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 List Price: $79.96 Price: $44.99 You Save: $34.97 (44%) Dark Angel - The Complete Series
Actor: Jessica Alba 
Reviews for the Dark Angel - The Complete Series  List Price: $29.98 Price: $14.99 You Save: $14.99 (50%) King of the Hill - The Complete Third Season
Actor: Jessica Alba Product DescriptionThe adventures of Hank Hill and his family and friends in a modern Texas town. Amazon.comWith the Huxtables long gone, the Hills of Arlen, Texas, may just be television's most functional family. They are certainly one of the funniest as they struggle to appreciate "the little things in life while some big things are wrong and evil," as "sweet and trusting" Peggy learns in the classic episode "Peggy's Headache," in which Peggy is the last to discern that Dale's wife has had a decades-long affair with John Redcorn. Likewise, in "Death and Taxes," Peg is conned by an alleged former student, now a Death Row inmate, to unwittingly smuggle him cocaine. Hank, who is aptly described at one point as "a good husband with a good head on his shoulders," is the lone voice of reason in "Nine Pretty Darn Angry Men," in which he joins a focus group to rate a new "yuppified" model of his beloved lawnmower. At least he has come to terms with his son Bobby's desire to become a prop comic, and his wistfulness at the prospect of Bobby one day leaving home in "Hank's Cowboy Movie" is just one of many "sweet family moments" that elevate this series. The third season is a pivotal one for Bobby, whose coming-of-age misadventures include his devastating first adolescent crush on an older student in "And They Call It Bobby Love," a father-son hunting trip in "Good Hill Hunting," becoming Connie's boyfriend in "Love Hurts... And So Does Art," and marriage (don't ask) in "The Wedding of Bobby Hill." The Simpsons gets all the glory, but I'll tell you what, the writing in King of the Hill is no less incisively brilliant, its core ensemble no less indelible, and its star power no less impressive. Guest voices this season include Mary Tyler Moore as the new minister in "Revenge of the Lutefisk," Sarah Michelle Gellar in "And They Call It Bobby Love," Billy Bob Thornton in "Nine Pretty Darn Angry Men," Buddy Ebsen in "A Firefighting We Will Go," Uta Hagen, Betty White, and Phyllis Diller in "Escape From Party Island," and, as himself, a very gracious Chuck Mangione in "Death of a Propane Salesman." Unlike the previous two sets, there are no extras; but who needs commentaries? Such benchmark episodes as "To Spank With Love," in which Peggy is dubbed "Paddlin' Peggy" after spanking an unruly student, eloquently speak for themselves. --Donald Liebenson
Reviews for the King of the Hill - The Complete Third Season  List Price: $29.98 Price: $23.99 You Save: $5.99 (20%) The Girls Next Door - Season 2
Actor: Girls Next Door Product DescriptionStudio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/05/2008 Run time: 540 minutes Rating: Nr Amazon.comThe Girls Next Door: Season Two offers 16 more episodes of Holly, Bridget, and Kendra's pranks and party planning as Hef's main girls at the Playboy Mansion. Just like with Season One, watching Season Two is like eating junk food, so sensational and silly are the three ladies commenting on their glamorous day-to-day activities. Though the novelty of the show has worn off, more appearances by Hugh Hefner and a gained understanding of the trio's dynamics--equally friendly and competitive--helps the show transcend utter banality. In fact, the show feels more like Dynasty, now an intricate combination of reality television and soap opera. More shown aggravations amongst the ladies, and more glimpses of Hef's love for this unfolding drama in his own home, make the show a fine example of American sensationalism. Two episodes are dedicated to Hef's 80th birthday extravangaza, making it the most significant story in the second season. Wonderful footage of previous Hefner birthdays and previous playmates frolicking nearly nude adds heft to Playboy's historical significance. It's astonishing to think that this icon has enjoyed such a lifestyle for half a decade, and truly amazing to see Hefner now, on television, touring Europe in "I See London, I See France," dancing in nightclubs, or hosting a slumber party in "Sleepwear Optional." The girls, too, have seemingly settled into their careers when prepping to host their own exercise shows in "Mutiny On the Booty," during which Kendra, the biggest ditz of the three, shines with her martial arts demonstrations. As tempting as it is to choose favorites among the ladies in Season Two, one begins to realize that it's their metaphorical ménage-a-trois that keeps the show sexy, and that's what it's all about. —Trinie Dalton
Reviews for the The Girls Next Door - Season 2  List Price: $29.98 Price: $14.99 You Save: $14.99 (50%) The Bob Newhart Show - The Complete Fourth Season
Actors: Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily, Peter Bonerz, Marcia Wallace DescriptionTHE DOCTOR IS BACK IN! Bob Newhart and his eccentric cast of crazy friends are back in Season Four of The Bob Newhart Show, one of the best-loved TV comedies of all time. Newhart returns as psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley, who works with neurotic, obsessive, compulsive and just plain nutty folks every day, and those are just his friends and neighbors...wait 'til you meet his patients! Whether Bob is switching roles with his wife Emily to avoid a middle-age crisis, or hosting a booze-soaked Thanksgiving party, The Bob Newhart Show has your prescription for classic comedy. Time for a laugh-therapy session—Doctor's orders! Amazon.com"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" was clearly comedian Bob Newhart and company's motto during the fourth season (1975-76) of The Bob Newhart Show, all 24 episodes of which are preserved in this three-disc set. Even with the show's ratings dipping somewhat, there's no shark-jumping going on here; Newhart and producers Jay Tarses and Tom Patchett clearly understood what made this show tick, and notwithstanding a little tinkering, they stuck with it. "It," of course, largely depended on Newhart himself. A brilliant reactor, he continues to bring his array of deadpan takes and brilliant, understated timing to the part of Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley, who's surrounded by the usual group of family (primarily Suzanne Pleshette as wife Emily), friends (Peter Bonerz as best bud Jerry Robinson), neighbors (Bill Daily as the tactless Howard Borden), staff (Marcia Wallace is always a riot as receptionist Carol Kester), patients (Jack Riley is the standout as the neurotic Mr. Carlin, but they're all good), and various guest stars (including Rene Auberjonois, Tom Poston, and Lawrence Pressman). Carol gets married a few episodes in, and Emily is promoted to vice-principal at her school, but these are largely cosmetic changes that do little to alter the series' overall tone. Aside from Newhart himself, props are due to the writers. As always, The Bob Newhart Show's humor is mostly low-key, with none of the raunch, tasteless sexual innuendo, and flamboyant idiocy of today's sit-coms. What's more, subjects as serious as death ("The Longest Good-bye" and "Death of a Fruitman"), obesity ("Heavyweights," in which Bob presides over a workshop for "people of the hefty persuasion"), professional ethics ("Who is Mr. X?"), and jealousy on the job ("A Matter of Vice-Principal") are broached without ever becoming sententious or heavy-handed. Of course, three decades after the fact, some things will seem a little dated: the clothes are cringe-worthy, and it's hard to imagine anyone these days getting away with describing Beirut as a place where "everybody looks like Danny Thomas." Still, Newhart's show remains one of the best of the several great sit-coms that emerged in the '70s. Bonus features include commentary (by Newhart and others) on five episodes, a gag reel, and a featurette. --Sam Graham
Reviews for the The Bob Newhart Show - The Complete Fourth Season  List Price: $29.98 Price: $14.99 You Save: $14.99 (50%) The Mary Tyler Moore Show - The Complete Third Season (1972)
Actors: Nancy Walker, Joyce Bulifant DescriptionTURN THAT DIAL TO WJM-TV FOR A THIRD SEASON OF LAUGHTER! In its third season, this groundbreaking comedy explored topics previously taboo on network television. Deftly woven in with the hilarity of the busy newsroom and repeated outrageous attempts by Mary’s friends to set her up with Mr. Right came episodes dealing with divorce, meddling parents, self-esteem, and the inevitable mid-life crisis when one fears that life has somehow passed them by. But this classic comedy pulled off these subjects with humor, style and wit, reminding viewers why they identified with—and loved—the WJM-TV gang so much. Amazon.comIn this third season, Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore), she of the "bright smile and infectious vivacity," got to display some of that celebrated "spunk" of hers. In the season–opener, "The Good-Time News," she demands to be paid the same amount of money as her predecessor. In "The Georgette Story," she defies her boss, Lou Grant (Ed Asner), and vainglorious anchorperson Ted Baxter (Ted Knight) by counseling Ted's new girlfriend, whom he takes for granted. And in "Romeo and Mary," she finally stands up to an overzealous suitor (guest star Stuart Margolin), which hilariously backfires on her. The Mary Tyler Moore Show endures because its timeless comedy is drawn from the wellspring of its fully drawn characters, who were allowed to grow beyond one-note caricatures. Mary's best friend, Rhoda (Valerie Harper), who was in danger of becoming this series' Sally Rogers, really blossomed this season. In "Rhoda the Beautiful," the slimmed-down Rhoda is empowered to enter a beauty contest, and in "My Brother's Keeper," she catches the eye of Phyllis' (Cloris Leachman in an Emmy-nominated performance) brother, which devastates Phyllis, setting the stage for yet another disastrous Mary Richards party (and a dénouement that must have been daring in 1973). Wise-cracking Murray (Gavin McLeod) reveals new depths in "Murray Faces Life," in which he sinks into depression after hearing that a former college classmate has won the Pulitzer Prize. Even Ted manages to surprise. In "Operation: Lou," a hospitalized Lou Grant finds a new appreciation for Ted, who graciously and uncharacteristically, presents him with an expensive bottle of scotch. Moore, Harper, and Knight were each honored with Emmys this season. Joining this august core ensemble is Georgia Engel as Georgette, who makes a delightful first impression in "Rhoda Morgenstern: Minneapolis to New York." Even hard-boiled Lou softens in her presence. "You're a real cutie, you know that?" he tells her in "The Georgette Story." Despite Lou's insistence to the contrary in "The Good-Time News," The Mary Tyler Moore's job was to make people laugh. But it could also be surprisingly moving, as in the laugh-free dramatic climax of "Remembrance of Things Past," in which Mary is reunited with an ex-boyfriend (Joseph Campanella), who has broken her heart in the past. This three-disc set contains no extras, but any of these episodes can take a nothing day and suddenly... well, you know the rest. --Donald Liebenson
Reviews for the The Mary Tyler Moore Show - The Complete Third Season (1972)  List Price: $14.98 Price: $7.49 You Save: $7.49 (50%) Family Guy - The Freakin' Sweet Collection
Actors: Nancy Walker, Joyce Bulifant DescriptionGet ready for five deliciously absurd chapters in the lives of America's most twisted animated family! These are the hand-picked, hands-down favorite episodes of Seth MacFarlen, the delightfully demented genius behind "Family Guy". He'll also treat you to an inside look at the long-awaited return of the series, as well as his newest TV brainchild, "American Dad." What a guy. What a family. What a "Family Guy" treat! Amazon.comThe unprecedented resurrection of Family Guy disproves Neil Young's maxim that "Once you're gone, you can never come back." Unceremoniously canceled in 2002, the irreverent animated series proved to be a phenomenal seller on DVD, prompting not only a rerun revival on basic cable, but also a new season. For those who have only recently made the acquaintance of the dysfunctional Griffins, this five-episode sampler is representative of the series' "nothing is sacred" comic universe. Creator Seth MacFarlane chose well: "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein," which was banned during the series' original run; "Lethal Weapons"; "To Live and Die in Dixie"; "I Am Peter, Hear Me Roar"; and "Road to Rhode Island." In addition to the restoration of a previously censored gag involving Osama Bin Laden in "Rhode Island," what does this collection bring to the party for the Family Guy fan who has everything? Four new episode commentaries, the best of which features MacFarlane in character as chain-smoking, martini swilling, talking dog Brian, and megalomaniacal infant Stewie for "Rhode Island." There is also an interview with MacFarlane about why he chose these episodes, and a fitfully amusing sneak peak at MacFarlane's new series, American Dad. But as this collection reminds us, Family Guy is a tough act to follow. --Donald Liebenson
Reviews for the Family Guy - The Freakin' Sweet Collection  List Price: $39.98 Price: $29.99 You Save: $9.99 (25%) Futurama, Vol. 4
Actors: Billy West, John Di Maggio, Katey Sagal Product DescriptionStudio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/22/2006 Amazon.comNo more good news, everyone--this fourth volume of Futurama is the show's last. By turns frenetic and far-sighted, Matt Groening's futuristic comedy provided belly-laughs for self-confessed sci-fi nerds, but somehow failed to connect with a broader audience, even though it was often funnier and sharper than stablemate The Simpsons. So now bid farewell to the Planet Express team--Fry, Leela, Zoidberg, Bender, Amy, Hermes, Prof Farnsworth--as well as to kindly Kif, cloned Cubert, megalomaniac Mom, mutants in the sewer, the cast of robo-sitcom All My Circuits, swashbuckling space lothario and William Shatner wannabe Zapp Brannigan, Elzar the four-armed chef, and all the other characters that made Futurama such a unique experience. This fourth and final year has all the elements that fans enjoyed so much--but also those elements that partially explain its cancellation. Recurring characters are great if you've watched the show before, as are the in-jokes; and the many parodies of classic science fiction are fine for the initiated, but risk leaving other viewers out in the cold. The show's strengths and perceived weaknesses are exemplified in the episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before," in which the original cast of Star Trek play themselves: hilarious for Trekkers, but not really for anyone else. Elsewhere we find Leela discovering her real parents aren't aliens at all but in fact live in the sewers; Kif getting pregnant; Fry discovering the fossilized remains of his faithful pet dog; and Bender being converted to steam power. Despite some ups and downs, it's still the funniest animated TV show. Multifarious DVD extras include cast and crew commentaries, deleted scenes, animatics, galleries and Easter eggs. --Mark Walker
Reviews for the Futurama, Vol. 4  List Price: $49.98 Price: $16.49 You Save: $33.49 (67%) The Bernie Mac Show - Season 1
Actor: Bernie Mac Show DescriptionTaking care of kids can be tough on anyone, but watching a busy stand-up comic raise his sister’s three children while she’s on a "state-sponsored vacation" is enough to make you scream…with laughter! Inspired by his own life experiences, Bernie Mac’s outrageous brand of comedy "turns the family sitcom on its head and sets it spinning" (The Washington Post). And now you can share Bernie’s hilarious old school ideas of discipline and parenting with the complete first season of "The Bernie Mac Show" on DVD! Amazon.comThe Bernie Mac Show offers some of the funniest parenting on television--and some of the most honest. Stand-up comedian Bernie and his wife, Wanda (Kellita Smith), have taken in his sister's three kids--preschooler Bryana (impish Dee Dee Davis), grade-schooler Jordan (gangly Jeremy Suarez), and teenager Vanessa (deadpan Camille Winbush)--while his sister goes through rehab. Since Wanda is an executive vice-president, Bernie becomes a stay-at-home dad, putting him and the kids in a state of near-constant comic warfare. The Bernie Mac Show uses parenting issues as a launching pad for stories that start simple but escalate out of control. In one episode, Bernie realizes that Bryana and Jordan rank Vanessa's authority higher than his; after failing to assert himself as top dog of the house, he tries to manipulate the situation and put Vanessa in charge of discipline. When Bryana overhears Bernie using the "N-word" and repeats it at school, Bernie finds his whole personality under the scrutiny of the family's social worker. Regardless of the topic, Bernie finds a way to address problems without knuckling under to sitcom clichés. The Bernie Mac Show finds its humor not simply in these situations, but in all the details that erupt from them; every character is given multiple dimensions, allowing them to be constantly surprising. The show's skilled writing staff knows how to cram an amazing amount of story into each episode. And Bernie himself has crafted a persona that is both absurd in his bravado and self-mythologizing and deeply real in his emotional complexity, flipflopping from childish grandiosity to mature judgment. It's an impressive feat, all the more so because every episode is ingeniously funny. --Bret Fetzer
Reviews for the The Bernie Mac Show - Season 1  List Price: $49.98 Price: $37.99 You Save: $11.99 (24%) The X-Files - The Complete Seventh Season (Slim Set)
Actors: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Brett Bell, Paul Hayes DescriptionVarious
Reviews for the The X-Files - The Complete Seventh Season (Slim Set)  List Price: $39.98 Price: $31.99 You Save: $7.99 (20%) M*A*S*H - Season Ten (Collector's Edition)
Actors: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, William Christopher, Byron Chung, Mike Farrell Product DescriptionRelive your favorite M*A*S*H moments with this three-disc DVD Collector's Edition containing all 21 classic Season Ten episodes!They were the 4077 MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) unit stationed three miles from the front during the Korean War. As the war drags on it begins to take a toll on the docs and nurses who day after day fight to save the incoming wounded helicoptered in directly from the front lines. But as much as the gang of the 4077 cared for the wounded soldiers they also cared about each other. And that camaraderie coupled with a liberal dose of hijinks and hilarity served to make their tour of duty in Korea an experience none of them would ever forget.System Requirements:Running Time: 561 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS UPC: 024543241409 Manufacturer No: 2234140 Amazon.comUnlike old soldiers, M*A*S*H showed little signs of fading away in its penultimate season. Alan Alda and Loretta Switt were officially saluted with Emmys for their exemplary work this season, and Henry Morgan and David Ogden Stiers received well-deserved nominations. But the overlooked Jamie Farr enjoyed some of his finest half-hours, including "Follies of the Living--Concerns of the Dead" (written and directed by Alda), an episode out of the Twilight Zone in which a fever-wracked Klinger communicates with the spirit of a soldier who has just died and roams the 4077th. Stiers further distinguishes himself in "Sons and Bowlers," in which Winchester lends compassionate support to Hawkeye, who anxiously awaits word of his father's operation, and in a moving scene, opens up about his strained relationship with his own father. Stiers also directed the powerful "Identity Crisis," featuring Joe Pantoliano as a soldier who desperately switches dog tags with a deceased buddy. Another season benchmark is the Emmy-nominated "Where There's a Will, There's a War," in which Hawkeye, trapped on the front lines under heavy fire, composes his will and reflects on what to leave his friends. M*A*S*H took some hits for perceived preachy self-righteousness in its final years. "Give 'Em Hell Hawkeye," in which Hawkeye writes a protest letter to Harry Truman, and "Blood and Guts," in which Hawkeye gives a sensationalistic war correspondent his comeuppance, are this season's worst offenders. While at times it seems like M*A*SH is marching in place ("Communication Breakdown," in which B.J. goes into a tailspin when he learns his wife has gotten a job stateside, echoes season 8's "Period of Adjustment"), it does so with its usual crack precision that made it one of television's most decorated and beloved series. --Donald Liebenson
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