A couple of 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 understand it is coming back!!)

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.

Still going strong in its 18th unbelievable season, “The Simpsons” is showing no signs of wear. The humor is just as sharp and biting as it was so many years ago, and the list of celebrities just waiting to be animated could probably be wrapped around the planet a couple of times. After a very short 4 month wait, Fox is gearing up to release the 9th season set this month and I couldn’t be happier.

Every season seems to have its share of classic episodes and 9th season was no different. 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. In "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson", Homer is unable to find his car after a drunken binge and thinks it has been stolen. He then gets a call from the City of New York telling him it is illegally parked between the World Trade Center buildings. I still remember this episode was pulled from syndication for a while following the 9/11 attack. I also really loved "Bart Carny", which featured the late Jim Varney as a carnival game operator who tricks Homer into letting him stay at their house, then tries to take it over by calling 'Squatter's Rights.

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 Steve Martin, Martin Sheen, Brendan Fraser, Steven Weber, George Harrison, Jay Leno, Bobcat Goldthwait, Helen Hunt and even U2. Rod Steiger even shows up as the interestingly named character, Captain Tenille (ring any bells?).

What impresses me the most about the DVD releases of “The Simpsons” is just how much trouble the studio goes to in adding extra features. Where some shows being released on DVD are only offering commentary on a couple of select episodes, “The Simpsons” sets have commentary on every episode by various combinations of the creative team behind the series including Groening himself. Mixed in with all the background material you’ll find tidbits of information about some of the millions of in-jokes throughout each episode, along with verbal sparring, cut-downs and the occasional piece of intellectual or spiritual insight from each individual (which is in-turn generally met with further verbal sparring and cut-downs).

As far as the other extras, fans of the series that have lots of time on their hands will find a seemingly non-stop parade of features. Each and every disc has something to offer, whether it is storyboards, animatics, deleted scenes, promotional stuff, fans of the series will wear themselves out digging through the veritable cornucopia of extras.

Once again, Fox has released a DVD package set that is more than worth its weight in gold. If you miss out on grabbing this set, all you can say is, “Doh!” I just wish they could release them a little quicker.

Episodes:
The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson
The Principal and the Pauper
Lisa's Sax
Treehouse of Horror VIII
The Cartridge Family
Bart Star
The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons
Lisa the Skeptic
Reality Bites
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
All Singing, All Dancing
Bart Carny
The Joy of Sect
Das Bus
The Last Temptation of Krusty
Dumbell Indemnity
Lisa the Simpson
This Little Wiggy
Simpson Tide
The Trouble with Trillions
Girly Edition
Trash of the Titans
King of the Hill
Lost Our Lisa
Natural Born Kissers

Starring (the voices of): Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria
Extras: Special Introduction from Matt Groening, Commentary on every episode by Matt Groening and the cast and crew, A Moment with U2 Featurette, Deleted Scenes with Commentary, Illustrated Commentaries, Multi-Angle Animation Showcases, Original Sketches, Commercials, Special Language Feature, Collector Cards, The Simpsons Movie sneak Peek
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: 12/19/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Simpsons: Season 9 an A.