| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Save now on popular classic TV favorites such as Charlies Angels, Sanford and Son, Soap and many more. Offer ends May 31, 2013. |
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Special Features
- 13 episodes on 2 discs
- Commentary on 3 episodes by creator Mitchell Hurwitz and the actors
- 19 deleted and extended scenes
- Blooper reel
- "The Last Day on Location" featurette
Watch Free Previews and Buy Episodes from Amazon Instant Video (Learn More)
| Arrested Development Season 3 | - Available Formats |
|
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Arrested Development--one of the greatest comedies in the history of television--went out in a blaze of glory. The truncated final season packed more biting humor per minute than ever before. In only 13 episodes, dozens of intertwining storylines spun in all directions: In addition to the overarching story about the fractious infighting of the Bluth family and the family's housing development company being investigated for treason in Iraq (a plot arc that comes to a dazzlingly surreal conclusion), the put-upon "good son" Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman, Teen Wolf Too) pursues romance with a lovely British woman (Charlize Theron, Monster) who turns out to be woefully inappropriate; swaggering magician Gob (Will Arnett, Monster-In-Law) flees from his newly-discovered teenage son while still pandering for the affection of his self-absorbed father (Jeffrey Tambor, The Larry Sanders Show); flighty Lindsay (Portia de Rossi, Ally McBeal) and her sexually blurry husband Tobias (David Cross, Mr. Show) both get the hots for the family's new lawyer, Bob Loblaw (Scott Baio, Charles in Charge); and much, much more. It's difficult to describe what makes Arrested Development so brilliant. The ensemble is uniformly superb (Jessica Walter, as the family's boozing, scheming matriarch, is particularly devastating this season) and the surprising guest stars (including Andy Richter, James Lipton, Justine Bateman, and many others) are perfectly cast; the characters' abominable behavior defies conventional television notions of "likability", yet they only grow more endearing the more you watch; the humor embraces wild slapstick and sharp satire, often within a single scene; and the nimble documentary style allows for sly glancing references to jokes and scenes from long-past episodes, rewarding devoted fans. But the key is that, no matter how screwball Arrested Development becomes, the show offers a rich, textured, and wonderfully coherent world in which these characters feel genuine, a world completely unlike the flat, plastic simulacrum offered by the average sitcom. Arrested Development was true to itself to the end. Its followers will cherish it forever. --Bret Fetzer
Stills from The Third Season of Arrested Development (click for larger image)
 |  |
 |  |
Product Description
In this Emmy®-winning comedy's hilarious third season, Michael Bluth finally realizes that it's his Uncle Oscar serving time in prison, not his father. Reluctant to spring Oscar due to the effect it may have on the family business, Michael decides that the only fair thing to do is to find his father and place him under house arrest. Yet once found, George Sr. insists he was tricked into working with the Iraqis, leaving Michael no choice but to investigate his father's outrageous claim. But it isn't until Michael and Buster go to Iraq on a rescue mission to save Gob that the depth of the devious plot is revealed...and Michael learns which family member is the real brains behind all the madness.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
268 of 291 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Development Of One Of Television's Greatest Comedies Has Been Arrested (Maybe); FOX Made A Huge Mistake
March 10, 2006
Format:DVD
Unfortunately, I didn't get into Arrested Development until late in its second season. However, I was immediately hooked. I could see that it was a completely new kind of show, and far from your average sitcom. It's one of the few comedy series I've seen that is serialized, meaning that events of one episode carry over into the next episode. Also, it is probably the only comedy I know that, in addition to constantly referencing past jokes, it actually references FUTURE jokes! The show is done without a laugh track and is shot as a documentary, so the characters in the show sometimes react to the camera, and the camera sometimes reactions to situations in the show.
The second season ended brilliantly with George Bluth, Sr. (Jeffry Tambor) fooling authorities into arresting and incarcerating his twin brother Oscar (also Tambor). George's children Michael (Jason Bateman), GOB (Will Arnet), Lindsay (Portia de Rossi), and Buster (Tony Hale) vowed not to visit their "father" in prison for a few months so that he couldn't manipulate him. Meanwhile, Lindsay's husband Tobias (David Cross) left for Vegas with George Sr's secretary Kitty (Judy Greer) to join the Blue Man Group. Also, cousins George Michael (Michael Cera) and Maeby (Alia Shawkat) shared their first passionate kiss. Season three starts off Michael going to prison to visit his "father" for the first time in 3 months to tell him that the Bluth Developing Company is bouncing back. While there, he realizes that it is really Oscar behind bars, so he takes his son George Michael on a hunt for the real George Sr. Upon finding him, the government allows George Sr. to remain under house arrest so that he can reconnect with his wife Lucille (Jessica Walter). George immediately regrets the decision. Meanwhile, GOB is unknowingly reunited with his illegitimate son Steve Holt (Justin Grant Wade), a classmate of George Michael and Maeby who began searching for his father in the previous year after GOB made fun of him for not having a father (IRONY!). This starts a great arc involving GOB and Steve who are the perfect duo until GOB realizes who Steve really is.
Soon, Michael starts dating a British woman named Rita (Charlize Theron) whom he meets while investigating his father's claim that a British building company set him up to take the fall for building some houses in Iraq. As Michael's relationship with Rita develops, we learn that there may be more to her than she is saying, especially since her creepy "uncle" Trevor (Dave Thomas) follows the couple around everywhere.
As the season develops, viewers finally find out the (most probable) cause of death for Michael's late wife Tracy, Tobias gets hair plugs, which nearly kill him, J. Walter Weatherman (Steve Ryan) makes his triumphant return, and one of the greatest "gimmick" episodes of televions ever is created. The episode S.O.B.s, which stands for Save Our Bluths, is a parody of the various gimmicks that television shows use to get more ratings. There are numerous guest stars, most of whom are only on-screen for about a second, numerous references to the much-more-popular Desperate Housewives, a live segment, some 3D segments, and even a death! In the commercial for the episode right before it aired (which is fortunately included in the set, because it adds humor to the episode and not seeing it would make one of the Narrator's lines a little confusing), announcers said that "one of these characters would die", and there was a quick montage of most of the main characters and a few side characters. Turns out that the person who died was introduced in that episode and may not have even had a line of dialogue. Also, a lot of fans were hoping that HBO or Showtime would pick the show up, and there were allusions to that speculation in the episode.
The last four episodes of the season may be some of the best in the show's history. Featuring guest stars such as Judge Reinhold, William Hung (in probably his greatest use ever), Justine Bateman (Jason's sister), Richard Belzer (playing his Detective John Munch character), and Ron Howard, making his first on-screen appearance on the show, we finally find out the truth about George Sr's crimes, and Annyong Bluth (Justin Lee) delivers one of the finest twists imaginable.
While the season started off a little slow, it became amazing, and, despite it's brevity, may be the best season of the show. Every episode from "The Ocean Walker" to "Harboring Resentment" (also known as "Development Arrested") were pure gold. The show's writers are all geniuses. I don't know where some of the jokes were coming from, but they sure know how to come up with some hilariously bizarre situations. The year, in addition to coming up with great new jokes, expanded a lot on past jokes. One of my favorites was that GOB's puppet Franklin became an actual character in a sense, as opposed to a gag. Franklin even has his own fanbase now (I'm one of them). Unfortunately, due to the fact that the season was cut down to 13 episodes, there were plenty of things that the writers weren't able to do. In the season premiere, there allusions to Buster getting a new hand, after losing it to a seal last year (pay attention to the scene when GOB and Steve Holt meet up for the first time).
After all three seasons of unsuccessful ratings, FOX finally killed the show. While I am very upset, I guess I have to hand it to FOX for sticking with the show for so long (from a ratings stand-point, it should have been killed after season 1). They believed in its greatness enough to give it so many chances (oddly, they didn't really advertise for it, which probably hurt the ratings), and at least it went out still at the top of its game. There are still rumors going around that Showtime is planning on picking it up, so we may yet see some more of this great show. If not though, at least the writers tied up all the loose ends and even hinted at a possible movie. If you've never seen Arrested Development, it is beyond worth checking out. It is my favorite comedy show of all time, surpassing even mainstream hits like The Simpsons and Seinfeld as well as the quirky and underrated Scrubs. You will not regret buying this set.
The second season ended brilliantly with George Bluth, Sr. (Jeffry Tambor) fooling authorities into arresting and incarcerating his twin brother Oscar (also Tambor). George's children Michael (Jason Bateman), GOB (Will Arnet), Lindsay (Portia de Rossi), and Buster (Tony Hale) vowed not to visit their "father" in prison for a few months so that he couldn't manipulate him. Meanwhile, Lindsay's husband Tobias (David Cross) left for Vegas with George Sr's secretary Kitty (Judy Greer) to join the Blue Man Group. Also, cousins George Michael (Michael Cera) and Maeby (Alia Shawkat) shared their first passionate kiss. Season three starts off Michael going to prison to visit his "father" for the first time in 3 months to tell him that the Bluth Developing Company is bouncing back. While there, he realizes that it is really Oscar behind bars, so he takes his son George Michael on a hunt for the real George Sr. Upon finding him, the government allows George Sr. to remain under house arrest so that he can reconnect with his wife Lucille (Jessica Walter). George immediately regrets the decision. Meanwhile, GOB is unknowingly reunited with his illegitimate son Steve Holt (Justin Grant Wade), a classmate of George Michael and Maeby who began searching for his father in the previous year after GOB made fun of him for not having a father (IRONY!). This starts a great arc involving GOB and Steve who are the perfect duo until GOB realizes who Steve really is.
Soon, Michael starts dating a British woman named Rita (Charlize Theron) whom he meets while investigating his father's claim that a British building company set him up to take the fall for building some houses in Iraq. As Michael's relationship with Rita develops, we learn that there may be more to her than she is saying, especially since her creepy "uncle" Trevor (Dave Thomas) follows the couple around everywhere.
As the season develops, viewers finally find out the (most probable) cause of death for Michael's late wife Tracy, Tobias gets hair plugs, which nearly kill him, J. Walter Weatherman (Steve Ryan) makes his triumphant return, and one of the greatest "gimmick" episodes of televions ever is created. The episode S.O.B.s, which stands for Save Our Bluths, is a parody of the various gimmicks that television shows use to get more ratings. There are numerous guest stars, most of whom are only on-screen for about a second, numerous references to the much-more-popular Desperate Housewives, a live segment, some 3D segments, and even a death! In the commercial for the episode right before it aired (which is fortunately included in the set, because it adds humor to the episode and not seeing it would make one of the Narrator's lines a little confusing), announcers said that "one of these characters would die", and there was a quick montage of most of the main characters and a few side characters. Turns out that the person who died was introduced in that episode and may not have even had a line of dialogue. Also, a lot of fans were hoping that HBO or Showtime would pick the show up, and there were allusions to that speculation in the episode.
The last four episodes of the season may be some of the best in the show's history. Featuring guest stars such as Judge Reinhold, William Hung (in probably his greatest use ever), Justine Bateman (Jason's sister), Richard Belzer (playing his Detective John Munch character), and Ron Howard, making his first on-screen appearance on the show, we finally find out the truth about George Sr's crimes, and Annyong Bluth (Justin Lee) delivers one of the finest twists imaginable.
While the season started off a little slow, it became amazing, and, despite it's brevity, may be the best season of the show. Every episode from "The Ocean Walker" to "Harboring Resentment" (also known as "Development Arrested") were pure gold. The show's writers are all geniuses. I don't know where some of the jokes were coming from, but they sure know how to come up with some hilariously bizarre situations. The year, in addition to coming up with great new jokes, expanded a lot on past jokes. One of my favorites was that GOB's puppet Franklin became an actual character in a sense, as opposed to a gag. Franklin even has his own fanbase now (I'm one of them). Unfortunately, due to the fact that the season was cut down to 13 episodes, there were plenty of things that the writers weren't able to do. In the season premiere, there allusions to Buster getting a new hand, after losing it to a seal last year (pay attention to the scene when GOB and Steve Holt meet up for the first time).
After all three seasons of unsuccessful ratings, FOX finally killed the show. While I am very upset, I guess I have to hand it to FOX for sticking with the show for so long (from a ratings stand-point, it should have been killed after season 1). They believed in its greatness enough to give it so many chances (oddly, they didn't really advertise for it, which probably hurt the ratings), and at least it went out still at the top of its game. There are still rumors going around that Showtime is planning on picking it up, so we may yet see some more of this great show. If not though, at least the writers tied up all the loose ends and even hinted at a possible movie. If you've never seen Arrested Development, it is beyond worth checking out. It is my favorite comedy show of all time, surpassing even mainstream hits like The Simpsons and Seinfeld as well as the quirky and underrated Scrubs. You will not regret buying this set.
77 of 86 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
DVDs were pretty much invented so those few ARRESTED... fans could enjoy their favorite show over and over. What a brilliant series!!! Thank God I can watch it again. In Season 3, Fox moved this show around so many times, I had trouble taping all of them on my old-school VCR (although I'm sure glad I got the last 4 episodes, even though Fox buried them next to the opening ceremony of the Olympics and then didn't advertise them). BUT, you fans out there know how great it is to have them on DVD.
Season 3 was stellar. I've read a little griping that the quality slipped a little...okay, maybe from A+++ to A+. Still pretty darn good. The only story line that tired me a little bit was the stuff with Charlize Theron. She's a decent actress, but I found her British accent unconvincing, and I thought the story line went on too long.
Other than that, I've got no complaints. The episode where George Michael ends up in a retro looking flying jetpack, and flies over a miniature model home park while crashing into Tobias dressed in a monster costume was so funny I wept. No joke. I did not think it was possible to find 30 seconds of TV so funny. We watched it over and over.
The final four episodes, when the story finally wrapped itself up pretty well, include wonderful trips to Iraq, fantastic guest appearances (including a very nice turn from Justine Bateman) and crisp, crisp acting all around.
It's almost futile to describe the show. If you haven't seen it, you MUST watch it, but you must start with Disc 1. My family and I have had ARRESTED marathons...when Season 1 came out, we watched in one day, and later the same with Season 2. I know season 3 will be the same. They fly by, and you can see all the many little jokes you missed the first time, mostly because you were too busy laughing at the other jokes. This is NOT an exaggeration...the show is that packed with energy.
Yes, it is a shame to see it go. I'll miss all the incredibly talented cast and characters. But in some ways, it might be a blessing. I can only imagine the creative and logistical effort that went into it...how could that be sustained? And even though Fox kinda gave up on it mid season...they DID promote it a lot before then. And magazines raved about it. And it cleaned up award after award. But people didn't tune in...you can't blame Fox for cutting its losses (although WHY "The War at Home" or "Stacked" lasted more than 2 episodes each I don't know). Remember, Fox has stuck by "Malcolm in the Middle" and "King of the Hill" for many years past when their ratings dropped. Overall, I can't be too upset with them.
I'd sure feel different, though, if ARRESTED wasn't out on DVD!! This is a MUST OWN if there ever was such a thing!! SEE IT!!!!
Season 3 was stellar. I've read a little griping that the quality slipped a little...okay, maybe from A+++ to A+. Still pretty darn good. The only story line that tired me a little bit was the stuff with Charlize Theron. She's a decent actress, but I found her British accent unconvincing, and I thought the story line went on too long.
Other than that, I've got no complaints. The episode where George Michael ends up in a retro looking flying jetpack, and flies over a miniature model home park while crashing into Tobias dressed in a monster costume was so funny I wept. No joke. I did not think it was possible to find 30 seconds of TV so funny. We watched it over and over.
The final four episodes, when the story finally wrapped itself up pretty well, include wonderful trips to Iraq, fantastic guest appearances (including a very nice turn from Justine Bateman) and crisp, crisp acting all around.
It's almost futile to describe the show. If you haven't seen it, you MUST watch it, but you must start with Disc 1. My family and I have had ARRESTED marathons...when Season 1 came out, we watched in one day, and later the same with Season 2. I know season 3 will be the same. They fly by, and you can see all the many little jokes you missed the first time, mostly because you were too busy laughing at the other jokes. This is NOT an exaggeration...the show is that packed with energy.
Yes, it is a shame to see it go. I'll miss all the incredibly talented cast and characters. But in some ways, it might be a blessing. I can only imagine the creative and logistical effort that went into it...how could that be sustained? And even though Fox kinda gave up on it mid season...they DID promote it a lot before then. And magazines raved about it. And it cleaned up award after award. But people didn't tune in...you can't blame Fox for cutting its losses (although WHY "The War at Home" or "Stacked" lasted more than 2 episodes each I don't know). Remember, Fox has stuck by "Malcolm in the Middle" and "King of the Hill" for many years past when their ratings dropped. Overall, I can't be too upset with them.
I'd sure feel different, though, if ARRESTED wasn't out on DVD!! This is a MUST OWN if there ever was such a thing!! SEE IT!!!!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By Crag Talent
Format:DVD
Those words are uttered almost every time I watch TV by myself or someone I'm with. It is fairly mind boggling that such a brillant comedy, with a great cast and tons of awards, could get kicked off the air... but it is utterly mind boggling how many horrible trashy sitcoms get to stay on the networks while the millons of AD fans are left with only three seasons.
Oh well, c'est la vie. At least we have DVDs to watch.
And AD is particularly suited to the DVD format as it is both highly narrative (for a sitcom) and highly self-referential. There are strong plot arcs that make you want to watch shows back to back and, more importantly, there are tons and tons of jokes that you will only get from repeated viewings. The self-referential humor (for example, how the house has blue handprints on the walls for the rest of the season after Tobias tries out for the Blue Man Group one episode) is just an example of the depth of comedy at work. Like The Big Lebowski or Mr. Show, this is comedy made to be watched again and again.
For fans of great comedy in general, Arrested Development is also exciting for its many great guest actors from other brillant comedies (including Upright Citizens Brigade, Seinfeld, Mr. Show and The Daily Show).
There really isn't enough that can be said about this show. But it and just watch.
Oh well, c'est la vie. At least we have DVDs to watch.
And AD is particularly suited to the DVD format as it is both highly narrative (for a sitcom) and highly self-referential. There are strong plot arcs that make you want to watch shows back to back and, more importantly, there are tons and tons of jokes that you will only get from repeated viewings. The self-referential humor (for example, how the house has blue handprints on the walls for the rest of the season after Tobias tries out for the Blue Man Group one episode) is just an example of the depth of comedy at work. Like The Big Lebowski or Mr. Show, this is comedy made to be watched again and again.
For fans of great comedy in general, Arrested Development is also exciting for its many great guest actors from other brillant comedies (including Upright Citizens Brigade, Seinfeld, Mr. Show and The Daily Show).
There really isn't enough that can be said about this show. But it and just watch.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funniest show I've ever seen
Makes me sad it was canceled after only 3 seasons. If only I had known back then. The writing is brilliant and the characters are each hilarious.
Published 1 day ago by TJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
love it!
what a clever show -- i am glad netflix produced season 4! it is too bad it there is not a season 5 under production.
Published 1 day ago by Zatarra
5.0 out of 5 stars
So entertaining!
I would recommend this series to anyone who loves to laugh at family craziness. Can't wait for Season 4 to start up.
Published 3 days ago by JCoss
5.0 out of 5 stars
Funny and fun!
I loved watching all three seasons of Arrested Development! Each quick 23 minute commercial-free episode stands on its own but you'd catch the details better if you marathon it. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Rhoda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best show ever
Of course I watched this show streaming on amazon, it is fantastic and free for Prime and in HD. Easy decision.
Published 5 days ago by Adam B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome show!
One of the funniest shows out there. I'm so sad it's no longer on t.v. I love watching these episodes!
Published 5 days ago by lauren lovett
4.0 out of 5 stars
funny show
I like this show because it's light, funny and I don't have to give it much thought. I can check email, etc. while watching and not miss much. Read more
Published 6 days ago by SweetMamaB
5.0 out of 5 stars
ridiculousness in a good way
completely hilarious great show from the first episode to the last. wish they wouldve kept this show around a few more seasons.
Published 6 days ago by George kr tims
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quirky Documentary Comedy
This show originally came out when I was younger (preteen) so most of the jokes went over my head. I've recently rewatched it and it is hilarious. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Manda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just a Great Comedy
I always thought it was a shame that this show never got the popularity I thought it deserved while it was on the air. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Abeless
Look for Similar Items by Category
|
