DVD Review: Third Season of Emmy-Winning ‘30 Rock’

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CHICAGO – Maybe you’ve heard of a little show called “30 Rock”? It doesn’t set the ratings on fire but critics and award-giving bodies go crazy for it like kids with pixie sticks. Personally, I think the third season of “30 Rock” was a slight step down from the second, but there’s no denying that this is one of the best comedies on television, as its recent major wins at the Emmys proved yet again.

HollywoodChicago.com DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0
DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

Sitcom television is always about the ensemble. Think about your favorite comedies. Shows like “Seinfeld,” “Cheers,” “Arrested Development” - they were all amazing group efforts. “30 Rock” is no different. Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Jack McBrayer, Tracy Morgan, and Jane Krakowski may be the five faces peering out the front of the DVD box for the recently released third season, but even they regularly have their scenes stolen by the extended cast, one of the best on television.

Of course, when a whole cast works as well as the gang at “30 Rock,” you have to credit the writers. Headed by the unbelievably talented Tina Fey, the writing on “30 Rock” can be as good as anything on television. I think season three got a little too heavy on guest stars (a regular trick with aging NBC shows…”Will & Grace” was practically “The Love Boat” for the second half of its run it was so heavy on commercial-friendly guests) and I’ve always liked “30 Rock” more when I can relate to Liz, Jack, Kenneth and the rest of the gang.

30 Rock: Season 3
30 Rock: Season 3” was released on DVD on September 22nd, 2009.
Photo credit: Universal Home Video

Except for the great, recurring Dean Winters (as Dennis) and Elaine Stritch (as Jack’s mom), the show should pull back on stunt casting and guest stars and let the regular stars do their thing. As for the writing, season three occasionally got a little too wacky for its own good. The show works best when the focus is on relatable comedy like Liz going to her high school reunion or Jack going to a retreat not when it’s on Telenovela characters or charity musical numbers.

Having said that, a slightly-down third season of “30 Rock” is still better than most television. If you haven’t caught up with the show, you’re missing one of the most beloved and acclaimed series of the ’00s. And Universal treats the many fans of the show who watch it on DVD well with a very nice three-disc box set. First, some episode highlights from the season to either refresh your memory or give you a preview of what to expect:

“Believe in the Stars” - On a flight back from Chicago, Liz spills her soul to Oprah Winfrey. Meanwhile, Tracy and Jenna butt heads as they try to determine whose life is harder and Jack’s morality is tested by Kenneth after an Olympics snafu.

“Reunion” - Liz is opposed to going to her high school reunion, but Jack manages to convince her otherwise. Meanwhile, Don Geiss (Rip Torn) wakes up from his coma only to shock Jack with his declaration of who will be GE’s CEO.

“Christmas Special” - Liz participates in a charity program to help underprivileged kids celebrate Christmas. Meanwhile, Jack takes his frustration out on the “TGS” staff when his plans for a dream holiday vacation away from his overbearing mother (Elaine Stritch) are crushed.

“Retreat to Move Forward” - Nervous about the corporate retreat, Jack recruits Liz to accompany him for support. Jenna decides to take up method acting to prepare for her Janis Joplin role. Kenneth must convince Tracy that diabetes is affected by his diet.

“Apollo, Apollo” - While Jack plans the perfect 50th birthday party for himself, he watches old home videos that inspire him to recreate one of the happiest moments he had as a young boy. Liz’s ex-boyfriend Dennis (Dean Winters) decides to come clean about an addiction, stirring up drama between Liz and Jenna.

The DVD set for “30 Rock” is a beauty but the original broadcast in HD is stunning, so why can’t I own the show on Blu-Ray? It’s ridiculous that a show this popular and this high-selling on DVD hasn’t made the jump to the next-gen format.

The episodes are presented in 1.78:1 widescreen and accompanied by English Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Of course, they look and sound good, but a show should be available in at least the same quality it was originally broadcast in, arguably better.

As for bonus features, “30 Rock” includes audio commentary by Tina Fey, Jon Hamm, Alan Alda, Jack McBrayer, Jane Krakowski, and more, deleted scenes, “Behind-the-Scenes with the Muppets,” “1-900-OKFACE,” “The Making of “He Needs a Kidney,” photo gallery, and more.

Come back for our review of the fourth season premiere next week!

‘30 Rock: Season 3’ is released by Universal Home Video and stars Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, and Judah Friedlander. The show was released on September 22nd, 2009. It is not rated and runs 486 minutes.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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