A few years ago I found myself reviewing the final volume of “Futurama”, the brilliant prime time animated series from uber-genius Matt Groening. I compared it a few times to Groening’s other masterpiece, “The Simpsons,” and tried to get the point across that both were equally funny. The main difference between the two is that while “Futurama” was unceremoniously cancelled, “The Simpsons” is as popular as ever. Why you may ask (and even if you don’t I’ll tell you anyway)? The obvious answer is of course, Fox’s strong marketing and support of the show. “The Simpsons” was rarely (if ever) pre-empted for some second rate reality series. Now this answer is not meant in any way to sell “The Simpsons” short. There is another answer, and one that is far more important to the continued success of any show. And that is of quality. “The Simpsons” is still, quite simply one of the best and funniest written shows on TV today.

The only other series that even compared as far as inspired satire and fast paced humor was “Futurama”, and its failing was due to its lack of any kind of consistent airing. (Though I’m thankful the studio saw fit to at least give us a handful of direct-to-DVD “Futurama” features.)

It’s almost hard to believe that creator Matt Groening’s ‘little show that could’ had its start as part of “The Tracey Ullman” show way back in 1987. We were introduced to the incredibly dysfunctional family in a series of shorts meant to take us into and out of breaks. The animation was very crude, with most of the characters barely looking anything like they do today. When the series premiered in 1989, the animation took several steps forward, but it was still very rough. It probably wouldn’t have lasted the season, but because the writing was so darn brilliant, it continued.

Going strong in its 21st unbelievable season, “The Simpsons” is still showing absolutely no signs of wear. The humor is just as sharp and biting as it was so many years ago, and while it may fall a little short from episode to episode, there’s no discounting the writers’ continued push to make it one of the funniest shows on the air. I’ve made sure to collect the seasons as they come out on DVD, most recently having gotten my hands on the 12th season. So I was very surprised to see that Fox was jumping ahead and releasing the recently ended 20th season on DVD and Bluray. I later found that the reasoning was to celebrate the show’s 20 years on the air. (I’m cool with that so long as they don’t stop releasing the rest of the seasons!!!)

Every season seems to have its share of classic episodes and 20th season was no different. Well, there was one difference… halfway through the season the series took the leap to High Definition and actually…. gasp… choke…. changed its opening title animation!!!! Surprisingly, at that point, the episodes even seemed to get a little funnier. To even try and pick out the best would be an impossible task, but at least by filling you in on some of the more memorable, you might have an idea what you're in store for. “How the Test Was Won” was easily one of the best, with Principal Skinner taking several students on a trip to Capital City. “Gone Maggie Gone” offered and interesting take on the otherwise very serious movie, while “Coming to Homerica” tackled the immigration problem… hysterically.

The popularity of "The Simpsons" has also caused a continual line-up of big stars clamoring to 'appear' on the show. This season offers us the voice talents of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Denis Leary, Joe Montana, Mark Cuban (who isn’t really a celebrity… but oh well…), Colm Meaney, Anne Hathaway, Ellen Page, Jodie Foster, and on and on it goes.

What generally impresses me the most about the DVD releases of “The Simpsons” is just how much trouble the studio goes to in adding extra features. Except this time. For a release that is supposed to celebrate the show’s longevity, I would have expected special features that beat everything that had come before. In the past, every episode had a commentary… this release has none. There are normally animatics, storyboards, deleted scenes, you name it. The ‘special set’ has one single feature. A teaser for the 20th Anniversary Special that already aired. That’s right… the set was released on Jan 12th… this special aired on the 10th. Really, really twisted and disappointing logic went into this one. It actually makes me wonder if the 20th seasons will be re-released later on in the series with all the special features that should have been on it this time. I guess we’ll see.

Even after so many years, “The Simpsons” is still a terrifically funny show. Under normal circumstances I would be highly recommending this set. However, the lack of features and the curiosity of whether or not there is going to be a double dip down the road makes me lower the rating a couple of notches.

Episodes:
Sex, Pies and Idiot Scrapes
Lost Verizon
Double, Double Boy in Trouble
Treehouse of Horror XIX
Dangerous Curves
Homer and Lisa Exchange Cross Words
Mypods and Broomsticks
The Burns and the Bees
Lisa the Drama Queen
Take My Life, Please
How the Test Was Won
No Loan Again, Naturally
Gone Maggie Gone
In the Name of the Grandfather
Wedding for Disaster
Eeny Teeny Maya, Moe
The Good, the Sad and the Drugly
Father Knows Worst
Waverly Hills 9-0-2-1-D’oh
Four Great Women and a Manicure
Coming to Homerica

Starring (the voices of): Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria
Extras: 20th Anniversary Special Sneak Peak by Morgan Spurlock
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: 1/12/2010
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.thesimpsons.com

We'll give Simpsons: Season 20 a C+.