TV on DVD for September 8th

Premiere week doesn’t stop the flow of DVDs. This week we have another bunch of the current shows releasing season sets, including Fringe, The Office, Criminal Minds, Important Things with Demetri Martin, and Parks and Recreation. There are also a couple one and done shows, as the complete collections of Harper’s Island and Worst Week make their debut. For the kiddos, you’ll find Alvin and the Chipmunks, Inspector Gadget, Goosebumps, Power Rangers, and True Jackson.

Fringe: The Complete 1st Season (Blu-ray) Fringe was a breakout hit for FOX in its first season, and they dropped a bomb in the big finale, making that first episode back for season two. If you’re not caught up, time is running short. Best to grab the DVD and get up to speed before the premiere. And if you saw the whole thing go down last spring, Fringe is the kind of show that makes for a good second viewing. It’s amazing what you’ll notice the second time through, with the perspective of having seen the whole season.

The Office: Season 5 (Blu-ray) The Office continues to be the hallmark scripted series for NBC. After what was a slow start in season one, the show has really found it’s audience. Season five continues the ridiculous antics as Michael starts a rival paper company. That prompts a competition where both offices battle for customers. We also get a little more headway in the Michael/Holly, Dwight/Angela, and Jim/Pam romances. The set also includes over three hours of deleted scenes, an interview with the cast from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Super Bowl and Olympic promos, webisodes, and a gag reel.

Harper’s Island: The DVD Edition It was a bold experiment for CBS, that didn’t really pan out. Ratings fell off quickly, bringing with them a move to Saturday night. Still, if you stuck it out and followed the show to the weekend, Harper’s Island did make for a fun mystery. For me, some of the kill scenes suffered a bit for being on a network show (I like blood by the bucketfull). Other than that little compromise though, the scenes were inventive, and the show kept you guessing the whole way through.

• Criminal Minds: The Complete 4th Season – Another solid season full of great guest stars, including Luke Perry, Connor Trinneer, Wil Wheaton, Mitch Pileggi, Gina Torres, and Alex O’Loughlin, to name a few.
• Worst Week: The Complete Series – The T-Mobile guy knocks up Red Forman’s daughter and everything goes to hell, but in a funny way.
• Parks and Recreation: Season 1 – If you really like Amy Poehler? Sorry, I still don’t get this one.
• Important Things with Demetri Martin: Season 1 – The first season of the Comedy Central show tackles such subjects as power, timing, chairs, and games.
• Inspector Gadget: The Go Go Gadget Collection – Two disks and ten episodes from everyone’s favorite absent-minded detective. Ok, everyone but those crazy Inch High Private Eye fans.
• Alvin & the Chipmunks Go to the Movies: Star Wreck – Alvin (Captain Dirk), Simon (Mr. Speck), and Theodore (Dr. McRoy) spoof Star Trek. Also includes bonus episodes, “Elementary, My Dear Simon”, and “Chip Tracy.”
• Mr. Belvedere: Season 3 – Mr. Belvedere has his hands full at the Owens house again. This is the season where Wesley tries to have Mr. Belvedere deported.
• One Foot in the Grave: The 1996 and 1997 Christmas Specials and The Complete Series – Two collections from the BAFTA winning Brit-com, starring Richard Wilson as Victor Meldrew.
• Beany & Cecil The Special Edition: Volume 2 – Bob Clampett’s cartoon classic from the 60s. Extras include the puppet predecessor to the show, lost scripts, and the 1946 cartoon, It’s a Grand Old Nag.
• Goosebumps: Attack of the Jack-O-Lanterns and The Headless Ghost – Two different installments for the youngsters on your list.
• Power Rangers R.P.M.: Vol 2: Race for Corinth – I’m not familiar at all with Power Rangers R.P.M, but dang … this franchise has some legs.
• True Jackson, VP: Season 1, Volume 1 – Something to go next to those iCarly and Sonny with a Chance sets.

Clacked by Brett Love
on Sep 08, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT