Comedy has always been a much needed and very appreciated staple in my existence. As far back as I can remember, a day hasn’t gone by where I don’t get some sort of comedic injection – either from something I’ve watched on television, movies, books, or the corny jokes that I tell, I have to have some form of laughter. Hey it’s what keeps you young and the heart strong. When I was hanging out at the Sony event a couple of weeks back, I nearly passed on meeting with and learning more about the “Laugh Factory” app for the Playstation 3. Now I know the Laugh Factory, based out of Hollywood, and home to some of my favorite comedians who either got their start and have/or still perform there such as Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Richard Pryor, Jo Koy, George Carlin, and Richard Jeni. Imagine my surprise when I get the chance to meet the man behind one of the greatest comedy clubs in existence, Mr. Jamie Masada.
I had no idea who this guy was. I’ve never before placed a name to the Laugh Factory. And if I did, it was usually synonymous with something scandalous like the Michael Richards incident or the most recent Daniel Tosh incident. But as I entered the venue, I instantly spot a PR friend, who was repping Dust 514. Before I get to the game, I’m stopped by this guy asking me to come and check out his display when I’m done. I was a bit skeptical because I wasn’t sure what game he was repping, but I’m a man of my word and I stuck to my promise, more so out of curiosity than anything else. I’m checking out the app, and I’m dropping down some of my comedic knowledge as well as what I know of the club. And then the one rep tells me that the guy who brought me to this demo was none other than Mr. Laugh Factory himself – god amongst men! King of all kings! And an all around nice guy, I was instantly floored. My face when I’m standing before Mr. Laugh Factory, Jamie Masada:
Jamie, you are one classy guy and you’re about to give PS3 owners something to really appreciate their systems. The Laugh Factory App is a video on demand service that gives you access to clips and shows featuring comedians who performing on stage at legendary comedy club. Not only can you access pre-recorded material, but you’ll also be able to stream live shows as they happen. I'm sold already! The app will be free for the first three months and after that it’s only $3 bucks a month. I’m including the full press release below as well as some notable clips from the club taken from the official youtube page. And if you like what you see, you can lock it in Sept 1st.
For Immediate Release (Hollywood, CA) – The Laugh Factory today announced that the Laugh Factory LIVE application will be available exclusively in the U.S. and Canada for the PlayStation 3 (PS3™) system. Hollywood’s famed Laugh Factory has presented the titans of American comedy for the past three decades including Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Russell Peters, Dane Cook, Rodney Dangerfield and Jerry Seinfeld and now, they are bringing the experience right into living rooms across the country via PlayStation Network. The application will be free until December 1 and then available, for only ten cents per day. Features include the ability to sort by comedian, by date, or catch an actual live performance just as if users were sitting in the famous Hollywood venue.
There have been many medical studies to the benefits of laughter to your health, including studies at the University of Maryland Medical Center regarding how laughter may prevent heart disease. Researchers at Loma Linda University discovered that laughter appears to beneficially affect the body’s hormones. “The benefits of laughter are similar to exercise,” says lead researcher Lee Berk of Loma Linda University. “Laughter has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure is lowered overall and resting heart rate decreases. Additionally the immune system appears to get tuned up.” In short, he says, “We should become more serious about laughter.”
"We are thrilled that SCEA is providing its millions of PS3 gamers with the gift of laughter,” says LAUGH FACTORY founder and owner Jamie Masada. “Not only are they going to access to some of the best comedy in the world on a nightly basis but, PS3 owners now will be able to improve their daily lives and health through laughter. After all, it's accessible to everyone with a PS3, doesn't care about pre-existing conditions and it's a LOT cheaper!"
"We’re constantly looking for new ways to expand the digital entertainment offerings across PlayStation Network, and we’re thrilled to be the first game console to deliver this unique application to our community. PS3 gamers now have a chance to encounter – and enjoy – a live stream of some of the best of stand-up comedy directly from the Hollywood stage renowned for producing top quality entertainment during the past 30 years," says Phil Rosenberg, SVP, Strategic Business Development for SCEA.
The entire PlayStation Network will now be able to watch full standup shows on the legendary stage that has been the scene of the nation’s most recognized events including Dave Chappelle performing for over 6 hours straight to Michael Richards and Daniel Tosh’s controversial performances.
Customers can access Laugh Factory LIVE on their PS3 system for free by installing the app directly from the TV/Video Services category on the XMB (XrossMediaBar). The Laugh Factory LIVE app can also be found in the PlayStation®Store, under the Media & Apps category. For more information on how to get started, visit www.LaughFactory.com. Starting September 1, PS3 gamers will be able to watch live comedy performances and access a rich archive of standup comedy on PlayStation Network, streamed directly to their PS3.