Seinfeld: Seasons 1, 2 and 3 DVD: Review By Dodd

When I first heard the news that Seinfeld is finally being released on DVD, I was not as flabbergasted as I should have been considering my love for the show. Sure it is one of the best original comedies on television, but a lot of time has passed since the grand finale episode. For years I have watched the many syndicated reruns of Seinfeld while pondering when they will finally release the classic show on DVD. By the time the release date was announced I had seen almost every episode at least twice. This kind of took away from the excitement of getting to watch the episodes on disc any time at my own convenience. I mean, the reruns are non-stop on TBS.

I've recently had the opportunity to sit down and test drive the first three seasons of Seinfeld on DVD. This is one of those rare moments in life where a DVD is absolutely perfect. After reviewing title after title, supplemental features become repetitious and at times seem like generic fillers to throw on the DVD special feature menu. The Seinfeld seasons are an example of hard work and dedication to deliver the best quality satisfaction to the fans that made Seinfeld one of the most top-rated shows on television. I've come to find out that purchasing the first three seasons of Seinfeld is not just buying episodes, but buying so much more.

The episodes from all three seasons are all here. This even includes two versions of the pilot from the first season. Due to the limited episodes in the first season it is sold with the second season, while the third season is sold separately by itself. However, all three seasons with a few bonus gifts are sold together in an 8-disc package. For the Seinfeld fan, this set with all of the bells and whistles is the definite way to go.

The first three seasons of Seinfeld demonstrate the gradual evolution of the series from its new beginnings to the routine gags that most fans have become accustomed to seeing. The pilot of the first season is especially mind-blowing as Elaine (Julia Louis Dreyfuss) is not even a character in the series. After she joins the cast from the second episode forward, the foursome begins establishing their renowned characters. Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) plays himself as he works on his comedy career while discussing the pet peeves of life with his ex-girlfriend/pal Elaine, neighbor Kramer (Michael Richards), and buddy/sometimes writing partner George (Jason Alexander).

As the series progresses forward from the first and second seasons to the third, the characters seem to go through identity crises before finally settling on their trademark personas. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer eventually become heartless single New Yorkers who find enjoyment in identifying weaknesses in others. This begins to become well established in the third season, but there are light traces of compassion in the gang before Larry David and the show's writers discovered that these characters are more likeable with their frigid, "I don't care" attitudes. It is amusing to observe Jerry and Elaine discussing what they once had together and showing their compassion before the show axes that thought. As Larry David mentions in one of the episode commentaries, the last thing he wanted was a "will they/won't they get together" premise.

Seinfeld has come to be known as a show about nothing, and that is one way to think of it. There is no need to understand what happened in previous episodes in order to enjoy the next ones. The foursome take on the city of New York every week with different relationship issues and encounters with annoying people. The "do you ever notice" brand of Seinfeld humor is prevalent along with co-creator Larry David's personal cathartic confessions on his annoying situations in life. It is obvious that Seinfeld and David do a lot of venting through the episodes as Seinfeld himself is in the show while the character of George is apparently based on Larry David himself.

The special features are simply amazing. In the featurettes, everyone (and I do mean everyone) comes together to discuss the program. This includes writers, crew, the main characters, and even the actors who portray the memorable guest characters.

Two Versions of the Pilot Episode

Inside Looks

A very enthusiastic BRAVO goes out to this feature. It is one thing when television DVD's include one "making of" doc*mentary to speak for every episode. However, with almost every episode the viewer has the option to play a brief intro doc*mentary that includes cast and crew discussing that particular episode. Now that is dedication to the fans.

Notes About Nothing

Wait! There's more! With every episode there is the option to turn on Notes About Nothing. When activated, trivial facts pop up on the screen throughout the run of the episode.

Yada Yada Yada- Commentary Tracks on Select Episodes

When one is done with the Notes About Nothing they can go back and listen to these superb commentary tracks on certain episodes. Commentators include the cast, Larry David, and various show contributors. If you are choosy about good commentary tracks, these will not disappoint. Everyone is very enthusiastic and insightful about his or her experience with the show.

In The Vault- Deleted Scenes

Deleted scenes are always hit and miss, and that is the case here. Some scenes are quite funny while others deserved being cut. Not the best feature on the DVD, but worth a look.

How It Began

A quite lengthy doc*mentary about Jerry Seinfeld's beginning as a comedian, his collaboration with Larry David in creating the show, and how Seinfeld became the cult sensation that is today. The feature is divided into three parts and covers all bases in detail. This is not a half-assed session where cast members laugh about how great it was to work together. This is a very classy, thorough, and insightful doc*mentary that shouldn't be missed.

Kramer Vs. Kramer

Michael Richards sits down and discusses the comic phenomenon that is Cosmo Kramer. Kramer is without a doubt one of the most memorable characters in television history. This doc*mentary shows hilarious highlights, discusses Kramer's evolution of wacky antics, and unveils some of Michael Richards' inspirations for Kramer's popular moves (the "Kramer entrance" just to name one). Once again, this is not to be missed!

Master of His Domain

This is a compilation of standup footage that looks to be extracted from the opening credit sequences. If you are a fan of Seinfeld's standup or publications, then you will get a lot of laughs out of this.

Not That There's Anything Wrong With That- Blooper Reel

A regular blooper reel is always funny. A blooper reel with the cast of this show? Absolutely priceless! Enough said.

Tonight Show Footage

NBC Promos

Gift Set Only

"Monk's Diner" Salt and Pepper Shakers

Collectible Playing Cards

Script With Handwritten Notes By Larry David

The show is presented in its fullscreen presentation and the episodes are digitally remastered. However it looked like the same old Seinfeld to me. Not that there's anything wrong with that....

2.0 Dolby Digital- The sound is acceptable and I will leave it at that. I heard the jokes and I laughed, and that is all that matters.

It is very rare that I wish to give a review that exceeds five stars, but the Seinfeld seasons count as one of these moments.

This is a DVD that does not simply humor fans by releasing episodes alone. There are enough special features here to indulge in for days, maybe even weeks. Not only are the features in large quantity, but also they are top quality.

I know there is a light bias here because I am a Seinfeld fan, but I don't think a non-fan will be buying this DVD. There are those who dig Seinfeld and those who find it unbearable. If you fall into the former category, then buy this DVD.

The Best DVD of 2004! (so far)