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Newsradio : The Complete First and Second Seasons
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| Format | Box set, Closed-captioned, DVD-Video, Subtitled, NTSC, Full Screen, Color |
| Contributor | Maura Tierney, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan, Vicki Lewis, Phil Hartman, Dave Foley, Khandi Alexander, Stephen Root See more |
| Language | English |
| Number of discs | 3 |
| Runtime | 10 hours and 59 minutes |
| Publication date | May 24 2005 |
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Product description
Off the airwaves and into your living room, Emmy Award-winning NEWSRADIO arrives on DVD for the first time! Airing for five highly-rated seasons (1995-1999), this audience favorite is a hilarious take on office politics at New York City's WNYX station. Spotlighting a stellar comic cast, including Phil Hartman ("Saturday Night Live"), Dave Foley ("Kids in the Hall") and MTV's Andy Dick, NEWSRADIO is one of the most sharp-witted sitcoms ever, staffing its no-holds-barred station with a gallery of wildly memorable characters: on-air host Bill (Hartman), anchor Catherine (Khandi Alexander, "C.S.I."), supervising producer Lisa (Maura Tierney, "E.R."), and handyman Joe ("Fear Factor"'s Joe Rogan).
Product details
- Aspect Ratio : 1.33:1
- Is discontinued by manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 19.05 x 13.97 x 1.27 cm; 90.72 Grams
- Canadian Home Video Rating : General Audience (G)
- Manufacturer reference : 01630
- Media Format : Box set, Closed-captioned, DVD-Video, Subtitled, NTSC, Full Screen, Color
- Run time : 10 hours and 59 minutes
- Release date : May 24 2005
- Actors : Dave Foley, Stephen Root, Phil Hartman, Maura Tierney, Andy Dick
- Subtitles: : Portuguese
- Language : English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo), Unqualified
- Studio : Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
- ASIN : B0000ZMH8S
- Number of discs : 3
- Best Sellers Rank: #52,919 in Movies & TV Shows (See Top 100 in Movies & TV Shows)
- #6,894 in Comedy (Movies & TV Shows)
- #11,178 in TV
- #35,393 in DVD
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
227 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
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Top reviews
Top reviews from Canada
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Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
Very pleased that it finally showed up and wasn't lost in the end just a few days late and the seller more than compensated for it dvd was well packaged & in good second hand condition I recommend buying from cousin Floyd
Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2005
Verified Purchase
We all waited an especially long time for this first set to come out (and, yes, it was well worth the wait) BUT WHEN IS NEXT SET COMING OUT?! With only a few acceptions, this is one cast that really meshed well together. The actors have that on-screen chemistry that, say, "Seinfeld", "Arrested Development" or "Cheers" all possess. Diverse, intelligent, and timeless, Newsradio is the epitomy of a what a well-made television program is all about. You can tell that (by the commentaries) that the actors really enjoyed working together and that all of their projects since (ER, Fear Factor, Celebrity Poker, etc) are just another paycheque. SURE WISH THE ENTIRE SERIES WERE OUT ON DVD. (Hint, hint).
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2005
Verified Purchase
This, in my opinion, was one of the few sitcoms worth watching in the mid to late 90's. It had one of the finest ensemble casts ever put together, and it's hard to find a weak link among actors.
Delivering the best lines is Phil Hartman. After watching these episodes again it shows just how tragic a loss it was when he was shot to death in his sleep after the 4th season (and replaced by friend and SNL alumus Jon Lovitz who also appears in an earlier episode). High marks also to Stephen Root who plays station owner Jimmy James, as well as Dave Foley who plays the station manager (formerly of Kids in the Hall).
Perhaps this show wouldn't have been as good as it was without the talents of producer Paul Simms, who also worked on The Larry Sanders Show, and viewers of both shows will notice some similarities.
If you're on the fence about whether or not to buy this, I highly recommend giving it a shot. If you like quality sitcoms, you won't be disappointed.
Delivering the best lines is Phil Hartman. After watching these episodes again it shows just how tragic a loss it was when he was shot to death in his sleep after the 4th season (and replaced by friend and SNL alumus Jon Lovitz who also appears in an earlier episode). High marks also to Stephen Root who plays station owner Jimmy James, as well as Dave Foley who plays the station manager (formerly of Kids in the Hall).
Perhaps this show wouldn't have been as good as it was without the talents of producer Paul Simms, who also worked on The Larry Sanders Show, and viewers of both shows will notice some similarities.
If you're on the fence about whether or not to buy this, I highly recommend giving it a shot. If you like quality sitcoms, you won't be disappointed.
Reviewed in Canada on September 15, 2005
Verified Purchase
This show is hillarious. It's very much a character based sitcom, it's how the characters react and interact that brings the laughs.. not as much the situations. It's got an all-star cast with genius phil hartman, dave foley, andy dick, joe rogan, khandi alexander, stephen root, maura tierney and vicki lewis. The commentaries are nice but the greatest part of this set is having them all the time. This show bounced around time slots and eventually dissapeared but now you get them all to play at your leisure. Also, there's really now warm up period with this series, it's hillarious from the pilot onwards. In fact, some of my favourite episodes are on season 1. Give us more or we WILL riot.
Phil Hartman is in his prime in this series.
Phil Hartman is in his prime in this series.
Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2005
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed every moment of these DVDs! I loved this show in the late 90s and wish that it had been given the acclaim then that it so richly deserved. The writing was clever, biting, and always funny. Each episode was fresh and original. The characters were perfectly cast and their timing and chemistry is wonderful. A great selection of commentaries-- I especially liked those which featured multiple cast members. It was well worth the wait, but I also really hope that they will provide a follow-up DVD set for seasons 4 & 5. A must-have!
Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2015
Verified Purchase
Great
Reviewed in Canada on December 6, 2003
I dont think this show ever got the respect it deserved. Great ensemble playing the wacky office staff and some damn great writing. Some laugh out loud stuff and some other very suttle humor.
I still laugh at the reruns when I can find them but seeing them on DVD is great news.
I still laugh at the reruns when I can find them but seeing them on DVD is great news.
Reviewed in Canada on December 17, 2004
So great, so wonderful, so witty... Will we ever get to see it? 2010 can't be the proper release date; why would we be able to preorder 6 years in advance? It doesn't make sense. I work at an Indigo store (GAH!!) and sometimes release dates (for books, anyway) are grossly misrepresented. For example, I came across a book yesterday that is apparently due to release in 2050, although it will be out much sooner than that, within the year in fact. Just wanted to give a little hope to the rest of the customers I've noticed complaining about the release date. Some outrageous release dates are just set when the publisher hasn't actually set one yet, and so a crazy date is posted to appease those fans who need a definite date. Anyway, I reeeeaaalllly hope this release is sooner rather than later, so I can revisit all of my favourite characters. Maura is wonderful as Abby on ER (now my favourite character since Greene passed away) but still not as great as she was as Lisa. Sometimes you can catch Abby acting a little Lisa-ish, but it isn't the same. And where else can we see Phil Hartman at his finest? And where exactly is Dave Foley these days? I can't make myself sit through Fear Factor just to get my Joe Rogan fix anymore. If anyone is listening, speed up the production! Even if you haven't all the commentaries, etc. We'll still buy it!
Top reviews from other countries
B. Marold
5.0 out of 5 stars
Short of a lost classic, better than the average sitcom.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2012Verified Purchase
The show "NewsRadio" first came on TV, in 1995, just before I stopped watching sit-coms in 1996. I recall looking forward to it then, so after I finished my watching every episode of "The West Wing" in order, I looked around for something new, and I was reminded of this show, which had a lot of promise, because I enjoyed it when it first aired, I only saw the first, and maybe the second season when it was broadcast, and one of the stars is Stephen Root, who was a featured guest star on Season Seven of "The West Wing."
One may be inclined to compare this to "The Mary Tyler Moore" show, but that's unfair in many ways, except that "The Mary Tyler Moore" show created the character types against which "NewsRadio played. A closer comparision is with "WKRP in Cincinnati" which was produced by the MTM, Mary Tyler Moore's production company. "Mary Tyler Moore" was stronger than both, because it had two rather than just one focal point. It played out both in the studio and in Mary's apartment.
It's odd Stephen Foley is given top billing as the new station manager, who, in the pilot, is expected to fire the old station manager. We immediately see this character seems to have only the most modest amount of backbone, a strong contrast to the fire-breathing news manager, Lou Grant. His affair with Nr. 4 billed Maura Tierney seems to occupy the center of the story arcs in the first two seasons. But most of the real sparks come from Stephen Root, the entrepeneur who owns the station "on a whim", and who mixes some of the oddest quirky behavior with eminantly good business sense. The actor in the trailing, and therefore place of second highest honor, is Phil Hartman, who is a strong contrast to the hapless Ted Knight on MTM. He is totally competent, and is recognized as such by his peers in New York City Radio. In many ways Root and Hartman get most of the best gags. The "goof-offs", the roles comparable to Les Nessman and Herb Tarlik on "WKRP" are played by Andy Dick and Vicki Lewis. These are the characters whose persona tends to wear out faster than the others. Joe Rogan, the handyman / electrician has the advantage of being in the background much of the time, so it is easy for him to surprise you, as he did when he was put on the air to replace a sick broadcaster, and did remarkably well. It's not unlike the gag when Jim Ignatowski sat down at the piano and started playing beautifully (on "Taxi"). Khandi Alexander is the last listed regular star, and has a role which, in these two seasons at least, are virtually pure "straight man" (sic). I recall no lines where he casts the punch line of a joke. Her primary role is to punch holes in the windbag of Phil Hartman's character. Foley and Tierney are also prinary the straight roles against which the Dick, Root, Hartman, and Lewis play. They are the Alex Rieger ("Taxi") and Andy Travis ("WKRP") roles who try to keep things together, but rarely succeed.
One thing I like about this kind of show (you expect it with big dramas like "The West Wing", but not in comedies done with about 1/10th the budget) is when they have guest stars, which average about one every two episodes. Mostly, they are "Hey, look who it is!" episodes, with people like John Ritter, Norm MacDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, and Janeane Garofalo. They add interest to a single show, and don't reappear.
My main impression on seeing three or four episodes a night is that one gets very used to the quirks of the characters, and you can start anticipating their reactions. There is only one story line, the affair between Foley and Tierney, which bridges more than two episodes. It starts around episode two or three, and runs to the end of the second season. In those two seasons, not much else happens. What we don't also have is one or two "GREAT" scenes, like the infamous "WKRP" scene when live turkeys are dropped from a helicopter before Thanksgiving, which ranks as Nr. 40 in TV Guide's 100 greatest TV episodes.
Each episode is a little gem. None are especially weak, and none are especially strong, in these first two seasons. This may play much better as viewing with your siginificant other than by yourself. That's what romantic comedies are for, after all.
Note that I sensed none of the problems some reviewers complained about regarding "compression". It all looks fine to me, on a conventional TV, the kind I used to watch it 17 years ago.
One may be inclined to compare this to "The Mary Tyler Moore" show, but that's unfair in many ways, except that "The Mary Tyler Moore" show created the character types against which "NewsRadio played. A closer comparision is with "WKRP in Cincinnati" which was produced by the MTM, Mary Tyler Moore's production company. "Mary Tyler Moore" was stronger than both, because it had two rather than just one focal point. It played out both in the studio and in Mary's apartment.
It's odd Stephen Foley is given top billing as the new station manager, who, in the pilot, is expected to fire the old station manager. We immediately see this character seems to have only the most modest amount of backbone, a strong contrast to the fire-breathing news manager, Lou Grant. His affair with Nr. 4 billed Maura Tierney seems to occupy the center of the story arcs in the first two seasons. But most of the real sparks come from Stephen Root, the entrepeneur who owns the station "on a whim", and who mixes some of the oddest quirky behavior with eminantly good business sense. The actor in the trailing, and therefore place of second highest honor, is Phil Hartman, who is a strong contrast to the hapless Ted Knight on MTM. He is totally competent, and is recognized as such by his peers in New York City Radio. In many ways Root and Hartman get most of the best gags. The "goof-offs", the roles comparable to Les Nessman and Herb Tarlik on "WKRP" are played by Andy Dick and Vicki Lewis. These are the characters whose persona tends to wear out faster than the others. Joe Rogan, the handyman / electrician has the advantage of being in the background much of the time, so it is easy for him to surprise you, as he did when he was put on the air to replace a sick broadcaster, and did remarkably well. It's not unlike the gag when Jim Ignatowski sat down at the piano and started playing beautifully (on "Taxi"). Khandi Alexander is the last listed regular star, and has a role which, in these two seasons at least, are virtually pure "straight man" (sic). I recall no lines where he casts the punch line of a joke. Her primary role is to punch holes in the windbag of Phil Hartman's character. Foley and Tierney are also prinary the straight roles against which the Dick, Root, Hartman, and Lewis play. They are the Alex Rieger ("Taxi") and Andy Travis ("WKRP") roles who try to keep things together, but rarely succeed.
One thing I like about this kind of show (you expect it with big dramas like "The West Wing", but not in comedies done with about 1/10th the budget) is when they have guest stars, which average about one every two episodes. Mostly, they are "Hey, look who it is!" episodes, with people like John Ritter, Norm MacDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, and Janeane Garofalo. They add interest to a single show, and don't reappear.
My main impression on seeing three or four episodes a night is that one gets very used to the quirks of the characters, and you can start anticipating their reactions. There is only one story line, the affair between Foley and Tierney, which bridges more than two episodes. It starts around episode two or three, and runs to the end of the second season. In those two seasons, not much else happens. What we don't also have is one or two "GREAT" scenes, like the infamous "WKRP" scene when live turkeys are dropped from a helicopter before Thanksgiving, which ranks as Nr. 40 in TV Guide's 100 greatest TV episodes.
Each episode is a little gem. None are especially weak, and none are especially strong, in these first two seasons. This may play much better as viewing with your siginificant other than by yourself. That's what romantic comedies are for, after all.
Note that I sensed none of the problems some reviewers complained about regarding "compression". It all looks fine to me, on a conventional TV, the kind I used to watch it 17 years ago.
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Mark Eremite
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good News
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2007Verified Purchase
In the spirit of ensemble pieces like "Taxi," oddball half-realities like "The Bob Newhart Show," and slapstick like "The Three Stooges" came a show called "NewsRadio." Created by Paul Simms (who also worked on the hilarious "The Larry Sanders Show"), "NewsRadio" focused on the workaday lives of those employed at WNYX, a New York radio station.
In spite of network ambivalence, an almost lethal dose of time-slot shuffling, and a dismal want of marketing, the show earned a devoted following, even winning an Emmy in the process. Maybe it was the dialogue, which sparkles with a creative wit that never devolves into predictable puns or cheesy gags. Maybe it was the stories; nut-bar plot-lines about stolen gelatos, interns straight out of "Single White Female," unnecessary canes, sinister Santas, and employees being used as bets in poker games.
But where its success really lay was in the characters. The odd-ball Matthew (Andy Dick), the eccentric, millionaire boss, Jimmy James (Stephen Root), the unabomber-inspired handyman, Joe (Joe Rogan), the vain and acerbic anchors, Bill and Katherine (Phil Hartman and Khandi Alexander), the ditzy secretary, Beth (Vicki Lewis), and -- the most "normal" of the crew -- reporter Lisa (Maura Tierney) and news director Dave (David Foley).
The talent in the list is obvious. Root is a flawless character actor, and Dick, Foley, and Hartman had already (by this time) all proven their salt in previous, take-no-prisoners comedy troupes (The Ben Stiller Show, The Kids in the Hall, and SNL during its golden years, respectively). It was the competence of the actors and actresses that kept the show's sillier elements from seeming like wackiness-just-for-the-sake-of-wackiness. And when "NewsRadio" wasn't holding rat funerals or holding practical joke wars, it was breathing new life into stories that might otherwise have been mundane and full of old jokes. See Bill and Dave's attempt to beat their addictions to cigarettes and coffee. See how Dave deals with overheard complaints about his style of management. Or, perhaps most acutely, see how the show deals with the secret office romance between Dave and Lisa. While most shows spend entire seasons taunting the audience with sexual tension and the question of "will they hook up?" "NewsRadio" wisely decided that the real comedic gold lay in the relationship itself, and not in its likelihood.
But that's the true genius of the show -- finding humor wherever it's possible, and milking it for all its worth. In the hands of such able writers and even abler on-screen talent, this collection is a gem, made even more valuable by the inclusion of a satisfyingly long gag reel and twenty episode commentaries. Each commentary is almost as funny as the show itself, delivered by a cast of comedians, offering up not just their own bonhomous jokes about Life On The Set (the chemistry between Rogan and Dick, the exploits of a misguided costume designer, the methods writers used to come up with ideas), but even feeding us some tasty insider tidbits (including pointing out cameos you would otherwise miss, discussing the stress of the network's schedule shuffling, and the fact that Ray Romano was actually fired from the show before the first episode aired).
Every once in a while a comedy airs that surpasses expectations so much that people tend not to understand or value it for what it's really worth. Most recently there was "Arrested Development." Before that "Mr. Show." "NewsRadio" has the dubious distinction of being on that list; an incisive, happily warm-hearted (if not shale-edged) and gut-busting show that never really had a chance the first time around (especially after the unfortunate demise of Hartman). Here's its chance, again, after so many years. I suggest you take it.
[...]
In spite of network ambivalence, an almost lethal dose of time-slot shuffling, and a dismal want of marketing, the show earned a devoted following, even winning an Emmy in the process. Maybe it was the dialogue, which sparkles with a creative wit that never devolves into predictable puns or cheesy gags. Maybe it was the stories; nut-bar plot-lines about stolen gelatos, interns straight out of "Single White Female," unnecessary canes, sinister Santas, and employees being used as bets in poker games.
But where its success really lay was in the characters. The odd-ball Matthew (Andy Dick), the eccentric, millionaire boss, Jimmy James (Stephen Root), the unabomber-inspired handyman, Joe (Joe Rogan), the vain and acerbic anchors, Bill and Katherine (Phil Hartman and Khandi Alexander), the ditzy secretary, Beth (Vicki Lewis), and -- the most "normal" of the crew -- reporter Lisa (Maura Tierney) and news director Dave (David Foley).
The talent in the list is obvious. Root is a flawless character actor, and Dick, Foley, and Hartman had already (by this time) all proven their salt in previous, take-no-prisoners comedy troupes (The Ben Stiller Show, The Kids in the Hall, and SNL during its golden years, respectively). It was the competence of the actors and actresses that kept the show's sillier elements from seeming like wackiness-just-for-the-sake-of-wackiness. And when "NewsRadio" wasn't holding rat funerals or holding practical joke wars, it was breathing new life into stories that might otherwise have been mundane and full of old jokes. See Bill and Dave's attempt to beat their addictions to cigarettes and coffee. See how Dave deals with overheard complaints about his style of management. Or, perhaps most acutely, see how the show deals with the secret office romance between Dave and Lisa. While most shows spend entire seasons taunting the audience with sexual tension and the question of "will they hook up?" "NewsRadio" wisely decided that the real comedic gold lay in the relationship itself, and not in its likelihood.
But that's the true genius of the show -- finding humor wherever it's possible, and milking it for all its worth. In the hands of such able writers and even abler on-screen talent, this collection is a gem, made even more valuable by the inclusion of a satisfyingly long gag reel and twenty episode commentaries. Each commentary is almost as funny as the show itself, delivered by a cast of comedians, offering up not just their own bonhomous jokes about Life On The Set (the chemistry between Rogan and Dick, the exploits of a misguided costume designer, the methods writers used to come up with ideas), but even feeding us some tasty insider tidbits (including pointing out cameos you would otherwise miss, discussing the stress of the network's schedule shuffling, and the fact that Ray Romano was actually fired from the show before the first episode aired).
Every once in a while a comedy airs that surpasses expectations so much that people tend not to understand or value it for what it's really worth. Most recently there was "Arrested Development." Before that "Mr. Show." "NewsRadio" has the dubious distinction of being on that list; an incisive, happily warm-hearted (if not shale-edged) and gut-busting show that never really had a chance the first time around (especially after the unfortunate demise of Hartman). Here's its chance, again, after so many years. I suggest you take it.
[...]
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J. COSBY
5.0 out of 5 stars
"You're just like Linda... EXCEPT CRAZY!!!"
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2005Verified Purchase
"Smoking" alone is worth buying the entire box-set. Fortunately, there are 28 other reasons to buy it, too. Yeah, NBC are some funky curmudgeons when they made this brilliant and exemplary sitcom do hopscotch all over the week's lineup. But all complaints aside, "NewsRadio" comprises about 100 episodes of balls-to-the-wall hilarity.
Phil Hartman, anybody? THE MAN WAS A REGULAR ON "THE SIMPSONS" FOR CHRISSAKE!!
The quote on the front of the box says it all: a superior sitcom. Everything that a sitcom does and does WELL was what "NewsRadio" was. I remember watching two episodes a night back-to-back right before Conan O'Brien in 1999. Hey, UPN what's up with all your "Everybody Loves Raymond" stint? No offense, but that sitcom's for an *older* demographic. And we all know old people don't stay up that late. PLEASE put "NewsRadio" back on at least until all the seasons are released on Disc.
What can you say? Fresh-from-Wisconsin (actually Canada) Dave Nelson arrives to his News Director position to find out he has to fire the guy that has the job now, plus break the news to Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney) who expected to receive the job herself. Off and running out of the gate, and the episodes just get better and funnier as they go.
"Smoking" is only the third episode of the entire series! This right here (and "Led Zeppelin") gives you a taste of the calamity and wit to follow that would skyrocket until Hartman's tragic and shocking demise after the 4th season. Thank God we can document his genius for good with "NewsRadio," "The Simpsons," and to a much lesser extent "Saturday Night Live." Hartman just... oozes Bill McNeal from every pore. Every icy retort, every uncaring and selfish observation, every acidic accusation -- a bonafide New Yorker, if ever there was one.
Funny thing is, this is no one's show: it's everyone's. Every actor inhabits their quirky yet relatable roles with homespun integrity, and there's not a wink link in the chain. Some say Khandi Alexander, but I think she's funny.
It's good that the lunatic humor is borne out of something much more simple and arbitrary. If every office was as engaging, offbeat and mind-blowingly scatterbrained as this, I'd show up for work 22 1/2 minutes early every day.
Bottom line: a blueprint sitcom. With 3 seasons left to go.
Phil Hartman, anybody? THE MAN WAS A REGULAR ON "THE SIMPSONS" FOR CHRISSAKE!!
The quote on the front of the box says it all: a superior sitcom. Everything that a sitcom does and does WELL was what "NewsRadio" was. I remember watching two episodes a night back-to-back right before Conan O'Brien in 1999. Hey, UPN what's up with all your "Everybody Loves Raymond" stint? No offense, but that sitcom's for an *older* demographic. And we all know old people don't stay up that late. PLEASE put "NewsRadio" back on at least until all the seasons are released on Disc.
What can you say? Fresh-from-Wisconsin (actually Canada) Dave Nelson arrives to his News Director position to find out he has to fire the guy that has the job now, plus break the news to Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney) who expected to receive the job herself. Off and running out of the gate, and the episodes just get better and funnier as they go.
"Smoking" is only the third episode of the entire series! This right here (and "Led Zeppelin") gives you a taste of the calamity and wit to follow that would skyrocket until Hartman's tragic and shocking demise after the 4th season. Thank God we can document his genius for good with "NewsRadio," "The Simpsons," and to a much lesser extent "Saturday Night Live." Hartman just... oozes Bill McNeal from every pore. Every icy retort, every uncaring and selfish observation, every acidic accusation -- a bonafide New Yorker, if ever there was one.
Funny thing is, this is no one's show: it's everyone's. Every actor inhabits their quirky yet relatable roles with homespun integrity, and there's not a wink link in the chain. Some say Khandi Alexander, but I think she's funny.
It's good that the lunatic humor is borne out of something much more simple and arbitrary. If every office was as engaging, offbeat and mind-blowingly scatterbrained as this, I'd show up for work 22 1/2 minutes early every day.
Bottom line: a blueprint sitcom. With 3 seasons left to go.
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B. Peters
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best comedies of the nineties, finally available on DVD!
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2005Verified Purchase
Having been a long time fan of 'NewsRadio', the release of this DVD is really great for me.
Thought the picture quality doesn't seem great compared to todays standards, the jokes are still better than most of todays comedies. Having seen this first season during a one year stay in the US in it's original version, the following years I had to "live" with a seriously screwed up (just imagine everybody having a totally different tone of voice, with Matthew actually sounding most mature of all those people!) German dubbed version of this great comedy. Still funny (sometimes even unintended), but not as good as the first season I saw in the US.
The show revolves around Dave Nelson (Dave Foley), a newsdirector of a New York AM Radio Station. He has to deal with his excentric billionaire boss Jimmy James (Probably the best weird boss in TV history: Stephen Root) and a staff doing anything but what they are supposed to do.
Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney) beeing the long time love interest of Dave and in the mean time so ambitious and neurotic, she even takes over his job for a while only to discover that it was more fun screwing with his head when he's the boss. Dave's secretary without a last name "... just Beth ..." (Vicky Lewis). Dave's main adversary for the first four years Bill McNeal (Phil Hartmann). Bill McNeals, Co-Ancor for almost four years: Catherine Duke (Khandi Alexander). The Stations Electrician Joe Garellin (Joe Rogan) whose last name is used frequently as a running gag "... your last name ist Garelli?". And finally Matthew Brock (Andy Dick) the resident weird Guy.
Now having seen the second season in it's original dubbing makes me hope for a soon release of the 3rd and 4th season, yes even the fifth season with John Lovitz could be fun to watch! So everybody: Please make this a Hit so we can expect the following seasons to be published soon.
Besides the medium (or: oringinal 1996) Picture quality there are quite a few episodes with audio comments, ranging from excellent to dull, a "making-of" and a few bloopers/mishapps.
similar to:
- Spin City (a.k.a. Chaos City)
- Stromberg
Thought the picture quality doesn't seem great compared to todays standards, the jokes are still better than most of todays comedies. Having seen this first season during a one year stay in the US in it's original version, the following years I had to "live" with a seriously screwed up (just imagine everybody having a totally different tone of voice, with Matthew actually sounding most mature of all those people!) German dubbed version of this great comedy. Still funny (sometimes even unintended), but not as good as the first season I saw in the US.
The show revolves around Dave Nelson (Dave Foley), a newsdirector of a New York AM Radio Station. He has to deal with his excentric billionaire boss Jimmy James (Probably the best weird boss in TV history: Stephen Root) and a staff doing anything but what they are supposed to do.
Lisa Miller (Maura Tierney) beeing the long time love interest of Dave and in the mean time so ambitious and neurotic, she even takes over his job for a while only to discover that it was more fun screwing with his head when he's the boss. Dave's secretary without a last name "... just Beth ..." (Vicky Lewis). Dave's main adversary for the first four years Bill McNeal (Phil Hartmann). Bill McNeals, Co-Ancor for almost four years: Catherine Duke (Khandi Alexander). The Stations Electrician Joe Garellin (Joe Rogan) whose last name is used frequently as a running gag "... your last name ist Garelli?". And finally Matthew Brock (Andy Dick) the resident weird Guy.
Now having seen the second season in it's original dubbing makes me hope for a soon release of the 3rd and 4th season, yes even the fifth season with John Lovitz could be fun to watch! So everybody: Please make this a Hit so we can expect the following seasons to be published soon.
Besides the medium (or: oringinal 1996) Picture quality there are quite a few episodes with audio comments, ranging from excellent to dull, a "making-of" and a few bloopers/mishapps.
similar to:
- Spin City (a.k.a. Chaos City)
- Stromberg
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