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An elite U.S. counter-terrorism squad loses a member while decimating half of Paris in the reckless pursuit of Middle Eastern maniacs; a Broadway actor with a traumatic childhood secret is naturally hired to replace him. Oh--and they're all marionettes. South Park maestros Trey Parker and Matt Stone (along with co-writer Pam Brady) came up with this shameless satire of pea-brained Hollywood action flicks and even smaller-minded global politics, so don't expect subtlety or even a hint of good taste. Team America is soon on the trail of North Korea's evil Kim Jong Il, who treats us to a tender song about his loneliness before ensnaring Alec Baldwin and the rest of the oblivious Film Actors Guild (F.A.G. for short) in a plot to blow up every major city on the planet. Just as the mindless squad cheerfully demolishes everything in sight, so do director Parker and company. Throwing punches Left, Right, and in-between, the movie's politics leave no turn un-stoned; there's even time to bludgeon the musical Rent. It's offensive, irresponsible comic anarchy seemingly made by sniggering little boys. Painfully funny sniggering little boys.--Steve Wiecking ... Read more

Reviews (249)

"Team America"....f*ck yes.
Alot of people will dig this movie. It's accessable to mainstream audiences whether or not they get beyond the surface humor that might have linked "Team America" back to "Basketball", but it's also damn smart on so many different levels. There's the obvious connotations of the marionettes, but they've done so much more than strip bare the Hollywood blockbusters that too many people can watch with a straight face while the rest of us stand outside the theater gagging; they've displayed the cheesiness that seeped out of michael bay movies into the modern American mentallity. During no other 20th century war has cliche fiction had so many striking similarities to our hero-enemy soap opera ideas of what liberty is. But is the patriotism of the right really reminiscent of the hot blooded Reagan-era action flicks this film spoofs? Is the media role-playing of the left the result of Hollywood refusing to leave childish namecalling and immature ideology to elementary school playgrounds? Well, it's never seemed so familiar and never felt so much like there's been a mudslinging contest with the tactics and wit of a simple puppet show going on right under our noses.

"From the Guys who brought you SouthPark"...
That says it all right there, if you are unfamiliar with the now infamous landmark of the Comedy Central channel on cable, 'Southpark' are basically poorly drawn children characters that curse and make bodily function jokes at each other all day. The aim of it's creators is to basically smash every barrier of good taste and offend every group in society that they can, but where do you go from there? Team America functions along the same lines. The puppets in here are amazingly filmed, and I would recommend you see the way they look on screen. However, only see this film if you are a liberal and have a healthy sense of humor. There are a lot of infantile jokes, gross out humor and some very, very offensive material, often in poor taste. There's plenty of harsh language and this film is definitely not for children. I don't offend easily, but I even turned away during the puppet making love scene, in which they mimic all sexual positions and then go too far I feel, in showing the puppets deficate and urinate on each other. The premise of the film is obviously poking fun at Bush and the war on terror and a thinly veiled way of saying that we often poke our nose in other countries affairs. No one is left unoffended in this film. I would mainly say that if you like that Southpark
type of humor, this is your film. If that type of humor offends you, stay far away from this film.

Disgusting!
I thought this movie was going to be very funny, but I should have known better, being created by the people of south park. This was one of the worst things I have ever seen. The movie was filthy, the language grotesque, extremely perverse and total garbage!
The creators, producers and anyone involved in this movie should be extremely ashamed of themselves.
This movie should have been rated X or XXX.
If this is your version of what America should be then i feel terribly sorry for you.
Even if this IS your type of movie, it wasn't even funny.
Don't subject yourself to watching this blight on humanity.
0 starts!

I have not laughed as hard all year as I did at the scene...
...involving all the vomit. The sex scene got all the attention from critics and pundits but for my money, the extended regurgitation scene took the prize.I realize some people probably found it disgusting but they were probably watching the wrong movie.

And maybe I'm just jaded but I actually didn't think it was as raunchy as it's rep proclaimed.There's actually kind of a sweet undercurrent to the whole thing, despite the fact that it's basically making fun of the left, right and everyone in between.

Another highlight: Kim Jong Il's musical number.In fact, all the songs were dead-on parodies.You really have to pay attention to pop country anthems to nail them the way Parker and Stone did.

The extra features on the disc are pretty good, too.I never thought watching puppeteers could be so interesting.

Kinda Funny
3 and a half stars for me, please. There is no real reason for this to be uncensored, but it just did not turn out to be as funny as I hoped. Don't get me wrong...it's still entertaining. This is how things are when you mix terrorism with celebrities and Kim Jong Il with marionettes. That's it. All I can really say is that I'm at a total loss to describe this movie. I can relate most to Kim Jong Il's feelings............


"MATT DAMON!!" ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Is it in french too ?
Hi,
i'm wandering what are the languages of these DVD's ?
English of course, but is there a French version too ?

Thanks for your help

One of the best seasons for any show!
I usually don't comment 5/5 on anything, but this season is amazing.

Season 5 includes: Introduction of Towelie (must i say anymore?)
Yes? OK, this is also the year Cartman redirects his hate for Hippies and Kenny towards Kyle.

And this leads us to Kenny dying and butters' very own episode, which will lead us to season 6 with Butters' and the gang.

Overall, the writing focused more on the boys and less on the school and other characters.That is what is should be> ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Toy Story
1995's "Toy Story" was the first feature length film generated entirely by computers, and Pixar's first dive into theatrical films. The movie opens as young Andy turns 7. The undisputed leader of Andy's toys, a 50's cowboy doll named Woody (Tom Hanks), finds himself challenged by the new toy on the block, "space ranger" Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). When Woody's plan to get rid of Buzz backfires, the two find themselves lost in the suburbs. Woody and Buzz relize they have to work together to get back to Andy's, and they eventually become the best of friends. The humor and animation is terrific, and a great start for Pixar. This lead to several other successes, such as A Bug's Life and Finding Nemo.

Now on to "the vaults". Disney is trying to squeeze every last penny out of the cash cow, and have the two Toy Story films under lock and key, no doubt so they can sell millions of "Special Editions" in five years. Once again, Disney appalls me with their unmatched corperate greed. In conclusion, Toy Story is an excellent film and a true must-see.

The Secret Lives of Toys Revealed
"Toy Story" is a modern fairy tale created with appropriately modern computer animation. Its snappy dialougue will appeal to adult viewers, the spectacle of fantastic toys coming to life will appeal to children, and adults may wax nostalgic about the toys they enjoyed as children, several of which are featured in this movie.
The story revolves around a cowboy doll named Woody, and his imminent replacement as the favorite toy of his owner, Andy, by Andy's new Buzz Lightyear doll, a multigadgeted gift that Andy receives for his birthday.
Tom Hanks'personality shines through in the persona of Woody, and Tim Allen's voice lends the right amount of charisma to Buzz.
In the process of forming an eventual friendship, the characters go through a lot of antagonism and a lot of other real human emotions. As they prepare for life in a new home, they are imperiled by the sadistic kid next door named Sid, into whose clutches they fall by accident.
It's entertaining to watch the toys interact with each other.
Buzz gradually learns that he is simply a child's plaything and not the noble space crusader he fancied himself to be in the beginning, and Woody learns to share his special place in Andy's heart. A great supporting cast including Annie Potts as Woody's sweetheart, Bo Peep, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, Jim Varney as Slinky, Wallace Shawn as Rex, John Ratzenburger as Ham, and Laurie Metcalfe as Andy's mother help fuel this tale.
Seeing this innovative film made me want to buy dolls of Woody and Buzz as collector's items. But I am content with just a copy of this movie. The second installment of the "Toy Story" saga is an enhancement of the first one, and just like the first, nothing short of delightful.

Original and fun for the whole family!
This movie took me by storm when I saw it back in the summer of 1995 at the theatres and let me tell you, this movie is still one of the best computer animated movies of all time. In fact this movie shattered new grounds back in 1995 by not using drawing cel animation and instead this movie is the first of an unbroken chain of computer generated animated movies that has continued to date with "Finding Nemo".

The plot is absolutely joyful and stunningly original. The story revolves around the quiet family home of a quiet town where a boy owns numerous toys with his toddler sister. The toys however, are almost like beings of their own and are 'living' as well but stop 'moving' when the boy comes back into his room. However, a cowboy named Tim is the most popular 'toy' in the boys bedroom and is kept by the pillow almost every night until on his birthday, he gets a fancy astronaut toy named Buzz Lightyear who has many 'gizmos' and in time takes over the toy cowboys place as the most popular toy and Tim gets enormously jealous of this. However, after a botched attempt to remove Buzz, the cowboy himself along with Buzz end up in the hands of a punk teenager who takes joy in blowing up toys with firecrackers and or other means like burning, breaking, or smashing them and/or even taking them apart and re-assembling their parts to create 'mutant' toys and now the clock is ticking for Tim and Buzz to escape from the boys house before they end up being blown to molecules.

This movie is absolutely fun and original even by 1995 standards. The computer generated special effects are innovative and unbelievable especially considereing the fact that this movie came out nearly a whole decade ago. The whole tone of the movie is just fun and charming and is for the entire family. Not only that but this was what put the then newcomers Pixas right into the front seat of movie animation and would be the start of an unbroken streak of excellent movies from this dynamite team.

Computer animation wow. 16th april 2004.
The toys are great, the graphics and scenery is too. The collectables are boys mostly but the film is ace for anyone. The 3D toys look real, the colors are excellent[like finding nemo]. The talking toys are all friends, and they live with their owner andy.

Hit Me With Another One!
Give me another Toy Story and while your at it lets go for a 5th. Wow lets see...Tom Hanks and Tim Alan...Pixar and Disney...Go get it or miss out! ... Read more

Reviews (33)

AWESOME!
These are SOME GREAT EPISODES!!! seasons 4, 5, and 6 are the best seasons in my opnion! MUST OWN!!! woo hoo!!!

Woo hoo!
I'm so glad this season is finally coming out!It's an absolute must-have for any Simpsons fan.If you've considered buying one of the seasons this is the one to get!Highlights include:

- The school serving up students for lunch in Treehouse of Horror V
- Homer's butt-bearing tiny tricycle ride in Homie the Clown
- Jon Lovitz's The Critic making a crossover appearance in A Star is Burns
- Mr. Burn's 'See My Vest' song & dance number in Two Dozen & One Greyhounds

And of course part one of the fabulous Who Shot Mr. Burns?, which, coupled with part two at the beginning of the 7th season, is arguably the best plotline the Simpsons has ever come up with.

Best of all, even at this very low price (compared to other series), the dvds are packed with features like commentaries on EVERY episode, lots of deleted scenes, etc etc etc.

WHOO
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SEASONS OF THE SIMPSONS IN EXISTENCE! I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT TO COME OUT! IT'S TRULY A CLASSIC!

Good News Simpson Fans!
It is offical, FOX has announced the release of the 6th season, it is August 16th, 2005.

It will have specs similar to other releases.

Prices are as follows:
United States- $49.98
Canada- $69.98

It will contain the following episodes on four discs:
1. Bart of Darkness
2. Lisa's Rival
3. Another Simpson Clip Show
4. Itchy and Scratchy Land
5. Sideshow Bob Roberts
6. Treehouse of Horror-Five
7. Bart's Girlfriend
8. Lisa On Ice
9. Homer Badman
10. Grandpa vs. Sexual Inadequacy
11. Fear of Flying
12. Homer the Great
13. And Maggie Makes Three
14. Bart's Comet
15. Homie The Clown
16. Bart vs. Australia
17. Homer vs. Patty and Selma
18. A Star Is Burns
19. Lisa's Wedding
20. Two Dozen and One Greyhounds
21. The PTA Disbands
22. Round Springfield
23. Springfield Connection
24. Lemon of Troy
25. Who Shot Mr. Burns (1)- concluded in Season 7 premeire

This DVD should be avalible for in-store pickup, if you do not want to order it off the internet on Saturday, August 20th, 2005.

16th August in the US everyone
Hi
Yeh its out August 16th
So everyone buy it
Australia will get it like a year later cos Australias crap
God bless Amazon ... Read more

Reviews (749)

Destined to be a classic.
My title may sound a tad cliche, but I believe it. The guys at Pixar understand the mind of children - because they still haven't grown up! That's why Monsters, Inc. is the perfect balance of children's entertainment and adult sophistication. I love it when a studio produces movies that kids love, but at the same time are able to add a level of maturity and sophistication that adults appreciate - without sexual innuendo or appealing to the lowest-common denominator. (i.e. several instances in the movie, Shrek)

The animation is simply incredible; the characters are compelling and hilarious; Boo is worth the price of TWO admissions; the plot and backstory are completely ingenious.

Buy this movie. Enjoy it. Enjoy Disc 2. (Tons of extras - including "Mike's New Car" and another Pixar short entitled "For the Birds" -- PLUS, clips from the Monsters, Inc. office musical production "Put that thing back where it came from or so help me..." !!) With the possible exception of Toy Story 2, one COULD argue that this is the (or at least ONE of the) greatest animated movies ever made.

Sorry if I'm gushing too much. I love this movie. My kids love this movie. It's just plain, good, old-fashinoned FUN.

"MONSTERS, INC." will scare up a treat for audiences
Delightful, uproarious, fun, hilarious, cute and cuddly, jovial... Just a few of the numerous "happy" adjectives you could pin on Pixar's latest pixilated masterpiece "Monsters, Inc." Pixar once again proves itself Disney's most valuable asset with their knack for original stories and often witty and clever humor.

John Goodman and Billy Crystal provide their trademark voices for Sully, the big blue furry monster, and Mike, the cycloptic short green monster as they scare up kids' screams which are converted to energy to power the televisions and alarm clocks of the monster metropolis. (Seems very allegorical of the California power outages this past summer, no?) Conflict brews when Randall, the gecko-like monster, gets greedy and wants to become the top "scarer" by exploiting the screams of the innocent human child, yet show-stealing cute, Boo. While kids might get lost in the action of the movie, the CGI effects and clever Laurel and Hardy-esque slapstick of Sully and Mike (or Lenny and George, which ever way you want to look at it) will have the kiddies captivated from beginning to end.

While Dreamwork's box office baby "Shrek" may have just as good edgy, clever humor and depth, Pixar is far from being out of the running. Keep in mind, Pixar is already a veteran with "Toy Story 1 & 2" (with a third on the way), and "A Bug's Life". There's no doubt in my mind that Pixar and Dreamwork's will be at the helm of the fully computer animated feature for years to come. May the best company win!

For the time being, strap yourself in for the first in some great holiday flicks coming to the silver screen near you! "Monsters, Inc." is already off and running to box office gold, and is a wholly satisfying and entertaining movie for kids, parents, and "Average Joe" movie critics alike.

A big Kid at Heart
I was in the library with my niece and she grabbed this DVD. How can you say no to someone with the most adorable eyes. So I checked out the DVD, we went home and had a wonderful, wonderful time. This is the kind of movie you can appreciate no matter how young or old you are. James P Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman), and Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) are monsters who work for Monsters Inc. Sulley is the best at getting his fair share of scares, but he has some competition in Randall who wants to be the top scare monster. The more screams collected, the more energy for Montropolis. The monsters are led to believe that if a child enters their "world" they will be contaminated and everything could be destroyed. The real fun part starts when this adorable human child named Marry (Boo buy Sulley) sneaks into Montropolis by accident. The kids are scared of the monsters, and the monsters are terrifiedof the kids. Sully and Mike try to get Boo back to her world, but she won't leave. Turns out Randall is her scary monster. Also turns out that Randal has a plan up his sleeve to extract screams that could put the other monsters out of work. It's up to Sully and Mike to save Montroplis and Monsters Inc. This is a fun, entertaining film that will leave with a happy, happy feeling when it's all over. Steve Bucemis I the voice for Randal Boggs, and other notable actors are James Coburn, and Jennifer Tilly (who has the perfect voice for animation, she should do more of it!!!) and Bonnie Hunt.

This is an adorable movie. One I will watch again, with or without my niece.

More Family Magic from Pixar! Great DVD Extras!
"Monster's, Inc." combines a fantastic cast, cutting edge imagination, and a tender storyline into a wonderful, delightful family film . . . it may even cure the nighttime frights of your wee ones!

Most of us were scared stiff at some point in our childhood by the spooky, imaginary "monsters in the closet," usually after we've read "Where the Wild Things Are" for the first time. "Monsters, Inc." plays on that near-universal fear by creating a rational explanation -- monsters live in a parallel universe, connected to ours by closet doors, and they power their land by the energy contained in human screams. Makes perfect sense!

Sulley (the hilarious John Goodman) is a celebrity in Monstropolis as the leading scare-getter for Monster's, Inc. Sulley is generally a lovable big blue yeti-bear-creature, but he can be quite terrifying. Blissfully unaware of the terror he unleashes, he enjoys his job. Basking in Sulley's reflected glory is his sidekick and assistant, Mike Waznowski (Billy Crystal, perfect as ever). Mike is a lime-green-yellow glob with one giant eye and an even larger mouth. He helps Sulley get the screams and stay one step ahead of the competition.

And the competition is fierce. The dragon-chameleon Boggs (Steve Buscemi, suitably creepy without being too scary for the kids) is right on Sulley's heels to be the scream champion, and he's willing to go to any lengths to beat his nemesis.

All is well in Monstropolis until Boo, a human child, accidentally finds her way through the closet and into Monstropolis. It seems that as scared as kids are of monsters, the monsters are equally scared of the kids -- their touch (allegedly) brings death and ruin. (This misunderstanding leads to great comic scenes as X-Files-type HAZMAT crews invade every time there's a kid sighting, usually to the woe of the monster who has seemingly been infected by the kid!)

Like all Pixar films, the glories are in the details. Check out the gentle satire of Hollywood celebrity culture, of mindless bureaucracy, and the perils of romance in the office. The animation is also wonderful -- Pixar continues to evolve with every picture. For example, Sulley's fuzzy hair is fully articulated as he zooms through various escapades.

The story is fast-paced, with enough jokes to keep the adults laughing . . . which is good, 'cause your kids will likely keep throwing this into the DVD player.

Speaking of the DVD -- there are lots of fun extras on this two-disc set. Personal favorites include the fake "outtakes," similar to those at the end of "A Bug's Life," a short film featuring Mike showing Sulley his new hi-tech car (with hilarious consequences), and an Oscar-winning short film, "For the Birds," which shows how funny animation can be, even in short doses. There are additional extras that will keep the kiddies occupied for hours.

All in all, a must for the family's DVD library.

100% Kid Friendly
There aren't many movies that can be seen over and over and over again and still be enjoyed so much. My little sister is addicted to Monsters, Inc. Instead of having to look under the bed to make sure there are no monsters there, she wishes and hopes that when the closet door is opened, Scully will be in there waiting to "scare" her. She was Boo for Halloween last year and requested a Little Mikey stuffed animal for her birthday. Basically, she can not get enough of anything to do with Monsters, Inc.

OK, I admit it. I'm hooked on Monsters, Inc. too. After seeing it thirty plus times with the little one, I still find myself actually watching it and laughing out loud. What a great movie with lovable characters.

Monsters, Inc. is a 100% kid friendly movie that adults will enjoy as well. ... Read more

Reviews (453)

Toy Story 2 Is Better Then the Original!
I had expected a dull child's cartoon with a meaningless plot and dull characters...wow was I ever wrong! Toy Story 2 is funny, exciting, dramatic, and very entertaining! This time around, Woody is stolen by a greedy toy collector...why? Because it turns out that Woody is a valuable doll from the 1950's when he had his own popular TV show! As Buzz and the rest of the toys frantically try to find a way to rescue Woody, our cow-boy hero meets other toys just like him---Jesse the cow-girl, the Prospector, and Woody's hillarious horse. And all this time Woody starts to wonder if maybe he's found his rightful home...or has he? The animation is tops, the plot is engrossing, and the movie is excellent! If you think an animated feauture is just a bunch of interesting graphics then you're wrong! This is a heart-warming and wonderful family film.

Toys
Toy Story (1995, 80 minutes, Dolby Digital Surround; Audio Commentary, Interviews) As 6-year-old Andy's favorite toy, Woody (Tom Hanks), a take-charge, pull-string cowboy, is confident in his role as room leader. But after Andy's birthday party, newcomer Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), a flashy space ranger with laser action and pop-out wings, crash-lands into Woody's world.

Buzz instantly wins the admiration of Andy's other toys, igniting a rivalry that lands the duo inside the home of Sid - the toy-torturing boy next door. To escape Sid's evil plans, Woody and Buzz must work together and realize they've got the perfect friend...in each other!

Toy Story 2 (1999, 94 minutes, Dolby Digital 5.l Surround EX; Audio Commentary, Sep. Film Score Audio Track, Outakes) Andy goes to summer camp and the toys face a new crisis: Woody turns out to be a valuable collectible, and is kidnapped by an evil toy collector. It's now up to Buzz and the gang to find a way to save him.

Five stars for the movies, one star for Disney
Why must they stick to this archaic way of releasing their movies on video/DVD? I could understand discontinuing collector's or limited editions, but why discontinue entire movies? Well we all know the answer, I just hate to be jerked around like this. Disney is the largest movie company in the world but our enjoyment of their films is based around their idiotic release/discontinue schedule.
Well, with that unpleasantness out of the way, I must say Toy Story 2 is my favorite animated movie of all time and the Toy Story series is my favorite animated series (if you think about it, though, that's not saying a lot). Let's just do this in the order they came out.
Toy Story blew my mind, because the things they did in that movie (the first in particular) were so like me when I was a kid (at that age). Toy Story is sure enough my second favorite animated movie ever. It's funny, and colorful, and touching. I think all good kid's movies should have a sense of wonder, or delight, and it shouldn't be in either a cynical or naive way. They should show wonder in a way that can be found in the real world, which is a balance hard to find. The original Toy Story has all kinds of wonder and awe, both in positive and negative ways (some kids could be afraid of Sid but I bet they won't be able to stop looking at him). It's about finding your place in life, and what to do with what you've got. When Buzz happens upon a commercial for himself and then tries to fly through the window-well that is one of the most touching scenes in any movie I've seen. And the whole ending sequence is beautiful, from Buzz and Woody on the RC car going through traffic, or them being blasted from a rocket through the air. Not to mention it's filled with all kinds of toy-related jokes that any kid can relate to. I think it's safe to say it'll be looked back on like the very first full-length animated movie (it was Snow White, wasn't it?).
Toy Story 2 is nearly flawless. It has one of the craziest openings for a movie ever, and I love the way it can find a way to have characters with all kinds of motives. Al is driven by his greed, the Prospector is jaded but just wants to be loved, Jessie hasn't given up hope yet so is overjoyed when she can find a way to confirm her hopefulness. The movie uses the toys as a metaphor for growing up and moving on: or not. You can aspire for your dreams or you can realize you're happy with what you've got. Toy Story 2 is/was the last movie Disney made with Pixar before they got too smug and self-indulgent. They realized they had the power to stir emotions and awe (they also realized they could make a ton of money), but instead of giving us a sweet movie like Toy Story, we got the self-congragulatory Monsters Inc, with its obvious conflicted main character, and instead of a great secondary character like the Prospector, we got Boo. Finding Nemo was a step in the right direction, but in my opinion doesn't have the heart of the Toy Story movies.
I can actually think of one thing wrong with Toy Story 2, and that's that lame Sarah Mclachlan song. I'm not one of those people with a weird Randy Newman fascination, but his songs were so much better than that one Mclachlan song. I guess it's because the scene in which it's used is already so emotional, instead of Newman's weird but effective delivery we got Mclachlan hammering the point home with her yodeling. But I love that scene because it shows how the little girl grew up. Other than that, Toy Story 2 is great: funny and vibrant, even on my crusty old VHS tape.
I wish I had these movies on DVD. They spark wonder in me at my age just like they did when I first saw them. They have plenty of in-jokes and such but also have a timeless quality (and a strong sense of innocence). Five stars for the both of them, the best animated series of all time.

It's Different.
It's different from your average animated film. So was Toy Story part 1 but this one is better. The movie plotting is a lot better in this part. I give it five stars(I'd give it six if it was in my hands!)

The secret lives of toys
Woody (Tom Hanks), who turns out to be a rare collectible, is stolen by an unscrupulous toy store owner and slated to be sold to a toy museum in Japan. Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and friends embark on a dangerous cross-town rescue mission. This is a very entertaining and perceptive film that remembers the guilt that a child can feel over outgrowing a favorite toy. Sammy the bear was my own constant companion when I was a young child. As I grew older, I sometimes felt a pang of shame when I would encounter him lying unloved and unplayed-with in the bottom of my old toy chest. I hope he's as philosophical and understanding about it as Woody is. As cheerful as this film is, it takes on an added dimension by honoring that first melancholy that a child feels upon outgrowing a formerly cherished plaything. The animation and voice talent are also top-notch. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Broadcast in 1991, the third season of The Simpsons contains a host of candidates for "Best Simpsons Episode Ever." Homer is in such good form throughout that a reasonable case can be made that he has superseded the importance of his Greek namesake in the annals of culture and civilization.The opener, "Stark Raving Dad," for instance, features a guest appearance by an uncredited Michael Jackson, who plays an obese white inmate whom Homer meets while confined to a mental institution. Other standout episodes include "Like Father, Like Clown," in which Krusty reveals he is estranged from his Rabbi father; this is The Simpsons at the height of its powers, mature, ironic, erudite, and touching while bristling with slapstick and Bart-inspired cheek. "Flaming Moe's" features Aerosmith and sees Homer invent a cocktail that desperate, sleazy bartender Moe steals from him. "Radio Bart" is another demonstration of the series' knack for cultural references, parodying the Billy Wilder movie Ace in the Hole. Finally, there's "Brother Can You Spare Two Dimes," in which Danny DeVito reprises his role as Homer's brother, regaining the fortune Homer lost him by inventing a Baby Translator. Immensely enjoyable at any level, this third year demonstrates conclusively that The Simpsons is quite simply, and by a large margin, the greatest television show ever. --David Stubbs ... Read more

Reviews (205)

The Simpsons at their best
The Simpsons had hit their stride in this, the third season. The sappy endings that filled most of the first two seasons were gone, the animation and colors were no longer stiff or quite as washed out and grainy looking, and the voices for the first time sounded clear and perfect. The stories and episodes were also some of the best, and here it was still a surpirse to see guest stars and guest voices on the show (In the episode HOMER DEFINED, Homer sounds ecstatic when he hears that Magic Johnson has called him up at the Power Plant).

This season on top of all of the visual imporvements also showed us some of the most entertaining and memorable episodes. LISA'S PONY has Homer turning into a zombie doing the graveyard shift at the Kwik E Mart to pay for Lisa's new Pony, a pony he bought for her after ruining her talent show audition. SEPERATE VOCATIONS has Bart and Lisa switching personalities after taking the Career Aptitute Normalizing Test (or CAN'T) a test to tell you what field you would be best in. Bart cleans up his act, and is offered a hall monitor job at school after hearing he should be a cop, a disgusted Lisa turns tough after reciving Home Maker instead of blues artist. FLAMING MOE'S has Homer's own alcohalic drink saving Moe's Tavern, with Moe taking all of the credit and Homer getting nothing. BART THE LOVER has Bart toying with his lonely teachers feelings by sending her love letters to her, while she thinks it's a man who answered her personal's ad. THE OTTO SHOW is one of everybody's favorites with Bart's pal Otto losing his bus drivers job and having to live with the Simpsons. Finally, I MARRIED MARGE has Homer retelling the kids how he proposed to Marge and his struggles to find a job with Bart on the way. There are PLENTY of other good episodes to talk about in this season such as the softball episode, the episode where German investors buy the power plant and the soapbox derby episode (hopefully will be released in it's original un-cut fashion, even when shown the first couple of times back in 90-91 some scenes were edited out.)

The next best thing after this will truly be the next best season of the Simpsons, which is season 4 which also had some excellent episodes, ( DUFFLESS, A STREETCAR NAMED MARGE, HOMER THE HERETIC, ITCHY & SCRATCHY THE MOVIE along with the immortal KAMP KRUSTY.) If season 3 is the best, then season 4 is a close 2ed or maybe 1a and 1b. When this season is released, it might be one of the best DVD sets ever. Anyone who calls themselves Simpsons fans needs this set as theirs hardly a stinker in the bunch. Get it!!

24 classics
By this season The Simpsons have reached the peak of their popularity. The problems with the first two seasons are gone with this one. By this season we didn't have the washed out look of the first seasons and we were treated with twentyfour episodes of satirical brilliance. The storylines of these episodes were the best the series has seen and the voice-acting was what it would continue to be throughout the rest of the series.

This season contained some of the most memorable episodes this show has seen like Flaming Moe's, and Like Father Like Clown. This season also featured guest stars such as Michael Jackson, Joe Mantegna, Neil Patrick Harris, Chick Hearn, Magic Johnson Jackie Mason, Catherine O'Hara, Aerosmith, Terry Cashman, Beverly D'Angelo, Spinal Tap, Kimmy Robertson, Joe Frazier etc. Episodes feature Homer inventing a new alchoholic beverage, Lisa getting a pony, A retelling of the early days of Marge and Homer, a company softball team featuring Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Ken Griffey Jr., Steve Sax, Don Mattingly, Ozzie Smith, Darryl Strawberry, Joe Canseco and Mike Scoscia, the return of Herbert Powell, Homer's brother, and much more. This season is definetly my pick as the defining season of The Simpsons. It's also one of the reasons why The Simpsons is the best show on television.

This set will also feature specials such as: Disc One:
Commentary on all episodes. When Flanders Failed pop-up Storyboards & sketches. Disc Two: Commentary on all episodes. Flaming Moe's pop-up Storyboards. Multi Language (Treehouse Of Horror II) Sketeches. Disc Three: Commentary on all episodes. Baby Translator. Radio Bart pop-up Storyboards & Sketches. Simpsons Character Poster. Audio Outtakes. Disc Three: Commentary on all episodes. Colonel Homer pop-up Storyboards & Sketches. Jukebox Feature.

This is the ultimate set for fans of The Simpsons brimming with special features to perfectly compliment this brilliant season.

Great season on the way to the peak
Season three is where the show comes in the magic period of faultless episodes and incredible plots unlike today's junk. After the crude animation of the first two seasons the animation improves dramtically.
19-Sep-1991 Stark Raving Dad
26-Sep-1991 Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington
03-Oct-1991 When Flanders Failed
10-Oct-1991 Bart the Murderer
17-Oct-1991 Homer Defined
24-Oct-1991 Like Father, Like Klown
31-Oct-1991 Tree House of Horror II: A Simpsons Halloween
07-Nov-1991 Lisa's Pony
14-Nov-1991 Saturdays of Thunder
21-Nov-1991 Flaming Moe's
05-Dec-1991 Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk
26-Dec-1991 I Married Marge
09-Jan-1992 Radio Bart
23-Jan-1992 Lisa the Greek
06-Feb-1992 Homer Alone
13-Feb-1992 Bart the Lover
20-Feb-1992 Homer at the Bat
27-Feb-1992 Separate Vocations
12-Mar-1992 Dog of Death
26-Mar-1992 Colonel Homer
09-Apr-1992 Black Widower
23-Apr-1992 The Otto Show
07-May-1992 Bart's Friend Falls in Love
27-Aug-1992 Brother Can You Spare Two Dimes?

These episodes are classics Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington and When Flanders Failed are to of my favourite. The other are just as good, really there are no faults in this season and the next four seasons are just as good if not better. The plots are really good here, especially flaming moe's which is a true classic i love that episode so much. This is the peak of tv, nothing comes close to the simpsons at it's best...

Best Simpsons Season
The third season of the simpson's is really really funny (I think that it is the best one out on DVD right now), although the fourth seanson is pretty funny. The third seems to have a bunch of really funny episodes including Stark raving Dad, where Homer goes to a mental hospital and The Otto Show, where the Simpsons take Otto the bus driver into their house to live because he lost his job as the school bus driver because he didn't have a drivers license and therefore had to live in a dumpster until Bart found him and convince his parents to take Otto in to live with them. Anyway this season is hilarious, so if you are only going to buy one season, it should be this one.

Good stuff
More Simpsons hilarity. Can't wait for the Stonecutters episode to come out in a future release. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"A Simpson on a T-shirt. I never thought I'd see the day." So remarks Marge Simpson in "Dancin' Homer," just one of 22 mostly classic episodes that comprise this series' brilliant second season. The Simpsons by that time was already a pop culture phenomenon, but instead of suffering a sophomore slump, this iconoclastic animated series was just hitting its stride. Series milestones include: first Oscar®-winning guest voice (an unbilled Dustin Hoffman in "Lisa's Substitute"), first Beatle guest voice (Ringo in "Brush with Greatness"), first "Treehouse of Horror" Halloween episode, first flashback episode ("The Way We Was," in which Homer meets Marge), and the first episode to make me cry (Bart's last frolic with obedience school washout Santa's Little Helper in "Bart's Dog Gets an F"). It's in this season the The Simpsons really finds its voice. The writing is sharper, and the upending of sitcom convention more subversive. "Perhaps there is no moral to this story," observes Lisa at the end of "Blood Feud." "Exactly," agrees Homer. "Just a bunch of stuff that happens."

In the first season, Bart was the series' breakout star, but in the second, The Simpsons established itself as a true ensemble series. Each character came into their own with career-best episodes. Marge, the family's long-suffering voice of reason, crusades against cartoon violence in "Itchy & Scratchy & Marge." Lisa, the heart and tortured soul of the series, develops an ill-fated crush on her new teacher in "Lisa's Substitute." Bart desperately tries to raise the money to buy Radioactive Man No. 1 in "Three Men and a Comic Book." Homer's stock rises when he grows hair in "Simpson and Delilah." Joining the Simpsons roster of scene-stealing supporting characters are Dr. Hibbert ("Bart the Daredevil"), shyster lawyer Lionel Hutz (voiced by the late, great Phil Hartman in "Bart Gets Hit by a Car"), the Ahnold-esque action hero McBain ("The Way We Was"), slobbering aliens Kang and Kodos ("Treehouse of Horror"), and "nutty professor" Frink ("Old Money"). This essential, extras-laden DVD set is illustrative of why The Simpsons is, in the parlance of Comic Book Guy, funniest show ever. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (216)

America's Favorite Family
These are the episodes I grew up with! Simpson fans have been waiting for a collection like this for a long time. Well, the wait is over! The following are the first ten episodes and a brief commentary.
1) Bart Gets an F: Bart fails yet another test and makes a deal with Martin...tutoring in exchange for lessons in coolness. Martin relishes his new persona and abandons the deal. Bart tries his and still fails, but he manages to impress Mrs. Krabappel into giving him a D.
2)Simpson and Delilah: Homer's new head of hair transforms from a lazy slob into a young go-getter...at least Mr. Burns thinks so. He awards Homer a new position and an assistant named Karl. Eventually he loses his new hair and new career.
3)Treehouse of Horror: The first in the annual series. First tale finds the Simpsons in a haunted house that drives them mad. In the second tale the family is abducted by Kang and Kodos. The final segment is Homer's interpertaion of "The Raven".
4)Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish: Bart catches a three-eyed fish near the nuclear plant. Despite the bad press, Homer persuades (sort of) Mr. Burns to run for governor. The fish comes back to haunt him in the end when Marge serves it to him on live TV.
5)Dancin' Homer: Homer is the main attraction at the ballpark as the mascot for the Springfield Isotopes. His crowd pleasing routine catches the eye of a recruiter for the Capital City Capitals. Homer and the family make the journey to Capital City where Homer finds his dancing is not well received.
6)Dead Putting Society: Bart and Todd square off in a miniature golf tournament while Homer and Ned square off with each other. Both fathers push their kids to beat the other and make a foolish bet that they both lose in the process.
7)Bart vs. Thanksgiving: Bart destroys Lisa's centerpiece and is ordered to his room. Bart runs away and eats dinner in a homeless shelter where he is also put on TV. Eventually he returns and makes up with Lisa.
8)Bart the Daredevil: Bart becomes obsessed with risky skateboard stunts after seeing a daredevil at a monster truck rally. Homer gets concerned and tries to dissuade Bart from performing his next stunt. In the end, Homer, not Bart, accidentally attempts to jump Springfield Gorge.
9)Itchy Scratchy and Marge: Convinced that violent cartoons negatively influence children, Marge wages a successful battle to change Itchy and Scratchy. The new shows flounder and kids abandon their television sets for the outdoors. The show regains its former bloody glory when Marge fails to object to the display of questionable art.
10)Bart Gets Hit by a Car: Mr. Burns hits Bart with his car, sending him to the hospital with minor injuries. Lionel Hutz assures the family that they could successfully sue. In court, the truth about Bart's feigned ailments comes to light.

Episodes, Interviews, Music Videos... and Butterfingers!
As good or better than the Season 1 set of discs. These discs are jam packed full of quality entertainment... twenty-two episodes from their 2nd season, commentary, 2 Bart videos ("Deep, Deep Trouble", and "Do the Bartman"), 3 different Butterfinger commercials, still photos, DVD easter eggs, and a special Emmy awards presentation. Animation is sharper - even the rougher (Season 1) Simpson's are fine with me. Comic wit is bolder and cruder. Over a decade of prime time animated TV and I still have not seen an episode I haven't liked.

Season 2 episodes in order:
"Bart Gets An F"
"Simpson And Delilah"
"Treehouse Of Horror I"
"Two Cars In Every Garage And Three Eyes On Every Fish"
"Dancin' Homer"
"Dead Putting Society"
"Bart Vs. Thanksgiving"
"Bart The Daredevil"
"Itchy & Scratchy & Marge"
"Bart Gets Hit By A Car"
"One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish"
"The Way We Was"
"Homer Vs. Lisa And The 8th Commandment"
"Principal Charming"
"Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"
"Bart's Dog Gets An F"
"Old Money"
"Brush With Greatness"
"Lisa's Substitute"
"The War Of The Simpsons"
"Three Men And A Comic Book"
"Blood Feud"

Season 2 contains some classic early episodes... a favorite of mine, "The War Of The Simpson's". Marge signs herself and Homer up for counseling. They go to a cottage retreat where Homer battles his marriage as well as a giant fish. Season 2 also introduces the 1st Halloween special ("Treehouse Of Horror")... which is now an annual party for the creators to think outside the box of normalcy. Having so many episodes on a few DVD's is worth it. Quality in picture, dolby sound, and everything else that goes with the incredible technology of the DVD. Only complaint here is it's 4 DVD's... even Homer would want this all on 1-2 DVD's so it's less time getting up off the sofa and having to change the discs in the DVD player.

Good
The Complete Second Season is still not perfect, it doesn't start to get to be the best show in the world until Season Three, but I would still reccomend The Complete Second Season. It's not that I dislike this season, in fact, they are all amazing, twice as better as the first, but The Simpsons got better as time progressed, but this is still a five-star DVD, with a lot of great episodes:

1. Bart Gets An F

2. Simpson And Delilah

3. Treehouse Of Horror I

4. Two Cars In Every Garage And Three Eyes On Every Fish

5. Dancin' Homer

6. Dead Putting Society

7. Bart Vs. Thanksgiving

8. Bart The Daredevil

9. Itchy & Scratchy & Marge

10. Bart Gets Hit By A Car

11. One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish

12. The Way We Was

13. Homer Vs. Lisa And The 8th Commandment

14. Principal Charming

15. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

16. Bart's Dog Gets An F

17. Old Money

18. Brush With Greatness

19. Lisa's Substitute

20. The War Of The Simpsons

21. Three Men And A Comic Book

22. Blood Feud

Those are twenty-two amazing episodes compared to the First Season's thirteen. Plus a LOT more special features on the Second Season. This season has to be more than twice as good as the first because it has almost twice the episodes and more than twice the features. Incase you were wondering what the special features were:

• Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)

• Animated, Color, Closed-captioned, Box set, Dolby

• Commentary by on all episodes

• Interviews with James L. Brooks and Matt Groening

• Bart on the American Music Awards (with commentary)

• "Do The Bartman" video (with optional commentary)

• "Deep, Deep Trouble" video (with optional commentary)

• "Do The Bartman (Director's Cut)" - video

• David Silverman on the creation of an episode

• Licensing and merchandising review

• Emmy Awards presentation

• 3 Butterfinger commercials

• Still Photos (Easter eggs)

• Early drawings

• Full-screen format

• Number of discs: 4

A must buy for anyone, even non-Simpsons fans.

Brilliant TV and DVD
After listening to every commentary track in this set, I have a newfound respect for James L. Brooks. Apparently for these first few seasons (this one in particular), he was the emotional backbone of the show. He came up with Mr. Bergstrom giving Lisa the note that says, "you are Lisa Simpson" and other equally touching and hilarious moments. In one episode someone quipped, "if it's a line you remember, Jim probably wrote it."
This season was/is awesome. This one has some really great episodes (the first "Treehouse of Horror", "Bart Vs. Thanksgiving") and episodes that are among my favorite of all time ("Dead Putting Society", "Bart the Daredevil", and "The Way We Was"). It's funny and emotional stuff, the only problem with this season is that the blend of humor and emotion is not perfect yet. I like the episode "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish" but it's really too emotional. I think in later seasons they would've put more humor into it. Although nothing beats Larry King reading the Bible.
And the same can be said for the entire season, but the show was still coming into form but was already excellent. Look for the third season for true brilliance but this one is awesome as well.
The extras are great. The only thing bad about the commentaries I can say is that I don't think a single cast member is in any of them, but they're otherwise very funny and informative. None of the other extras are as cool as Season Three's "Pop Up Simpsons", but they round out the package nicely.
Overall, this is a hilarious DVD set that might bring a tear to your eye (I know it did for me). It only gets better, however.

The Pop Phenomanom Begins!
What started out as crude filler material for the Tracey Ullman Show has now become part of animation and pop culture history. With the 13 episode first season under it's belt, the producers expand to the standard 22 episode format. The porducers also made the dramatic change of taking away the show from the aura of Bart to make the show slightyly Homer-centric.
The epsiodes of the second season have a broad range of styles, from the slapstick humor of "Three Men and a Comic Book", to the ephemeral nature of a life on the verge of death in "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish" as Homer must find time to live his "last day" with his loving family while coping with the prospect of death.
The producers also managed to attain the musical prowess of pop culture mainstay Ringo Starr in "A Brush With Greatness", and Hollywood's flamboyant actor-playwright Harvey Fierstein in "Simpson and Delilah", as Homer reeps the benefits of his new life in the corporate fast lane as junoir executive with his new, suave look.
The DVD set also contains the long extinct music videos "Do the Bartman" and "Deep Deep Trouble", as well as the requisite commentaries by various show producers and vocal talents.
The second season DVD collection is an relic from the past, but an essential for any fan who has lost interest in the Scully-Graham era of The Simpsons. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Now that enough time has lapsed, we can all have a good laugh over SouthPark creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone's amusing little April Foolsprank, in which they kicked off the show's second season not with theconclusion to season one's cliffhanger that would reveal the identity ofCartman's father, but with an all-Terrance, all-Phillip, all-farting episode,"Not Without My Anus." The ensuing outcry illustrated just how seriously itsdevoted fans take South Park. There is little evidence of sophomoreslump in this three-disc collection of 18 episodes that continue thecoming-of-age trials of third graders Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny.Thereis considerable shock value just in the episode titles alone, among them"Cojoined Fetus Lady,""Merry Christmas, Charlie Manson," and theinfamous "Cartman's Mom Is Still a Dirty Slut." But mostly, the episodesare just--in Cartman's words--hella funny. "Spookyfish" is a creepfestabout a killer fish, possessed animals, and alien alter egos (in which theso-called Evil Cartman is much nicer than the real Cartman) presented inSpookyvision, with pictures of Barbra Streisand framing the screen. "Chef'sSalty Chocolate Balls" is a hilarious send-up of the Sundance Film Festivaland the indie film scene that marks the return of Mr. Hankey, the ChristmasPoo, and ends with the burial of Robert Redford in excrement.

As always, hard-earned life lessons provide South Park with fertile territory forskewed and subversive social commentary. In "Chicken Lover," Ayn Rand'sAtlas Shrugged is an argument against literacy. "Underwear Gnomes"makes a strong case for corporate takeover of local family business.It isdifficult to respect Warner Bros.' "authoritah" with the scant DVD extras. There are no commentaries, but Parker and Stone are present to introduce mostof the episodes, each of which they proclaim to be their favorite. But theirincarnations as abusive retirement center entertainers and as the hosts of anall-bacon cooking show fall flat. Bring back Rootin'-Tootin' Trey Parker andPistol-Slingin' Matt Stone from the Season One set! --DonaldLiebenson ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Don't expect special features
Once again, Matt Stone & Trey Parker have screwed their fans. I've been a fan of South Park since the beginning, but here's the problem I have with the South Park franchise.

First, they offer no rebate for those who have already purchased the South Park episodes released in the "Volumes" format. Some studios have been gracious enough to offer rebates up to 25% off the retail price of the DVD if the customer bought the VHS tape prior to the DVD release.

Second, both season one and season two DVDs lack the special features of similarly-priced "season" sets. A great example is The Simpsons DVD series. They provide each episode with audio commmentary from the key people in the show. They also have plenty of special features: how things were done, special TV appearances, music videos, and more.

What do Trey and Matt give us? Short 30 second introductions from the previously released "Volumes" series, in which they say that "this is our favorite episode." The people of South Park offer the audio commentary, but you have order it from Comedy Central and play the CD in-sync with the DVD player. The DVD player has the ability to include multiple audio tracks, the people at South Park should use them. I don't care what their reasons are, just do it.

To quote from one of the more current episodes of South Park, "But The Simpsons did it!" The people at South Park should buy The Simpsons season series and take notes. While I enjoy the South Park series, I don't feel I should pay the same price for a lesser product. If you're going to charge as much for a similar product, such as The Simpsons, you'd better have an equally good or better product.

Overall, I rate this product a 3 out of 5 stars, because the producers are capable of better. If you love the show, buy the DVD, but don't expect Matt or Trey to put any extra effort into the product. They're too busy trying other things, like making movie flops such as Baseketball instead of doing what made them famous, South Park. Oh, the DVD does include a documentary on the Second Season, but you may have already seen it, since it was on Comedy Central months ago.

My suggestion is, buy the DVD. Whether we like it or not, this is the only bone that the producers at South Park are going to throw us. But knowing them, they'll probably come up with a "Special Edition" in a year or so, with things done right. They'll expect us to ditch the seasons we've already bought for a product they should've provided in the first place.

If the producers of this title are reading, please restore what little faith I have in you.

Atleast it's not a Best of...
South Park...over 100 episodes and they're still going to make more new episodes in October. If you're reading this review you've probably bought Season 1 on DVD and are thinking about getting Season 2. This DVD has 18 classic episodes and contains some of my personal favorites including Chicken Lover(You will respect my authoritah!), Chef's Chocolate Salty Balls, Prehistoric Iceman, and the episode revealing who Cratman's father is. Special Features include subtitles, the documentary"Goin' Down to South Park", the music video for Chef's Chocolate Salty Balls", and the original Unaired Pilot. The Unaired Pilot is the original first episode but 28 minutes long. That original episode was made out of constucion paper by Eric Stough, Trey Parker, and Matt Stone in a room the size of a closet and took three months to make. If you're a fan of the show this is a must have.
5 stars out of 5.

South Park Season 2 DVD
The episodes are all great. But does anyone know how to turn off those commentaries at the beginning of each episode. I find them extremely annoying. Anyone agree?

one of the funniest shows on tv
I love this show. Not more than god of course. I like the episodes. one of the best is chickenlover. I also like the one where stan gets the killer fish. This show is NOT for kids under 16! this is one of the best seasons yet to come. can't wait till season four to come on dvd.

Glock glock! Ya know what I'm sayin'?!
Charles Manson finding self-redemption? A guy who does wrong things with poultry in order to motivate the town lawman? The greatest April Fool's gag ever pulled off on prime-time TV? Gnomes stealing underwear for profit? Could it be possible...?

Eh, probably not. But then, 'South Park has never been accused of being rooted in reality, except for when it comes to taking shots at the world's real-life absurdities. Take "Merry Christmas Charlie Manson" for example, which features our fave foursome celebrating the Holidays with the Cartman clan. With the exception of Eric's mom, every Cartman is "big-boned", and possesses that distinctive accent. Manson's busted out with Eric's uncle from the klink, and as the episode plays, he makes the gradual change from the mad hellspawn you all know and love from his parole hearings to a touchy-feely New Age philosopher kinda guy. His shift to a 'good guy' makes for one of the most bizarre 'South Park' eppies I've ever seen. Well, at least more bizarre than usual, anyway. Is he gonna kill Kenny? You'll have to find out for yourself...

And how could we forget this season's most infamous eppie, 'Terrance and Philip: Not Without my Anus'? After seein' it, I found myself telling a few of the fans to FREAKIN' LIGHTEN UP, M'KAY?! It was just a harmless April Fool's joke. What's the big deal? So you watched something totally unrelated to the 'Cartman's Mom Is A Dirty Slut' cliffhanger and had to wait a couple more weeks... big whoop. As Saddam says, "Relax, guy! You need a rest!" Sadly, after viewing 'T&P:Nw/oMA', I find part two of 'Cartman's Mom...' somewhat anticlimactic.

I Also enjoyed "Chef's salty choc-" well, you know-which featured the triumphant return of America's most-beloved bowel movement Mister Hanky as he & the kids attempt to derail the First Annual South Park Film Festival. And they manage to succeed- in one of SP's most disgusting spectacles ever. Then there's ''Chicken Lover' with the Booktastic Bus and Cartman's 'authoritah', which had some pretty wild moments. School counselor Mackey's descent into the world of substance abuse in 'Ike's Wee-Wee' was pretty cool to watch as well. "Chicken Pox" had its fair share of sick scenes, even if the death of Kenny in this one is rather unspectacular. And "Roger Ebert", aside from doing a not-half-bad take-off of a classic Star Trek episode, gives you further insight into the life and times of the selfish, heartless eight-year-old glory hound that is Eric Cartman as he forces his way into starring in a "Cheesy Poofs" commercial. And we mustn't overlook 'Underpants Gnomes', a South Park look at big corporations, and featuring the first appearance of the always-high-strung and apprehensive Tweek.

But my favorite eppie in this collection is "Clubhouses", especially the moments where the kids are watching the "Fat Abbot" cartoons. Leave it up to the South Park team to turn Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids from wholesome providers of wisdom for the young'uns into ebonics-spouting gangsta overlords of the 'hood. Even though each of the three "Fat Abbot" segments only last for about several seconds, I found them to be funnier than most "Def Comedy Jam" acts. After taking a look at this show, I think you'll agree with Kyle's statement that "cartoons are getting really dirty!" Stan's coping with his parents' breakup and (temporary) divorce has its precious moments as well.

Of course, there are a smattering of clinkers among the riotously funny shows (i.e. 'Chef Aid', 'Cow Days', and 'Spookyfish'). Fortunately, even the 'bad' shows have at least one or two moments that get me laughin' like a total madman for several minutes on end, causing my parents to check up on me to see what the #ell my problem is. And they say South Park doesn't promote strong family values...

I'm probably among the vanguard who consider the Trey & Matt episode intros for the first dozen shows to be entertaining, although I must agree with some of the other reviewers about the guys being a bit too self-absorbed. The best intro was for 'Cartman's Mom...' Part Two. The duo played some 'recorded phone messages' (staged, of course) of a few irate SP viewers about the 'Terrance and Phillip' debacle. I was a wonderful jab at the fans who just couldn't take a joke, especially the last caller offing herself. And just when I thought SP fans were among the more emotionally stable couch potatoes in TV land!

The big extra feature is a British documentary on how South Park came to be and how it's made. Trey and Matt spend the entire show in a hot tub, looking all relaxed and content whilst they tell you how much of a hellish grind it is to produce the show. Snippets of the first production featuring the South Park tykes, "The Spirit of Christmas", intended as a video Christmas card to give to movie execs, are shown. Hopefully there'll be a day when this entire adventure will be available to view on DVD, and not just in snippets on that one Christmas episode. I found this presentation somewhat interesting, as I'm always curious about how TV shows and movies are produced. However, it's not something I'd watch more than a couple times in my lifetime.

Also included is Chef's "Chocolate Salty Balls" music video, which is basically just a collection of SP clips strung together into a buzz-clip-paced collage. It's not that big a deal, but worth watching once just so you can say you saw it and not look like a fair-weather fan.

I was kinda bummed that T&M didn't contribute a commentary track to this set. 'Course, after the troubles they had with Warner Bros. tryin' to get the first season box set's commentary tracks put on the platters, I guess I couldn't blame 'em for not wanting to try this time 'round. Them's the breaks...

'Late! ... Read more

Reviews (226)

An Incredible Amount of Depth for a Film
Almost invariably, "Waking Life," the 2001 animated film from Richard Linklater is described as 'original.' For once, this oft-overused moniker is accurate: there isn't anything quite like this movie. It advertises itself as a series of philosophical vignettes, which range all over the subject spectrum but are usually united by a common thread of meaning: that of dreams and the reality of the 'dream world.'

A film based upon that premise could easily fall into the highschool-discussion/drug-induced-nonsense level of discourse, but "Waking Life" plunges headlong into the fray without batting an eye. Fairly early in the film, pretentious philosophy is dismissed with a nice rebuttal to the sophomoric question: "What if you're just a construct of my dream, and exist only in my mind?" "Well, then I'm as real as anything else." And that's the starting point for a meditation on the meaning (if any) of dreams, and some of the dreamlike things people encounter in their daily lives.

"Waking Life" is also animated, using a pretty unique form of animation: each scene was shot, and then "drawn over" by animation artists in a variety of styles, from expressionist art to nearly-photographic digital renderings, depending on the mood of each scene. The result is something that resembles an acid trip or a hallucination, where tables of restaurant patrons float above the ground, faces change while moustaches stay the same, and the background is in a near-constant state of flux. It can get nauseating after a while, but the overall effect is subtle enough not to draw attention from the content of the film, which is a rare quality for so-called "art" films. It's almost a crime that "Jimmy Neutron" was nominated for "Best Animated Film" while "WL" was not.

Because of these varied qualities, "Waking Life" isn't for everyone, and certainly gets a "rent-if-before-you-buy-it" caveat. The DVD presentation is as good as one could want: an anamorphic widescreen presentation with crisp colors and a 5.1 soundtrack (not that philosophical conversation requires dynamic sound), and a nice helping of extras. Don't write "Waking Life" off as something smart people (or those who pretend to be smart) will enjoy and yack about - it's just not the average, everyday film and requires an attentive mind and (perhaps) multiple viewings to fully enjoy. For those willing to take the plunge with an open mind, "Waking Life" is a rewarding film experience.

Final Grade: A

Glorious
"Waking Life" is so full of ideas, one flowing to the next, it really does feel like some sort of lucid dream. The animation adds to the overall vitality of the film. It jumps off the screen, challenging the viewer to wrestle with these questions, to take responsibility for his/her existence for at least a couple of hours. There is a sense of urgency bordering on desperation as the dream continues and the search for a center, for some kind of clear understanding begins to seem endless.

There is so much here to absorb, you can really loose yourself completely in the film. At one point, we watch two men discussing the nature of film as an art form (I can't remember who they were) and then the perspective widens and we see that they are, themselves, on a movie screen in a theater with our main character as its sole occupant, which makes sense since it only exists in his mind - in his dream. Of course, we are also in a theater watching the film, adding another level to this already multi-layered context.

After seeing this movie, I felt thoroughly invigorated. I wish there were more films like this.

This review reflects the film, not the DVD
which I assume I'll review again once I buy it.
Waking Life is for the most part, a successful experiment, that is beautiful to watch unfold. I'm a pretty big Richard Linklater fan, from Slacker, Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, and even School of Rock (I've yet to see Tape or the Newton Boys, however). I like him, because he seems to have a real love for making movies. But also, he seems to have a love for life. Think about it, not counting School of Rock most of the movies above are about wandering (and wondering) and talking and learning, and living. I don't think this movie is pretentious because that would imply Linklater is trying to be something he's not-and he is not doing that. He genuinely cares and is interested by these ideas, and I think if you thought this movie was pretentious, you weren't watching it close enough.
Yes, the movie is fascinating to watch. Different animators were brought in for every scene, right? Well, it shows. Sometimes, the scenes have a strong abstract feeling (like the scene with Wiley and the red-headed woman) where the characters have rough geometric shapes and blank or abstract backgrounds. Sometimes, they're very realistic (like Ethan Hawke/Julie Delpy scene). All of it is great to watch, however.
The "plot" of this movie, is that Wiley Wiggins is in a dream from which he cannot wake up. He floats and flies (on occasion) from scene to scene, and each scene features someone talking to him about anything. However, he's not in every scene, so some of the movie (in my opinion) is even more abstract than that: it's just a film about dreaming and living, sometimes starring Wiggins. Follow? Good.
And now for the scenes themselves. Most are good, and sometimes even enthralling. The best scenes in my opinion are scenes that unravel like someone telling you a great story (the ones that immediately come to mind are the ones with Wiley and the two guys that explain to him how you know you're in a dream, and the one at the very end with Linklater himself). Some are a little long-winded but none are boring, if only because of the great animation.
The only scenes that give me trouble are the one with the prisoner planning revenge, and the scene with the bartender telling the man about how he almost got killed (which ends bizarrely). I just don't know what to make of them.
The worst part of the film is that, yes, you are basically watching people talk for about ninety minutes. Until the end scene with Linklater, it can be a tad grating (especially on a first viewing) towards the middle-end, but you'll keep watching. I think this movie uses the film medium to its extent...I mean, can you imagine reading the novelization of this movie? It strikes a balance between abstract but watchable. If I have another problem it's that I wish it could be a little more exciting, like if the stories being told were visualized, but that would mean changing the whole format of the movie and going for something more obvious.
This movie itself is like a dream. It leaves you feeling a little dazed at the end and you're not quite sure what to make of it. It sure is inventive though and unique, though. I like Waking Life because it's full of ideas and original thoughts, maybe too many of them, which is why it's not exactly a masterpiece but certainly not a movie to pass over like so many bad Hollywood pieces of junk. I like it because it's a movie that has too many ideas, instead of too few.

Beautiful but boring!!!
Richard Linklater has made some good movies and I appreciate what he's trying to do here, but the film was downright excruciating to watch. I can't imagine anyone finding it interesting, but apparently, many do. Maybe Philosophy itself just bores me. I did think the animation was cool, and the Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy Before Sunrise scene was inspired, otherwise, this film is better left on the shelf. It is definitely not for all tastes.

The best how to do animation DVD in the World
The real utility of this DVD - "Waking Life" - is that it is the ultimate "how to" book for any would be animator in this 21st century and a counting.

My comments arise from how I watched it - first without any of the special features, then I watched it with the text-feature, third I watched the movie under the animation and then I watched the special feature in which I watched the explanation by the director of how he had done things with the computer and why he had done so - or rather how he had managed to direct over twenty different animators and get it as seamless as he did - tips like taking the color from the movie instead of from the palette. I suppose if one animator did the entire movie that would be less an issue. As it is you may note that some of the other reviewers still note the movie is not seamless and no it is not but many of the methods that the director explains make it more so than would otherwise be so.

There is I suppose a message and medium issue - as for the message whether it is philosophy made simple or existentialism made simple to just concision is up to the viewer - If you view it 5x as I have you see how animation makes it work where the film does not - in the film there is too much information in how the speakers really look - each one could have been a movie in themselves and I can recommend the DVD to point new viewers to these ideas towards the real speakers - if you watch the film with the text on you can capture the names and hence go deeper - as it is - it is an astonishing concision of the meaning of lucid dreaming, cognitive science, existentialism and the big questions. And as the animation holds it together you hear not one speaker but twenty. And that is what makes it so extra-ordinary. The director tells you how they do that. I mean how they animate - it is amazing and an incredible act of kindness to share method. Wow wow. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An elite U.S. counter-terrorism squad loses a member while decimating half of Paris in the reckless pursuit of Middle Eastern maniacs; a Broadway actor with a traumatic childhood secret is naturally hired to replace him. Oh--and they're all marionettes. South Park maestros Trey Parker and Matt Stone (along with co-writer Pam Brady) came up with this shameless satire of pea-brained Hollywood action flicks and even smaller-minded global politics, so don't expect subtlety or even a hint of good taste. Team America is soon on the trail of North Korea's evil Kim Jong Il, who treats us to a tender song about his loneliness before ensnaring Alec Baldwin and the rest of the oblivious Film Actors Guild (F.A.G. for short) in a plot to blow up every major city on the planet. Just as the mindless squad cheerfully demolishes everything in sight, so do director Parker and company. Throwing punches Left, Right, and in-between, the movie's politics leave no turn un-stoned; there's even time to bludgeon the musical Rent. It's offensive, irresponsible comic anarchy seemingly made by sniggering little boys. Painfully funny sniggering little boys.--Steve Wiecking ... Read more

Reviews (249)

"Team America"....f*ck yes.
Alot of people will dig this movie. It's accessable to mainstream audiences whether or not they get beyond the surface humor that might have linked "Team America" back to "Basketball", but it's also damn smart on so many different levels. There's the obvious connotations of the marionettes, but they've done so much more than strip bare the Hollywood blockbusters that too many people can watch with a straight face while the rest of us stand outside the theater gagging; they've displayed the cheesiness that seeped out of michael bay movies into the modern American mentallity. During no other 20th century war has cliche fiction had so many striking similarities to our hero-enemy soap opera ideas of what liberty is. But is the patriotism of the right really reminiscent of the hot blooded Reagan-era action flicks this film spoofs? Is the media role-playing of the left the result of Hollywood refusing to leave childish namecalling and immature ideology to elementary school playgrounds? Well, it's never seemed so familiar and never felt so much like there's been a mudslinging contest with the tactics and wit of a simple puppet show going on right under our noses.

"From the Guys who brought you SouthPark"...
That says it all right there, if you are unfamiliar with the now infamous landmark of the Comedy Central channel on cable, 'Southpark' are basically poorly drawn children characters that curse and make bodily function jokes at each other all day. The aim of it's creators is to basically smash every barrier of good taste and offend every group in society that they can, but where do you go from there? Team America functions along the same lines. The puppets in here are amazingly filmed, and I would recommend you see the way they look on screen. However, only see this film if you are a liberal and have a healthy sense of humor. There are a lot of infantile jokes, gross out humor and some very, very offensive material, often in poor taste. There's plenty of harsh language and this film is definitely not for children. I don't offend easily, but I even turned away during the puppet making love scene, in which they mimic all sexual positions and then go too far I feel, in showing the puppets deficate and urinate on each other. The premise of the film is obviously poking fun at Bush and the war on terror and a thinly veiled way of saying that we often poke our nose in other countries affairs. No one is left unoffended in this film. I would mainly say that if you like that Southpark
type of humor, this is your film. If that type of humor offends you, stay far away from this film.

Disgusting!
I thought this movie was going to be very funny, but I should have known better, being created by the people of south park. This was one of the worst things I have ever seen. The movie was filthy, the language grotesque, extremely perverse and total garbage!
The creators, producers and anyone involved in this movie should be extremely ashamed of themselves.
This movie should have been rated X or XXX.
If this is your version of what America should be then i feel terribly sorry for