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Freaks and Geeks - The Complete Series
Actor: Freaks & Geeks: The Complete Series
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Retail Price (not our price): $69.99
Release Date: 2004-04-06
Theatrical Release Date: 1999-09-25
Studio: Shout Factory Theatr
Run Time: 1080 minutes
Format: Array
Format: Box set, Color, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Discs: 6


Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com
The comedy/drama Freaks and Geeks limped through its sole season on NBC in 1999 before being expelled by the network--but not before earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base that fought valiantly to keep it on the air. Now all 18 episodes have been released in this long-awaited boxed set, which allows longtime fans and first-timers alike to enjoy one of television's most poignant and funny programs about high school. Created by writer-comedian Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow (The Larry Sanders Show), Freaks and Geeks followed the Weir siblings--former math whiz Lindsay (Linda Cardellini of the Scooby-Doo feature films and ER) and her younger brother Sam (John Francis Daley)--as they navigated the perils and pleasures of a Michigan high school circa 1980. What separated Freaks and Geeks from most other scholastic series was its brutal honesty--Lindsay and Sam, as well as their friends and parents, were given very human personas that showed failure, malice, indecision, and moments of great clarity. Likewise, the plotlines rarely offered pat solutions to the characters' conflicts--the show unfolded in a naturalistic manner, which was a welcome respite for viewers tired of flashy high school dramas. When combined with its smart dialogue and winning performances (the cast included SCTV veteran Joe Flaherty and Spider-Man star James Franco, as well as the sublime and criminally underrecognized Martin Starr and Seth Rogen as Sam's pal Bill and dry-witted Ken, respectively), the show became a haven for fans of quality television, if only for a brief period of time. The six-disc boxed set provides over 40 hours of supplemental material, which should satiate even the most obsessive of fans. Twenty-nine separate commentaries from the show's creators, cast (and as some of their parents!), composer Mike Andrews, and fans are included, as are 60 deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and cast auditions. However, the most striking extra is the warmth that radiates from the commentary participants--their pleasure in taking part in such a quality program is palpable, and will undoubtedly be echoed by all who watch these discs. --Paul Gaita

2) Description
Over 35,000 fans have demanded it, and so it has come. That's how many rabid "Freaks and Geeks" fans have signed a petition via the Internet to plead for its release on DVD. "Freaks and Geeks," the Emmy® award-winning series about the trials and tribulations of high school outsiders in 1980 Michigan is finally coming out on DVD in its original form, with all the original music. And believe us - clearing over 130 music cues from the likes of The Who, Billy Joel, Bob Seger and their peers was no easy task. "Freaks and Geeks" ran for only one television season, but arguably remains the most sought-after series yet to be released on DVD. Just 18 episodes were made, but its legend has exploded over time. Cast members have gone on to stardom, articles have continued to be written, internet activity abounds. Shout! Factory celebrates this incredible television series with the passionate treatment it deserves. Box set features: - The complete series - all 18 episodes on 6 DVDs, including the director's cut of the pilot, with never-before-seen footage. - Deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage and outtakes. - 29 audio commentaries by the actors, writers, directors, network executives, parents of cast members and obsessive fans. - 28-page booklet with an essay by "Freaks and Geeks" creator Paul Feig, Q&A with executive producer/writer Judd Apatow and illustrated by extremely geeky photos. - Deluxe DVDigistak style package with graphics behind the clear trays in a sturdy slip-case.

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5

1) Love it, Love it, Love it!!!!!!   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
This is one of the best tv shows EVER in tv history. However like all good things unfortunatly it didn't last long. For anyone who felt like high school was cruel or lame or whatever, needs to check this show out. Any kid entering high school should watch this show. I love how honest it is, it's not melodramtic like 90210 or even Degrassi: Next Generation. This show goes there but not that extreme. Also unlike My So-Called Life, it's funny. My So-Called Life had it's funny moments but was more of a drama. I like Freaks and Geeks because of the comedic element, because that's how life is, it shows that sometimes the funny people have their issues as well and deal with them like adulterous parents or having your mom date your p.e. coach. I could definitly identify with Lindsay, I felt the same exact way my sophomore year. And I remember when this show came out and trying to catch it whenever I could but it was scheduled at a bad time, Friday's at 8 or 9, then it moved to Saturday's. The few episodes I did see were great and I would tell friends about it and they never heard of it. And who knew years later Judd Apatow and his motley crue of collaborators would become a comedy gold mine. Also Paul Feig who created this show, he's such a great writer who's written some great episodes of other shows like Arrested Development and The Office. God bless dvd, although there is only one season of this show it will be timeless.

2) A great show!   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
This was a favorite tv series of mine (though short-lived) and I was thrilled to see that I could get it in it's entirety on dvd. It's a great set - 6 discs with all 18 episodes, plus many different commentaries, some deleted scenes and great liner notes by the creators of the show, which tell all about each individual episode. If you are a fan of the show you will love this set. And the price is very reasonable too.

3) Taken before its time!   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
There are some shows that complete their run, and although you love them, you feel they are complete and you can let them go in peace. On the other hand, you have amazing shows like this one that are taken far before their time. Like Veronica Mars and Arrested Development, everytime I watch Freaks and Geeks, I wistfully savor every moment (sigh) and wonder how these treasures were cancelled, while there are 47 different versions of CSI on at any given time. Definitely buy this DVD set. Do it!

4) This is not a comedy   [Rating: 1 out of 5]
I work during prime time television but I always see what shows are being talked about. When this came out on DVD, I bought it because Freaks and Geeks was a show that got rave reviews from magazines. But I never saw it. I bought the complete series here and I gotta say - it's horrible. This is so cliche and unfunny that it is unwatchable. Oh, Sam broke up with a cheerleader - so what? It wasn't worth getting up to that point. If you are thinking about getting this because you are curious but never saw it - rent it first....It's a drama not a comedy. If you like comedy check out good shows like The Office or Mr. Show.

5) True From 1967 On   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
After enjoying Judd Apatow's, Knocked Up and Super Bad I thought I'd do my homework and study one of his first adventures, a TV series that barely got on the air, Freaks and Geeks. I missed it altogether the first time through. Though there's little obvious frisky activity and the booze and drug scenes are limited to brief experimentations, the general impression of G&F is a reality somewhat theatrical, but close to the 1980 high school experience. That experience has been consistent from about 1967 on. The less popular kids live a life of overindulgent internal fantasy, as their persona is lower than dirt. The athletes and cheerleaders have a better time of it on the surface, but suffer youth angst anyhow.Linda Cardenelli gets the most face time and she is very good, a brainiac with a loss of faith. God doesn't exist because grandma told her so. Okay, now we'll be deadheads and live the Gerry Garcia lifestyle. Forget that scholarship to Michigan. I had an old Army jacket like the one she tents her body with. That's because I was in the army, but I digress. Yes, there's an undertow of progressive politics in here somewhere. The young Republican cheerleader that John Frances Daly of the juvenile good-looks has fallen for turns out to be kind of Gerald Ford dull despite the make out sessions.There's that geek kid with the goggle glasses, Martin Starr though. I swear, he's really a retard or Lawrence Olivia. Also, special mention for Seth Rogan. This guy's subtle sarcasm made his scenes stand out. His predicament when he finds out his girlfriend was born with all possible equipment is priceless.