Release Date: September 4th, 2007
Running Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

The Show

Television shows being released on DVD, combined with TiVo, has created a unique problem: there’s too much good television and not enough time to watch it all. Chances are you’ll have to pick and choose which series’ to watch and just accept that you are missing out on the others. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a gutsy little show aimed at people whose sense of humor knows no bounds. If you are easily offended, stay very far away.

The series stars Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, and Kaitlin Olson as Mac, Dennis, Charlie, and Dennis’ sister Dee. They own an Irish bar in Philly and are one of the most reprehensible (in a good way) rag-tag bunches that’s hit TV in quite a while. When not at each other’s throats, the four personalities come together for ridiculous schemes or asides that leave you wondering how they operate as human beings—think the banter of Seinfeld mixed with some of the rawness and mean spirited nature of South Park. Dennis is the face of the group; more sleek and polished than the rest, but just as inane. Mac is a bit more physical and meathead-ish, and Charlie is the one who is always dumped on while Dee manages to be like a little bit of them all. Season Two adds in Danny DeVito as Dennis’ and Dee’s horny father, Frank–a welcome addition to the gang.

The plots for the episodes are riddled with topics that make people squirm. Some of the no-no subjects include: racism, abortion, guns, molestation, welfare, and more. Sounds hilarious…right? The characters take such extreme action that it becomes a parody you can either laugh at or be brought to a fuming rage. For example, Mac and Dennis use the abortion debate to pick up women, Dennis tries to claim Dee is his handicapped sister to get welfare, and Mac is jealous that he wasn’t abused by his gym teacher. The realistic banter between the characters is what keeps the humor light and prevents it from being completely offensive. Having said that, if any one of these issues is a red button for you, you might want to stay away.

The three-disc set contains all 17 episodes from the first two seasons. Disc One has: “The Gang Gets Racist,” “Charlie Wants an Abortion,” “Underage Drinking,” “Charlie has Cancer,” “Gun Fever,” “The Gang Finds a Dead Guy,” and “Charlie Got Molested.”

Disc Two has: “Charlie Gets Crippled,” “The Gang goes Jihad,” “The Gang vies Back,” “Dennis and Dee go on Welfare,” “Mac Bangs Dennis’ Mom,” and “The Gang runs for Office.”

Lastly, Disc Three has: “Hundred Dollar Baby,” “Charlie Goes America All Over Everybody’s Ass,” “The Gang Exploits a Miracle,” and “Dennis and Dee Get a new Dad.”

The DVD

The video is presented in 1.33:1 Full Frame. Shot digitally, the picture has a slight gritty look to it, but remains crisp throughout.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Surround with English/Spanish/French subtitles. Dialogue is the key to the show and it comes through beautifully.

The Extras

Commentary is offered on “Mac Bangs Dennis’ Mom” and “Hundred Dollar baby.” The tracks are very light in nature, offering tidbits of information while joking around with set anecdotes, etc.

“Sunny Side Up” is a 17-minute featurette with interviews from the cast and crew about the genesis of the series. It also features standard general EPK discussion on the plot and characters.

“Kaitlin Audition” is a 6-minute look at Kaitlin Olson’s audition and the reason behind the scene chosen for her.

“Fox Movie Channel Presents Making a Scene” is a 9-minute piece on the production of the second season.

Lastly, two extra scenes and a 4-minute Outtake reel are offered.

Final Thoughts

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 1 & 2 certainly hits the mark. With so many comedies out there it can be tough to choose. I would say to give this one a rental before committing to a purchase. – Jeff Ritchie