Release Date: December 18th, 2007
Running Time: 87 minutes

The Film

How do you take a half-hour comedy show that has been a worldwide icon for twenty years and turn it into a feature-length film that meets all expectations? Simple, you wait the twenty years, bring back heavy-hitter writers, and put all your blood, sweat, and tears into it. The Simpsons Movie defies the odds and gets everything right in what is the best comedy of 2007.

Having been on for so long, The Simpsons has evolved its storytelling techniques over the years. They have shied away from more serious, full episode plots and now focus on confluence of events that lead to each new scene. The Simpsons Movie follows a similar path. The first thirty minutes or so is full of non-stop, constant laughs coming at you from all angles. Homer and Bart are up to their usual shenanigans until Homer rescues a pig and takes it home. Meanwhile Springfield has become environmentally conscious after Lisa brought attention to the hideous state of Lake Springfield. Not surprisingly, it is Homer who puts the axe in Lake Springfield after he dumps an entire silo of pig manure in it. This prompts the EPA to put a gigantic dome over Springfield, secluding it from the rest of the world. The Simpsons manage to escape the dome, but what will be the fate of their beloved town?

There is so much to like in the film. From the opening moments when the aspect ratio literally pushes from full frame to widescreen to celebrate the affair, I was hooked. The plot is far more epic in scale than any episode and the whole affair feels much more streamlined than the Family Guy or Futurama movies (as it should considering it got a theatrical release). The voice actors deliver the best performances of their careers, especially Julie Kavner as Marge. The animation has also been bolstered with fluid effects and a style we have never seen.

Forget the naysayers, it is impossible to please everyone. Some people were expecting the holy grail of cinema and were disappointed when they instead received an extraordinary 90 minutes of trademark Simpsons humor. Do yourself a favor, allow yourself to enjoy the movie. Don’t look for ways to complain about it like the fanboys. Just put aside any preconceived notions you have about what a Simpsons movie should be and I guarantee, guarantee, you will enjoy it.

The DVD

The video is presented in 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen. This looks like a gorgeous episode, with rich colors and no digital or print problems. The Simpsons have never looked this good.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 Surround Sound and Spanish/French Dolby Stereo Surround with English/Spanish subtitles. A few key scenes utilize the whole sound stage with great success, but for the most part this is a front-loaded experience. Dialogue and music are crisp and balanced as well.

The Extras

This is the one area where I was disappointed.

Two commentary tracks are offered: one with Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, Al Jean, Yeardley Smith, Dan Castellaneta, Mike ScullyM and David Silverman; and the other with David Silverman, Rich Moore, Steven Dean Moore and Mike Anderson. Both tracks, particularly the first, are incredible commentaries. Having done commentary on every episode, these guys have nailed it the proper balance of humor and hardcore information. I prefer documentaries to commentaries, but these are still a humongous source of information.

Seven Deleted Scenes are offered, but none are that great.

The “Special Stuff” sections contains short Simpsons appearances on Leno and American Idol as well as a spoof of the vintage “Let’s All Go To The Lobby” ad.

For a film that grossed hundreds of millions of dollars, this is a very slim offering of special features. I smell a Special Edition in the works.

Final Thoughts

Even with the lack of substantial special features, The Simpsons Movie is a must-own DVD and one of the best films of 2007.