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DVD
FREAKS AND GEEKS: THE COMPLETE SERIES (DVD MO
Publisher: Shout Factory Theatr
Bill Pope
Format: Box set, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Actors: Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine
Over 35,000 fans have demanded it, and so it has come. That’s how many rabid "Freaks and Geeks" fans have signed a petition via the Internet to plead for its release on DVD. "Freaks and Geeks," the Emmy® award-winning series about the trials and tribulations of high school outsiders in 1980 Michigan is finally coming out on DVD in its original form, with all the original music. And believe us – clearing over 130 music cues from the likes of The Who, Billy Joel, Bob Seger and their peers was no easy task. "Freaks and Geeks" ran for only one television season, but arguably remains the most sought-after series yet to be released on DVD. Just 18 episodes were made, but its legend has exploded over time. Cast members have gone on to stardom, articles have continued to be written, internet activity abounds. Shout! Factory celebrates this incredible television series with the passionate treatment it deserves. Box set features:
- The complete series – all 18 episodes on 6 DVDs, including the director’s cut of the pilot, with never-before-seen footage.
- Deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes.
- 29 audio commentaries by the actors, writers, directors, network executives, parents of cast members and obsessive fans.
- 28-page booklet with an essay by "Freaks and Geeks" creator Paul Feig, Q&A with executive producer/writer Judd Apatow and illustrated by extremely geeky photos.
- Deluxe DVDigistak style package with graphics behind the clear trays in a sturdy slip-case.
The comedy/drama Freaks and Geeks limped through its sole season on NBC in 1999 before being expelled by the network--but not before earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base that fought valiantly to keep it on the air. Now all 18 episodes have been released in this long-awaited boxed set, which allows longtime fans and first-timers alike to enjoy one of television's most poignant and funny programs about high school. Created by writer-comedian Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow (The Larry Sanders Show), Freaks and Geeks followed the Weir siblings--former math whiz Lindsay (Linda Cardellini of the Scooby-Doo feature films and ER) and her younger brother Sam (John Francis Daley)--as they navigated the perils and pleasures of a Michigan high school circa 1980. What separated Freaks and Geeks from most other scholastic series was its brutal honesty--Lindsay and Sam, as well as their friends and parents, were given very human personas that showed failure, malice, indecision, and moments of great clarity. Likewise, the plotlines rarely offered pat solutions to the characters' conflicts--the show unfolded in a naturalistic manner, which was a welcome respite for viewers tired of flashy high school dramas. When combined with its smart dialogue and winning performances (the cast included SCTV veteran Joe Flaherty and Spider-Man star James Franco, as well as the sublime and criminally underrecognized Martin Starr and Seth Rogen as Sam's pal Bill and dry-witted Ken, respectively), the show became a haven for fans of quality television, if only for a brief period of time. The six-disc boxed set provides over 40 hours of supplemental material, which should satiate even the most obsessive of fans. Twenty-nine separate commentaries from the show's creators, cast (and as some of their parents!), composer Mike Andrews, and fans are included, as are 60 deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and cast auditions. However, the most striking extra is the warmth that radiates from the commentary participants--their pleasure in taking part in such a quality program is palpable, and will undoubtedly be echoed by all who watch these discs. --Paul Gaita
| Customer Reviews: |
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| BEST SHOW EVER! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I'm on the 4th disc right now and every episode just gets better and better. I know I can just watch them over and over again!
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| Greatest Comedy Ever!!! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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It truly is a shame that this incredible show only lasted one season, but this season really does deliver, in every way possible! Fantastic acting, writing, music, and more. I am happy with the condition of the box set, and it arrived quickly after I placed the order. I highly recommend this show to all fans of shows like "The Wonder Years" and "My so-called Life".
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| Flashback |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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One of the best tv shows (series) I've ever seen! Great music from the 80's and a true-to-life perspective of high school, not just from the 80's, but even for today. It's universal - all teachers & students should have to watch & learn! The geeks and freaks are still out there.
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| very good |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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took a little while for it to come in the mail but over all good service, quality product two thumbs up.
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| How did I miss this one? |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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I can't believe it took me so long to catch this. It's pretty funny to look back now knowing how almost all of these young actors turned out. Great casting choices across the board - has a little of everything - heart, comedy, drama, and good music. Kudos for getting all of the original songs on the DVD set. Now, if we can just get The Wonder Years to receive this same treatment!
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