User Reviews

I was looking this up just to see if I could remember the title. I remember this HBO special for it's Penn & Teller intro, and then the ensuing hilarity of the Steven Banks performance. I remember always waiting and waiting for his next installment of Pay TV stand-up, but I never saw it happen. I have always wondered if there were an archive somewhere that the footage of this could be retrieved from for personal viewing. I think we wore the VHS out that we had copied of it. I would love to see it resurrected. It was a terrific one man show with clean-fun for adults and children. It was very musically-based, and we'll performed.

Digging through a box of old videotapes, I was lucky enough to run across this gem that aired on HBO back in 1989. It was a little worn because it was one of those shows that once you see it, you want to show it to everyone you know. And, surprise, it is still as amusing as the first time I watched it.

Imagine a 30-something loser hanging out in his apartment and amusing himself for the evening. Doesn't sound too interesting? Well, imagine he's funny, makes up great songs chocked full of pop-culture references, and can play every instrument known to man. That's what you've got with Steven Banks: Home Entertainment Center. Banks portrays a kind of man-child in a state of protracted adolescence (trapped in a dead end job, still dreaming of being a rock star, and unable to commit to a relationship) who he milks for full comedic potential. Who would have thought watching someone flip through an old songbook and playing guitar could make you laugh out loud? Or that a guy with a recorder waiting for cookies to bake could be comic gold? But Banks pulls it off flawlessly.

The songs sprinkled throughout the performance could be funny for nearly any audience, but are likely to be especially amusing to Baby Boomers. They range in subject from the character's likes and dislikes ("...but I don't like Charles Manson, Adolf Hitler or Rod McKuen's poetry), to a song questioning who killed Elvis, to the joys of outdoor bar-b-ques. All of the strange detours, asides and songs are woven seamlessly into an engaging whole.

This show may be hard to find (I don't believe it was ever released to video), but it is well worth the search.

You can see this show on youtube.com. Its cut into 7 parts, but at least it is accessible, finally. I just about wore out my VHS tape on this show. I've lent it out so many times, that I lost track of it over time.

Since I have found it on youtube.com, I think I find myself watching it at least once a month. It is the best original one man show ever put together! I remember watching the Steven Banks Entertainnment Center at a friends house and laughing all throughout the show. The story line is well thought out,and well acted. Steven makes you believe that your not only watching him on stage, but that there are many other characters he interacts with as well.

If someone was to have this on DVD, I would like a copy since I don't believe it was ever released on VHS or disc.

This is an incredibly funny and entertaining show. I watch it over and over. There are many subtle references to classic rock music, events in the '60's and 70's, and the pop culture of those times. I would guess most people would like to watch this show several times, to try to catch 'most' of the clever details that are woven throughout. And it's actually a deep study of a person 'finding himself', and almost being drawn into a world he'd never be happy in. The brick wall right outside his kitchen window is a telling reminder of what could be in store for him. Why don't they release this as a video more readily available???!!! If you get the chance, watch this. Watch it carefully, and you will laugh out loud over and over!

The "Steven Banks Home Entertainment Center" was originally aired on Showtime, not HBO. I was reminded of this when I recently dug out my videotape of the special and transferred it to a DVD-R. First thing you see is a screen saying "Showtime presents". I just recently got the equipment on my computer to make my own DVD's, so I've been frantically trying to transfer several nearly 20 year old tapes in my collection that may never be released on DVD, such as the five episodes of "It's Garry Shandling's Show." I have, the original Showtime airings, and "The Playboy Comedy Theater Roast of Milton Berle" (back when the Playboy channel actually aired some good original programming).

I caught the last few minutes of the east coast showing of this on Showtime and realized very quickly that this was some seriously funny stuff. I then set the VCR to catch the entire west coast showing. 16 years later, the tape has started to deteriorate, but thanks to digitizing it to DVD+R, I can now enjoy it for decades more (hopefully).

All of my friends who've seen it crack up at it as I have done quite a few times over the years. Music talent, acting skills, writing skills, and the timing of a maestro comic genius - all in one person.

I never saw his PBS series - but I'd be willing to trade a DVD+R of the Home Entertainment Center for episodes on DVD of that series. jimmorton3@wmconnect.com - It is a real wonder why these have never been released commercially.

You can watch this for free if you subscribe to Amazon Prime for shipping. It's Available now on Amazon Prime and I'm watching and enjoying it although I had never heard of this show or this man before. When I look him up I see he mostly worked behind the camera as a writer and this one man play is a rare performance of his. I see all the review here are from years ago and people talking of how difficult it is to view this show. So that motivated me to write this review so others will know that as of 2020 you can watch this online any time at Amazon.

My children were raised on this show, they have it memorized since they were eight or younger(now in their thirties). Can anyone tell me where to get a copy of it. Have been looking for many years. . Steven's sense of a one man show just carries on and on throughout the show. He is witty, intelligent and characterizes well everything that he does.We once had a VHS tape of this show and loaned it out. My grandchildren have also grown up with Steven Banks and I would really like to have them see the original show. They have seen their parents try to reenact most of the show, but they are not as great as the show itself. Any help would be much appreciated. I especially like the chocolate chip cookie part.

I was 9 when I first watched SB:HEC. It was, beyond a shadow of a doubt the funniest and wittiest piece of one-hour television ever made. 16 years later I still have my original copy (It is the first item on a tape also featuring Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Masters of the Universe starring Dolf Lungren). Needless to say, it is my most prized video in my collection. Unfortunately it is ageing so I can not watch it much anymore. Hopefully I'll spring for the combo VCR/DVD-R and salvage it before it is too late.

If anyone out there reading this has not seen SB:HEC, please do yourself a favour and find a copy and watch it. And remember, if you are charming, lovable, funny, witty, and can play every musical instrument known to man...you can do something like this: Steven Banks: Home Entertainment Center. Banks, Banks, Banks, Banks, Banks...

More than any other comic act in the 80's this is the one I love the most. I only wish he had done more and made it big! "Home Entertainment Center" is really quite clever; it's many things at the same time: a play, a comic skit, a musical showpiece. It's also a remarkable demonstration of one man's talent. I mean, the guy can play just about any musical instrument known to humankind. He does great impressions. His sense of humor simultaneously straddles both the sophisticated and silly. Now, while that may not appeal to every person, I have yet to meet anyone who has seen this show who doesn't love it. What else do I need to say? Oh yeah: Bring Steven Banks to DVD!!

THIS IS WHAT COMEDY IS SUPPOSED TO BE! NO EXPLICIT, CRUDE COMMENTS. NO RACIAL SLURS. PURE UNADULTERATED HUMOR!!! I've loved this HBO special for almost 1/2 of my life! You could say I was "raised" on this program. The quick wit and absolutely fabulous display of ADHD in Steven's character we can all relate to. We all do what he does in this show, yet he's gutsy enough to admit to it and poke fun at it. I've never been more entertained by a single person in my lifetime. If you're looking for a very clean, family friendly show, that you'll watch over and over again....THIS IS IT! It is WORTH searching the world over for a copy of the Steven Banks Show. Your sides will never feel the same once you're done with it, and you'll be left hungry for more. BRAVO to Steven!!! And if you're listening (or reading) this, then PLEASE, Mr. Banks, give us an encore!!!

Brilliant! Simply Brilliant! Stephen's comedic delivery and musical talent combines to make a one man show an entertainment delight.

When you realize that this show was recorded live in front of an audience you really appreciate the incredible amount of choreography that went into every second. Every movement, use of props, and action, plays an integral part in the overall presentation, woven into a tapestry of visual and audio humor. Stephen's musical talent is impressively displayed across a wide range of instruments and adds such a delightful dimension to the nonstop, hilarious dialogue.

I first saw this live, subsequently recorded it on VHS tape, copied it to a DVD, and wore it out introducing Stephen Banks to friends. I was thrilled recently to finally be able to buy a decent copy on Amazon. The title of Home Entertainment Center is spot on as it continues to entertain year after year!

I saw this show when it aired back in 1989 and was able to tape some of it -- which I have watched over and over. Steven Banks is so talented and so hilariously funny you soon forget that he is an actor on a stage. He draws you into his zany antics and has you cheering for him at the end. Anyone who has ever procrastinated or who has ever been in a job that is absolutely wrong for them can totally relate to the dilemma he faces! On top of being so very funny, Steve is a very talented musician and singer. The songs he performs are right on target with his character and it's amazing how many instruments he can play! I highly recommend this to those who have put off that deadline until the last minute -- or anyone who simply loves to laugh!

Thanks for reading! Anne :)