revue PARADIGM LOST – this Second to None: 10th Anniversary Special Edition DVD will be quite the eye-opener.

It boasts substantial new content and special features sure to appeal to fans of comedy and improv, as well as anyone with an interest in vérité documentaries. The Special Edition adds more than an hour of previously unseen material, including new scenes that allow the documentary to delve deeper into the art of improvisation, and the way it's used to create Second City mainstage revues.

New rehearsal and performance footage includes the creation of now-classic Second City scenes YES AND and GRANDMA'S RECORDS. And through newly added interviews and conversations among the cast members, it brings audiences even closer to the entire cast, including Tina Fey, who soon after the documentary wrapped was selected to be become the first female head-writer of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

In addition, the entire surviving cast of PARADIGM LOST and their director Mick Napier return for a very funny and insightful feature-length commentary track. It's a fascinating listen as these now highly successful writers, directors and actors reflect on the experience that not only launched their high-profile careers in television and film, but also bonded them for life.

There are also two fascinating deleted scenes from the documentary, each with a commentary track; two additional scenes from PARADIGM LOST; an outtakes reel; and, in a fitting coda that is both funny and poignant, a tribute to cast member Jim Zulevic (who died in 2006) from the Second City Radio show, which features appearances from Tina Fey and Kevin Dorff.

All of the footage has been remastered, and now that it is on DVD for the first time, it has never looked or sounded better. Second to None: 10th Anniversary Special Edition is that rare glimpse at some of the finest comedic minds of their generation, just before stardom hit, when it was all about the work, and about collaborating in an attempt to live up to the reputation of the world's greatest comedy theater, The Second City. Do they ever!

Related Information

• This documentary is available on Amazon.com
• Featured performer Tina Fey co-produces, writes and stars in the television program 30 Rock