Release Date: January 22nd, 2008
Running Time: 330 minutes

The Show

I don’t understand how people can continue to watch a reality series for multiple seasons. With few exceptions, every season follows exactly the same formula. The Girls Next Door: Season Three has lost its charm and simply reminds you that Hugh Hefner is far more successful than you will ever be, and has a lot more fun.

The Girls Next Door is a show about Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and his three main ladies: Holly, Bridget, and Kendra. With no real direction, the show simply shows us what goes on in their lives on a daily basis. For the first season this was quite a novelty; who hasn’t wondered what happens in the mansion? However, entering a third season you’ll find that nothing has really changed and it all comes off as, well, boring. You will already be familiar with the different personalities of the ladies and their goals if you’ve watched the previous seasons, so what more do you want? It’s not like the show is going to suddenly turn into exciting porn–it is what it is. The girls go around doing minor celebrity appearances and activities, taking part in luxuries that most people will never enjoy. This may be a revelation to some people, but why not go out and enjoy your own life instead of sitting back wishing you had Hef’s?

Despite my dislike for the continuing series, I can’t say a bad word about Hef. He is portrayed in a very positive light, is a talented businessman, and genuinely cares for his ladies.

The DVD

The video is presented in 1.33:1 Full Frame. The transfer is very pretty, featuring a very high level of detail, gorgeous colors, and a clean print. Grain does occasionally show up, but for the most part it is smooth sailing.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital Stereo with English/Spanish subtitles. There aren’t really any moments of panning effects or ambiance. It is a simple, television stereo track that offers a balanced mix and clear dialogue.

The Extras

“Bedtime Stories: The Best of The Girls Next Door” is a 50-minute segment with Hef and his ladies watching and commenting on clips from the show. It is far from tantalizing.

Commentary is offered on every episode with the girls. Reality commentary is actually pretty good because it offers them a chance to explain more about what you are seeing, so you get a feeling of what is “real” and what is “reality.”

Deleted/Extended scenes are available as well.

Final Thoughts

The Girls Next Door: Season Three is just more of the same, which is simultaneously a success and the kiss of death for a reality series.