With television in the current state, it is always comforting to have some
old favorites to fall back on. Thankfully, the success not only of the show’s
original run but of its transfer to DVD, has allowed the fourth season of a
fantastic sitcom to arrive on DVD. 3rd Rock From The Sun is
non-stop laughs the whole way through. The four-disc set falls right in line
with its three predecessors – containing a plentiful 24 season episodes.
The special features have been toned down a bit, but because the package is
what it is, I’m willing to let it slide a little.
THE SHOW 3rd Rock From The Sun chronicles the mission of four aliens
sent to Earth to research humanity and its culture. Taking on human form as
a family in Ohio, each has their own tasks to perform. As the High Commander
of the group, John Lithgow assumes the role of the head of the family, Dick
Solomon. He also [somehow] gets a job at the local college as a Physics professor
– with hilarious consequences. Sally Solomon, Dick’s sister (Kristen
Johnston), is the Lieutenant of the group, and actually a man… in her
alien species anyway. The dorky French Stewart, who will forever be typecast
after this role, plays Dick’s brother Harry who has been wired as the
group’s transmitter/receiver. People will remember Harry’s transmission
acts as being some of the funniest moments, and one cannot forget the subtle
alien humor of their leader, The Big Giant Head – who makes an appearance
at the end of this season courtesy of William Shatner. Wrapping up the family
is Tommy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the hormonally driven teenage boy and the group’s
information officer. Thankfully by this season he’s gotten his haircut
and no longer looks like a dweeb. Gordon-Levitt’s maturation in real life
plays real well into the show too.
Jane Curtain, who is no stranger to aliens (see: Coneheads),
fits nicely into the ensemble as Dr. Mary Albright, the object of Dick’s
affection. Simbi Khali is the department’s secretary and brings a nice
slice of comedy to the show as well. The fourth season sees the return of Wayne
Knight as the portly police officer Don, and Sally’s romantic interest.
The ensemble really is fantastic. Lithgow’s talents as an actor are absolutely
perfect for this role. But he doesn’t steal the show. It’s not a
one-man act. The entire cast does a great job making me laugh. I’m sure
you’ll have no problems either. The show also suffers from terminal case
of fantastic writing. The show was, and still is, an example of a perfect balance
of top-notch production and acting.
THE EPISODES
The fourth season benefited not only from a number of great stories, but also
from a pretty abundant supply of special guest stars. The good thing is the
show didn’t rely on the guests to help carry the show and boost ratings
and the story. Making appearances this season are: Laurie Metcalf, Kathy Bates,
Kevin Nealon, Bryan Cranston, Kurtwood Smith, and as The Big Giant Head itself
– William Shatner.
Also this season Sally finally loses her virginity, Dick and Mary take a break,
and the family discovers the New Year’s Holiday. Dick and Sally wrestle
with an addiction to fuzzy collectibles, while Tommy tries his best to land
a new girlfriend. Hilarity ensues when Dick is invited to his family reunion
– which is odd because, well, they are aliens and thusly have no family.
The season picks up where the last one left off with Harry having been kidnapped
and given to a freak show. Some other stand out episodes include: “Collect
Call For Dick,” “I Am Dick Pentameter,” “Two Faced Dick,”
“Dick And Taxes,” “Superstitious Dick,” “Y2dicK,”
“Dick ‘The Mouth’ Solomon,” “Dick Vs. Strudwick”
and the season’s closers, “Dick’s Giant Headache.”
AUDIO & VISUAL 3rd Rock is a sitcom, so the shows are presented in their regular
Full Screen (1.33:1) format like you would see on your TV. Sound tracks include
the regular Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, which is normal for most television shows.
English is the only available language track. The episodes sound just fine,
and will work nicely when played through a stereo or just a lone television.
I’d also just like to mention the transfer to DVD is pretty crisp too.
The show is not very old, but they did a nice job getting it on this media.
PACKAGING & LAYOUT
The slipcase and disc holder for the set is very well done. There is artwork
galore, with pictures of the cast and characters on the holder case and a nicely
decorated outer case. The booklet is an amazing inclusion too, as it serves
as a guidebook for aliens on Earth. It’s a fun take on otherwise bland
and boring informational booklets. This set however, unlike the previous three,
does not have a special little button that plays a little sound byte.
Navigation through the DVDs is simple, as the menus are clear and easy to get
through. They all feature animated sequences and pictures accompanied by a repeating
soundtrack. One thing I need to mention is an option to view a preview for each
episode before watching the actual episode. They are the TV spots that aired
back when the show was on. I thought that was a nice inclusion because they
are right in the episode description menu, not tucked away in a special features
area.
THE EXTRAS
There is not a huge array of extras on the set, but the overall quality of the
series itself far outshines this blemish on the set. Sadly missing though are
some commentaries. They were fun before, but left out here. Not sure why. Here’s
a closer look at what is included:
• Season 4 Bloopers – A shorter than normal reel of outtakes from
the show. Not as funny as they have been in the past. A pity because gag reels
are on of my favorite things.
• Season 4 Highlights – Basically just a montage of a bunch of the
season’s funniest moments. If you’ve just watched the discs, then
this becomes pointless.
• Jane Curtin Interview – A short but decent interview with Jane
Curtin about working on the show, how her character developed, and how she got
involved with the show in the first place.
LIKE A ROCK
Once again, 3rd Rock From The Sun proves it can carry itself
on DVD. The show is hysterical, the cast works flawlessly together, and the
collections themselves look great inside and out. While I was saddened by the
lack of extras on this set (far less that on previous ones), I’m quite
content with the quantity and quality of the episodes. Anyone who has an interest
can jump in at anytime really, but like I tell everyone, it’s always just
better to start at the beginning. So don’t be afraid – it’s
never too late to start your collection of 3rd Rock From The Sun.
Season 4 Episodes: A+
Season 4 Extras: D
Audio/Visual: B
Packaging/Layout: A Overall DVD Score: B
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