Customer Reviews

Family Guy, Vol. 2 (With Bonus T-Shirt and DVD)

5 star:		(225)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

It is an unfortunate fact that in the politically correct age we live in that edgy comedy is categorized as offensive when it is really just being silly. That is exactly what happened to "Family Guy" a series that laid siege to every one of our sacred cows (religion, sex, violence, race relations, etc.), but did so in such a matter of fact manner, I find it hard to believe that anyone could have taken issue with it. Nonetheless, the series is no more; fortunately, we have the DVD compilations featuring every episode in its uncut hilariousness.

Season Three comprises twenty-one episodes, one of which was never aired on television. Actually, "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein" exemplifies my point about political correctness, as its silly, even complimentary view of Judaism could offend only the most supremely sensitive person. But enough with the negative, as there are some genuinely hilarious episodes on these discs. Moreover, since Fox aired them somewhat sporadically during the final season, it's likely there are one or two episodes that will be new to the viewer. For example, I had never seen "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas" or "Road to Europe" both of which feature some of the best parody in the set. Other highlights include "A Fish Out of Water" which features a spectacularly fat Peter, "To Love and Die in Dixie" which is the best "Family Guy" tribute to a TV series with its "Dukes of Hazard" inspired storyline, and "Family Guy Viewer Mail #1" which features three shorts that abandon all pretense of a basis in reality and produce some the best sight gags ever seen during the show's run.

That said, anyone who buys this set probably already knows how funny this show is, but what makes this collection really impressive is the quality of the extras. First off is the packaging itself which features an episode guide on the back of each case, which makes it easy to find that specific episode you're looking for. Or, if you've got more time, the ability to play every episode on the disc consecutively is a great feature. In addition, the commentary which is available on five of the episodes ranges from informative to hysterical. However, the true highlights are to be found on Disc 3, which contains animatics (pencil drawings) of several deleted scenes, complete with dialogue. These are nice not only because they contain new material, but also because they offer some insight into how the episodes evolved into their finished form. Next are two short documentaries, which offer a funny, interesting look into the series' development, the voice talent, how the characters evolved, and ultimately, why the show didn't last. Finally, there is the "Family Guy" pilot that was pitched to the network; again it's interesting to see how these relatively crudely drawn (but well voiced) characters evolved into the show that become such a cult hit.

Ultimately, if you are a big fan of the show, you need this collection, and nothing I say here is going to make you more likely to buy it. However, if you're sitting on the fence, I can't emphasize enough what a great show "Family Guy" is. It is literally funnier than anything on TV today, and over time, I expect it will be even more broadly appreciated for its comic genius. If you want to laugh until it hurts, and aren't offended by humor on the edge, this is definitely a show for you. Finally, I would just like to point out that Seth MacFarlane alludes to a line written for Stewie in an episode that never aired, so let's all hope that there may be yet more to come!

Enjoy!

Jake Mohlman

I have all the Simpsons series DVD releases as well as King of the Hill, South Park and, heck, even God, the Devil and Bob. The DVDs I play the most, though, are Family Guy. Every time I watch them, I appreciate something new. There are absolute absurd moments like when Peter is in the soundproof box so he can ignore Brian in "Screwed the Pooch" or when a hurricane blows away Asian reporter Trisha Takwanawa in "One if by Clam, Two if By Sea," hilarious lines like Peter proudly announcing that he's invited to a "polio" match with Lois' father, or sailors singing in Stewie's fantasy that he's "a worldclass poof" in "The Thin White Line," and cool references like Richard Simmons' `Sweatin' to Books on Tape' or Peter painting his car like the General Lee in "To Live & Die in Dixie" and then forgetting to roll the window down when Brian attempts to jump in like Luke Duke. There is just too much good stuff to mention. That is why these episodes do not get old. Contrary to what a previous review wrote, you CANNOT watch these episodes once. Now here's what you get:

Disc 1:
The Thin White Line: A listless Brian gets a job as a police dog due to his uncanny ability to sniff out drugs. Actually, he becomes too good at his job and ends up at a rehab clinic where Peter decides to join him: "I'm on vacation. Oh, and if they ask, I'm also on smack."
Brian Does Hollywood: The second part of Thin White Line. Brian goes to LA to find his calling and ends up directing porn. His flamboyant cousin Jasper is hilarious.
Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington: Peter's employer is taken over by a cigarette conglomerate and they make him president of the company. Includes an "appearance" by Martha Stewart.
One if by Clam, Two if By Sea: The Brits get it in this episode when they turn the Drunken Clam into a British pub. Great Peter line: "We kicked your ass in WWII & we can do it again."
And the Wiener Is: Peter brags about being better than his son at everything, until he sees Chris' extra large manhood.
Death Lives: Peter has Lois go on a scavenger hunt for their wedding anniversary so he can go golfing (great idea!). Features a return of "Death."
Lethal Weapons: Lois fears her karate is bringing violence into her home which is a different take from the usual husband is jealous when his wife kicks someone's butt for him storyline.
The Kiss Seen Around the World: Meg becomes an intern at the news station alongside nerdy Neil Goldman. The "phony"guy was way over used in this one.

Disc 2:
Mr. Saturday Knight: With Mr. Weed dead and the toy factory destroyed per his will, Peter pursues his dream of being a jouster at the Renaissance fair. Includes a reference to the Electric Company and Peter as a prostitute is hilarious.
A Fish Out of Water: Peter becomes a fisherman and must kill a legendary man-eating fish to pay off a loan.
Emission Impossible: One of my favorites. Lois & Peter want to have another baby and Stewie sets out to spoil their plans.
To Live & Die in Dixie: Chris identifies a convenience store robber and the family is put in the witness protection program in the Deep South where Chris finds a girlfriend and Stewie discovers a hankering for bluegrass.
Screwed the Pooch: Hilarious episode! Brian impregnates Lois' father's prized race dog and Peter must choose between his best friend and the newly established tolerance his father-in-law shows towards him.
Peter Griffin: Husband, Father...Brother?: Another favorite. Peter discovers a black ancestor who was enslaved by Lois' family and tries to get in touch with his black roots.
Ready, Willing, and Disabled: Joe loses a robber and contemplates leaving the police force until Peter convinces him to enter the Special Person's Games and, like with South Park's take, steroids enter the picture. Great reference to `Touched By an Angel' ("Now where did the angel touch you.").
A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas: After several unfortunate events, Lois goes off the deep end. Hey, let's see an entire KISS Saves Santa!

Disc 3:
Brian Wallows and Peter Swallows: As part of his community service, Brian takes care of a mean old hag who ends up having a lot in common with him. This episode is almost touching.
From Method to Madness: The Griffins meet up with a nudist family.
Stuck Together, Torn Apart: Peter's jealousy almost ends his marriage while Stewie and Brian are glued together.
Road to Europe: Stewie is mesmerized by a public television children's show and sets off to England to join it. Meanwhile, Lois and Peter go to Kisstock and Peter is appalled (as would any KISS fan) that Lois does know the words to "Rock and Roll All Nite."
Family Guy Viewer Mail #1: Here's hoping there will be a #2. Three tales about Peter becoming a gelatinous blob (its hard to tell the difference...just kidding), the Griffins having superhuman abilities and a "Little Rascals" take-off.
When You Wish Upon a Weinstein: Controversial, never-aired episode where Peter hopes to make his son Jewish so he will be successful.

It's just.. wow. Sometimes I'm amazed this show was aired, but I#m even more saddened that it was canceled. This show has an edge. It's politically incorrect humor at its best. With almost every episode, I would think "Oh my Goddess, he did NOT just say that!", and I would rewind it, and I would laugh.. This show picks on everyone... However, it does it with such an innocent smile and genuinely funny joke that it forces you to actually step back and laugh at yourself.

The show also has a way of saying things that will make your jaw drop, and then the conversation continues and what they said was totally innocent, relying on your own sick and dirty mind for the humor.

My only major complaint about this, which also holds true of the first boxed set, is the quality of the mpeg encoding. One would think that since the image is animated, with thick black lines and almost-no to no shading, they could have used a better encoding rate and the file size would still be small. As it is, if there is too much movement on the screen, and sometimes I don't know what triggers it, the image will "stutter".

If you are easily offended, just stay away from this show. If you can laugh at yourself (no matter what group you're in, they'll find a way to make fun of you), you'll like this show.

Stewie and Brian are my heros.

While cutting-edge comedy shows like "All in the Family," "Sanford and Son," heck even "Soap" -- couldn't make it to tv today because of their lack of political correctness, Fox quietly put on a show called "Family Guy", which is perhaps the funnies animated series in the history of television. With sarcastic wit, quick writing full of innuendo and dead-on pop culture references (or jabs), this show about the Griffin family -- dimwitted Peter, forgiving Lois, and their children: butch Meg, chunky Chris, and James-Bond-villain-in-diapers Stewie -- made millions of happy viewers fall off their sofas with laughter every week. But Fox caved a bit to the pressure of conservatives, who found the show distasteful, and began juggling the show or skipping weeks without showing an episode, until even the most die-hard fan couldn't find it in their TV Guide. Thankfully, this "Simpsons"-style-as-it-used-to-be-funny show has found its niche on Cartoon Network -- and every episode (including the never-aired, hilarious -- and Emmy-worthy -- "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein") is now available on DVD. Like the aformentioned "Simpsons" in its early days, "Family Guy" was never truly offensive because it offended everyone: Jews, Mormans, Catholics, Protestants, gays and lesbians, Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians, politicians, the rich, rednecks, the disabled, Margot Kidder, Martha Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld, William Shatner, The Pope, Britney Spears, 'N' Sync, the porn industry, the tobacco business, Kool-Aid, Raisin Bran, Mentos, "That Girl", "The Dick Van Dyke Show", "One Day at a Time", "60 Minutes" -- for real, NOTHING and NO ONE was out of bounds for this show. Which is why it was so brilliant, so funny -- and so tragic a loss when Fox wussed out and finally took it off the air.

But thanks to DVD, all the episodes are available, thank God. Easily one of the best-written, best-acted, and funniest shows the idiot box ever played in my home. And, thanks to DVD, forever will.

Disc 1:
The Thin White Line: Brian becomes addicted to cocaine after joining the police force.

Brian Does Hollywood: Continuation of the previous episode.
Brian goes to Hollywood to become a writer, only to be given a job as a director... of adult films.

Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington: The Happy-Go-Lucky Toy Company is bought out by a cigarette company that makes Peter the President and sends him to Washington as a tobacco lobbyist. Marth Stewart lets one rip in this one. Quite humorous.

One if by Clam, Two if By Sea: The Drunken Clam is bought out by a British man and Peter and the guys are arrested for arsen.

And the Wiener Is: Peter's manhood is questioned when he finds out Chris has a larger member than he does.

Death Lives: Peter goes golfing on his anniversary and is visited by Death after being struck by lightning. Guest star Peter Frampton.

Lethal Weapons: Lois feels like Peter doesn't respect her, and begins to take karate lessons, where she becomes quite adept at kicking the crap out of people.

The Kiss Seen Around the World: Meg and Neil Goldman become TV news interns for Tom Tucker and Diane Simmons. The two share their first kiss, and we find out Peter is a great big phony.

Disc 2:
Mr. Saturday Knight: Mr. Weed dies after choking on a dinner roll at the Griffin house and Peter realizes his dream of becoming a jouster. Mort Goldman appears in one of his greates performances and Will Ferrell and his yellow Hyundai guest star.

A Fish Out of Water: Peter becomes a fisherman and goes on a quest to find a legendary fish in order to collect the reward.

Emission Impossible: One of my top 10. Peter and Lois decide to have another baby, leaving Stewie to attempt to stop them from conceiving.

To Live & Die in Dixie: Probably my favorite episode of all time. Chris witnesses a crime, and after the criminal escapes prison, the family is relocated to the deep south by the FBI. Chris kisses... someone, Meg becomes popular with the hicks at school, and Stewie becomes a banjo player. I GOT BLISTERS ON ME FINGERS!!

Screwed the Pooch: Brian is having trouble controlling his inner urges and during a family trip to Lois' parents' house, he ends up impregnating Carter's prize greyhound.

Peter Griffin: Husband, Father...Brother?: Peter not only finds out he has a black ancestor, but that the ancestor was a slave owned by Lois' family! Hilarity ensues.

Ready, Willing, and Disabled: A perp escapes Joe, leaving him depressed. Peter gets him to join the special people's olympics, but gives him steroids to help him compete.

A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas: Some unlucky events happen to the Griffins, driving Lois completely insane. KISS Saves Santa should really be a Christmas special.

Disc 3:
Brian Wallows and Peter Swallows: A depressed Brian is arrested for drunk driving and sentenced to community service. He takes care of an old woman who was a singer in the 50's. Peter on the other hand grows a beard which becomes a bird's nest for some baby swallows. Heh heh heh... swallows.

From Method to Madness: Another one of my top 10. The Griffins befriend a nudist family and Stewie gets the acting bug. This episode contains the best one-liner in the entire series.

Stuck Together, Torn Apart: Peter and Lois have issues with jealosy and are advised to date other people. Lois ends up on a date with Quagmire while Peter ends up with Jennifer Love Hewitt. Meanwhile, Brian and Stewie's hands are glued together.

Road to Europe: Another top 10. Stewie becomes obsessed with the TV show, Jolly Farm Revue, and runs away to Europe to join the cast. Brian follows him and the two end up all over Europe. Meanwhile, Lois and Peter go to KISStock where Peter finds Lois is not the KISS fan he thought she was.

Family Guy Viewer Mail #1: Three stories of epic proportion. Not really, but still funny. Peter becomes a blob with no bones in one part, the Griffins get superpowers in the second, and the third is a parody of the Little Rascals. Quite funny.

When You Wish Upon a Weinstein: The only unaired episode. Peter wants to find a Jewish person to handle his money, and wants Chris to convert in order to become successful. So many Jewish jokes.... soooooooo many Jewish jokes.

Having first aired after the 1999 Super Bowl, Family Guy really hit its stride via cable re-runs and DVD sales (prompting Fox to announce the launch of Season 4 in May 2005, following the show's original cancellation following Season 3). An animated series building a similar cult following to The Simpsons and Futurama, Family Guy employs its own unique brand of humor distinct to its other animated peers...

Family Guy follows the life and exploits of Peter Griffin, an idiotic family man flanked by his intelligent and loving wife, Lois. The couple have two children - Chris (an overweight, mentally challenged teenage boy), Meg (a neurotic teenage girl with low self-esteem), and Stewie (a super-intelligent infant who believes his mother is his enemy). Together, the Griffins live with their human-like dog, Brian, in suburban Quahog, Rhode Island...

The Family Guy (Season 3) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere "The Thin White Line" in which Brian takes his therapist's advice and decides not to be so self-centered and to help others. Brian's new attitude leads to his employment as a drug-sniffing K-9 for the Quahog police force. But while on the job, Brian becomes addicted to cocaine, and while in rehab, he discovers that the Griffin family (and Peter in particular) are a bad influence on his life... Other notable episodes from Season 3 include "And the Wiener is..." in which Peter joins a gun club, and "Mr. Saturday Knight" in which Peter decides to follow his lifelong dream of becoming a knight with the traveling Renaissance Fair...

Below is a list of episodes included on the Family Guy (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 29 (The Thin White Line)
Episode 30 (Brian Does Hollywood)
Episode 31 (Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington)
Episode 32 (One If By Clam, Two If By Sea)
Episode 33 (And the Wiener is...)
Episode 34 (Death Lives)
Episode 35 (Lethal Weapons)
Episode 36 (The Kiss Seen Around the World)
Episode 37 (Mr. Saturday Knight)
Episode 38 (A Fish Out of Water)
Episode 39 (Emission Impossible)
Episode 40 (To Love and Die in Dixie)
Episode 41 (Screwed the Pooch)
Episode 42 (Peter Griffin: Husband, Father... Brother?)
Episode 43 (Ready, Willing, and Disabled)
Episode 44 (A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas)
Episode 45 (Brian Wallows and Peter's Swallows)
Episode 46 (From Method to Madness)
Episode 47 (Stuck Together, Torn Apart)
Episode 48 (Road to Europe)
Episode 49 (Family Guy Viewer Mail #1)
Episode 50 (When You Wish Upon a Weinstein)

The DVD Report

Hold on to your seat, kids! That whacky family is back in full form. The show that was too outrageous, too rude, too vulgar and too obscene for Fox to handle has a brand-spanking new volume set on DVD. "Family Guy: Volume Two" is out and about, ready to pollute your TV set at your command.

This Volume includes all 21 episodes (including one extra episode that was never aired!) from the third season. This is one hilarious show that is shameless and unapologetic. The satire is sharp and the humor is absolutely brilliant. This is no TV show for kiddies, of course. I actually find this more offensive than South Park, as the adult humor is a lot more hidden and subtle (I also think it's a lot funnier! Sorry, South Park). This is some of the funniest television I have seen since The Simpsons and Married with Children.

Here's the breakdown of which episodes appear on which disks:

Disk 1: "The Thin White Line," "Brian Goes to Hollywood," "Mr. Griffen Goes to Washington," "One if by Clam, Two if by Sea," "And the Wiener is," "Death Lives," "Lethal Weapons" and "The Kiss Seen Round the World."

Disk 2: "Mr. Saturday Knight," "A Fish Out of Water," "Emission Impossible," "To Love and Die in Dixie," "S------ the Pooch," "Peter Griffen: Husband, Father... Brother?" "Ready, Willing and Disabled" and "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas."

Disk 3: "Brian Wallows and Peter Swallows," "From Method to Madness," "Stuck Together, Torn Apart," "Road to Europe," "Family Guy Viewer Mail #1" and the unaired "When You Wish Upon a Weinstein."

Special features included are commentaries on selected episodes, deleted scenes, featurettes and the original series pitch. The picture quality is pretty good for a cartoon show. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with this package.

"Family Guy: Volume Two" is a must-have for any Family Guy fan. It's great television that will make you feel guilty for laughing! While the show is outrageous and off-the-wall, there proves to be a method to the crazy madness that you will experience. Make sure you don't pass up this great opportunity for a second!

Is there hope for humanity?? Well, with a show like this around... no way in heck! But hey, might as well have fun and enjoy it while we're still here...

I really feel bad for people like mac_maven, because they're obviously too stupid to get the sophisticated humor of a show like this. The beauty of Family Guy is that it has something to appeal to everyone--there are the basic fart jokes, yes, but there are also incredibly intelligent jokes that fly over the head of much of the populace, leaving these idiots to assume that because they don't get the intelligent references on this show, it must only be a low-brow show with no redeeming social value. Family Guy is probably the smartest show I've ever seen on television--not only does it continually make some of the most intelligent jokes I've ever heard in this medium, but it doesn't get hung up on who will get them. It's a show that doesn't care whether or not you know it's smarter than you. mac_maven, it is definitely smarter than you.

Family Guy is definitely the funniest animated show in a long time. The volume one DVD was great with the first two seasons, but if you thought that was good, you will love the next set. I have seen every Family Guy episode, and season 3 by far has the funniest episode with the most creative jokes and situations. If you are a fan of the show, don't think twice about getting this DVD, there isn't one bad episode in the set. Enjoy.

1. What are the two episodes per disk people talking about?
There's 5 to 7 on all of them.

2. Simpson's folks - there is no comparison.
The two shows are too different.
This is not a copy; its more creative and hard edged.
The Simpson's is more polished; but Family Guy is
funnier. (Sorry, its the truth.)

3. For a 2 1/2 season show; I'll let DVD sales
and Cartoon Network ratings speak for me.
It has been reported in TV Guide that Adult Swim
is beating the ratings of Letterman, Leno and Kilborn
(each) in 18 to 34 males. (Amazing)

4. I watch a lot of TV but I never knew Family Guy existed
until it was already cancelled and they were showing
the last episodes on Thursday. (2 hour blocks)
If I didn't know about it; I doubt most others did.
So its ratings were actually amazing.

5. DAMN FOX TO HELL!!!