Going to Krustyland
By Jouni Paakkinen (jouni@snpp.com) - April 16, 2008
      Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and Hollywood, California are almost ready to open their long-awaited Simpsons Rides. Transforming the old "Back to the Future" rides to the new Simpsons theme has reportedly cost a whopping $30 – 40 million in both attractions.
      Universal Studios has released very little preliminary information about the ride, but according to Los Angeles Times, it starts with a Krustyland carnival pre-show and then utilizes the old simulator ride concept from the former ride – with some new twists, of course. It features new ride vehicles, new scissor lifts, new motion platforms, new Sony digital projectors and new 90-foot-tall domed screens. There are also some special effects, including air and water sprays.
      The ride takes about six minutes and includes all-new animation and the original voices by the show's acclaimed voice actors. However, due to his decision not to participate, Harry Shearer and his characters including Mr Burns and Smithers are not present on the ride. Doc Brown from the previous ride is said to make an animated appearance. With the help of two giant domes and multiple levels, the ride can take up to nearly 2,000 visitors per hour.
      The Simpsons Ride opens in Universal Orlando on May 15-16 and in Hollywood on May 17. Celebrity guests are expected to participate in the opening festivities. The official site of the ride is available at simpsonsride.com.

Screwballs Have Spoken
By Solon Boomer-Jenks (solon@snpp.com) - March 31, 2008
      Have you ever been offended by an episode of The Simpsons so much that you felt the need to complain to a government agency? If so, you are apparently not alone. The website governmentattic.org has obtained a compilation of all informal complaints about The Simpsons made from 2003 through 2007 to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US agency responsible for regulation of television broadcasts.
      It will likely not come as a surprise to anyone who has followed the controversies surrounding the show since its inception that many of the complaints are related to language used by the show's characters and the impact of the show on children. The early misconceptions that The Simpsons is a show targeted toward children seem to live on in some of the complaints. One complainant demands that the FCC "at lest make sure no more smut and garbage and indecent defaming programming is shown when babies are watching television at 7 pm." Some parents wrote to express their concern that the show impacts the behavior of children. One wrote in a complaint about both The Simpsons and Family Guy, "These programs show disrespect to parents from their children, so in turn, my child tries to disrespect me." Another goes further in perceived impact asking the question "...who do we turn to when these kids get pregnant and kill 14 kids in school?" This complaint concludes demanding action by stating "Do something - or get out of the job."
      Also somewhat predictably, the episode "There's Something About Marrying", which involves the subject of homosexual marriage, generated several complaints. In the run-up to the airing of the episode, the FCC received some demands to preemptively stop the episode from airing. On the other side, following the episode, some felt the need to complain about the FOX network's decision to precede the episode with a "viewer discretion" advisory (the first time FOX had done this before an episode of The Simpsons) warning of the episode's subject.
      A few complaints are slightly less predictable. A military recruiter wrote a complaint in response to the episode "G.I.D'oh" alleging unfair portrayal of recruiters and suggesting the episode will make his or her job more difficult. Advertising for the show is not immune from complaints. One radio listener complained about an advertisement in which Homer is heard saying the word "ass". Another advertising complaint alleges that the FOX network falsely advertised that it would show an advertisement for The Simpsons Movie during an episode of The Simpsons. The complainant suggests that this was done as a ploy to increase viewership of the episode and says that the FCC "MUST take action to stop companies from doing this."
      Some of the complaints may appear unbelievable. One seems to allege that the FCC has censored episodes of the children's educational program "Barney and Friends" while allowing explicit content to air uncensored on The Simpsons. Another complains of an unidentified episode in which women wear swimsuits. "While there were no nudity," the complainant writes, "this scene certainly was inappropriate because women should be dressed conservatively and obey the wishes of their husbands." Is this a joke? You can judge for yourself. The compilation of complaints is available as a 58-page PDF document.

Trio of Simpsons Albums
By Jouni Paakkinen (jouni@snpp.com) - August 17, 2007
      This summer and fall, music-loving Simpsons fans are treated with three new interesting CD titles.
      On September 18, the third soundtrack album featuring music from the television show gets released. The album, entitled "Testify, a Whole Lot More Original Music from the Television series", is a long-awaited follow-up to 1997's "Songs in the Key of Springfield" and 1999's "Go Simpsonic with the Simpsons". Like these previous two soundtrack albums from Rhino Records, "Testify" from Shout! Factory spotlights material created by award-winning composer Alf Clausen and his orchestra. Continuing from where "Go Simpsonic" left off, it offers a collection of the best songs from the last nine seasons of The Simpsons.
      In addition to all the familiar Simpsons voices, singing guest stars feature Jackson Browne, "Weird Al" Yankovic, David Byrne, Ricky Gervais, the B-52's and Kelsey Grammer as Sideshow Bob. A full track list and more details are available in the press release.
     The Simpsons Movie finally made it to the big screen on July 27, and just three days earlier, "The Simpsons: The Music" soundtrack CD was released. Somewhat surprisingly, the movie score was not composed by Emmy-awarded Alf Clausen, who is responsible for the TV show's music. The task was given to Hans Zimmer, who – among other awards – won an Oscar for The Lion King in 1995. The album features music from the veteran film composer's score of the movie. It has 15 tracks, including Zimmer's interpretation of the classic Simpsons theme song by Danny Elfman. You will also hear songs from "Spider Pig" to "Bart's Doodle". The last track, "Recklessly Impulsive" features a remix of the Simpsons theme music by Ryeland Allison.
      Also already available is a more unofficial, but at least equally as fun an album called "Four Finger Music: The Bluegrass Tribute to the Music Made Famous By the Simpsons". CMH Records has, as they say, put together this barn-burner of a tribute as a way of saying thanks to The Simpsons. Hit & Run Bluegrass mix razor-sharp humor and blistering pickin’ to create a one-of-a-kind album. Included are The Simpsons main title, "We Put the Spring in Springfield", The Monorail Song", "See My Vest" and ten other favourites from the show. You can listen to preview clips from these songs at CMH Records' web site.
      For information on previous Simpsons CD releases, see our Audio & Video Releases and Simpsons Discography pages.

Complete Tenth Season DVD Reviewed
By Wesley Mead (wesley@snpp.com) - August 12, 2007
      "The Complete Tenth Season" DVD set, featuring all 23 episodes from the series' tenth season (1998-1999), was released in the USA and Canada on August 7th, 2007. As ever, releases will follow in Europe, Australasia and Asia in the near future.
     Continuing the August and December schedule we have grown accustomed to since season five's DVD release back in 2005, Fox Home Entertainment deliver the complete season ten of our favourite family – the second Mike Scully-helmed year – spread across four discs 6:6:6:5 and presented alongside generous helpings of bonus material.
     Let's face it, folks; by season ten, the Simpsons wasn't hitting the comedy jackpot quite as often as it once had. While among the twenty-three episodes here there are several classics, there are also far too many mediocre efforts – and a fair few downright disppointments. The season kicks off on a high note in "Lard of the Dance", which sees worldly, streetwise new girl Alex Whitney prove a threat to the staid, innocent existence of Lisa and friends. It might deal with familiar territory ("Lisa's Rival", anyone?), but it doesn't feel like a retread, and is also home to a superbly realised subplot that sees Homer and Bart go into the grease business. Sadly, though, things don't remain quite so consistent throughout the season. The genuinely touching "Make Room For Lisa", a fine Lisa-Homer bonding episode, is countered by the jerkass Homer of "Kidney Trouble"; the hilarious "Wizard Of Evergreen Terrace", which sees Homer attempt to follow in the footsteps of Thomas Edison and become an inventor, is neutralised by the wasted opportunity of "When You Dish Upon A Star"", which comes across as nothing but a poor excuse to crowbar big-name guests Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger into an episode. Apu's attempts to win back wife Manjula after a fight in "I'm With Cupid" results in a standout Valentine episode, but the "Treehouse of Horror"-esque "Simpsons Bible Stories" is a poor excuse for an Easter one. The Star Wars- and The Bodyguard- referencing "Mayored to the Mob" is one of the finer "Homer gets a job" outings of later years, seeing him find employment as Mayor Quimby's bodyguard, but it's countered by the poorly-executed truck-driving plot of "Maximum Homerdrive".
     While there is the occasional down-to-earth, relateable plot (the excellent "Lisa Gets An 'A'" sees Lisa deal with the fallout of cheating on a test nicely), they are all too often sidelined in favour of the outlandish and wacky ("Monty Can't Buy Me Love" sees Burns go in search of the Loch Ness Monster, of all things) and characters (particulaly Homer) are often portrayed as comic exaggerations of themselves. That's not to say the show is no longer enjoyable – every episode here features at least something to laugh at – but things aren't as consistently enjoyable as in earlier years. Counter-intuitively, it is perhaps casual fans who will get the most out of the episodes presented here: your average viewer is unlikely to take note of the dodgy characterisation or overly zany storylines; though of course hardcore fans of the show will certainly find a fair amount to enjoy here too.      This season features the most guest stars yet: by this stage in the show's run, big names were clamoring to appear. Among those playing themselves are Stephen Hawking, Lisa Kudrow, Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Ron Howard, Mark Hamill, The Moody Blues, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Jack LaLanne and Rupert Murdoch. Isabella Rossellini turns in a performance as art dealer Astrid Weller in "Mom and Pop Art"; Troy Aikman plays Wally Kogen in "Sunday Cruddy Sunday"; George Carlin and Martin Mull show up as hippies in "D'oh-in' In The Wind"; while Phil Hartman turns in his last performance before his death as Troy McClure in "Bart the Mother".
     Once again, and perhaps for the last time, consumers have a choice of packaging. They can choose either the Bart plastic 'head' – presumably the final 'head' box – or the standard box. I received the head box; included in the package are the four discs in separate disc trays that can be opened like a book (known as a digibook), thankfully entirely removable from the Bart head for easier and quicker access, as well as a very detailed booklet set out as a "Studio Tour" pamphlet, which details episodes, chapter stops and extra features (as well as featuring the standard introductory note from Matt Groening and the occasional amusing fake advertisement for places along the tour). The digibook is held together with hinges, which is fair enough, but I can't help wondering why they didn't stick with the strong tape they used for season six and seven. Disc art is intended to look like shots taken from a CCTV secuurity camera system.
     The menu system remains the same as it has been since season five – they must be happy with it; I know I am, as right now they are both easily navigable and beautifully designed. The top half of the screen contains a animated screen featuring a variety of Simpson characters revelant to the episodes on that particular disc queuing to enter a jazz club, while jazz plays in the background. The bottom half of the screen lists the episodes along with the lovely "Play All" option, and an "Extras" button. Each episode has two small buttons next to it: choosing the first, a triangle similar to a Play button, will play the episode; the other, with a "+" mark, will open a sub-menu, also themed, of which there can be several in a row, featuring scene, language, subtitle, commentary and deleted scenes options. There is a chapter stop after the opening of the show for quick skipping, as well as at several other points throughout each episode.
     As usual, the principal extra is the commentary on every one of the 23 episodes in the set, thankfully dispelling early rumours not every episode would have a commentary. As ever, a vast range of contributors are present. Matt Groening, creator of the show himself, is present on many; while showrunner Mike Scully turns up on every single one. Other regulars throughout the set include crew members Matt Selman, Ron Hauge, Jane O'Brien, Pete Michels, George Meyer, Dan Greaney, Mark Kirkland, David X. Cohen, Steven Dean Moore, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Larry Doyle, Tom Martin and Mike Anderson. Cast members Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith each show up for one commentary, as does guest star Mark Hamill. The range of participants on any one track is smaller this time – each episode has between four and seven commentators. The commentary tracks are, as ever, simultaneously hilarious and informative, and often feature interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes and stories that we would otherwise never know about, as well as detailing inspiration for parodies, plotlines and characters. We hear of the aftermath of insulting East St. Louis in "They Saved Lisa's Brain"; we learn Bruce Springsteen was originally wanted to feature in "When You Dish Upon A Star". We find out that writers can pitch in-character for every member of the Simpson cast except Bart and Lisa. We hear anecdotes about dates, jobs, and school. And we get to hear Mike Scully self-deprecatingly joke about him being the "idol of NoHomers.net". It's another stellar batch that more than warrants a complete re-watch of the season.
     Once again, the bonus material is certainly not limited to the commentary tracks. Kicking off the additional bonus features is the "A Line From Matt Groening" on disc 1, a three-minute reel of quick season ten clips over which Matt discusses the DVD set at a great pace, in the same vein as the similar featurettes on previous seasons.
     Deleted scenes are supplied again: 15 minutes of clips from 18 episodes. All are entertaining, and are in the later stages of production – the only thing missing from most is some voice cleanup and sound effects. You can view them inserted into their respective episodes via a branching feature, or as a 15-minute reel (in which the scenes are preceded by 10 seconds or so of animation actually used in the episode, to give the scenes context) with optional commentary on the final disc. The commentary is worth a watch, offering reasons for why each was cut (although more than half of them were chopped due to time restrictions).
     On the "Art and Animation" front, there are two in-depth "Animation Showcases" for the episodes "Lard of the Dance" and "Homer to the Max" featuring multi-angle animation comparisons from different stages of the animation. They're fun enough, but a bit more variety at this stage in the DVD run couldn't hurt. There's also a sketch gallery. Sadly, there are no "A Bit From The Animators" segments this time – my favourite of the animation-themed features on past sets.
     There's also a very interesting 7-minute "Glimpse Inside" the production of the DVD menus; a rather useless 5-minute montage of prank calls to Moe; several amusing commercials from 1998-1999; a Special Language Feature enabling us to view "Sunday Cruddy Sunday" in different languages; a teaser animatic from the The Simpsons Movie DVD; and the occasional Easter Egg deleted scene. It's another solid batch, but ten seasons down the line we're still yearning for a substantial documentary or featurette. There's only so many Animation Showcases one can maintain interest in.
     The audio-video quality on this set is again excellent – it's continuing to improve with each successive season, and whilst we're still not quite up to the impressive digital quality we'll be expecting with season 14 onwards, we're getting very close. The full-frame, NTSC presentation is bright, sharp and fully detailed; it's only marred by the limitation of the source material. There is minimal grain and shimmering, and colours are vivid. The DD5.1 remaster is again excellent, and whilst largely front-focused, directional effects sometimes do make their way to the back, and the overall clarity makes for an improved listening experience. Dialogue and music alike come through clearly, if not quite as loud as you might hope. French and Spanish DD2.0 soundtracks are also included, as are Spanish and English SDH subtitles. I extensively tested the English subtitles, which appeared accurate and true to the spoken word. On occasion, the subtitles "drop out" for about 5 seconds, and then quickly catch up – I believe it is to do with the deleted scenes branching option, which also prevents manual switching of subtitles during the episode. Unfortunately, the commentaries and extras are still not subtitled, a let-down for fans with hearing impairments; note that the UK R2 and AUS R4 release does feature subtitles on the bonus features.
     We've really hit the weaker years of the show's run now, and this is the first set I would suggest anyone except dedicated collectors think twice about purchasing: alongside the classics are some unfortunate clunkers. AV quality is great and the extras are solid, but I wouldn't deem this a must-buy.

The Simpsons - The Complete Tenth Season


EPISODES: B - Inconsistent - some great, some not-so-great
PRESENTATION: A - As solid as we've grown accustomed to
EXTRAS: A- - A nice, well-rounded batch, if lacking in originality by now
OVERALL: B+ - Worth considering, but not one the finest seasons available on DVD

     Future news concerning the DVDs, including the forthcoming Season 11 release, and any other compilation discs, will be added to our DVD News page.