Customer Reviews

The Simpsons - The Complete Seventh Season (Collectible Marge Head Pack)

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The seventh season of the Simpsons saw Matt Groening's prime time, brilliantly hilarious animated series not missing a single step. As this season opens, we learn who shot Mr. Burns (and honestly, who didn't see it coming?), and everything from that point forward is nothing but memorable, whimsical, and often insane humor that only the Simpsons could bring. Also in this season, Hollywood comes to Springfield to film a Radioactive Man movie, and Millhouse ends up getting cast as sidekick Fallout Boy ("Radioactive Man"), Homer and Marge get accused of being negligent parents and Bart, Lisa, and Maggie get sent to live with the Flanders' ("Home Sweet Home-Dum-Diddly Doodly"), Bart sells his soul for five dollars ("Bart Sells His Soul"), Lisa becomes a vegetarian after attending a petting zoo ("Lisa the Vegetarian", which also features Paul and the late Linda McCartney as themselves), Homer becomes morbidly obese so he doesn't have to go to work ("King-Size Homer"), Homer is re-united with his long lost mother (voiced by Glenn Close in "Mother Simpson"), Sideshow Bob returns with a vendetta against television ("Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming"), former President George Bush moves next door (the hilarious and unpredictable "Two Bad Neighbors"), Bart meets the real creator of Itchy & Scratchy (voiced by Kirk Douglas in "The Day the Violence Died"), Pulp Fiction gets hilariously spoofed ("22 Short Films About Springfield"), and Homer becomes a sideshow freak after going to Lolapalooza ("Homerpalooza", which also features the Smashing Pumpkins, Cypress Hill, and Peter Frampton). The "Treehouse of Horror" special this season was also a memorable smash, climaxing with Homer's unforgettable journey into the 3-D world. "The Simpsons 138th Show Spectacular" is a real gem, hosted by Troy McClure (voiced by the late, great Phil Hartman) as we the viewer are treated to rarely seen early takes of the characters, alternate endings, and deleted scenes that never saw the light of day, as well as some hidden messages and trivia as well. All in all, just like all the early seasons of the Simpsons, you can't go wrong with the seventh season, and it's pure animated lunacy at it's very best. Let's just hope that the packaging is much better than the incredibly poorly designed Homer head shaped package that contained season six.

At long last another Simpsons season finally released by the good people at Fox. This time Fox is introducing both the plastic Marge head as well as the classic cardboard box so as to please both sides of the table. Good call fox.

Season seven is still when the Simpsons ruled the Sunday line-up, with each episode being just as great as the previous one. There are many classics on this set. I urge you to run out and buy it. Below is a summary of all the episodes:

Disc 1
Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part 2) (4/5): Find out who shot Mr. Burns in the Season 6 finale. (Look to the South West)
Radioactive Man (4/5): Milhouse beats out Bart for the part of Fallout Boy.
Bart Sells His Soul (4/5): Bart sells his soul to Milhouse.
Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodly (5/5): Bart, Lisa and Maggie are sent to live at the Flanders after Homer and Marge are thought to be unfit. Ned and Maude try to baptize the three kids.
Lisa the Vegetarian (4/5): Lisa ditches meat, and we find out that pigs can fly.
Treehouse of Horror VI (4/5): Statues come to life, Groundskeeper Willie tunrs into a Freddie Kruger-type killer, and Homer and Bart go 3-d.

Disc 2
King-Size Homer (5/5): I've been waiting for this one. Homer has to gain 61 pounds to get on disability, and to try and not look like a freak in a moo-moo.
Mother Simpson (5/5): You finally get to meet Homer's hippie mom.
Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming (5/5): Another great Sideshow Bob attempt to kill not only Bart, but this time Springfield.
The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular (5/5): A best of that's not really a best of.
Marge Be Not Proud (3/5): Bart steals from a store, and Marge finds out.
Team Homer (5/5): Homer forms a bowling team and makes Apu wish he was on the Stereotypes. Yarrrgh.
Two Bad Neighbors (5/5): Classic episode. President George H. Bush moves across the street from Homer and starts a feud. LBJ moves in afterward.

Disc 3
Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield (2/5): This one kinds of sucks. Marge buys a dress, people think she's rich and she joins a country club.
Bart the Fink (5/5): Krusty fakes a death.
Lisa the Iconoclast (5/5): Can't they have a meeting where they don't end up burying up a corpse???.
Homer the Smithers (5/5): Homer takes over Smither's job.
The Day the Violence Died (5/5): Bart and Lisa discover the real creator of Itchy and Scratchy, only to destroy the company that makes the films.
A Fish Called Selma (3/5): Selma and Troy McClure get married, but it doesn't work out.
Bart on the Road (5/5): Bart gets a fame ID and he, Milhouse, Nelson, and Martin go to the "National Spelling B Contest in Canada."

Disc 4
Short Films about Springfield (5/5): Another Triumph. This episode features 22 small stories about Springfield, including a Pulp Fictionesque scene about...shakes.
The Curse of the Flying Hellfish (5/5): You find out Grandpa Simpson was part of a WWII group called the Hellfish, and that he is due buried treasure.
Much Apu about Nothing (4/5): Apu tries to become a citizen.
Homerpalooza (5/5): Homer joins Lollapalooza to show his kids he's still cool, and runs into Smashing Pumpkins, Cypress Hill, and more.
Summer of 4 ft. 2 (4/5): Flanders lets Homer borrow his summerhouse. Lisa gets popular, and Bart and Milhouse play Battleship.

To start, season 7 of the Simpsons is available in two different packaging options. One is the Marge head, which is along the lines of the Homer shaped head packaging of the last set, and the other is the box form which is supposed to be along the lines of the previous five seasons. At first I had planned to buy the box form set, but after a friend purchased it before me, he clearly informed me to beware. The box form packaging of season 7 is exactly like the alternate packaging for season 6; it's simply a slip cover for what was inside the Homer head. Upon hearing this I decided to simply pick up the Marge head. While I wasn't crazy about the Homer head, I didn't mind it, and actually preferred it to the slip cover. Whether you buy the Marge head or go with the Slip cover casing, one thing is certain: What's inside the head is the good stuff.

Seasons 4-8 were arguably when the Simpsons hit their stride. While I'm still fond of season 3 as well, it's hard to argue against any of these episodes. I don't want to go into great detail about all the episodes or give a plot synopsis for each one, because if you would like that, there are spotlight reviews to help you. However season 7 contains some of my personal favorite episodes, including the conclusion to "Who Shot Mr. Burns" (which has my all time favorite simpson's quote by Officer Wiggum, where he says Homer is under arrest for the attempted murder of Mr. Burns, Homer yells "Doh!" and then Wiggum says "Yea that's what they all say, Doh."), Bart selling his soul to Milhouse for $5, Milhouse getting the part as Fall Out Boy in the Radioactive Man Movie, Sideshow Bob returning to threaten Springfield with a weapon of mass destruction, and the Treehouse Of Horror VI episode (best besides Treehouse of Horror II in season 3). Really every episode in this season has its own charm, but these just happen to be my favorites. As usual the extras are a great addition to the set. You get the usual commentaries on every episode, featurettes, deleted scenes, and many more things that have never been available before now. Fox also seems to be getting the sets out quicker (season 6 in August, season 7 in December, fastest period between releases yet) so we can only hope that we have season 8 resting in our hands fairly soon.

If you're a fan of the Simpsons, most likely you're going to be very pleased with this set. There's plenty of great and memorable episodes found on this set, to go along with the great extras that have been included. The writing was witty, the jokes were entertaining, and the animation was great, and that all makes season 7 a great addition to a Simpsons' fan's collection. While it might not be the best overall season the show has seen (and there are going to be ongoing disputes for eternity on which one that is) it's definitely on par with any of the stellar seasons 4-8. No matter which packaging option you prefer, it's apparent that it's what's inside the set that counts.

The seventh season of the Simpsons is a little low on laugh-out-loud hysteria, but the writing was still top notch, at least for most of the 25 episodes. But after the complete immortal brilliance of seasons 3 through 6, this season marks a real transition into the downfall years, starting with season 8, when the show really started to run out of ideas and get repetitive. Perhaps the biggest advancement in this particular season was a greater focus on the unity of the Simpson family, which is infinitely stronger and more realistic than the cheesy family values trumpeted by politicians and other frumps. This is most evident in "Home Sweet Homediddly-dum-doodly" (also a powerhouse for the Flanders family), "Bart Sells His Soul," "Marge Be Not Proud," and especially the Emmy-worthy "Mother Simpson." The production team was still working on important character developments this season as well, with the big winner being Lisa in both "Lisa the Vegetarian" and "Summer of 4 Ft. 2." We also get important advancements in the characters of Grampa in "…'The Curse of the Flying Hellfish'" and Marge in "Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield."

Unfortunately, cracks in the Simpsons empire began to show this year – a foreshadowing of the mistakes of the next two or three seasons. "Two Bad Neighbors," starring George H.W. Bush, is both a clunky use of a real-life person and it does serious damage to the continuity of the Simpsons universe. And the unfortunate trend of latching a storyline onto current events and then-popular people, a real source of trouble in future seasons, can be seen here in the badly dated "Homerpalooza." Meanwhile, "King Size Homer" marks the first time that the writers tackled a sensitive social issue but couldn't refrain from low blows and name-calling, resulting in a very problematic construction of a moral theme. However, some of this season's best episodes still maintain the madcap genius of the previous years (if in a slightly more subdued fashion), those being "Homer the Smithers" and "Bart the Fink," among others. And there is a real advancement in experimental episode construction with the awesome "22 Short Films About Springfield." When all is said and done, this is still a great season for the Simpsons – and the last truly great season for a while. [~doomsdayer520~]

I have been a major fan of this show ever since it started. This has to be one of the most consistently funny shows out there, and the fact that they have been able to keep it as funny as they have for as long as they have is a testament to the high quality of the show, the actors, and the writers. Simply put, if you don't like The Simpsons, you won't like this, (and I wonder why you are wasting your time reading reviews for it,) but if you do like it, this season is great and I love having all these shows at hand to watch whenever I want - you will, too. I think it's a no-brainer. Enjoy!

Ok, I'm biased. I love The Simpsons. LOVE THE SIMPSONS! And if you're a die-hard fanatic of this show like me, then the 7th season is something you must buy immediately. Of course, I won't be content until I own ALL seasons of The Simpsons eventually, but the 7th season contains some of the most amusing episodes ever: like when George & Barbara Bush move across the street from the Simpson family; the Halloween episode with 3-D Homer (a classic!); the episode where Selma marries Troy McClure; the one with Marge's Channel suit; even the Homerpalooza episode. Trust me, this is one season you don't want to be without!

Welcome to another spectacular Simpsons review on my blogspot. Season Seven is another great season. Classic episodes like Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily, Bart Sells His Soul, King Size Homer, and the list keeps on going. This season until the 14th has the best episodes ever!

I'll review each episode and give it a rating.

Who Shot Mr. Burns? Part Two: We find out who really shot Mr. Burns in this concluding cliffhanger.
Rating: 9.0/10

Radioactive Man: Radioacive Man the Movies shoots in Springfeld and Milhouse is casted as Fallout Boy.
Rating: 9.0/10

Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily: Bart, Lisa, and Maggie move in with the The Flanders as a foster home.
Rating: 9.2/10

Bart Sells His Soul: Bart question's the soul after he sells it and Moe creates a new restaurant.
Rating: 9.5/10

Lisa the Vegetarian: Lisa becomes a vegetarian.
Rating: 8.8/10

Treehouse of Horror VI: This Treehouse episode inludes Attack of the 50-ft Eyesores, Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace, and Homer³ which has Homer entering the 3rd dimension.
Rating: 9.3/10

King-Size Homer: Homer gains weight so he can work at home.
Rating: 9.2/10

Mother Simpson: Homer's Mother returns and we find out about her.
Rating: 8.6/10

Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming: Sideshow Bob threatens to use a bomb.
Rating: 9.1/10

The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular: Troy McClure hosts this episode spectacular.
Rating: 9.4/10

Marge Be Not Proud: Marge is disappointed after Bart steals a video game.
Rating: 9.3/10

Team Homer: Homer and others create a bowling team.
Rating: 9.2/10

Two Bad Neighbors: George and Barbara Bush move in next door.
Rating: 9.0/10

Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield: Marge enters the Springfeld Country Club.
Rating: 9.1/10

Bart the Fink: Krusty's salary is cut 95% and fakes his death.
Rating: 9.1/10

Lisa the Iconoclast: Sprinfeld Finds out who Jebediah Springfeld really was.
Rating: 8.6/10

Homer the Smithers: Homer becomes the new Smithers after Smithers goes on vaction.
Rating: 9.1/10

The Day the Violence Died: We find out that Chester Lupwick was the original creator of Itchy and Scratchy.
Rating: 9.2/10

A Fish Called Selma: Troy McClure marries Selma to boost his career.
Rating: 8.9/10

Bart on the Road: Bart gets a fake I.D. and he, Milhouse, Nelson, and Martin go on a road trip.
Rating: 9.5/10

Short Films About Springfield: Many skits on citizens of Springfeld.
Rating: 9.6/10

Raging Abe Simpson and his Grumbling Grandson in "The Curse of the Flying Hellfish": Grandpa and Bart battle Mr. Burns on the Hellfish treasure.
Rating: 9.2/10


Much Apu About Nothing: Apu must past an American Citizen test in order become a legal immigrant.
Rating: 8.6/10

Homerpalooza: Homer is able to take cannons shots to the belly.
Rating: 9.3/10

Summer of 4 Ft. 2: The Simpsons goto the Flanders beach house where Lisa finds her first friends.
Rating: 9.2/10

What a great season of the Simpsons, just a couple of episodes that aren't good. The best season yet in my opinion until season 8.

Rating: 9.5/10

The Simpsons continue with their antics, humor and everyday banter. As all of the seasons preceding this one, you will find yourself laughing hysterical. It's interesting to see the details and the graphics change from one season to the next. If you are a Simpsons fan, you definitely want to add this season to your collection.

If any of you are familiar with The Curmudgeon's other reviews, you may well be scratching your heads at this one. A FIVE star review?! That can't be right. And usually, YOU would be right. The Curmudgeon has dedicated 95 of his 100 reviews to bringing you the very worst things out there. To celebrate the 50 review milestone I reviewed 5 GREAT things that are available on Amazon, and so, now I've reached 100, I thought I'd do the same again. So, from reviews 100 - 105, it's going to be nothing but good, great and awesome stuff.

You can't help but adore The Simpsons. Sure, some of the more recent episodes are in danger of eating themselves in terms of "wackiness" and lack of character driven plot, but that aside, it's still the most consistently hilarious, satirical and downright ingenious program on television. Season Seven still sees them at their peak, with brilliant scripts and some genuinely touching moments. Just ignore the rubbish 3-D episode. Yuch.

It's when you really delve into Springfield you realise JUST how good a show The Simpsons really is. Has there ever been a show that has such a wide variety of fully fleshed, loveable characters that can co-exist outside of the main family? Think Mr Burns, Apu, Barney, Mo, Smithers, Patty and Selma, Groundskeeper Willie, Krusty, Skinner.. the list is ENDLESS. All these characters have quirks, catchphrases, identities and histories.. The Simpsons haven't created a TV show, they've pretty much created their own universe.

So this review isn't just for Season Seven. This review is in praise of The Simpsons itself - quite easily the greatest sitcom of all time. And as for the DVDs themselves? They are a fitting testament to the show; lovingly created, with commentaries for EVERY episode (sometimes the commentaries are better than the episodes themselves), and more extras than you'll ever know what to do with. These new collectable packaging (optional, of course) only serve as a reminder of how savvy and keyed-in to their audiences that Matt Groening et al really are.

As Mr Burns might well say - "huzzah."


And that's part two of five taken care of. Three more things that The Curmudgeon actually likes. But what on earth could they be? Only one way to find out...

The_Curmudgeon_Hates_You@yahoo.co.uk

The Simpsons do not suck.

For the reviewers who beleive the previous writer, this a GREAT SHOW AND I WOULD RECOMMENED ANY DVD OF THE SIMPSONS SERIES.