Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season DVD: Review By Dodd

Once again it is that time of the year. It is indeed a time I anticipate when the newest season of The Simpsons is released on DVD. Not only am I a big fan of the series, but also I've found that the DVD's are an added bonus. It is now time for the sixth season to be released, and so far the creators behind the DVD series have not lost their magic touch. There is still plenty to enjoy for fans of the show.

The sixth season captures every episode that aired from 1994-1995. While I am still a big fan of the show's new episodes, the series was really at it's peak during the 1990's period. I spoke very highly as the fourth and fifth seasons as containing some of the best episodes ever, and the sixth season definitely joins the ranks.

Before opening the case, I couldn't even recall which episodes debuted during the sixth season. Even when looking at the names of every episode, I was still slightly baffled. Though once I hit play, I experienced a blast from the past. Some of the best moments in Simpsons history are amongst this fine selection. Lisa becomes an aggressive hockey goalie, Bart finds a new troublemaking girlfriend in Reverend Lovejoy's daughter, Homer joins the prestigious Stonecutter secret society, and Mr. Burns gets shot. I think any active television viewer alive during the 90's remembers the Dallas-like hype over which character shot the ruthless millionaire.

As usual, the season contains a selection of celebrity guest voices. Meryl Streep lends her voice as Lovejoy's daughter, Mel Brooks makes a memorable appearance, and Patrick Stewart voices the stern leader of the Stonecutter society.

The episodes for the sixth season are as follows:

Disc One

Bart of Darkness, Lisa's Rival, Another Simpsons Clip Show, Itchy and Scratchy Land, Sideshow Bob Roberts, Treehouse of Horror V, Bart's Girlfriend

Disc Two

Lisa on Ice, Homer Bad Man, Grandpa vs. Sexual Inadequacy, Fear of Flying, Homer the Great, And Maggie Makes Three, Bart's Comet

Disc Three

Homie the Clown, Bart vs. Australia, Homer vs. Patty and Selma, A Star is Burns, Lisa's Wedding, Two Dozen and One Greyhounds, The PTA Disbands

Disc Four

Round Springfield, The Springfield Connection, Lemon of Troy, Who Shot Mr. Burns

Just like the DVD seasons preceding this one, the special features are cherry. What I admire about the makers of the Simpsons DVD's is that they put 100% into every set. While some makers will load up the first season and leave little to show in the following seasons, every season for this show has come packed with goodies.

The commentary tracks are definitely the strongest thing going for this DVD. Every single episode contains a track with both voice actors and show creators. The people behind this show are witty, original, and talented, and their commentaries never prove to be disappointing. Sometimes they keep their eye on the episode and discus particular scenes, while other times they will trail off onto other subjects. Either way, everything they say is not a waste of time.

The deleted scene setup on the more recent installments works quite conveniently for viewers. The option is available to interact with the episode and insert the deleted scenes into each episode. Though if you are all about uninterrupted, final cut versions of the episodes, the fourth disc contains every deleted scene together on a compilation reel with optional commentary.

There are also a few fun options to get in touch with the animation aspect. One episode can be played in animatic rough animation with optional visual commentary. Another episode contains picture in picture interactivity where the viewer can alternate between animatic and storyboard angles.

The fourth disc contains a few miscellaneous features. During the Mr. Burns cliffhanger, John Walsh hosted an America's Most Wanted Spoof to plug the show. That particular special is on this disc. As well, there is an amusing 90 second promo tape of a jet that was painted up with Simpsons characters. For worthless, yet amusing, humor there are rare language tracks included for one particular episode.

Fullscreen. From the beginning, I've thought the DVD transfer of The Simpsons episodes have looked remarkable. Every episode comes through with perfect picture clarity. And the best part: no commercials!

Stereo Sound. I do not have much to report in the sound department. Everything sounds exactly as it did when I watched these episodes on television. So I suppose that is a good thing!

Now this section calls for a little explanation. For the sixth season, Fox has decided to try something different with the case design. Instead of the usual cardboard foldout cases, the DVD's are layered on top of one another inside of a plastic case that looks like Homer's head. The plastic casing is a little awkward to open as it opens from the top and folds downward. I've read that fans of the DVD are up in arms about this design. I will be curious to see what is to come with the seventh season.

As well, a booklet of episodes is contained in every DVD. However, my copy does not include one of these. Come on Fox! Critics need love too!

My final word is the unsurprisingly positive for The Simpsons: Season Six. At a time when The Simpsons was at the top of its game, the sixth season does not disappoint with a selection of classic moments. As well, the special features are a plenty. With every season, the talent behind the show puts a lot of work into their commentaries, and I commend these people for appeasing the fans. If you are a Simpsons fan, then you know this is a must-have title for your collection.

Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com