When a series first comes out on DVD, it’s a big deal. Critics like me review Season 1, then move on to the next newbie. Subsequent-season DVDs tend to get ignored, and often for good reason: Producers go for the big splash of special features on the first season, then slack off.
But some series sets get better as their DVD releases progress.
“Everybody Loves Raymond” keeps adding cooler commentaries. Episode reminiscences on Season 7 (released in September) feature not just star Ray Romano and creator Phil Rosenthal, but quirkier cast members like Chris Elliott and Fred Willard. Also commenting on the proceedings are Romano’s real-life wife, Anna, and writers Tucker Cawley and Mike Royce (who just signed a big-bucks HBO deal). When I interviewed Rosenthal about his new behind-the-scenes book, “You’re Lucky You’re Funny,” he said “Raymond” Season 8 will showcase commentary from both his and Romano’s oh-so-New York dads, who played guest roles.
“Scrubs” is up there, too, in always offering bonus fun. Its Season 4 set (out Oct. 10) isn’t quite up to previous sets -- despite guest stars like Matthew Perry and Julianna Margulies -- but it does have star Zach Braff for a commentary this time (he’s usually off making movies), on the first episode he directed, “My Last Chance.”
Even older series can come up with fresh extras. “Gunsmoke: The Directors Collection” (out Nov. 14) is another treasure trove from top-notch DVD producer Paul Brownstein, who calls himself “the raider of the lost archives” for unearthing nuggets of tube history. This time, he has commentaries from episode helmers like Arthur Hiller, Mark Rydell and Andrew McLaglen, plus actors Peter Graves, Mariette Hartley and Dennis Weaver. He also includes “Gunsmoke” radio broadcasts, talk show appearances and clips of “Gunsmoke” actors on other series.
Brownstein’s other current must-haves include the bonus-packed complete-series sets of “Police Squad!” and “Get Smart.”
(Photo credit: Buena Vista Home Entertainment)