The New York Times calls him "the Dean of Deadpan." The Los Angeles Times calls him "a genius." You'll just call him hilarious when you catch your breath...Bob Newhart's return to the stand-up stage is a deliriously funny ride!
Newhart, whose unprecedented three successful TV series and guest roles in Elf, "E.R." and "Desperate Housewives" have endeared him to millions, delivers a winning performance in a rare televised special that recalls his days as a comedy-circuit cut-up. Tackling everything from crazy bus drivers and mad inventors to cheap airlines and King Kong, the Golden Globe-winning* Newhart takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinarily funny. It's no wonder he's "still a very hot ticket" (Parade)!

For those who primarily recognize Bob Newhart from his iconic television sitcom of the 1970s, The Button-Down Concert may unveil an enjoyable discovery. Long-time admirers will surely remember that Newhart's remarkable journey began in stand-up comedy, and by the time his widely acclaimed LP The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart debuted in 1960, the comedian affectionately known as "The Dean of Deadpan" in The New York Times was captivating audiences in packed venues across Vegas and beyond, providing a refreshing alternative to contemporary humor.

Recorded in 1995 and initially aired on Showtime as Bob Newhart: Off the Record, this revival concert showcases Newhart's cherished '60s routines, serving both as a nostalgic experience and a delightful chance to recognize the timeless charm of Newhart's iconic "Button-Down" performances. Essentially a celebration of his greatest hits, the hour-long concert (held at the historic Raymond Theater in Pasadena, California) features a wonderful variety of performances, including "Unemployment Office," "The School for Rude Bus Drivers," "Sir Walter Raleigh Explains Tobacco," and "The Tipsy Accountant's Retirement Party."

Throughout nearly every routine, Newhart skillfully employs his signature style, presenting each sketch as a one-sided telephone conversation (as seen in "King Kong and the New Security Guard" and the beloved "Abe Lincoln's P.R. Man") or as a comically formal speaker or ordinary individual engaging a captive audience (such as in "The Airplane Captain Speaks to his Passengers"). In each instance, Newhart's unique delivery and charmingly puzzled stutter make each line entertaining, even when the humor reflects its vintage from the Rat Pack era. It is clear that Newhart truly enjoyed the opportunity to entertain both long-time fans and a new, mainly younger audience, and his performance flows seamlessly.

In the "Buttoned Down" bonus featurette, Newhart contextualizes his early career and explains how he tailored each routine for different audiences. For anyone interested in creating a definitive collection of stand-up classics, this DVD is absolutely essential.

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