What’s funnier than a man in bizarre glasses yelling about alien life forms? If you remember the early, wild days of *Saturday Night Live*, Dan Aykroyd’s characters probably pop into your head immediately. From a super-serious news anchor to a blues-loving, guitar-wielding alien, Aykroyd brought an unmatched energy to the stage.
But trying to pick the absolute best Dan Aykroyd SNL skits can feel overwhelming. There are so many classics—where do you even start? You might spend hours scrolling through old clips, unsure which ones truly capture his genius. We want to save you that trouble!
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the most iconic, hilarious, and memorable sketches that defined Aykroyd’s legendary run on the show. By the end, you will have a definitive list to revisit or introduce to a new generation of comedy fans.
Top Dan Aykroyd Snl Skits Recommendations
- Dan Aykroyd (Actor)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Steve Cropper (Actor)
- Lorne Michaels (Director) - Lorne Michaels (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin (Actors)
- Steve Barron (Director) - Bonnie Turner (Writer) - Lorne Michaels (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Richard Benjamin (Actors)
- Lorne Michaels (Director) - Lorne Michaels (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Adam Sandler, Christina Applegate, Mike Myers (Actors)
- Brent Hodge (Director) - Steve Burgess (Writer) - Derik Murray (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dan Aykroyd SNL Skits Collections
Dan Aykroyd brought so many laughs to Saturday Night Live. His characters are legendary! If you want to relive those classic moments, you need a great collection of his SNL skits. This guide will help you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a collection of Dan Aykroyd’s SNL work, look closely at these main features.
Content Variety and Completeness
- Character Representation: Does the collection include his most famous roles? Think about the Blues Brothers, Coneheads, Tom Snyder, and Julia Child’s chef. A good set features many different characters.
- Episode Range: Check which seasons the skits cover. Older, classic seasons often have the best Aykroyd material. Make sure the set covers the years you remember most fondly.
- Bonus Content: Some sets offer interviews or behind-the-scenes footage. This extra material really enhances the viewing experience.
Technical Quality
The picture and sound quality matters a lot. You do not want grainy video!
- Video Resolution: Look for High Definition (HD) or 1080p if possible. Even older shows look much better when properly remastered.
- Audio Clarity: Clear sound ensures you catch every funny line. Good audio mixing is important for music performances too, especially Blues Brothers clips.
Important Materials (Formats)
Dan Aykroyd skits usually come in a few main formats. Your choice depends on how you like to watch media.
- DVD Sets: These are common and usually cheaper. They offer standard definition quality. Make sure the discs play reliably.
- Blu-ray Sets: These provide the best picture quality for older TV shows. If you own a Blu-ray player, this is often the superior choice for clarity.
- Digital Downloads/Streaming: Many modern collections allow you to download or stream the skits. This offers convenience, but you must ensure you have a stable internet connection for streaming.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one collection better than another? It often comes down to curation and restoration.
Quality Boosters:
- Official Licensing: Skits released by official distributors usually have better quality control. Poorly sourced copies might have bad edits or missing scenes.
- Restoration Work: If the seller mentions digital restoration, the picture quality will likely be much better.
- Complete Segments: The best collections include the full skit, from the opening line to the final laugh.
Quality Reducers:
- Music Rights Issues: Sometimes, musical performances (like those by the Blues Brothers) are removed from TV reruns due to music licensing costs. Check reviews to see if key musical moments are included.
- Poor Packaging: Cheap packaging can lead to scratched discs during shipping. Sturdy cases protect your purchase.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you want these skits. This helps you choose the right format and content depth.
Best Use Cases:
- Nostalgia Viewing: If you just want to laugh and remember the good old days, a simple DVD set covering the peak years might be perfect.
- Comedy Study: Aspiring writers or comedians might want a comprehensive collection with commentary tracks (if available). This helps them study Aykroyd’s comedic timing.
- Party Entertainment: For background laughs at a gathering, a digital version that streams easily is very convenient.
A good user experience means easy navigation. Can you jump straight to the “Coneheads” sketches, or do you have to fast-forward through every episode?
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dan Aykroyd SNL Skits
Q: Where did Dan Aykroyd do his best SNL impressions?
A: Many fans agree his best impressions included Julia Child, Richard Nixon, and the recurring character of Bassmaster of Love, Todd Storz.
Q: Are the Blues Brothers skits included in most collections?
A: Often, yes, but be careful! Due to music rights, sometimes only the spoken parts of the musical performances are present, not the full songs.
Q: Should I buy DVD or Blu-ray?
A: If you have a Blu-ray player, choose Blu-ray for the sharpest picture. DVDs are fine if budget is your main concern.
Q: How many seasons did Dan Aykroyd work on SNL?
A: Dan Aykroyd was a main cast member for the first four seasons, from 1975 to 1979.
Q: Can I watch these skits online legally?
A: Yes, often major streaming services or official NBC platforms offer clips or full episodes legally. Purchasing a physical set guarantees you own the content.
Q: What makes a skit collection “definitive”?
A: A definitive collection includes nearly every skit he performed and has been digitally cleaned up for the best viewing quality.
Q: Do these collections include his early “Weekend Update” appearances?
A: Most comprehensive sets do include his early work on “Weekend Update,” where he often played characters like Tom Snyder.
Q: Will the quality be poor because the show is old?
A: Modern releases often feature excellent remastering. If the product description mentions HD restoration, the quality should be surprisingly good.
Q: Are there any copyright issues I should worry about when buying used sets?
A: Generally, no. Once purchased, a physical DVD or Blu-ray is yours to watch. Just ensure the discs are not scratched when you buy them used.
Q: What is the most famous Dan Aykroyd character from SNL?
A: While the Blues Brothers are famous, many viewers point to his creation of the wildly popular, slightly bizarre Conehead family as his most iconic character work.