FREAKS AND GEEKS REVIEWED
“Freaks and Geeks” is a modern classic. The term gets tossed around with way too much frequently. But, when you earn it…you earn it. Originally airing on NBC in the Fall of 1999 through the middle of Summer 2000, “Freaks and Geeks” was relegated to the dump days that totally missed its target audience. I was into the show back then and I only saw the first eight episodes as they originally aired. Times certainly have changed.
Now, Apatow and company have exploded and the show feels like a touchstone for hipsters trying to be too cool for school. Everyone wants to be the first to say they discovered Haverchuck, Kim Kelly or the awkwardness of the Halloween episode. But, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you experience the show and take something away from it. Never before or since have Feig, Apatow or any of the involved talent’s ideas and ability been so painfully clear than on this series.
Watching a work that serves as a testament to a group of creatives mastering their craft at the peak of their ability is staggering. You rarely get a chance to capture it and no one appreciates it enough when it happens. Think of those huge watershed moments when massive talent broke out. Whether it’s Strasberg teaching in NYC, the Corman directing rosters or Miramax’s early 90s slate of talent…history is never recognized when it happens. But, that’s what you have with this set.
For those still wanting specs, Shout Factory has gladly given us something new for Blu-Ray. Outside of the new conversation and a few new special features, everything else is ported over. The biggest surprise is getting the show in its multiple aspect ratios. While the show was aired in 1.33:1, it was shot in 1.78:1 open matter. While older shows coming to HD have created logistical nightmares for purists, Shout Factory handled the matter in the best way possible. Shout is giving you every possible way to watch the series. That’s so amazing to me. Truly Shout cares about the fans and this has become one of my favorite TV on Blu sets ever.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- All-New Exclusive Conversation
- Commentaries
- Two Hours of audition footage
- Outtakes
- Bloopers
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Digital Yearbook
A/V QUALITY STATS
- 1.78:1, 1.33:1 1080p transfer
- DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track