Futurama - Volume 8 +
Simpsons - Season Sixteen (2013/Fox
Blu-ray Sets)
Picture: A-/B+
Sound: B Extras: B-/C Episodes: A/B
One series comes to
end, while another continues to go strong; here on Blu-ray everything
lasts forever.
Futurama - Volume
8
Futurama - Volume
8 contains the final 13 episodes of the groundbreaking series
created by Simpsons visionary Matt Groening. The history of
Futurama has been discussed multiple times here on this site;
having been a fan favorite series, only to be canceled by FOX, and
later resurrected on home video/new episodes on Comedy Central.
In its 8th
Volume Blu-ray set, Futurama makes the best of the time it
has left continuing down the path of unbridled insanity it always
has. Futurama is the best of both worlds; benefiting from the
genius of the Simpsons (learning from its successes and
follies) and having a degree of that sporadic absurdity that Family
Guy fans love so much. In the 31st century Futurama
is not confined to the restraints the Simpsons have been
of heightened reality; instead diving in head first to embrace
robots, aliens, mutants, time travel, spaceships, and so much more.
The final 13
episodes don't exactly wrap up the series as there is not much
to conclude. Being a series that embraced its randomness, Futurama
shoots from the hip as it travels through the 31st
century. There are some special moments between Lela and Fry that
emphasize their strange love story, a well written episode that plays
like a multi-part Saturday morning cartoon spoof, and we even get an
episode that shows series sad sack (Dr. Zoidberg) finally catching a
break as he finds love. Other than that it is business as usual for
Planet Express with Bender’s boozing, stealing, and scheming taking
front and center; as well as the antics of the demented Professor
Farnsworth consistently getting the gang into and out of trouble.
Since 1999, the
creators of Futurama have managed to deliver a series that is
truly enjoyable; being the embodiment of hilarity, pop culture, and
supreme creativity. Many fans (including myself) will be sad to see
it go.
Matt Groening, as
well as some of cast members have alluded that Futurama may
have some life left in it; being shop around to other
networks/formats. With such an immense fan base; it surely would be
a shame to let the series go so soon. So FOR NOW this is the end of
Futurama, but let's hope the series is only frozen in time to
be thawed for future generations (networks) to enjoy.
Simpsons - Season
Sixteen
Whereas Futurama
may have had a smattered history, The Simpsons have been
going strong for over 20 years. Their time on home video has seen
them transition from VHS to DVD and now on Blu-ray. For the most
part (with the exception of Season 20) the seasons have been
released in order with 1 through 12 solely being on DVD and 13
through 16 now being available on both Blu-ray and DVD.
The content is so
wide ranging on The Simpsons that it almost seems like real
life with us just peeking through a window into their world. Granted
(as previously stated) it has developed into more of a heightened
reality over the years for the sake of comedy; it is impressively
intriguing nevertheless. And if any animated series thinks they have
a creative idea, remember how South Park put it, Simpsons
did it!
In Season 16 we
see such great moments as Tree House of Horror XV, Mobile Homer,
Midnight Rx, and Mommie Beerest. Some people (even myself at times)
like to say that The Simpsons of today are not as good as
seasons 1-9; but after 20 years and no signs of stopping, I think
they are as strong as ever.
The comedy of The
Simpsons is solid and exceedingly creative. My one complaint
about the series would be that over the years (somewhat emulating
South Park) has become overly topical, focusing heavily on the
pop culture of today. Even going back a few years some of the
references are lost on me and whereas literary references and pop
culture trends of yesteryear are timeless, the minute details fall to
the wayside.
A great series that
has given so much to the world of television that there may never be
another like it; animated series of today are standing on the
shoulders of giants… and they are yellow.
Technical
Features:
The picture quality
of Futurama in its 1080p 1.78 X 1 format is stunningly well
done. With near perfection the animation of Futurama boasts
of brilliant colors, dark inky blacks, and an ultimate clarity. Some
of the best TV animation I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.
The sound is a DTS-HD Master Audio that (whereas not quite as good as
the picture) is very well done. The full speaker range is utilized,
though more so coming from the front. Dialogue takes priority for
this soundtrack, with some atmosphere, music, and ambient noises
established from the surrounds; this keeping the viewing experience
from being completely immersive.
Extras for Futurama
include the following:
The technical
features of The Simpsons are not nearly as nice as Futurama
(being an older series upconverted) they are solid enough. The
picture is presented in a 1080p AVC Encoded, MPEG-4, 1.33 X 1 full
screen that gets the job done, but does not quite live up to the full
Blu-ray experience. The colors are better than the previously
reviewed Season 14, but still seem a tad bogged down, not
being as bright as they should be. The same goes for the clarity as
it is by no means bad, but far from HD; lacking those strong
distinguishing lines like that featured in Futurama (reviewed
above). The sound remains a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio that comes
heavily from the front, with the surrounds kicking in for the musical
numbers, action sequences, and minimal ambient noise. There is no
major distortion or errors in the sound; but is not overly dynamic
either.
The Extras are fun
and plentiful including some great bonus episodes. The Bonuses for
The Simpsons include:
Greetings, Junior Scienteers!
Featurette
Table Read
Audio Commentaries on EVERY
episode with writers, actors, and directors
Deleted Scenes with Audio
Commentaries
Live it's the Simpsons
Featurette
Bonus Episodes
Multi Angle Animation Showcase
Original Sketches
Living in the Moment
- Michael P. Dougherty II
