FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT is preparing to release various Boxed Sets from beloved television series within their library. In several months we'll be seeing the first season of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as well as "MASH", but for now, fans have reason to rejoice with the magnificent job they've done with "THE SIMPSONS".  T

The first Season's 13 episodes are all included in this boxed set.  Creator Matt Groening offers the introduction liner notes for the release, in which with complete honesty he explains just how far the series has come from what fans will see here!  Crudely drawn, with voices slightly off, one can't watch these without appreciating just how much better in quality later episodes became.  Still, even these "rougher" episodes are classics, and worth having in any collection!  What makes "THE SIMPSONS" great is the script! The writing is ingenious! Sure, the voice talents, music, animation, and more have all been exceptional, but it's the jokes that are unforgettable! 

The original 4:3 (1.33:1) aspect ratio has been maintained here.  While the transfer is top-notch, one does notice the limitations of the source material.  There are some dark scenes that appear too dark!  Contrast is mediocre at times, and depth is limited in many instances.  Still, the colors are solid, and the picture is typically bright.  While there is some oversaturation in spots, so many of the episodes look good, it's easy to overlook these flaws. 

FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT deserves a lot of credit for the new Dolby Digital 5.1 remastering they've given to this set!  While the "new" mix for these older episodes isn't as natural sounding as more current "SIMPSONS" episodes, it still creates a terrific atmosphere!  The layers of music, dialogue and sound effects are perfectly mixed here,offering distinct separation and a wonderful 3-dimensional atmosphere.  Surrounds are restrained, but still effective.  

FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT has provided audio commentaries for each episode!  The series creator, Matt Groening, producer James L. Brooks, and various directors and writers all join in over various episodes.  While it's great to hear the various directors/writers discuss various gags, it's Groening and Brooks that make these commentaries worth savoring.  It's humbling to hear such accomplished talent discuss their own disappointments so candidly.

The actual shooting script for several episodes, has been included on the first disc.  The third disc also includes the script for "SOME ENCHANTED EVENING."

There is more supplementary material offered on the third and final disc of this boxed set!  "THE MAKING OF THE SIMPSONS:AMERICA'S FIRST FAMILY" is a brief, and we mean "brief" featurette offering interviews with Groening, Brooks, and producer Al Jean.  

An even "briefer" featurette offers comparison of "pencil tests" with the finished sequence.  There is also an "outtakes" section in which one senses the drastic difference between "rough" and finished! 

The section titled, "THE ART OF THE SIMPSONS", offers various sketches from the show's beginnings.  Add to this a short from the Tracey Ullman show, wherein the "SIMPSONS" first originated as a short cartoon feature, as well as audio outtakes and even more, and you've got a collection that's a sure-fire safe bet for any Christmas/holiday gift!!