Rules Of Engagement The Complete First Season
Picture:
C+ Sound: B Extras: C Episodes: C
In TVs
better past, the introduction of High Definition would have meant a renewed
effort to launch edgy new situation comedies and really deliver some top rate
comedy programming with top talent involved all the way. Instead, the sitcom is once again on its
deathbed and besides TV in general being in decline, so-called reality TV is
about as cheap to produce if not cheaper.
Adam Sandler co-produced all seven episodes the new series Rules Of Engagement.
I was
expecting a really, really horrible show, but found instead one that had some
potential if only the producers knew how to unleash their cast and come up with
even better scripts. David Spade is back
trying to recreate the success of Just
Shoot Me, which started with a few great shows before loosing its edge to
be a safe hit. He is the one of the three
guys not committed to another women, though his character is sure interested in
them.
That leaves
Audrey (Megyn Price) and Jeff (Patrick Warburton) as the long-married couple
and Adam (the funny Oliver Hudson) and Jennifer (stunning Bianca Kajlich) newly
engaged couple crossing paths, being friends, neighbors and comparing notes. The problem is not the cast, which is one of
the best for a sitcom in years, but these scripts are just constipated and if
the show could be freed of its own formula, this could be a huge hit for Sony
and CBS. With a second season arriving
and show warmed up, this Complete First
Season might become a hot item, but that depends on if the show can realize
the chemistry they have here. If not,
this will become a shallow shell of a hit or end quickly.
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is shot in HD and you can tell but image
hazing and other flaws in this tradedown.
Color is consistent enough and the set up is not bad overall. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mixes are also decent
and better than expected, but is still dialogue-driven. By default, this might be some of the best
audio on a sitcom to date. Extras
include a very funny but much too short blooper reel, DVD-ROM link for more on
the show, Hudson giving a set tour and first reading by the cast. From these extras, you can see there is some
potential here.
Now we wait.
- Nicholas Sheffo
