That ‘70s Show - Season Five
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C Episodes: C+
Hangin
out down the street…The same Old thing…We did last season! Where as this reviewer finds That ‘70s Show to be very funny,
nostalgic, and entertaining the innovative nature that should progress with
each season is absent. The cast of the
show remains stagnant in their perpetual monotonous lives, trapped somewhere
between 1976 and 1978 at all times.
Where the chemistry of the young cast is admirable and very funny, it
seems as though they could do more to improve the shows all too routine
scripts.
In this
season the whole cast returns for their last year of high school; except Jackie
who is a year younger. Also in this
season many undeveloped, yet humorous events occur such as Jackie and Hyde
dating, Eric and Donna getting engaged, Kitty having a tough time going through
menopause (probably one of the season’s most hilarious features), and all the
boys getting new jobs. There is a
special feature’s segment that is called “Season
5 in 5 minutes,” the sad part after watching this feature is that it
literally shows every bit of storyline that is necessary. But perhaps this is too rough of a review for
this sitcom? The true essence of That ‘70s Show is not groundbreaking
storyline, but rather trying to give the audience a half hour, nostalgic trip
back to a simpler time with some lovable and fun characters. Where this show
lacks in cohesive storyline, it makes up for it with endearing humor.
This is a
25 episode, 547 minute, 4 disc set of delightful comedy. The picture quality is surprisingly poor for
being a newer FOX show, being presented (sadly) in 1.33:1 Full Screen. The picture for this particular season is
seemingly too large for the screen at times, as well as the bright colors of
the ‘70s often being too bright and blurry.
The sound is adequate but nothing to write home about, being presented
in Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround. The extra
features are greatly lacking for such a nostalgic series. The few special features offered, promo
spots, 70’s flashback with Wilmer Valderrama and Danny Masterson, and Season Five in Five Minutes featurette,
are all uninteresting and poor. Overall,
this reviewer feels this DVD features are lacking on the whole.
For fans
of the show, this DVD set is a must have; otherwise save your cash. This sitcom has its great moments but many
dull ones as well. So for a trip back to
the time of Disco, Star Wars, and
horrible flower patterns gear up for Season 5 of That ‘70s Show!
- Michael P Dougherty II
