I can't believe the Simpsons have been on for over twenty years now. I remember forcing myself to sit through the Tracey Ullman show with a video tape in the VCR waiting for the little Simpsons shorts before and after the commercial breaks. Shortly after that, they got a Christmas special (and a little make-over). I've been enjoying the series ever since.
When it was announced that Season 20 would be coming out on Blu-ray, I knew I had to have it. I was a little confused since the last season released (on DVD) was Season 12 but I suppose with the 450th episode and the 20th Anniversary Special: 3-D On Ice, now was a good time to release this.
Over the last week, I immersed myself into the world of the Simpsons. Season 20 might not have been the best. There were some good episodes while others were decent with moments of humor mixed in. Watching in Blu-ray, at first, I was a tiny bit disappointed. Yes it looked good on my HD-TV but because it wasn't full-screen or true high definition, I started wondering if the Blu-ray was worth it. Then half-way through the season with "Take My Life, Please," things changed.
The show went true HD and my eyes were in heavenly bliss. Not only did the show go HD, we also got a new intro with new sequences. There is a difference in watching the Simpsons in HD. When I saw the Simpsons Movie at my local theater, it was on a digital projector. This comes across with the same brilliance. Not only is the animation so much clearer, but the colors are simply amazing. Maybe I've been spoiled with my local theater and HD-TV but I just can't imagine watching this any other way.
The Blu-ray has all 21 episodes from the season on two discs. As far as extras, there really aren't any. Realistically, if you're buying these sets, it's for the actual episodes. There is a sneak peak at the 20th Anniversay Special (by Academy Award nominee Morgan Spurlock). The menus also feature some cool Matt Groening art (in progress). He makes it look so easy to draw them. The season also featured guest stars such as Denis Leary, Joe Montana, Marv Albert, Mark Cuban, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Ellen Page, Jodie Foster and Kelsey Grammer, returning for his 11th time as Bart’s nemesis, Sideshow Bob.
While there were a few episodes that fell a little flat, I still enjoyed the season. Throw in the beauty of the Blu-ray format and this becomes a nice collection for your home library. The show still makes me laugh after all these years and I can't stop watching it. I give this Season (on Blu-ray) a solid 4 out of 5. I do hope that with the release of Season 13, we will continue to get the option of buying the seasons in Blu-ray.
@Korg: Yeah, the Blu-ray (and DVD) were released on January 12. Guess that doesn't make sense. Wonder where the Special will end up. And I have to check my DVR to see if I didn't completely miss it.
True, The Simpsons arent as good as they used to be. but you have to give credit for still pulling in fans after all these years. though i dont really watch it that faithfully lately, i still catch it when i can. and i have been buying the DVDs, though i havent gotten the 20th season yet.
That has no bearing on why the show would be cancelled. It still gets ratings, makes money, and carries credibility. Huge global brand recognition, ridiculous merchandising profits, etc. The fact that some fans no longer like the show hardly effects the ratings, as shown by their craptastic 450th episode.
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