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The Movie: A show that I recently discovered in syndication (because the show's CBS home is just not a place I often tread while channel surfing), "King of Queens" remains above forgettable due to the show's writing and acting - which often throws out enough good-natured one-liners and inspired situations to keep the laughs coming. The core idea is nothing terribly original: Doug Heffernan (Kevin James) is a delivery driver (read: UPS) who is happily married to Carrie (Leah Remini). In the opening episode, Carrie's father Arthur (Jerry Stiller) loses his wife, then proceeds to lose his house in an accident. Although a retirement home is an option, Doug knows that Arthur's destination is his basement, which is where Doug planned his dream room, complete with new big-screen TV. The show's acting is also another terrific aspect of the show. Although some critics fired at the fact that the overweight James wouldn't realistically attract a looker like Remini, the two do share a really warm chemistry that makes them a believable couple. Jerry Stiller is also terrific in a supporting role, throwing in an energetic and surprisingly edgy comedic presence into an otherwise somewhat straightforward show. The supporting actors also manage to create enjoyable, realistic characters. After watching several episodes of this first season set, I think the show's appeal - beyond its fine writing and acting, is that it doesn't take the route that it could easily have. Although TV shows across the ages have succeeded wonderfully in presenting everyman screw-ups or just plain losers that we still feel sympathetic towards (Al Bundy), star Kevin James has turned Doug into a (generally) bright (it's nice to have a couple show where the male doesn't have to act like an idiot then and learn a "relationship and/or life lesson" each week), caring guy who wants to provide for his wife and family. This 3-DVD set includes all 25 episodes from the first season, plus two bonus episodes. The DVD VIDEO: The show's broadcast 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio is how these episodes are presented once again here. Spread across three DVDs, the picture quality is generally pleasing. Sharpness and detail are moderately good, as the picture looks clean, but definition is never particularly impressive. Aside from the occasional softness, there weren't too many other issues. No compression artifacts were seen, nor was any edge enhancement. Colors remained bright and well-saturated, with no noticable smearing or other faults. SOUND: The show's Dolby 2.0 soundtrack provides a crisp, clear score, as well as a laugh track that's not terribly intrusive. The only questionable element was dialogue - a few loud lines seemed slightly shrill or poorly looped. EXTRAS: Commentary: This is an audio commentary with star Kevin James and show creator-executive producer Michael Weithorn. This is a fun commentary that has the two recalling many of the early moments in the creation of the show, such as dealing with the network, trying to achieve the right tone and casting. The track does have some moments of silence, but both keep the discussion going pretty well and share some nice tidbits and insights. Also: "Just Havin' Fun", a 27-minute "look back" by the cast and crew at how the first season came together; a "laughs montage" (yes, really) that plays some of the funnier clips from the first season and bonus trailers. Final Thoughts: I can't say it's one of the strongest sitcoms I've ever watched, but "King of Queens" does manage to add new twists and turns to everyday situations, come up with a high ratio of one-liners that hit well and, most importantly, the cast really seems to have clicked since even the earliest episodes. Columbia/Tristar's DVD edition provides good audio/video quality and a fair amount of supplements. Recommended. |