Critic, The - The Complete Series  (2003)

Starring: Jon Lovitz, Nancy Cartwright, Christine Cavanaugh

Rating: NR

Distributor: Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Release Date: January 27, 2004
Review posted: March 3, 2004

Spoilers: None

Reviewed by Adam Dipzinski

SYNOPSIS/CRITIQUE

Only in today’s society do we take a loud, obnoxious, short, fat, balding man and make a sitcom based on his life. Of course, I’m talking about none other than television critic Jay Sherman. From the men that help bring you "The Simpsons" comes the complete series of "The Critic" on DVD. Three discs jam-packed with episodes from the short-lived but lovable series where comedian John Lovitz provides Jay’s distinctive voice.

Jay Sherman is an underappreciated film critic living in the big apple where everyone from his billionaire business mogul of a boss, Duke Phillips, and on down to his make-up lady who treat him like dirt on their shoes that they had just scrapped off. Not to mention an ex-wife that can barely speak of his name and adoptive parents who just tolerate him. His only saving grace in his life is his eleven-year-old son Marty who attends a school for young ambassadors as well as an unlikely Australian sex idol, Jeremy Hawke, who lends him advice here and there.

THE VIDEO

The series had always seemed a little faded and grainy to me whenever I had watched it. Is it distracting or a bad thing? No, I think not, but I believe it was just the show’s tone, which is transferred to DVD. It’s not as smooth as some transfers I’ve seen but compared to the quality I see on re-runs that air on Comedy Central, it’s certainly a jump for the better. "The Critic" appears in standard 1.33:1 format.

THE AUDIO

To be honest, there were no complaints here. I didn’t even think about it while I was watching, and isn’t that the best kind of audio?

THE EXTRAS

Besides audio commentary on 8 selected episodes, the the other extras are as follows:

- Optional storyboard branching for "A Pig-Boy and His Dog"

- Clip compilations: Top Ten List, Trailer Parodies

- Making of: Creating the Critic

- Featurettes: Eleanor & Delivery Boy, Eleanor & Jay, Family Dinner

- Short film: Web-isodes.

Not a bad batch of extras altogether. Also available are trailers (long commercials) on the first disc promoting other hit shows on DVD, such as "Mad About You," "Dawson’s Creek," and "The Steve Harvey Show."

FINAL THOUGHTS

Besides having all 23 episodes present in this set, there’s not a whole lot here for someone who is a moderate fan. I would only recommend spending the thirty-some dollars on the set if you are a HUGE fan of the show. Personally, I have enjoyed watching all the old episodes again but I have been a pretty big fan from the get-go. My advice, don’t put down the money unless the show is a personal favorite of yours.

VERDICT: RECOMMENDED FOR FANS

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