Created by Matt Garvey

Introduction

The good news: The season-by-season DVD releases of The Simpsons are, for the most part, outstanding. In addition to the full-length episodes and many documented extra features, there is an assortment of hidden bits.
The bad news: Try as they might, the DVDs are having a hard time living up 100% to the "complete" in their titles. It's an asterisk (an aggravating one at times), to be sure, but the true Simpsons fan and/or historian will want to know just what's missing, and if possible, where to find it.
This guide's purpose is to serve as a companion, to make sure you can get the most out of your collection. (Whether you do or not is something else, but the rest of SNPP is there to help.)

More detailed introduction

The design of this file is fairly straightforward. Each season has its own section of the document, with a quick-reference summary ("quotable notables," which are the most interesting/important), and an entry for each episode of note plus one for a listing of Easter eggs and miscellaneous tidbits. Each entry lists the episode (by production code, with a link to SNPP's capsule), a detailed description, and a list of where different versions are or were seen. (Note: In many cases, particularly syndicated versions, you mustn't assume that the whole version can act as a replacement.)

There are three levels into which entries are grouped (then by airing order within them), and they are identifiable by the colored headings for each subsection. The colors match traffic lights in purpose.
The red entries are high alert. These are known cuts where the DVD is missing the, uh, missing part, or has the worse of two alternatives.
Yellow entries can mean several things: known "cuts" or other edits that are mildly annoying; of two different versions of the same thing (not a straight cut), the better one is there but the other is not archived; or a possible/vague cut about which we lack enough information to say if the DVDs are missing anything.
Green entries are mainly for completists, or those who have heard about a cut but want to know it's OK. Green entries signify that the DVD is essentially an authoritative source on what's in the episode. Syndication cuts will not be found here (that's why we have a syndication cuts guide), and neither will most cases where Fox wanted to save a few seconds on a non-premiere airdate.
I have done my best to put each entry into the proper section, but if you have a problem with something, feel free to alert me.

Assorted notes

The most important note (for now) is that this document is young. Frequently throughout the guide, I mention that further information would be appreciated. Don't be shy! If you have a network airing tape hanging around or can otherwise contribute knowledge on these topics, or if you notice an omission of any kind, send me an email. I would rather send out a couple of "I'm on it already" replies than not hear about an interesting facet of Simpsons history (as it applies to this file, at least). (If it's been a while since the last revision, chances are that I could use that information.) The same goes for non-content suggestions. If there's a way to improve readability or the structure of the page, or you notice a typo or unclear wording, let me know.

This needn't be just an online guide. I intend to keep a printed version in each season's DVD box, right in the little pocket, for quick reference any time I might need it, and you are free to do the same. I have no immediate plans to convert these to PDF (though I might welcome them), but if you know basic HTML, you can save a copy of this file and tweak it to your heart's content. Adjust the table width to fit the DVD box, shrink the font, whatever you like. (To get the colored bars to print, you might need to adjust your browser's settings.)

A comment on alternate sources for scenes in question: You might have noticed that the only network versions (usually) listed are Fox and Global. These are the only networks really under the control of the producers (Fox in the US, Global in Canada); international broadcasts are usually made at later dates, and to the best of my knowledge, each country may dub or edit whatever it likes, and change its mind later. (Note also that "synd" refers only to the US syndication package.) If you have a copy of an episode from outside the US or Canada, you can look for different parts I mention in this guide, but no promises.
On a similar note, this guide is mostly relevant just to the region 1 (R1) releases. I believe that each season is also released in R2 and R4, and though they probably are built from whatever's on the R1 DVDs and thus are unlikely to contain anything extra, there might be additional changes. Notes on them are welcome.

At this point, you might be saying, "Matt, the episodes on these DVDs seem pretty good to me. So what if a couple parts are missing here or there?" Well, you've got some attitude, mister. If that's what you think, this page probably isn't for you. The episodes are terrific - and Fox and the producers are to be commended for their efforts in putting the DVDs out with loads of commentaries and other extras (plus some excellent menus since season 5, even if the "animation showcases" are something of a step back and you can't skip the new FBI warning, hint hint). But it's quite aggravating to know that people might not be getting the full experience (at least where what made it to air is concerned), and that's why this guide was made. Chances are, unfortunately, that there will be no revisions to the DVDs (barring a supplement in a later release), so you can enjoy these fine purchases to the fullest with a little help from SNPP. (If anyone knows just why Fox's DVD releases [not just OFF] tend to have this chronic problem of using revised versions only, please let me know. Is it a legal issue? Ignorance? Did they burn or overwrite the old tapes? I'd like them to see the Seinfeld DVDs; both versions of the pilot, "The Revenge," and "The Handicap Spot" are on those. Even simple alternate audio tracks and short video clips would be enough for these ambiguities.)

You might also be wondering why many times the syndicated version has something that got left off the DVD. It appears that, with very few exceptions, syndicated episodes were not built from revised masters (even those from the first 5 seasons, which sat on a shelf for a while before they even had to be prepared for syndication), so the changes made to the network copy don't affect them.

Finally, a short list of other SNPP pages relevant to this one. I refer to several throughout this guide, as well, so you ought to know what on earth they are:
The Broadcast Ambiguities list: This guide is in a sense an extension of the ambiguities list; it's a great resource, I owe it one.
The Air Dates list: An invaluable resource, useful in this case for identifying which airing you have if you know the date.
The Syndication Cuts Guide: Besides telling you what you missed on a daily rerun, these documents contain some other interesting tidbits for the know-it-all.
The Simpsons DVD news: Find out the latest dirt on new releases, or check out the older dirt and pretend it's 2002 again, what with all the future tenses in the archive.
Many more lists for the anal Simpsons fan can be found here. But now, on with the guide!

What's new

7/3/07 (the dedications update):

• Added notes on 5F13 and 5F09
• Moved 3F06 into the red zone
• Added 5F22 and CABF18 to future concerns

• Added section for season 9
• Updated act breaks and future concerns for season 9 as well as JABF07
• Updated info on 7F20, 8F07, 3F06, 3F10, and 4F05

• Added section for season 8
• Updated act breaks and future concerns for season 8 as well as DABF03, FABF20, GABF14, and HABF08

• Added section for season 7 (aka "coping with senility death"); extra info would be appreciated
• Added "Kiss and Tell" to singles
• Updated act breaks and future concerns for season 7 as well as DABF21 and GABF14
• Made slight updates to 7G07, 2F18, and season 4 and 6 eggs and tips

• Added section for season 6 (clarifications quite welcome, as well as stuff absent from non-R1 releases)
• Added section for act breaks

• Added section for single-disc releases
• Added section for future concerns
• Updated info on 7G01, 7G05, 7G07, and 9F05
• Updated Easter eggs and tips for seasons 3, 4, and 5
• Added contributors list
• Added this list

Season 1 Quotable notables: 7G05, 7G07, 7G02
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7G05	For some reason, some opening credits are missing on the DVD. I do not know if this error was present in any other versions, or a glitch during DVD production (in the commentary, a remark is made about John Swartzwelder soon after his name should appear). The missing credits, all centered at the bottom of the screen, from the opening shot of the house through the oven view, read as such: Created by MATT GROENING Developed by JAMES L. BROOKS MATT GROENING SAM SIMON Co-Producers AL JEAN MIKE REISS Co-Producer LARINA JEAN ADAMSON Produced By RICHARD SAKAI Written By JOHN SWARTZWELDER Update: I've been tipped off by "Roger Myers III" of the No Homers Club, who says: "My understanding is that the DVD mastering co. was provided with an edited best-available master (from the badly-preserved [K]lasky-Csupo days), and no one caught the discrepancy, which might have led someone to go hunt down a lower-quality copy to 'fill in' the credit sequence, or create replacements. (It was one of the gripes that Gracie had which led a new company to get the job.)" {jm} {rm} This is good to know (I wonder if this version was broadcast at some point also); it could also explain some of the other notable omissions in seasons 1, 3, and 4.	Credits: Some original airing No credits: DVD Unknown: Other Fox/Global airings, synd, VHS release
7G07	At the end of the episode, two sections are absent from the DVD. It seems that they were only in Fox's original broadcast, though they resurface in syndication. Comments follow; the missing parts are in italics and two others (to be explained) are in bold. BART And if you still want to tear apart this young Sunday School student as he stands on the brink of salvation, I await your wrath. But I'd like to add one thing. It wasn't until I removed the head of Jebediah Springfield that we realized we were taking our heritage for granted. That was a crime, too; one I think we are all guilty of. BARNEY / MR. BURNS Hey, he's right. / Ah, the kid's got us there. KRUSTY He's got a point there. BART And I know I'll always feel an inner shame far greater than any punishment you can dish out. Far, far greater. Far, far, far, far greater. [0:24] The crowd relaxes. Soon after... MONROE Look, it's glorious! OTTO It's beautiful man! [0:01; Monroe/Otto are v.o. when cut] BURNS I love you, Smithers. SMITHERS The feeling is more than mutual, sir. The crowd rejoices, and church bells ring. [0:04] Bart gets down from the statue. HOMER Woo! Good going, son. But remember, most lynch mobs aren't this nice. [0:04] (Executive Producer credits appear.) So, one wonders, what's the deal? I am not sure why these scenes didn't appear in later broadcasts, or why they didn't appear on "The Complete First Season" DVD. Here are some thoughts: (1) In the commentary, Mike Reiss mentioned that in the first season, changes were common(!) after the first run (and in fact, the "lynch mob" line might not have been in the first run); though no mention was made specifically of the scenes in question, it might be an editorial decision and not a network time cut. (2) I read somewhere (update: this turned out to be IMDb's "alternate versions" page for OFF, so I'm less inclined to believe it) that there had to be some educational content in the show, and this was inserted against the producers' will to satisfy that (the full version does seem to have an anomalous sound before Bart's monologue) but intentionally left off the DVD. This could be a joke, however. (3) It's worth noting that the animation for these sections seems recycled, which would support a quick edit, but on the other hand, many early episodes resorted to this at times. (4) There are two different pieces from this scene missing in syndication: "man!" in Otto's remark, and the "lynch mob" segment. The total running time without those parts but with the missing ones is 23:05, as mentioned by Bart. This seems like an odd coincidence; if anyone has the original Fox airing on tape, please let me know for further study. Update: I've been informed that an Australian retail tape of this episode matches the other version; it contains the sections in italics but not those in bold. The time (with NTSC/PAL correction factor) is approximately correct, so I don't believe there are any other differences there. Still, I will always welcome more discoveries. {sq}	Long version: Some original airing, synd, Australian VHS (each lacking other parts) Short version: DVD, some other original airing Unknown: Other Fox/Global airings Note: network broadcast versions with the scenes in italics are probably missing those in bold, and vice versa. This will be updated as I find out more.
7G01 (outtakes reel, some DVDs)	It seems that the commentary for the 7G01 outtakes is not present on some DVD releases. This is known to affect R2's UK and Scandinavian releases (thanks Jouni), and the R4 Australian release. {sq} It probably affects other countries as well; any more information as to locations and reasons (for example, it seems that 3 episodes reside on disc 3 in those regions, compared to R1's 1, so maybe space was a concern) would be helpful. And no, I don't intend to type in the entire commentary here. Sorry.	Outtakes commentary: R1, others? None: R2 (UK, Scandinavia) and R4 (Australia) at least, maybe more
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7G02	Originally, Marcia Wallace was credited as MARSHA WALLACE. The DVD credits her as MARCIA WALLACE. The original spelling was used in syndication, but I don't know if the change was made between network runs or in preparation for the DVD.	Marsha: Fox #1 (1/14/90), synd Marcia: DVD Unknown: Fox #2+, Global
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Easter eggs 1: Simpsons shirt news report (1:44). On disc 3, go to "extra features," "next," highlight the 7G01 script, then press Left (highlights Bart's shirt) and Enter. 2: Assorted magazine covers (12). On disc 3, go to "extra features," "next," "art of the Simpsons," highlight "extra features," then press Left (highlights Bart's comic book) and Enter.

Season 2 Quotable notables: 7F01, 7F21
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7F02 (R2 UK only)	To avoid a "12" rating in the UK, some of the commentary track in this episode was edited out (replaced with episode audio). It takes place between about 9:47 and 10:13 on the R2 UK disc; this is the only edit we are aware of in the season 2 commentaries. (See also the BBFC Ratings page.) The cut comments are in italics. JON VITTI That's a much nicer room than we got Harvey Fierstein apparently. Jay Kogen just told me today that he told us when he came in for the recording session we had bought him a hotel room with obvious semen stains on the headboard. AL JEAN [amused sound; maybe best described as a dry spit take] MATT GROENING [chuckles] AL JEAN Nothing too good for our guest stars. MATT GROENING I hate it when they're obvious. [all silent for a little while] AL JEAN Mr. Burns seems to have gotten a lot of independence from this board.	Cut commentary: R2 UK DVD Full commentary: Every other release AFAIK
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7F01	The original blackboard for this episode was I WILL NOT XEROX MY BUTT. This was changed for Fox's third airing (6/25/92) to POTATO NOT POTATOE (or perhaps "POTATO" NOT "POTATOE"; comments welcome) in honor of Dan Quayle's famous goof. Global's copy seems unchanged, as does the DVD version; the gag seems more or less lost now. Note: The blackboard list says that it's IT'S POTATO, NOT POTATOE; I can't be sure of the wording, so any definitive info would help. (Also note that earlier versions of that list say it was the second airing. It's the third, and Don has edited his list accordingly.)	Xerox: DVD, Fox #1 (11/1/90) and #2 (1/3/91), all 3 Global, as well as EABF14 and EABF15 synd Potato: Fox #3 (6/25/92) Neither: Synd Unknown: VHS release
7F06	Short version: There were many cuts on several network airings, and the DVD appears to be totally or mostly unharmed. Long version: So you aren't just content to know that, are you? Nor am I, but it gives me a headache figuring this out. When Fox (and Global, it seems) first aired this episode on 12/6/90, it was extensively cut so that the "Bartman" video could be shown. Fox's second broadcast (2/28/91) was cut as well (about the same - see the ambiguities list for more) for coverage of Operation Desert Shield, but Global seems to have run the full version then. There were three other network broadcasts, on 8/29/91, 7/1/93, and 1/8/95. I would guess that Global showed the full version each time. I would normally assume Fox did the same; it is reported that #3 was the first time the US saw the full version, but then according to the syndication cuts guide the fourth airing was the cut version as well. These same cuts, more or less, are outlined in the syndication cuts guide, so visit it if you like. Chances are that the syndicated version (though maybe not the wacky altered opening) was built from Fox's cut version, as it was already shorter. The DVD, and old VHS release, both have the full version with all the proper content, but there is a timing discrepancy among those, the cut Fox version, and the syndicated version in act 1. My guess is that the syndicated act 1 is actually expanded and that all full versions are right. See the SCG and ambiguities list if you want to make more sense of this. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on the expansion/compression or have info on any of the 10 network airings (5 dates times 2 networks).	Full version: DVD, VHS release, Fox #3/5?, Global #2+? Various cut versions: Fox/Global #1, Fox #4, other Fox/Global?, synd Unknown: Any with "?" above
7F20	The ambiguities list put me on the lookout for a mystery scene in this episode from Fox's third and final airing (8/20/92) that wasn't present in the first two (5/2/91, 8/8/91). Guess what? There did seem to be one, and it's on the DVD. It is unknown whether the footage appeared on Global at any time, or why it was omitted or added at all. (Italics mark the lines in question.) MARGE He forgets birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, both religious and secular; he chews with his mouth open; he gambles; he hangs out at a seedy bar with bums and lowlifes... HOMER [sobbing] Oh, it's true, it's all true. LOVEJOY Homer, don't interrupt. HOMER Sorry. MARGE He blows his nose on the towels and puts them back in the middle. HOMER I only did that a coupla times! [0:05] Meanwhile, at the supermarket... Neat, eh? But then why is this entry in the yellow section and not in the green? I noticed that the DVD timings were the same as the compressed syndicated version according to the SCG (after compensating for the other cuts). The capsule, which is built from Fox airings missing that scene, has even odder timings, as if it was cut in acts 1 and 2 but never compressed. I can't figure out why all these timings are different; perhaps the airing with this scene was in fact compressed, or the others were expanded, or someone's VCR was screwy. (This is not helped by the fact that at least one airing also seemed to feature a shorter opening sequence than what is on the DVD.) So, as usual, if you have any way to help explain this, especially if you have a tape of any of the original airings, please let me know. Update: According to {ss}, this scene is found in present-day (2006-7) reruns on CBC and Global in Canada, as well as in syndication copies from WUTV Buffalo and KCPQ Seattle. My syndication copy is missing it, but it is my understanding that early episodes have slightly different syndication versions (I get the feeling that the first round of syndication sometimes had more cuts). Info is welcome, and I'll keep my eyes out for more syndicated airings.	Towel scene: Fox #3 (8/20/92), DVD No such scene: Fox #1 (5/2/91) and #2 (8/8/91), synd? Unknown: Global Note: Versions with this scene might be different in other ways.
7F21	(Adapted from the capsule) The third Fox airing (4/30/92), which was the date of the Cosby Show finale, concluded with the following clip: Close-up of the Simpsons' television: a picture of Bill Cosby with the legend "The Cosby Show / 1984-1992". Homer: Little Theo. You grew up before our eyes. Bart: Hey, Dad, how come they're taking The Cosby Show off the air? Homer: Because Mr. Cosby wanted to stop before the quality suffered. Bart: Quality, schmality! If I had a TV show, I'd run that sucker into the ground! Homer: [patting Bart on the back] Amen, boy. Amen. Without seeing it myself, I do not know where the animation came from (recycled, I'd imagine, but from where?) or if this ran before or after the credits. This clip probably did not air on the 4th and final Fox airing, and is not on the DVD or in the syndicated version. Global's copy was not changed. It is also not known (to us) if the rest of the episode was edited to accommodate this.	Cosby joke: Fox #3 (4/30/92) None: Fox #1 (5/9/91), #2 (8/25/91), #4 (2/24/94), DVD, synd, Global Unknown: VHS release
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7F14	According to the ambiguities list, the original Fox and Global broadcasts (3/7/91) were "extensively cut and time compressed" so that the premiere of the "Deep, Deep Trouble" video could follow the episode. Every other broadcast seems to have used the full version, as does the DVD. As always, corrections or clarifications are welcome. If anyone has the original broadcast on tape and can contribute a SCG-like list of cuts and timings for that version, that would be helpful.	Full version: DVD, Fox/Global #2+ Cut version: Fox/Global #1 (3/7/91)
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Easter eggs (adapted from elsewhere on SNPP) 1: Short animated thank-you note. On disc 1, go to "Two Cars..." (7F01), "language selection," highlight "French," then press Right (highlights Blinky) and Enter. 2: Two sketches. On disc 3, go to "Bart's Dog Gets an F" (7F14), "language selection," highlight "main menu," then press Right (highlights quilt shred) and Enter. Press Right again for the other sketch. 3: Sketch. On disc 3, go to "Old Money" (7F17), highlight "language selection," then press Left (highlights fez) and Enter. 4: Sketch. On disc 3, go to "Brush with Greatness" (7F18), "language selection," highlight "English 5.1," then press right (highlights the picture frame) and Enter. 5: Sketch. On disc 4, go to "Three Men and a Comic Book" (7F21), "language selection," highlight "French," then press right (highlights paper) and Enter. 6: Two sketches. On disc 4, go to "Blood Feud" (7F22), "language selection," highlight "French," then press Right (highlighting the eyes) and Enter. Press Right again for the other sketch. 7: Extra storyboard. On disc 4, go to the storyboards for "Bart Gets an F" (7F03) in special features. On the 11th page, there is a panel covered by a sticky note. Press Up.

Season 3 Quotable notables: 8F04, 7F24, 8F07, 8F12
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8F04	In the original aired version (10/17/91), these lines were said: Burns: Oh, Smithers, I guess there's nothing left but to kiss my sorry butt good-bye. and Bart: Bad influence, my ass! When Fox reran the episodes (presumably both repeats, 2/27/92 and 7/9/92), the lines had changed: Burns: Oh, Smithers, I guess there's nothing left to do but kiss my sorry ass good-bye. and Bart: Bad influence, my butt! The change was never observed on Global, and the lines as originally aired are also present in syndication. Unfortunately, the changed version is included on the DVD. This edit is hard to figure out. The changed version is on the DVD, but is that an accident, an unwilling concession, or the actual intention of the producers? The commentary implies that they wanted both to be "ass," yet the storyboard included on the DVD reflects "ass/butt," and at the same time the animation always clearly shows Bart saying "ass." Maybe they decided after the first airing that they'd rather take the other end of the compromise with Fox? Without hearing directly from the producers, I can't say for sure which they'd like to have or why the change persists on the DVD (but see my introduction). However, my own opinion holds it that "butt/ass" is the better of the two if one has to choose; saying "ass" is uncharacteristic for Burns, yet it adds oomph to the line "Bad influence, my ass! How many times have I told you? Never listen to your mother!" See also 8F04's entry below, and note that any Fox airing is thus edited in some way.	Sorry butt/my ass: Fox #1 (10/17/91), all Global, synd Sorry ass/my butt: Fox #2+ (presumably), DVD
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7F24	The second Fox broadcast (1/30/92) featured a special scene before the intro, in response to George Bush's 1/27 speech mentioning OFF (this was repeated during the 1/28 State of the Union, but I think the original speech is featured here). The scene is described below. Animation was recycled from the first scene of 7F02. For some reason, the intro from 8F03 was used instead during this broadcast (they are the same length), and it is unknown if the rest of the episode was cut or compressed to accommodate the Bush retort. The scene did not reappear on Fox or in syndication, and was never seen on Global. It is not in the season 3 DVD, as it's not really a part of the episode, but the clip is seen in full on the season 4 set (about 3:31 into the "Bush vs. Simpsons" featurette on disc 1). The Simpsons, plus Patty and Selma, are watching TV. Live-action footage of President Bush is seen on the tube. BUSH We are going to keep on trying to strengthen the American family, to make American families a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons. HOMER [shocked] Huh? BART Hey, we're just like the Waltons. We're praying for an end to the depression, too! [0:14]	Bush clip: Fox #2 (1/30/92, with 8F03 opening), in Bush featurette on S4 DVD (disc 1) No clip: DVD, Fox #1 (9/19/91), Fox #3 (4/8/93), all Global, synd
8F01	According to the ambiguities list, the second (of two) Fox airing (12/12/91) is rumored to have featured an extra scene not shown in the first airing (9/26/91). It is not known if this was ever seen on Global. The ambiguities list is also the only place I have heard about this. The DVD, SCG, and capsule all have comparable timings, so if there was an extra scene (or a missing one in the first airing) then all 3 of these come from the same of those two. Seems pretty unlikely, but as usual, any info would be helpful. (This episode was also released on VHS in a "Best of the Simpsons" pack; timings from that would help.)	Knowing very little about this possible phantom scene, I can't say which has what. Timings for the VHS release would be appreciated, though.
8F07	[HEADACHE ALERT] Short version: The DVD's copy of this episode is essentially fine. See below for some alternate lines. Long version: The intro for this episode in the Syndication Cuts Guide implies that a significant amount of time is required to do anything with this episode besides watch it, and this guide is no exception. I have done my best to figure out what the deal is in the face of conflicting notes and confusing timings. 11/14/91, network airing #1: Fox and probably Global air a short version of this episode so that Michael Jackson's "Black or White" music video can be seen after the credits. There are many cuts and other edits, and possibly compression. Fox broadcasts a short (clouds-to-driveway) intro, but Global may get a longer one. (The capsule and Complete Guide were built from this [Fox] version, so they contain the alternate lines listed below.) 4/2/92, network airing #2: Both networks seem to air a longer version now that the full time slot is available. Most likely this was the original, as-intended version. This time (on Fox at least) the blackboard "I WILL NOT FAKE RABIES" is shown, and the episode may have been compressed. (See below for more on blackboard.) 5/20/93, network airing #3 (of 3): Fox might have used a shortened opening sequence, but otherwise the full episode aired. Global likely aired what it did in 1992. 1994: The episode is prepared for syndication. The intro is the infamous 1F01 sequence, but otherwise the content seems to match the short version. However, timing is different. The DVD matches most closely (if not exactly) with the 1992 version, and all network/DVD versions seem to use the same couch and sax solo (when applicable). Now we try to make sense of this. If you consult the SCG, you will probably come to the conclusion that the people making the syndicated version started with Fox's original airing, as it was already pretty short. However (and this is where my interpretation comes in), it was probably _too_ short and the episode was expanded (rather than the Fox airings and DVD being compressed). I am happy with this explanation of the apparent compression, since the pacing on the DVD seems fine to me. However, that is not the end of this story, and if you have a 1991 airing or the syndicated version on tape, you've got yourself some alternate lines. I won't bore you with the rest of the cuts (though you are free to visit the SCG and see what they are), as you own the DVD version (right?), but here is what isn't on the shiny circles, and was probably put together specifically for the short version. The VHS Village and beauty parlor scenes were swapped in the syndicated and first-airing versions. Because of this, the fade-in from the driveway to the VHS village had to be cut. Homer's football tape: [full version, seen on DVD] They called him the Galloping Gazelle. His habitat: the frozen tundra of Soldier Field. For six seasons and two Pro Bowls, he grazed on the tasty green turf of the end zone. Until one fateful Sunday in November, when the Gazelle was stopped in his tracks by a big cat named Wayne Scheshevski. [short/synd version, 14s shorter, different and funnier v.o.] The compound fracture, truly one of football's greatest injuries. After "What are your son's hobbies?" [full/DVD version] Homer: Well, he's always chewing on that phone cord. Marge: He hasn't done that since he was two. Homer: Then he *has no hobby. [short/synd version, dubbed awkwardly from *] Homer: Kids don't have _hobbies_! "Good morning, everybody, and welcome to an event that hearkens back to the care-free days of the great depression: the soapbox derby." [short?/synd version] Homer slurps for one extra second. I happen to like the "compound fracture" line better, and there are certainly different tones in Homer's voice (and impacts of that scene) for the "hobbies" part. I don't know if the extra slurp time was in the original airing or added just for syndication (and don't much care). Nonetheless, I intend to hang onto my syndicated copy. So which is the "real" version? I would say unhesitatingly that what's on DVD is the originally made episode, based on the nature of the edits above, and having determined from various timings that it is probably not compressed. Big update! Previously, I noted that Global originally broadcast an opening with the blackboard "HAMSTERS CANNOT FLY" in place of the "I WILL NOT FAKE RABIES" found, where applicable, on Fox and the DVD. In March 2007, {ss} pointed out a startling revelation in the form of a newsgroup post by Raymond Chen (compiler of many early episode capsules). In short, he explained that he assumed Global would be showing a longer opening sequence, and invented the hamsters quote as a placeholder for the capsule. When no one supplied information about it by the time he did the capsule (3/26; if only he'd waited a week!), he forgot to take it out, and history was born! Presumably, Global's original broadcast matched Fox's closely or exactly. Still, any further information would be welcome, and of course you can still bring it up at parties.	You must be joking. Till someone presents me tapes of all 6 network airings, I'm not touching this summary. If you have the DVD, you have almost everything; see the actual entry for alternate lines, which you can find in syndication.
8F12	Boy am I glad they don't do this anymore. Fox's third airing (1/28/93) of this episode featured redubbed lines reflecting the 1993 Super Bowl. The fourth and final airing (9/18/94) had, coincidentally, the same redubbed lines, as well as a few other changes, all detailed below. It is unknown whether Global's copy ever reflected these changes (my guess is "no"). Both the syndicated and DVD versions have the original lines, and as far as I know no other edits were made. Note: the teams and stadiums listed are general; I am not going to list every time one is mentioned, or if it was a shortened name (e.g. "Buffalo"). [First and second Fox airings, probably all Global] Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, Minneapolis Metrodome [Third Fox airing] Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Pasadena Rose Bowl [Fourth Fox airing] Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Pasadena Rose Bowl As well, according to the ambiguities list, "week eight of the NFL on Fox" was edited to "week three..." and "including our newest affiliate, W Gimel Aleph Nun in Tel Aviv" was edited to refer to new Fox affiliates leaving CBS because of the NFL network swap. (If anyone knows the wording of the Fox affiliate edit, please let me know!) Anyway, the fourth airing would be nifty to have on tape; it would have been fairly easy to dump that onto the DVD as an alternate audio track, but I won't be losing any sleep over it.	Original lines: Fox #1 (1/23/92), Fox #2 (6/11/92), all Global(?), DVD, synd Team/venue edit: Fox #3 (1/29/93) Same team/venue edit and more: Fox #4 (9/18/94)
8F12 (R2 UK only)	The BBFC Ratings page says that there is a bit of commentary missing from this episode on the R2 UK version of the DVD. This might be only a rumor, as no one has said what's actually missing. Any information on this would be appreciated, even if there's no edit.	Cut commentary: R2 UK DVD? Full commentary: The rest
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8F03	Fox's original broadcast (10/10/91) used a shortened opening sequence taken from 7F19 for unknown reasons (possibly same as 8F04 and 8F05, see below). No comment has been made on other cuts in this episode. All Fox repeats used the proper opening. Global's broadcasts were not edited, nor is the DVD.	Full version: DVD, Fox #2+, all Global Cut version, wrong couch: Fox #1 (10/10/91) Unknown: VHS release
8F04	Fox's original broadcast (10/17/91) used a shortened opening sequence (clouds to driveway, with a couch gag from 7F11 or 7F06 - don't know which) to make room for a Michael Jackson video promo. All Fox repeats used the proper opening. Global's broadcasts were not edited, nor is the DVD. See also 8F04's entry above.	Full intro: DVD, Fox #2+, all Global Short intro, wrong couch: Fox #1 (10/17/91)
8F05	Fox's original broadcast (10/24/91) used a shortened opening sequence (clouds to driveway, couch gag seems to be the same) to make room for another Michael Jackson video promo. All Fox repeats used the proper opening. Global's broadcasts were not edited, nor is the DVD.	Full intro: DVD, Fox #2+, all Global Short intro: Fox #1 (10/24/91) Unknown: VHS release
8F21	Fox's original broadcast (4/23/92) used a shortened opening sequence (clouds to driveway, couch gag same) for unknown reasons. Without any other news, I will assume Fox repeats and all Global airings were not edited, and the DVD is not either.	Full intro: DVD, Fox #2+?, all Global? Short intro: Fox #1 (4/23/92)
8F22	Fox's original broadcast (5/7/92) used a shortened opening sequence (clouds to driveway, couch gag same) for unknown reasons. Are you sensing a pattern here for season 3? Again, without info to the contrary, Fox repeats and all Global airings were not edited, and the DVD is fine.	Full intro: DVD, Fox #2+?, all Global? Short intro: Fox #1 (5/7/92)
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Easter eggs 1: Audio outtakes (about 10 minutes). On disc 3's main menu, type "84763" to access the hidden outtakes menu. Note: This can be tricky, or impossible, based on your DVD player. It has to be able to interpret numbers as "nth menu selection." If hitting "8" removes the highlight and then restarts the menu music, it should work. Just wait for the highlight to return before entering each number; if it doesn't, you might have to press Enter to make it come back. 2: Sketches (13, chosen at random). On disc 4's special features menu, type "742" to see a sketch. It will take many more than 13 tries to get all of them, though. Note: It's tricky, see above. 3: Hidden commentaries (on 7F24 and 8F06 by Mike Reiss, on 8F16 and 8F15 by Al Jean). The easiest way to access these is to start the episode, then select audio track 5/5. But they did build it into the menu system; choose "10" (not 1-0, you might have to use a ">10" key first) at the "special features" menu of the episode in question. 4: Couch gag cycling (R2 only?). On disc 4, one can apparently use the "previous" and "next" buttons to browse through the couch gags used to exit the main menu. I can't replicate this on my R1 set, however. {ar} Helpful tip The scene-specific sketches are great, but the only way to access them is to watch the whole episode and wait for the pencil icon to appear. This is not very fun when you just want to see the sketches, so here is a list of approximately where each one appears (just fast forward to that point). 8F05: 1:46, 5:18, 19:58 8F02: 10:10, 12:44 8F08: 18:08 8F09: 13:22, 21:32 8F10: 4:01 8F11: 7:57 8F14: 3:33, 11:11 8F17: 18:32 8F19: 8:25 8F20: 8:17, 8:46, 9:25, 10:07, 13:51, 19:09, 20:50, 21:02, 21:13 (the mother lode!)

Season 4 Quotable notable: 9F05
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9F05	This is season 4's only notable change, but it is particularly notable. The original scene goes: MRS. KRABAPPEL Bart, to avoid this test, you've had smallpox, the bends, and that unfortunate bout of Tourette's syndrome. BART I'm not sure I'm over it... For Fox's second (of two) airing (3/25/93), the last ailment was changed to "rabies" (actually, I think the whole line was rerecorded), and possibly some of the rest of the scene was edited (according to the ambiguities list). Global's copy never changed, and the syndicated version uses the "Tourette's" line, though it is mangled later on. Unfortunately, the DVD retains the "rabies" line (despite its airing exactly once). Was this an oversight, or an intentional choice, or was it that they had no choice? According to story editor Bill Oakley (in this episode's capsule), "Though it rarely happens, the producers received several very strong complaints from Tourette's-afflicted children around the country and decided that the line might have been too insensitive. The change was made in consultation with the writers and staff." [Editorializing edited out because of the update below:] Update: According to the NHC's "Roger Myers III," this was indeed an oversight. {jm} {rm} I have also been told that the "The Simpsons: Risky Business" DVD (R2/R4) uses the original line. {sq} Unless the producers decide to issue an R1 single-disc with this episode (I'm all for the "oops, we goofed" sampler, guys!) or include the short clip on a later release, that DVD or US/Canadian syndication are your best bets for locating the original line.	Tourette's: Fox #1 (11/5/92), all Global, synd (though edited later), R2/R4 single DVD ("The Simpsons: Risky Business") Rabies: Fox #2 (3/25/93), Season 4 DVD
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9F01	The original Fox broadcast (10/8/92) used a shortened intro (probably taken from 7F19), with the missing couch, for unknown reasons. Later airings (1/7/93, 11/27/94) both seemed to use the full-length opening, with the blackboard "I WILL NOT PRESCRIBE MEDICATION." I do not know which sax solo or couch were used then, though I suppose they were "break out" and the pivoting wall. On the other hand, all Global broadcasts used a full opening, with the blackboard "I WILL NOT DEFAME NEW ORLEANS," and the same couch and solo(?) as listed above. Neither is used in syndication, and the DVD uses what was seen on Global. See 9F02's entry below for more information on this.	New Orleans: All Global, DVD Medication, same(?) sax/couch: Fox #2+? Neither (7F19 opening): Fox #1 (10/8/92)
9F02	Both Fox broadcasts (10/15/92, 2/18/93) featured the full-length opening sequence, with the blackboard "I WILL NOT DEFAME NEW ORLEANS," and presumably with the sax solo "crazy bebop" and couch gag where the family runs off the edge of the film. And both Global broadcasts used the same opening, except that the blackboard was "I WILL NOT PRESCRIBE MEDICATION." Again, neither opening is used in syndication, and the DVD uses what Global showed. If you haven't read 9F01's entry above, do so, then return to this explanation. It seems that the "New Orleans" blackboard was slated for 9F01, since it was the first new episode after 8F18. However, for whatever reason, it had to use a shortened opening on Fox, which meant that the blackboard could not be seen. Global didn't have to worry about this, so it showed its full version as planned. But Fox still wanted to apologize to New Orleans (since Canadian TV signals don't generally reach Louisiana), so for its next new episode (9F02), the blackboard was replaced and (I guess) the rest of it was left alone. Global, meanwhile, just aired the opening with the "medication" blackboard; either Fox had sent that ahead of time or there was no sense changing the copy sent to Global (as they hadn't shown that one yet). Great, fine, so Canada's seen them both (as originally intended), but the US still has to see the "medication" one. Come January 1993, Fox can air 9F01's full-length opening, so I imagine they spliced that blackboard in there for the US (rather than just letting both episodes' Fox repeats be the original way), then the already-altered "New Orleans" one for 9F02 in February, and Global stuck by its original copies. Finally, in 1994, for 9F01's last repeat, just stick with what was done. Hooray! ...and that's what I think happened. The DVDs reflect the pre-short-intro-but-what-about-New-Orleans-frenzy versions that Global kept and Fox probably would have otherwise shown, and nothing is missing on the DVD, so I'm happy with that. However, if you have any info on exactly what was shown when or why, please let me know. I may as well find out.	Medication: All Global, DVD New Orleans: Both Fox
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Easter eggs 1: Alternate commentary with Conan O'Brien (and the rest) on 9F10. The easiest way to access this is to start playing the episode and switch to audio track 5/5, but after a bit of tinkering based on the egg below, I found that pressing 1-enter-1-enter from the episode's menu would present a microphone icon to click on. ("1"-"50" is another possible way to access this; note that the monorail is said to exceed 150 mph, and see my correction below. {jlh}) 2: Sketches (on 9F09 and 9F19). Thanks to a "Homer" pulled by Adam Ravenscroft, a year after the set's release, these Easter eggs are uncovered. As usual, you might have to play with this a bit (or find a new DVD player); the codes of "2" and "40" (possibly hitting "enter" after each) or "2" "2" for 9F09, and "35" or "7" for 9F19, should highlight a pencil icon from those episodes' menus. There may yet be more; if you find any (or other codes), please let me know. {ar} Oops! Before I heard from Mr. Ravenscroft, SNPP was alerted to all three of these eggs by {jlh}, but they were hidden here. He also notes that "35" can refer to the number of years Krusty is said to have been on TV, but doesn't see the significance of "240." Weight maybe?

Season 5 Quotable notables: none!

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Great news! I don't think there's anything missing on this set (truly the Complete Fifth Season), for the basic reason that there don't seem to be alternate versions (excepting syndication and international cuts). They even left in the "SC-59" goof in 1F09. I might also add that this set has the best menu system yet; amusing without getting in the way, and less clicks to get to what you want. (On the other hand, I might take this moment to disparage the animation showcases; it's an improvement on season 4, but I'd still like to page through the full-page storyboards to see what's different.) Note: Not every deleted scene you know from 3F31 or other assorted places is here. I don't know why, but I'd guess that some scenes were not even completed (color, sound effects) until their inclusion in the clip show (look at the movie in 1F10), and others just didn't make the cut. I've made peace with it.

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Easter eggs 1: Hidden commentary on 1F18 animatic. If you see a "100th episode" ribbon in disc 4's menus, select it, or just go to that animatic (by itself) and choose audio track 3/3. 2: Little object animations (two per disc, just one on disc 3). On each disc's main menu, press Up from the top selection to highlight an object, then optionally Left or Right to switch to the other object, and press Enter. It's always the same, but kind of fun. Helpful tips Audio outtake for 1F13 (3:42): Where is it? If you selected (and watched) the commentary through the menu interface, you'd have seen the ear icon. Otherwise, get yourself to 17:43 (after the commentators remark on singing "Fire and Rain" a couple times, or after "underground sugar caves") and press Enter. It doesn't matter if the ear shows up, just press it. (You might also try finding an ear icon in the menus. I can't find anything like it in the R1 set, but in R2 you should be able to by going right from "play with commentary." {ar}) Deleted scenes: This is a great assortment of material, but your best bet is to watch them all on disc 4. (Even then, you can only skip one chapter at a time, but that's better than nothing.) Not only does each one there have a lead-in for context, but the in-episode hot spots are awkwardly placed so that you need good timing to make them flow right and the scenes return a few seconds too early in the episode. Regardless, here's a list of where the deleted scenes can be found within individual episodes, along with their chapter numbers on disc 4. (Note that the montage is presented in production order.) 9F21: 19:13 (1), 19:27 (2) 9F22: 3:53 (3), 4:36 (4), 11:24 (5), 21:40 (6) 1F01: 16:44 (7) 1F02: 6:01 (8), 9:08 (9), 17:05 (10) 1F04: 19:21 (11) 1F07: 4:34 (12), 7:08 (13), 18:53 (14) 1F08: 7:49 (15), 10:01 (16), 10:51 (17), 11:58 (18) 1F09: 13:24 (19), 18:22 (20), 21:42 (21) 1F10: 8:57 (22), 9:54 (23), 16:24 (24), 17:39 (25) 1F11: 12:21 (26), 16:18 (27) 1F14: 7:27 (28), 11:44 (29) 1F16: 3:50 (30), 11:43 (31) 1F18: 4:54 (32), 6:26 (33), 14:46 (34), 20:06 (35) 1F19: 8:09 (36), 9:42 (37), 11:34 (38), 17:51 (39), 21:24 (40)

Season 6 Quotable notables: 2F02, 2F18
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2F33	I've heard reports that the credits originally listed the production code as "2FF33" or something similar by accident. It's silly, but there is an intriguing mystery to the whole thing. (Thanks are due to our own Don Del Grande, who dusted off his old tapes to help me out.) In the original (and only) network airing, there is the "#" followed by a half-space, 2F, another half-space, and 33, as if a card was hastily placed on top to fill the space. According to Don, the first 3 seems to have an even trimming down its left side, as if it got partly covered up. (I don't quite see that, though it does seem as if it's been tilted down and to the right.) Even more strangely, in syndication and on the DVD (which match), the 3s have swapped positions! So what's going on? A theory is that the error was caught with little time to go, fixed hastily, and the episode broadcast. Then, at some point before it was trimmed for syndication, the 3s were swapped in the master, and the matter was considered closed. Bear in mind that this is just a theory, based on what I know so far. I should also note that Don's original tape is based on the west-coast feed, and I haven't yet located an east-coast airing; it is possible that the erroneous code was broadcast in the east, or just in a pre-feed. Any more information on this would be helpful, including how Global's copy and international copies look.	Fixed p-code: Fox (9/25/94, west) Fixed with swapped 3s: DVD, synd Unknown: Global, Fox (east)
2F02	You might have noticed that this episode on DVD has a very short opening, which flies through the "P" straight to the TV. Fox's original broadcast (10/9/94) used a short opening (clouds, driveway, couch gag) with 1F06's short opening and couch gag {ddg}. The rerun (4/23/95), however, used the even shorter opening, saving about 13 seconds. Usually, these DVDs have the longer opening if one was shortened for any reason at all (whether for the premiere or a later airing), so I must wonder if there is a particular reason it didn't this time. (I must admit that I'm glad to have it, as this is the only episode to use such an opening, and I can always put in 1F06 to see the original one.) It's worth noting that while I've seen a BBC2 tape with the very short opening, the syndicated version uses the popular 1F01 intro (making it shorter than 1F06's but longer than the very short one). Again, any further information would be appreciated, such as what the Global airings used, how it looks overseas, if there was any point besides saving time, and if any other edits got made.	Short opening: Fox #1 (10/9/94), 1F06 Very short opening: Fox #2 (4/23/95), DVD Neither: Synd Unknown: Global
2F18	Nature is a beautiful and wondrous thing. Tides ebb and flow, flowers bloom, and greyhounds have sex on the racetrack. You might be aware that that last one caused a bit of a problem at Fox. A scene about five minutes into this episode was animated to show Santa's Little Helper and She's the Fastest mating full-screen, but this was redone in a "shoulders-up" version before broadcast. However, this was not felt satisfactory, so the actual Fox network airings used a modified version of the scene, as described below. (Note that in both, the elapsed time and soundtrack are exactly the same.) After "he could never win this race, or could he?": [shoulders-up version] (1) SLH is seen head-on, chasing STF (2) Shot of SLH running, followed by a zoom to reveal STF in front of and underneath him (7.2 sec) (3) The family watches from the stands [Fox broadcast version] (1) SLH is seen head-on, chasing STF (2) Recycled shot of mechanized bunny and dogs 8, 5, 6 (4.7 sec) (3) Shot of SLH running (before the reveal) (2.5 sec) (4) The family watches from the stands According to the Ambiguities List, the edited version was not shown on Global; and according to the SCG, US viewers were in for a surprise when the episode reached syndication, as it too was the shoulders-up version. Fortunately, the DVD also has that one. (I believe that the framing for Global, synd, and DVD is identical, but confirmation would be nice.) It's also worth noting that the full-screen version might have made its way to New Zealand for its premiere there, according to David Silverman. (I am not 100% sure of this, but it would seem like an odd piece of news to report if they got merely the shoulders-up one.) More juicy tidbits on this would definitely be nice. Note: {ddg} wishes to stress that, lest it sound like the NZ/"full-screen" version showed a complete shot of either of the dogs, "not even the animatic (which shows more of the two dogs than any of the versions that made it to color) showed more than the top half of SLH." Got it?	Shoulders-up: Both Global, DVD, synd Trimmed with filler: Both Fox Full-screen: New Zealand, possibly
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2F04, 2F11	The Syndication Cuts Guide mentions a few edits that were made to these episodes for their second airings. See it for details, since there's little reason to clutter this up with them. Note that the scene in 2F04 was once again intact for its third airing (and 2F11 only had two). I'd assume both cuts were made for time, but it's possible that the "smothering" remark in 2F04 was cut for some current-events-related reason. I don't know what happened on Global, or if anything else was altered, but both episodes seem to be fully intact on DVD.	Cut in 2F04: Fox #2 (3/26/95) Cut in 2F11: Fox #2 (6/4/95)
2F10, 2F13, 2F32	Usually I don't bother listing openings that were shortened for network repeats, but as older versions of the openings and sax solo lists had some discrepancies with the original airings, I thought it would make sense to note these here. The openings on the DVDs match those of the original airings {ddg}. It seems likely that 2F32 used a shorter opening for its repeat, and 2F13 may have as well; for all three, some element of miscommunication was probably a factor. I'd welcome any exact details on these episodes' second Fox airings, but it's not a high priority.	All three have their original openings on this DVD set, which is all I know for sure at present.
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Easter eggs 1: Production codes. Once any episode's main menu refreshes (for example, after you watch the episode, or return to it from a submenu), the production code in the mug shot can be highlighted and selected. On most episodes, this only seems to play the episode, but there are some fun diversions on 2F03 and 2F16. 2: Anne Bancroft tribute. I wouldn't consider this an Easter egg as much as a part of the commentary, but not everyone watches the credits all the way through. To see it, simply be sure the commentary track is active when episode 2F08 ends, and you'll be taken to a short addendum by David Mirkin. Goofy note: I don't think it merits a mention in the red or yellow zone, but the "surround" notice (which is usually centered at the bottom of the screen) in 2F03 was actually placed at the bottom left. Those notices don't appear on the DVDs, but you can check it out in syndication. Deleted scenes: I did it for season 5, but I'm not going to list the times when each scene is found in its episode. In fact, I'm not a fan of their presentation that way, particularly as the subtitles can't be enabled easily; some sort of automatic branching might be better. I also hope that in the future the collections of deleted scenes can be accessed randomly by chapter number, or menu, so we don't have to hit "next" several dozen times to get to a certain one. Tip (R2): While in R1 one can access the squirrel-house sketch for 2F03 through a pencil icon during the relevant deleted scene (on disc 4 only), elsewhere going Right from "Play all deleted scenes with commentary" might prove useful. {ar}

Season 7 Quotable notables: 3F01, 3F06, 3F10
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3F06	Jackie Banks, who was an animation checker and scene planner on the show, died in 1995 (this is the most specific date I know). The original Fox airing of this episode on 11/19/95 contained a dedication to her ("Dedicated to the Memory of/JACKIE BANKS") at the end of the credits (after Matt Groening and James L. Brooks, but before the Gracie logo) {ddg}. {ddg} is 90% certain that this was in the sole network repeat on 7/14/96, and it remains in syndication as well. However, the DVD version is missing it; instead, the MG and JLB credits take up a little more time (more than usual) to fill the gap. I must wonder just what is going on (see 3F10 below). I do not know whether either of Global's broadcasts included the dedication, and can't make a very good guess about that or the reason for the DVD's omission without more information. Please send any my way! (Update: {ss} mentions that a recent (2006-2007) rerun on Global did feature the dedication, noting that even their reruns tend to be uncut from their original broadcasts for season 6 and up. Hence, this was probably found in Global's original runs.)	Dedication included: Fox #1 (11/19/95), Fox #2 (7/14/96)?, synd, both Global? Missing: DVD
3F10	During act 3, Homer refers to a trophy rack he built, which is seen with an Oscar on it. It was awarded to Dr. Haing S. Ngor, but Homer wrote his own name in instead. The episode first ran on 1/7/96, but on 2/25, Dr. Ngor was killed. The one network repeat on 4/28 still featured his name (even on Fox), according to the ambiguities list and {ddg}. However, in syndication, the name was changed to Don Ameche. (Presumably this is to avoid the joke being in bad taste, though one wonders why the repeat retained the name. Perhaps it was not a proactive edit [I believe 2 months is enough to permit a retake such as this], but came about only when the second airing reminded everyone of his inclusion.) Note that this episode did not air in syndication until 11/18/96. However, the DVD release uses Don Ameche. Ugh. On another note, Doris Grau, who was the script supervisor since the Tracey Ullman days and provided some unforgettable voices (most notably Lunchlady Doris), died on 12/30/95. This episode (in fact her last, I believe, not counting 3G02 {ss}) was dedicated to her; during the end credits, just before the Gracie logo, it reads "In Loving Memory/of/DORIS GRAU" in a large italic font. According to {ddg}, this appears for about three seconds as the music finishes (meaning the speed of the credits is different than the version without it). Version without it? Yes, while this dedication appeared during the first Fox airing (and most likely the repeat, as well as both Global airings?) and can be seen in syndication, it is not to be found on the DVD. So what happened? The Ngor/Ameche change was made apparently only for syndication, and Doris Grau's dedication is in all known broadcast versions, yet somehow a new version seems to have been made just for the DVD. Lucky us! (If there is any more information, especially a correction, please let me know.)	Ngor: Fox and Global (both airings) Ameche: DVD, synd Grau dedication: Both Fox/Global(?), synd Missing: DVD
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3F01	When the episode was first broadcast 10/1/95, a flashback explaining Bart's lice shows Milhouse telling him: MILHOUSE We bought a wicker basket from Pier 1, and he was passed out inside. This sparked a minor controversy, and the replacement line (with a fictional store) MILHOUSE We bought a wicker basket from Trader Pete's, and he was passed out inside. was substituted. According to the ambiguities list, the changed line appeared in both Fox repeats, but no change was made on Global. The replacement line is found in syndication, however. I'm happy to report that "Pier 1" has resurfaced for the DVD release. However, take a look at the English and Spanish subtitles and the closed captions. Why, it's "Trader Pete's"! Neat! Is it possible that the replacement line was being prepared for the DVD but was changed back to Pier 1 at the last minute? (I can't understand the French or Spanish dubs well enough to tell what they say, but even if I could, I don't know which store name might have been used originally overseas.) Note: I'm classifying this as yellow, not green, because it would have been nice to include a "Trader Pete's" clip elsewhere on the disc.	Pier 1: Fox #1 (10/1/95), all Global, DVD Trader Pete's: Fox #2+ (1/21/96, 6/30/96), synd
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3F07	DON BRODKA You know, that kind of mush might fly at Lamps Plus, but don't peddle it here. If I wanted smoke blown up my ass, I'd be at home with a pack of cigarettes and a short length of hose. [0:05] Bart chuckles nervously. Such is the line (italicized) that was never seen on Fox. (The network, that is, not Fox affiliates who happen to run The Simpsons in syndication. See below.) Apparently, this line was deemed unsuitable, and was cut from both Fox broadcasts. It would seem, however, that the trim was made only at Fox, close to airing, because Global's airings and the syndication version include the line (see ambiguities file). And guess what: so does the DVD! Enough said.	Smoke line: Both Global, DVD, synd No such line: Both Fox (12/17/95, 12/22/96)
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Easter egg Eggs have been in short supply for the last few releases, unless they've been hidden very well. This barely even qualifies as an egg, but some viewers might be unaware of it*: At the end of the 3F10 commentary, after the episode is done, you can hear some parting words from David Mirkin, as this was his last episode as executive producer. *I even noted the stretch of blackness and silence when I watched the episode proper, but hopped up as the commentary was trailing off to get a snack, and almost missed it myself!

Season 8 Quotable notables: none
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4F05	The syndication cuts guide notes an odd occurrence. Near the end of the episode, when the simulation of Homer being subdued by a barrage of baseballs starts to run, the family walks out of the room, leaving us with a few seconds to listen to Homer's reactions. HOMER Ouch! Ooch! Eech! Ouch! Ooch! Ohh, stop it! In syndication, the last two seconds are cut out, leaving just four exclamations. However, these reportedly change to "Ow, oh, ee! Ay!" The DVD version is not replaced, and chances are that no network (Fox or Global) airings used the alternate lines, but I don't wish to jump to conclusions either way without more information. (Compare 8F07.) (Update: {dt} was able to help me get a syndicated copy, and the exclamations are remarkably similar. Only the fourth one (ouch/ay) sounded different, but it doesn't seem like the "ay" could come from the "ouch.")	Ouch...: All Fox/Global?, DVD Ow...: Synd
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4F12	This episode's opening is the standard short one, with the Sergeant Pepper couch gag (repeat of 4F06). However, an alternate opening exists, which replaces the video of the couch gag (but not the audio) with 8F24's, in which the Simpsons run in to find the Flintstones on the couch. (This is because as the 167th episode to air, it beat the Flintstones' record of 166.) This is most notably seen in syndication, but I am not sure when the change was made. The episode capsule (see left) includes some interesting clues. The idea of honoring the occasion by using that couch was brought up in a review from viewer Mark Aaron Richey shortly after the original (2/9/97) airing; later in the capsule, though I can't find a date for this remark, UK viewer James R. Cherry describes the alternate version, which was aired on Sky. It is my understanding that versions sent overseas are usually based on some network copy, not anything that might have been done for syndication, which suggests strongly that the second (5/25/97) airing may have been changed. The DVD retains the original opening, and the alternate one can be found in syndication (or with some imagination on your part). This may surprise you if you've read my notes about 2F02 (above), but while it would be nice to have both, it won't choke me up that only the original is found here. However, any information as to which version was used on the second airing (Global as well as Fox) would definitely be useful.	Original couch: Airing #1 (2/9/97), DVD Flintstones: Synd Unknown: Fox/Global #2 (5/25/97)
4F17	This one is pretty simple. When Bret Hart is told that the Shrieking Sheik lives next door to Burns' manor, a loud shrieking is heard offscreen. While the syndication cuts guide suggests that this was added for syndication, I believe that the previous author was having some stereo problems with the original tape, because I have confirmed with a copy of the only network airing that the sound is indeed present there. Of course, it is also on the DVD; I just wanted to assure any concerned readers that everything's fine.	Shrieking: All known versions
4F19	The ambiguities list says that "In all Global network broadcasts, the scene of Frank Grimes being electrocuted was cut (leaving only the sizzling sound and sight of shocked co-workers intact). The scene was never cut by Fox and appears intact in syndication." I've never seen this Global edit, but the DVD matches the syndication version of this scene (Grimes is seen being electrocuted, complete with cartoon skeleton effect), so I presume there's nothing to worry about here. It would be neat to see what Global did though.	Electrocution: Both Fox, DVD, synd None such: Both Global
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Easter egg Extra deleted scenes! On several episodes, within the episode's submenu, the projector has a little blinking light. Press Left (or Left+Up if necessary) to highlight it, then Enter, to access one or more deleted scenes from the episode (NOT included with the rest of the deleted scenes). These can be found on 3F23 (disc 1), 4F08 and 4F10 (disc 2), 4F12 (disc 3), and 4F17 and 4F19 (disc 4).

Season 9 Quotable notables: 5F13, 5F09
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5F13	This episode was originally dedicated to Sunni Walton O'Neil in the usual place, right before the Gracie Films logo, with a simple remark on its own screen. This is not present on the DVD. This is getting a little strange now (see season 7 as well as 5F09 below). Why are the dedications disappearing? In most cases, I have not seen a copy without them until the DVD, but until I get my hands on a syndication copy of this episode, I can't confirm it's in that. I do know that it was in the first network airing (3/22/98) but am not sure about the second (7/26/98) or synd, nor whether Global and other international copies had it. I note that the IMDb says she died on 12/29/97, well before this episode aired. Another strange thing is that no one at SNPP seems to know what connection she had with the show. {ddg} notes that IMDb mentions that she was an impressionist, so perhaps she did some uncredited work for this episode, since that seems like the most reasonable explanation for the delay (compare Phil Hartman's dedication in 5F22). On the technical side, {ddg} also notes that the credits are the same length in both versions, with everything from Dan Castellaneta to the end being slightly shorter or longer depending on whether the dedication is there or not (compare 3F06). As usual, any additional information about various airings/versions or the nature of the dedication would be quite useful.	Dedication included: Fox #1 (3/22/98), Fox #2 (7/26/98)?, synd?, both Global? Missing: DVD
5F09	Another missing dedication. This was for Linda McCartney, who guest-starred in 3F03; before the Gracie Films logo, there is a frame of her, Paul, and Lisa from that episode, with "Dedicated to the memory/of/LINDA McCARTNEY" underneath in the standard font, for about 2.5-3 seconds (including fade-in and fade-out). The timing of the rest of the credits is not affected because there's no music in the "spoons" bit to make the silence seem out of place. So once again, this is not on the DVD, but it does seem to be present everywhere else (I'll update this when I catch the episode in syndication, or when anyone confirms its presence or absence in something besides the Fox premiere). I'll note that the original airing (4/26/98) was not the first episode after her 4/17/98 death, but presumably the 4/19 premiere of 5F15 was too soon to get the dedication in there, or this episode was felt to be more visible as the 200th. Whatever information can be supplied would be appreciated (particularly why these things are being zapped left and right), including Global airings, international versions, and whether it's on the UK VHS release of "Greatest Hits" (the episode is not on the matching DVD). If anyone's checking that last one, could you also see if Mr. Burns says "wankers" in it? It's only 5 seconds before.	Dedication included: Fox #1 (4/26/98), Fox #2 (8/2/98)?, synd?, both Global? Missing: DVD
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5F02	The syndication cuts guide suggests that Homer does not say "they're in my hair!" twice in the original version, but again, I believe the previous author was having some stereo sound problems (see 4F17 entry above), since the second time it's off to the left. It's been confirmed that the original airing has both, and of course the DVD does as well. {ddg}	Double line: All known versions
5F04	This probably doesn't need to be included, but I will put it in anyway because rumors are hard to kill. When Bart is making the wedding fire "sacred," he is seen to be tossing pages from a book into the fire. In the original airing, in syndication, and on the DVD, the book is titled "HYMNS," but it's been claimed that originally it was a Bible. I'll repeat that the original airing did say "hymns," and I've gotten this confirmed. However, it is clear that it was originally supposed to be a Bible: Mike Scully mentions in the commentary that it was animated that way, but he decided to switch it; and {bg} points out that the pages have a distinct 2-column design, which most hymnals don't. {ddg}	Hymns: All known versions
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Easter eggs 1: Extra deleted scenes. As with season 8, look for the blinking lights on various episodes' submenus (watch out for dummy lights!). Use your arrow keys to highlight them, and Enter to see these additional deleted scenes. These can be found on 4F23, 5F02, and 5F01 (disc 1), 5F06 and 5F23 (disc 2), 5F10, 4F24, and 3G04 (disc 3), and 5F15 and 5F18 (disc 4). 2: Parting thoughts from Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein. When Professor Provolone's Picto-Puzzle appears in 4F24, use your remote to solve the puzzle, and you should be greeted with a new submenu (thanks to "Lugnut" on alt.tv.simpsons). If direct title selection is more your style, choose title 8 on disc 3, and go to the last audio track. 3: Movie behind-the-scenes footage. From the menu for 5F09 on disc 4, enter "7" and "27"; you may have to wait for the menu to repeat first, or fiddle with the way you enter numbers {rf}. Again, if this is easier, get to title 17. 4: Extra commentary on 4F22. If you used "play all" to listen to the commentaries, you might be surprised to learn that there's a second one on this episode. Select the last audio track or just choose it from the menu. 5: Weird menu land. Not really an Easter egg so much as a DVD leftover, somehow the animation showcase for 4F02 (season 8, disc 1) found its way onto disc 4 of this set. If you can, go to title 8, and you'll see it. When it's done, you'll get to visit rejected menu land! (It eventually gets stuck in a loop but you can use the mismatched cursor to get out.)

Single-disc releases

This is a brief catalog of the single-disc releases currently available in regions 1, 2, and 4. Listed are the episodes included, any extra features (the common "Finest Moments" are apparently just montages, but if any include missing or deleted scenes, please let me know), and known/possible issues. I would appreciate any information that should be listed here, especially as I do not have access to most of these DVDs. See your initials in braces!
(Note: "SC__" refers to the UK's "Simpsons Classics" series, many of which are the same as or similar to UK VHS releases of the same titles. The numbering is mine, based on the order of release.)
For more information on different versions, see above (through current season released), or email me if you want to help but don't know what to look for.

The Simpsons Backstage Pass (AKA Music Themes)	BABF20, CABF12, 3F21, 8F21, Otto's Finest Moments (2:24)
More details wanted on CABF12 ("a Chinaman" vs. "Chinese") More details on 8F21's opening wanted
The Simpsons Film Festival	AABF23, 9F03, 3F18, 2F31, Troy McClure's Finest Moments (?:??)
The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror	2F03, 3F04, 4F02, CABF19, Kang & Kodos' Finest Moments (2:58)
The Simpsons: Risky Business	9F05, 1F13, 3F14, 5F06, Chief Wiggum's Finest Moments (3:27)
The "Tourette's" line (see above) is intact in this version of 9F05. {sq}
The Simpsons Go to Hollywood (SC01)	5F19, 2F08, 9F19, 8F08
5F19 replaces AABF09 from the UK VHS (AABF09 is now on the "Dark Secrets" DVD). More details wanted on "butt.com" vs. "butt.butt" in 5F19
The Simpsons: Greatest Hits (SC02)	7G08, 1F18, 7F03, 9F08
The UK VHS release also includes 5F09, which is absent from the DVD.
The Simpsons: Bart Wars (SC03)	AABF05, 8F17, 4F21, 3F07, "Making of Bart Wars" featurette
3F07 contains the originally absent "smoke blown up my ass" line. {bg} Uter's shirt in AABF05 reads "Futurama" (in your face, space rumor!). {bg}
The Simpsons: Too Hot for TV (SC04)	AABF01, 5F01, 5F18, 2F07
Dark Secrets of the Simpsons (AKA The Simpsons: Dark Secrets) (SC05)	AABF09, 3G01, 3F13, 2F06
AABF09 replaces 2F09 from the UK VHS.
Christmas with the Simpsons	7G08, 9F07, 5F07, BABF07, DABF02, Mr. Burns' Finest Moments (3:21) {sb}
More details wanted on BABF07 (for the alternate credits list, actually; bells anywhere?)
The Simpsons Gone Wild	7G10, AABF08, BABF08, CABF20, Krusty's Finest Moments (2:26)
AABF08 contains the "Catholic church" line. {bg}
The Simpsons: Heaven and Hell (SC06)	3F02, 4F18, 1F04, 9F01
The Simpsons: Against the World (SC07)	2F14, 9F10, 7F13, 2F13
More details on 2F13's opening wanted
Sex, Lies, & the Simpsons (SC08)	1F07, 4F06, 9F06, 1F17
On Your Marks, Get Set, D'oh! (SC09)	BABF06, 4F03, 2F05, 7F05
The Simpsons.com (SC10)	BABF01, 2F01, 5F11, 1F02
The Simpsons: Christmas 2	CABF04, CABF06, EABF13, FABF02, animation showcase (as in seasons 4 and 5) for FABF02 act I
More details wanted on EABF13. (It appears to be the syndicated version, but in a nutshell I'm not sure when the changes were made. Timings - see scg-14 - or inside info would help.)
The Simpsons: Raiders of the Lost Fridge (SC11)	AABF21, 3F05, 8F09, 3F03
AABF21 and 8F09 replace 9F15 and 4F15 from the UK VHS.
The Simpsons: The Last Temptation of Homer (SC12)	7F02, 7F11, 8F14, 8F19
The Simpsons: Crime and Punishment (SC13)	9F20, 1F09, 3F23, 3F12
Viva Los Simpsons (SC14)	2F12, 1F08, AABF06, 8F13
More details wanted on AABF06 (Hitler's birthday or Lassie's)
The Simpsons: Springfield Murder Mysteries (SC15)	2F16, 2F20, 8F20, 9F22
The Simpsons: Around the World in 80 D'ohs	EABF22, AABF20, DABF10, CABF13
More details wanted on CABF13 (existence of subtitles during song)
The Simpsons: Kiss and Tell: The Story of Their Love	5F18, DABF18, EABF12, FABF13, animation showcase on (part of) FABF13

A note on act breaks

I had mentioned in the past that the placement of chapter breaks was often poor, ignoring the act breaks sometimes completely. But good news! This has been steadily improving, and season 6 is the first to feature a new chapter at each act break. (Note that for most episodes, there is a commercial break after the opening, but not before the credits.) I took some notes on the matter, and here is a brief summary:
Season 1: About half have a good intro/act 1, but only 7G05 and 7G13 have acts 1/2, and only 7G04 has acts 2/3. 7G10 comes maddeningly close with a chapter 5 seconds before act 2, and 7G07 is very front-loaded (chapter 5 is nearly half the episode).
Season 2: Four episodes have the correct breaks (7F08, 7F15, 7F22, and 7F04, which is the only episode yet with 5 chapters), and five more have one correct in the middle (acts 1/2 or 2/3). Several don't have a chapter after the opening, five have chapters within a minute of an act break, and many have uneven distribution.
Season 3: Each episode has a chapter between acts 1/2 and 2/3, and all but 8F02 have chapters after the opening and before the credits. Most episodes use the extra chapter break to split the longest act.
Season 4: Most episodes have chapter breaks between acts and after the opening, but 9F10 lacks a chapter at both inside act breaks, and 9F12 and 9F18 are missing chapters after act 2. A handful don't have one right before the credits, but none of them had commercial breaks there anyway.
Season 5: Every episode except 1F11 has the correct breaks, including one after the opening and one at the credits; 1F11 has no chapter at or anywhere near the end of act 2.
Season 6: Perfect! Every episode has a break after the opening, after each act, and before the credits (though the executive producers are now included in the credits). Interestingly, almost each one has the extra chapter in act 1, but 2F01, 2F06, and 2F07 have theirs in act 2. Go figure.
Season 7, 8, 9: Perfect again! No additional comments.

Future concerns

Attention DVD-makers! As many previous problems with the seasonal DVD releases seem to be the result of haste or oversight, this is a list of ambiguities and edits that might pose problems in the future. (Some appear to be syndication-only but worth preserving.) These are intentionally short (after all, brevity is...wit), but should be enough for now, until the respective DVDs are made. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, the ambiguities list, SCG, and capsules might be of some help.) Contributions to this list are especially encouraged!
I would encourage the producers to include as many of the alternate versions (not counting plain old cuts) as possible. The "Seinfeld" approach of a whole separate title for the alternate is not necessary, but another audio track might be nice for some (e.g. 3F01, AABF06, GABF10), and brief video clips (on their own) would do well for others (such as 3F10 and BABF19) as well as for any ambiguities in already-released seasons. (If any items from past seasons are not oversights but the result of missing or destroyed masters, almost any copy would do.) Maybe I'm being a little anal, but season [whatever] is coming up and there's a world of nasty cuts out there!
And now, the list:

5F19: butt.com vs. butt.butt in blackboard gag
5F22: Dedication to Phil Hartman may be absent from DVD
AABF05: Nebulous rumor that Uter's shirt said "Star Wars" at one point
AABF06: Hitler's birthday vs. Lassie's
AABF08: "The [Catholic] church"
AABF15: The elusive "hostage scene" shown only in network repeats
BABF09: A strange note about the music, see scg-11
BABF19: "Syzlak" vs. "Syzslak" subtitles; Northern Kentucky/Southern Missouri
CABF12: "...a Chinaman?" vs. "...Chinese?"
CABF13: Rumor that some airings are missing subtitles of African song
CABF16: "Pokemon" shtick cut off at Fox logo on some airings
CABF18: George Harrison dedication may be absent from DVD
CABF21: Homer's screams during Fox logo missing in syndication and maybe others
DABF01: "They're all right" vs. "we did it" (see scg-13)
DABF03: Ron Taylor tribute (missing in network repeats)
DABF14: Last-minute blackboard gag
DABF17: Last-minute Stephen Jay Gould tribute
DABF21: James Coburn vs. Lee Marvin bug killer (see scg-14)
EABF03: Credits gag not used in some network airings
EABF13: Syndicated version seems to be on a DVD already; maybe on Fox too?
FABF09: Credits not used in some network airings; alternate line from Marge
FABF20: "BFD" muted to various degrees in network airings; Russi (not) credited
GABF01: Last-minute Johnny Carson tribute
GABF10: Credits not used in some network airings; more of the Gracie sound
GABF14: "Judgement" corrected to "judgment" (aww), credits reordered
HABF08: Live-action vs. animated intro, last scene redone
JABF07: Original US airing severely shortened

Contributors

{ar} Adam Ravenscroft (aka "Adzzzzzzzzzz" of the NHC)
{bg} Bruce Gomes
{ddg} Don Del Grande
{dt} David Toomey
{jlh} Jesse Lee Herndon
{jm} Jeremy Montano
{rf} Robbie Ferguson
{rm} Reliable source "Roger Myers III" of the No Homers Club forum
{sb} Scott B.
{sq} Sean Quirke
{ss} "Senor Spielbergo"