Plot: What’s it about?
My experience with Mr. Show is this: I saw one episode five years ago and nearly laughed until I passed out. I later learned that the episode I saw was from Season Four and it was to be the last season in the series. Just my luck. Long have I been a fan of variety shows and the like; offbeat humor if you will. The Simpson’s is my all-time favorite television show and for anyone who calls it a “cartoon” is lucky if they don’t get smacked (ok, I really don’t get that offended, but you get the idea). Shows like Saturday Night Live, Kids in the Hall, The State are all similar to this; though each has their own flavor. Where this show differs from the rest is that it was aired on HBO, a pay channel and that being the case (it is), they got away with a whole lot more. Swearing, for example, wasn’t an issue. And as the front of the box exclaims “Must be seen to be appreciated.” I really can’t agree more. Thanks somebody at Newsweek, I appreciate it! While shows like Jackass are entertaining, they tend to get a bit old. This is where Mr. Show takes over. The more you watch it, the funnier it gets.
So what sets Bob Odenkirk and David Cross apart from more mainstream folks like Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park)? I suppose it’s that they never found the commercial success that those two did, but damn if they weren’t just as funny. Now don’t get me wrong, this show won’t change your life, but you’ll find it addicting. A seemingly endless variety of comedy comes out of Bob and David (and their ensemble cast) that left me wanting more. But in case you missed it, they already have the first two seasons out on DVD. The closest comparison I can draw from this is that this resembles the early years of Saturday Night Live. The cast wasn’t stars yet and they didn’t become movie stars overnight (like today’s cast). The comedy is different, to be sure, but funny at the same time. You’ll watch something and not even realize that it was funny until the skit or the disc is over. Fans of the show, you know who you are, the next installment is here, but if HBO keeps true to their form (releasing once a year), then it’ll be next Summer until we can complete our collections. Sigh.
Video: How does it look?
The video for the third season is what we might expect. Alternating between tape and film, the images are presented in their original full-frame aspect ratios. For the most part, the images are very clean, as the episodes are only a few years old. There isn’t a lot of artifacting or edge enhancement to make note of and this is right on par with most new shows that make their way to DVD. Not that true fans of the show would be deterred by video, as the laughs ensue. There’s not a whole lot to say here, it’s better than when it aired on HBO, but can’t hold a candle to some of the DVD transfers out there.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio is about the same. Released in a Dolby Surround mix, there isn’t a whole lot when it comes to dynamic audio. The surround effects are only used when the audience is clapping or some occasional sound makes it’s way to the rear speakers. For the most part, though, this is a decent-sounding track that should please most any listener. All the profanity (and occasionally there is some) is easily understandable and I’m out of things to say. Decent and above average. How about that?
Supplements: What are the extras?
In addition to each of the ten episodes having a commentary by Bob and David, we get a couple of features as well. The original television spots are shown as well as the guys at the 1997 (the year this season was originally aired) U.S. Comedy Arts Festival. An instrumental score called “Druggachusettes” is included and words might not do it justice. Rounding out the supplements is a featurette “The Best of Mr. Show: Fantastic Newness”. All in all, a collection that will please most fans and leave those like me waiting for Season Four.
