A few days ago I found myself reviewing the second 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 recently, “The Simpsons” (even now in its 14th season) 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 it’s failing was due to its lack of any kind of consistent airing.

Getting back on track, the brilliance of the “The Simpsons” was evident from the very start, but it was in the 3rd season, where I feel everything really began to come together. The writer’s had honed their skills and turned out some of the series’ most classic episodes that year.

If you already own the first two seasons of “The Simpsons”, then you are probably aware that the 3rd is on its way. And as exampled by the previous sets, this set delivers far more than these terrific episodes. Where some shows being put out on DVD are only offering commentary on a couple of select episodes, “The Simpsons Complete Third Season ” has commentary on all 24 episodes by Groening. Joining him along the way are various combinations of the creative team, and there isn’t a boring commentary in the bunch. 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. The pop-up bonus trivia (which is starting to become ever more popular on DVD releases) and the audio outtakes were my favorites as far as out and out funny, but animation fans will get a special kick out of the storyboards and sketches.

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!”

Episodes:
Stark Raving Dad
Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington
When Flanders Failed
Bart the Murderer
Homer Defined
Like Father, Like Clown
Treehouse of Horror II
Lisa’s Pony
Saturdays of Thunder
Flaming Moe’s
Burn Verkaufen Der Kraftwerk
I Married Marge
Radio Bart
Lisa the Greek
Homer Alone
Bart the Lover
Homer at the Bat
Separate Vacations
Dog of Death
Colonel Homer
Black Widower
The Otto Show
Bart’s Friend Falls in Love
Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?

Starring (the voices of): Dan Castellana, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer
Extras: Commentary on every episode by Creator Matt Groening, joined by Executive Producer James L. Brooks, writers, actors and directors on selected episodes, Pop-up Bonus Trivia, Audio Outtakes from cast and guest stars, Butterfinger Commercials, Bart’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Appearance, Matt Groening Storyboards, Scene Specific Interactive Sketches, Simpsons Jukebox
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Release Date: 8/26/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Simpsons - Season 3 an A.