That ‘70s Show –
Season One (1998 – 1999/Mill Creek Entertainment Blu-ray)
Picture: B+ Sound: B+ Extras: B Episodes: B
That ‘70s Show is a series that
many presumed was destined to fail, but with a stellar cast, great writing
team, and ability to make the a ‘flashback’ series not
so obnoxious it all worked perfectly.
The series takes place in a time when platform shoes were the norm,
disco battled rock, and society had yet to be bogged down by immersive/overbearing
technology. The series follows high schoolers Eric, Kelso, Hyde, Jackie, Donna, and Fez as they
navigate the 70’s. Hormones and teenage
angst are overflowing in this comedy series that is a blend of 1970’s/80’s/90’s
sitcoms and more sophisticated/modern comedy series like Freaks and Geeks. The series
is done perfectly as it is self-aware of the ridiculous aspects of the 70’s
while not overplaying them to the point of parody/obnoxiousness. The series makes brilliant references to the
likes of Star Wars, drugs, bad
clothing, big hair, disco, and other events of the day. Whereas a viewer you are immersed in the
70’s, the series could just as easily be happening in 2012 as the characters
are fun, relatable, and most of all hilarious.
The series looks amazing here on Blu-ray, something I was not quite
expecting. The picture is presented in a
1080p 1.78 X 1 high definition (as opposed to the original 1.33 X 1 broadcast
ratio) image that boasts of great colors, solid black levels, and an overall
crispness/clarity that is admirable.
Textures and detail are superb with only minor issues with color
oversaturation and mild grain. The vibrant
colors of the 1970’s shine through and flesh tones are spot on; overall quite
stunning. The sound mostly comes from
the front being a dialogue heavy series, but does manage to use a fair bit of
directionality and wide ranging surrounds in its 5.1 DTS HD-Master Audio
track. As the opening credits breaks out
you know you are in for a treat as the music is crisp, clear, and boisterous
from the very beginning. My only complaint
would be the overbearing laugh track, that whereas it does make you feel like
you are in the studio audience, concurrently it can get quite old and annoying.
The extras include:
·
Hello Wisconsin!
o
The cast/crew discuss the series
·
Promo Palooza
o
Some of FOX’s promo spots
·
That ‘70s Show Trivia
·
Groovy Green Screen
o
Watch the cast look funny in front of the green screen
·
A Sneak Peek at Season
Two
Overall, Mill Creek out did themselves and truly surprised me with
this set; can’t wait to see the wonders they do with Season Two.
-
Michael P. Dougherty II
