CORPORATE LINE: In this critically acclaimed hit sitcom, you’ll meet the suddenly penniless, and equally clueless, Bluth family. Accustomed to their wildly affluent lifestyle, they can’t seem to grasp the fact that now the head of the family (Jeffrey Tambor, in an Emmy-nominated performance*) is in the slammer for shifty accounting practices — and he’s loving every minute of it. Even worse, since the family assets have been frozen, they may actually have to go out and get jobs! The only one who understands the seriousness of their predicament is Michael (Jason Bateman), who realizes it’s up to him to guide his eccentric family into this new chapter of their lives: Chapter 11.
THE SHOW: Arrested Development is one of the most original, funniest shows since Seinfeld. It is also reminiscent of the comedy SOAP. I’m not sure which is wackier, SOAP or Arrested Development. What makes Arrested Development so funny is the way they don’t rely on jokes to make us laugh. It works on irony and drama to put the characters into situations that you can’t help but muse in hysterics over.
Remember Seinfeld’s all-star cast? Arrested Development’s squad is fantastic. Every character is vital and hilarious. Even when they have a quirky and obscure moment in the show it doesn’t go to waste. The brilliance keeps us watching. And what would Arrested Development be without Jason Bateman? He’s great as the guy trying to make sense of a family that makes sense seem impossible.
DVD FEATURES:
The ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT DVD set is brimming with side-splitting bonus materials including the series creator’s original cut of the pilot episode, Ron Howard’s sneak peek at Season Two (which begins airing November 7, 2004), deleted scenes from episodes throughout the season and much more. The DVD is presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio in full screen with English, Spanish and French Dolby Surround. The following is the breakdown for each disc:
Disc One
Episodes:
Pilot Episode
Top Banana
Bringing Up Buster
Key Decisions
Charity Drive
Visiting Ours
Special Features:
Creator’s Cut Pilot Episode
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
Making-Of Featurette
Original Songs by David Schwartz
Cast Audition Tapes
* Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Disc Two
Episodes:
In God We Trust
My Mother, The Car
Storming The Castle
Pier Pressure
Public Relations
Marta Complex
Beef Consommé
Shock and Aww
Special Features:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
“T.V. LAND” Video Feature
Blooper Reel
Disc Three
Episodes:
Staff Infection
Altar Egos
Justice Is Blind
Missing Kitty
Best Man For the Gob
Whistler’s Mother
Not Without My Daughter
Let Them Eat Cake
Special Features:
Commentary
Deleted Scenes
“The Museum of Television and Radio” Featurette
FRANKLY: If you caught Arrested Development halfway through last year or wondered what the fuss was about then get this DVD. Find out what everyone else already knows; Arrested Development is great!
+ Charlie Craine
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