Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series [6 Discs]

"It may have been taken off the airwaves tragically early, but thanks to Shout Factory's feature-packed release of Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series, fans can now own a comprehensive collection of the entire run of this criminally unseen series. Sporting some of the best writing on television and offering one of the most realistic portrayals of high-school life ever to hit the small screen, Freaks and Geeks' endearing blend of comedy and character-driven drama earned it a special place in the hearts of viewers -- and it may well have flourished on the small screen had the networks give it a chance to find its footing in the vast television wasteland. Presented in 1.33:1 full-frame, the image is clean and the colors evenly balanced. Sound is presented in closed-captioned Dolby Digital 5.1, and though there is little room for directional effects in such a dialogue-driven show, the audio is clean, solid, and free of hiss or distortion. If fans still feel somewhat jilted regarding Freaks and Geeks' all-too-brief television run, the inclusion of an abundance of bonus features will no doubt offer a glimmer of vindication. To put it bluntly, this set is packed -- virtually overflowing with an abundance of informative and entertaining extras. Commentaries feature nearly everyone involved in the production of the series (including ""in character"" commentaries by the actors who portrayed teachers) and are nearly as entertaining as the shows themselves. Though they may not offer much in the way of technical information, they are certainly a testament to the wealth of creativity involved in the show. Outtakes and deleted scenes range from the incidental to touching little character moments, and are also frequently accompanied by commentary. Casting auditions offer fans an amusing look at the actors as they get in touch with their inner misfits. An informative booklet rounds things off nicely with a detailed essay by series creator Paul Feig and a revealing Q & A session with writer/producer Judd Apatow -- naturally accompanied by numerous unflattering photos."