Weeds: Season One (Blu-ray)

Plot: What’s it about?

Marijuana, once thought to be such a horrible and an illegal drug, has come such a long way. Gone are the days of Cheech and Chong and here are the days of “Weeds”. Though there is still some controversy regarding this wacky weed, let’s face it – it’s not that hard to come by if you really want it. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating the use of marijuana (though there are plenty of folks out there who want to legalize it), but rather just saying that if you want it and know where to look, it’s not that hard to find. And no one knows this better than Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), a housewife who suddenly loses her husband and is forced to become the neighborhood pot dealer to make financial ends meet. Yep, that’s the plot behind one of the more controversial shows on television and “Weeds” is its name. The show is broadcast on Showtime, naturally, as networks would most likely run the other way if a show like this was even mentioned. Their loss is our gain and ya know what? It’s a pretty good show to boot.

While the subject matter may be a little over the top, luckily the show has a good cast of supporting players that make it all the more interesting and fun to watch. Namely ex-SNL vet Kevin Nealon who plays Doug Wilson, Nancy’s accountant. Nealon shows that though he paled in comparison to Adam Sandler, Chris Farley and Dana Carvey that he has what it takes to make it as an actor – and a funny one at that. And making somewhat of a comeback is Elizabeth Perkins who plays Nancy’s best friend and President of the PTA as well. “Weeds” gears up for a second season in the not too distant future and it’ll have one more viewer this season in me. It’s funny, quirky and has just the right amount of humor and comedy to make it work. HBO and Showtime (and FX to a degree) are showing that well-made original programming is what the consumers want, and it shows here. Highly recommended.

Video: How does it look?

I had mentioned in my review of the standard DVD set that “Weeds” was presented in a full-frame format. That was correct. However, I was mistaken when I mentioned that the episodes were presented that way when aired. That was incorrect. “Weeds” makes its debut on Blu-ray in a beautiful-looking 1.78:1 HD transfer. Not only are colors more rich and vibrant than the standard DVD release, but there’s a noticeable improvement in detail and saturation as well. Contrast seems to be bumped up a few notches as well. What the standard DVD set was lacking, this Blu-ray release more than makes up for. And correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this is the first “TV on Blu-ray” to come along. And the subject matter is about marijuana to boot – certainly a sign of the times.

Audio: How does it sound?

Lionsgate offers up their standard DTS HD Audio track along with a Dolby Digital EX track. Both tracks sound about equal and lest we forget, we’re talking television here and most shows really don’t take full advantage of the 5.1 format. That said, there are a few instances in which the speakers make themselves known, but for the most part it’s a dialogue-driven series and these discs adequately represent the soundtrack in all its glory.

Supplements: What are the extras?

All of the same supplements from the standard DVD set are here as well. There are a few good commentary tracks on six episodes (there are only 10 all together) and it’s evident that they’re all having a blast making the show. A couple of featurettes in “Smokey Snippets” and “Smoke and Mirrors” poke fun at the subject matter, but are fairly informative as well. There are a few recipes and a music video as well. Fans of “Weeds” will like it for one of two reasons: they’re smokers themselves or they appreciate a fresh and fun new show that’s fun to watch. In any regard, it’s just what TV needed.