That 70s Show - Series 1 - Complete (DVD)

That 70s Show is one of the best shows I've seen. When I found out it was on DVD, the first season was immediately a Christmas gift I wanted, which I received and watched the entire way through two days later. Within a week I'd also bought the second season on DVD, and now, half a year later, it remains the most watched set of DVDs in my collection.

[!Added 17/07/2006!]: It would be worth noting that this is a review mainly of the ...
...in the 1970s. The team that made this show were fantastic; all the clothes, styles and even props were only those that were around at the time, so nothing in the wrong era was included. While I wasn't even born back in the 1970s, I know fans have applauded this show on how well they recreated the era.

The main stars are Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson and Wilmer Valderrama. They play teenagers ... more

That 70s Show is one of the best shows I've seen. When I found out it was on DVD, the first season was immediately a Christmas gift I wanted, which I received and watched the entire way through two days later. Within a week I'd also bought the second season on DVD, and now, half a year later, it remains the most watched set of DVDs in my collection.

[!Added 17/07/2006!]: It would be worth noting that this is a review mainly of the DVD and not the show itself. I may add information about the show in future and episodes of it in future.
[!Added 18/07/2006!]: Added Tanya Roberts to the cast.

~~~ The Show ~~~

To begin with, the show is quite obviously set in the 1970s. The team that made this show were fantastic; all the clothes, styles and even props were only those that were around at the time, so nothing in the wrong era was included. While I wasn't even born back in the 1970s, I know fans have applauded this show on how well they recreated the era.

The main stars are Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson and Wilmer Valderrama. They play teenagers just entering adulthood in the late 70s. Other stars include the parents of Topher Grace's, and Laura Prepon's, characters, played by Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Tanya Roberts and Don Stark. The acting is so natural and great, adding to the realistic yet hilarious feel to the show.

Each episode feels very different from the last, and all the situations presented are very real. The series takes place primarily in Eric's (played by Topher Grace) basement, though has moved to other locations as would be expected. It is extremely funny and should be watched by all - regardless of whether you were born in, before or after this era.

~~~ DVD Content ~~~

As the first season had 25 episodes, these are spread out over 4 DVDs. This is basically all there is in the box set, though there are a few extras which aren't very long and you'll probably only watch once. I personally found this to be a mild annoyance; I am a big fan of special features, but I can't complain; all-in-all, the box set totals around 540 minutes run time - that's 9 hours of video!

For information on the DVD menus, read the following section.

~~~ Appearance ~~~

This is one of my favourite visual features of the box set. The box, the case, the booklet and even the DVDs all use the same style and colour. It's a yellow background with orange 'beams', I can only describe them as, coming out from the center of it. I think this looks brilliant.

The case, box and booklet all feature the upper halves of the characters' bodies coming in from the edge of whatever it is you're looking at, rotated so that you can turn the case it different directions and they'll be upright. This, with the logo in the middle, looks effective and is a brilliantly simple idea - and it works.

The DVDs each feature a pairing of different characters. This usually goes by couples - Donna (Laura Prepon) and Eric, Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and Jackie (Mila Kunis) and Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp). The other DVD features Hyde (Danny Masterson) and Fez (Wilmer Valderrama).

The DVD menus are bright and colourful, and are always moving, with the theme tune playing in the background. The design looks highly suited to the era, and matches with the show very well.

~~~ Price ~~~

I didn't buy this, but it would have cost £29.99. Currently, on Amazon the price is £26.99, so it hasn't been dropped much. You may think this is quite expensive for a DVD; but then when you think about the fact it's 4 DVDs, with approximately 9 hours of footage, you might feel better about it. Plus, if you're a fan of That 70s Show, you'll be more than willing to pay out for this great product.

~~~ General Thoughts ~~~

While I don't watch this quite as much as the second season of That 70s Show now, I still think this is a fantastic DVD box set. My only criticism would be the position of the booklet, which is in the way of the first disk. However, there is no other layout I can think of for the disks to avoid this, so it's forgiven.

I would advise any fan of That 70s Show, whether hardcore or just a casual viewer, to buy this DVD. And if you like it enough, go out and buy the following seasons too - it'll be the best DVD box set you'll get. 

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