Rifftrax

Rifftrax Rifftrax is a comedic video commentary service that provides humorous, scene-by-scene commentary for various forms of media, including films, television shows, and documentaries. The service was founded by Mike Stoklasa, Jay Bauman, and Benjy Gaither, who are also known for their work on The Angry Video Game Nerd and The Cinema Snob. Rifftrax has gained a significant following and has become a popular platform for comedic commentary and critique. The service offers a unique blend of humor, analysis, and critique, making it a standout in the world of online comedy.

History

Rifftrax was launched in 2015 by Mike Stoklasa, Jay Bauman, and Benjy Gaither, who had previously worked together on various comedy projects, including The Angry Video Game Nerd and The Cinema Snob. The idea for Rifftrax was born out of a desire to create a platform that would allow comedians and critics to provide humorous commentary for films and television shows. The service initially started as a side project, but quickly gained popularity and evolved into a full-fledged comedy service. The founders' experience in comedy writing and production, including their work on The Onion and The Daily Show, helped shape the tone and style of Rifftrax.

Format and style

Rifftrax commentaries are typically provided in the form of a video overlay, which is synchronized with the original media content. The commentaries are written and recorded by a team of comedians, writers, and critics, who provide humorous insights, critiques, and observations about the media being commented on. The commentaries often focus on the technical aspects of filmmaking, such as special effects, editing, and cinematography, as well as the cultural and historical context of the media. For example, in their commentary on The Matrix, Rifftrax comedians poked fun at the film's bullet time effects and Keanu Reeves's acting style.

Notable contributors

Rifftrax has featured a wide range of comedians, writers, and critics, including Mike Stoklasa, Jay Bauman, Benjy Gaither, Brian Wecht, and Austin T. Inks. These contributors have brought their unique perspectives and comedic styles to the service, creating a diverse and engaging range of commentaries. Many of the contributors have also worked on other comedy projects, such as The Angry Video Game Nerd and The Cinema Snob, and have brought their expertise and experience to Rifftrax. For instance, Brian Wecht, a veteran comedian and writer, has contributed to several Rifftrax commentaries, including The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Distribution and platforms

Rifftrax commentaries are available on a variety of platforms, including YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Vimeo. The service has also partnered with several media companies, including Screen Prism and The Film Theorist, to provide exclusive content and promotions. Rifftrax has also released several DVDs and Blu-rays featuring their commentaries, which have been popular among fans of the service. In addition, Rifftrax has a Patreon page, where fans can support the service and access exclusive content.

Cultural impact and reception

Rifftrax has had a significant impact on the comedy and film communities, with many critics and comedians praising the service for its unique blend of humor and analysis. The service has also been recognized for its innovative approach to comedy and critique, and has won several awards, including the Streamy Award for Best Comedy Series. Rifftrax has also been featured in several media outlets, including The Verge, The A.V. Club, and Entertainment Weekly, which have praised the service for its originality and humor. Overall, Rifftrax has become a beloved platform for comedic commentary and critique, and continues to entertain and engage audiences around the world.

Category:Comedy services