Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season DVD: Review By Dodd

Television shows are sometimes a wonder. Successful series such as Friends, Seinfeld, Frasier, and Cheers pulled in large quantities of viewers every week, yet, despite their appeal, all of these shows were thrown in the can. Why is it that so many good runs always come to an end? It could be a variety of factors: the stars become too big for their britches and try to venture into the movies, or the network needs to throw out old shows to make way for the acc*mulating new concepts.

However, one thing that can never be halted in the entertainment industry is aging. We all remember when the hip twentysomethings on Friends reached their golden 40's, and when Ted Danson's womanizing bartender on Cheers began to gray. Many shows face the issue of growing old, and this is precisely why animation is so beneficial.

One of the longest-running series on television is The Simpsons. For over 15 years, the family has been one of Fox's highest-rated shows. Why? Because while the voice actors grow old, the characters never do. Homer Simpson does not lose his comical edge like Chevy Chase, but remains the same loveable male buffoon since the show's conception. The same can be said for each member of the family's notable characteristics. Animation has allowed this show to live a long life, and this is precisely why The Simpsons is now available on DVD in its eighth season, with many more seasons to come.

The eighth season of The Simpsons continues a winning streak that began in the fourth season and continued to grow. Many fans say that during the tenth season, the series began to lose its steam. However, after revisiting these episodes, I see the eighth season as one of the show's proudest moments.

The Simpsons had initially showcased Bart Simpson as the star with juvenile delinquent gags planted in every episode. However, beginning with the third season, Homer went from a background abusive father character, to the heart of the series. It seems that the eighth season marks a revelation by the creators that they know exactly where the series stands. Every character embodies their loveable identities, while the plot lines mature simultaneously. Slapstick humor begins to morph into sharp and social commentary.

The episodes contain a wide range of favorites including Lisa babysitting Bart, Principal Skinner initiating a love affair with Bart's teacher, and Homer going to work for a James Bond-like supervillain (voiced by Albert Brooks). However, this season contains one of the best episodes ever drawn, and this is one that follows Homer's struggle with his own homophobia. Guest star John Waters shines as a homosexual collectible store owner that teaches Homer a lesson in accepting his masculinity, and the results are a thousand laughs per minute (not that that many laughs per minute is even scientifically possible).

Commentary

From the beginning and to this day, The Simpsons DVD's contain the best commentary tracks ever laid onto digital discs. Not only does each episode have its own commentary, but the proper speakers are chosen to give life to every episode. Each track contains insights from the creator, writers, producers, and voice cast. There is barely a moment of silence and the commentaries almost accentuate the enjoyment factor on each episode as the minds behind the series reveal their inspiration for jokes. If you have all the time in the world, I highly recommend listening to these tracks. Once you listen to one, you may become addicted.

Deleted Scenes

Most of the episodes contain deleted scene options that the viewer can enable. Rarely do I find a collection of deleted scenes that are all wonderful. Like most selections, this is a grab bag of laughers and duds. Fans of the show should find something here that fits his or her liking.

Animation Showcase

Like prior seasons, the animation multi-angle function is available here on select episodes. While I am not a fanatic of the detailed animation process, being able to see storyboards and concept sketches will be interesting to aspiring animators or those with an interest in drawing.

Memento from Matt Groening

The show's creator gives a brief, useless presentation of the season. There is nothing insightful here. It is just an unnecessary summary of the season.

The Simpsons House

This featurette may remind fans of a specific sweepstakes in which the winner is given a house that replicates the Simpsons' home. This is a step-by-step, detailed construction of the home. The cartoon/real life comparisons are astoundingly similar and quite fun to analyze.

A Bit From the Animators

Select episodes also include visual commentaries from the show's creators that look at storyboards as opposed to the final animation products. The commentators use magic ink markers to make certain indications onscreen. This is another special feature that is worth seeking out.

The DVD also includes promos, original sketches, and special language tracks that translate an episode into obscure, exotic languages.

Full Screen (1.33:1 Aspect Ratio) The episodes are featured in their original full screen formats. After watching many of these episodes in local syndication, it is easy to notice the difference in clarity. The episodes are crystal clear on DVD and commercial free. I cannot think of any better way to enjoy The Simpsons.

5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. Surprisingly, these episodes are available in 5.1 for surround sound enjoyment. While I can't imagine the episodes needing the full blown sound treatment, the surround track is certain to be a bonus for some admirers of the program.

The season is available in two different cases to appease fans. The first case is the original folding case that is more compact for DVD shelves. The second is a plastic case shaped like Maggie's head that looks pretty slick, but is clunky for shelving.

The Simpsons come through once again in its eighth glorious season. I am sure there is a point when the series began to decline in quality, but the show still stays strong here. Fans of the series should certainly consider purchasing this DVD as an addition to their collection. The quality episodes along with the always solid commentary tracks make this highly worthwhile as a purchase or rental.

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