Family Guy - Review
The fantastic full series in one (not-so) fun-filled box.
The Family Guy Freakin' Sweet Party Pack is one of those awkward complete-series DVD collections that holds both infinite value and no use whatsoever, depending upon your relationship to the franchise. It's a funny show, to be certain, and whatever criticisms may have been lobbed at the series in comparison to animated comedies such as South Park and The Simpsons, there are laughs to be had. It's a Pepsi/Coke debate, in a sense. If you're a fan of true, intelligent social-satire, watch The Simpsons. If you're a fan of topical, absurdist humor, watch South Park. But if you're a fan of random nostalgia and genre-geek in-jokes, then tune into Family Guy. One would hope, however, that any true fan of funny would be able to discover some appreciation for all three.
That said, this is a mega-release, offering every episode of the show from its inception to present day (including the Stewie Griffin movie) - along with a few trinkets and knick-knacks (such as a ping-pong set) to establish the party mood. The discs themselves come in a small, circular CD/DVD-case with flaps containing the discs for each season. The entire set comes in a handy, easy-to-carry, transparent-plastic "lock-box." For those seaching for a more in-depth review of each season's content and overall quality, be sure to check out our season-specific DVD evaluations located in the Reviews section of the site.
The atmosphere of the entire collection seems oddly jovial - like an adult's idea of what their teenage children might require for a good, old-fashioned, 1950's sleep-over - and so the set, for all its thematic side-offerings, seems inappropriately commercial. Some poker chips and ping-pong paddles are not the ideal atmosphere for a gathering of Family Guy fans. A keg would be largely more appropriate - which one supposes Fox couldn't rightfully distribute at Best Buy - but let's not pretend that we're all going to go drink malted milkshakes and play jacks.
Overall, the real worth of this collection is going to be found in whether or not you already own many of the season box-sets. If you love the show and you do own 'em, then this pricey set might not be the best purchase - especially considering that it lacks any real exclusive extras. If you love the show and you don't own the season releases, then by all means, pick this up. It's great one-stop-shopping for die-hard Family Guy fans. And if you've yet to really experience the show, perhaps it's best to start out with a single season, before you commit to the full run.
Score: 7 out of 10
Video and Presentation
Family Guy is a simply-drawn show, and despite a few instances of artifcating or ghosting throughout, the video is relatively uncomplicated. Overall, this is a finely-produced DVD set.
Score: 7 out of 10
Languages and Audio
Ditto on the sound. The Dolby 5.1 gets a few opportunities to shine in certain sequences, but it's all very straightforward. The dialogue is clear, as is the music. Nothing stands out, but nothing suffers.
Score: 7 out of 10
Extras and Packaging
The seasons come with the very basic commentary offerings present on their box-set releases. Funny, but generally insubstantial. And unless you consider a nice carrying case, a ping-pong set and 100 poker chips to be "bonus content," this is one set to buy for the show alone.
Score: 6 out of 10
The Bottom Line
A worthwhile buy if you're trying to expand your collection, but if your collection is already fleshed out, you can probably avoid adding this to the rest.
That said, this is a mega-release, offering every episode of the show from its inception to present day (including the Stewie Griffin movie) - along with a few trinkets and knick-knacks (such as a ping-pong set) to establish the party mood. The discs themselves come in a small, circular CD/DVD-case with flaps containing the discs for each season. The entire set comes in a handy, easy-to-carry, transparent-plastic "lock-box." For those seaching for a more in-depth review of each season's content and overall quality, be sure to check out our season-specific DVD evaluations located in the Reviews section of the site.
The atmosphere of the entire collection seems oddly jovial - like an adult's idea of what their teenage children might require for a good, old-fashioned, 1950's sleep-over - and so the set, for all its thematic side-offerings, seems inappropriately commercial. Some poker chips and ping-pong paddles are not the ideal atmosphere for a gathering of Family Guy fans. A keg would be largely more appropriate - which one supposes Fox couldn't rightfully distribute at Best Buy - but let's not pretend that we're all going to go drink malted milkshakes and play jacks.
Overall, the real worth of this collection is going to be found in whether or not you already own many of the season box-sets. If you love the show and you do own 'em, then this pricey set might not be the best purchase - especially considering that it lacks any real exclusive extras. If you love the show and you don't own the season releases, then by all means, pick this up. It's great one-stop-shopping for die-hard Family Guy fans. And if you've yet to really experience the show, perhaps it's best to start out with a single season, before you commit to the full run.
Score: 7 out of 10
Video and Presentation
Family Guy is a simply-drawn show, and despite a few instances of artifcating or ghosting throughout, the video is relatively uncomplicated. Overall, this is a finely-produced DVD set.
Score: 7 out of 10
Languages and Audio
Ditto on the sound. The Dolby 5.1 gets a few opportunities to shine in certain sequences, but it's all very straightforward. The dialogue is clear, as is the music. Nothing stands out, but nothing suffers.
Score: 7 out of 10
Extras and Packaging
The seasons come with the very basic commentary offerings present on their box-set releases. Funny, but generally insubstantial. And unless you consider a nice carrying case, a ping-pong set and 100 poker chips to be "bonus content," this is one set to buy for the show alone.
Score: 6 out of 10
The Bottom Line
A worthwhile buy if you're trying to expand your collection, but if your collection is already fleshed out, you can probably avoid adding this to the rest.
Pros
- Contrasts the shows in amusing ways.
- Bart/Stewie, Homer/Peter provide ample laughs.
- Effective meta-humor.
Cons
- Not enough Lois & Marge.
- Setup is too long.
- Forced third act conflict.
The Verdict
Family Guy's new season seemed to be starting off on a strong note this week, with the first half of "Married... With Cancer" offering a fun, endearing look at Brian's latest romance. But no sooner did Brian and Jess get married than the series reverted to its usual, cynical self. By the end, it's hard to see the need for a second episode dedicated to this already broken marriage.
In This Article
Family Guy Freakin' Sweet Party Pack DVD Review
6.1
Okay
In Seth MacFarlane's irreverent and twisted comedy, we are treated to the follies of the Griffins a not-so-average middle class family. Week after week we get to experience a hilarious brand of humor that only the Family Guy can provide.
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