Degrassi High – The Complete Collection (WGBH)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Film: B-

 

 

Turning out to be the fourth and fifth season of the original series, but without the first three seasons WGBH has already issued on DVD and we have already covered, Degrassi High – The Complete Collection is a misleading title.  The show ended by the early 1990s and some new cast members were added, logically since others either left (characters graduated, actors moved on or were let go) the “Junior” was dropped from the title.  Already in trouble by the third season, the changes were made to freshen up the show, but instead, it became more melodramatic and the acting also suffered.

 

It was also the end of the line for such intelligent shows about education (like Room 222 and The Paper Chase) and not surprisingly, on public television when commercial television had all but abandoned the younger audience as nothing more than a group to make money from and make them mindless in the process.  Sure, the show had its critics for being “unrealistic” yet that was not always the point.  Instead, it was to get the characters to discuss and work out ideas and conflicts in a smart, healthy way.  This was not the last of the Degrassi franchise, but of its classical era.  Despite showing some of its age, it is looking good versus most programs now, which do not even begin to address this aspect of growing up.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is softer than this filmed show (likely 16mm film) should look like, with detail limits, plugged color and depth issues.  These could be upgraded for HD release, but these will have to do until then.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono sound is better, surprisingly, though shows its age.  Extras include a School’s Out! piece about the year after graduation, DVD-ROM printable educational materials & cast interviews, Degrassi wallpaper and Degrassi quiz.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo