The Office Season 1 DVD 1
I am a newcomer to the show since I didn't get the first DVD of the US version of "The Office" (I got it around April 2007) until there was already over 40 episodes. This really is a great show. I was hesitant to watch it at first because I thought (and I am sure you can see why I would think this) it might be a bit boring and depressing to watch a show about life in a small office. I caught a bit of the British version of The Office on one occasion and although I know its popular, personally it didn't do anything for me.
But "The Office" delivers.
The show stars Steve Carell (of "40 Year Old Virgin" fame) and he just completely carries things along with his portrayal of the most annoying boss anyone could conceivably have. The supporting cast is made up of a really top notch and believable acting ensemble including Rainn Wilson who was one of my favorite actors on "Six Feet Under."
Much of the success of the show must be attributed to its four writers; Michael Schur, B.J. Novak, Paul Lieberstein and Mindy Kaling. Keeping engaging dialogue so witty and interesting that the viewer is distracted from the fact The Office is basically shot in one interior setting, is no small task. Also the setting of The Office is a bleak and depressing paper distributor in Scranton Pennsylvania. Again, this also does not sound like exactly a set-up for a fun time for the viewer. But like I said, the writers really have created some clever dialogue and hilarious plot lines.
I am putting this in the "Films with Something to Say" section (alright smart ass, I know this is a TV show) because it is a profound commentary on the broken spirits and pointless behavior that exist in today's workplace. (Stop laughing, I really feel this way.) The actors play believable characters with their spirits broken to a tee. And then, of course, there is the pointlessness of all the tasks they must perform on a day to day basis...
The DVD contains 6 episodes "Pilot," "Diversity Day," "Health Care," "The Alliance," "Basketball," and "Hot Girl." The deleted scenes of The Office Season 1 Disk 1 contain a really long sequence of jokes and alternative takes of scenes from the show. I found myself watching all the deleted scenes, and was extremely surprised to find there was about an hour's worth. Many of the scenes in the deleted scenes were similar to versions I had just seen, but I found myself laughing at the jokes a second time around.
Laughing at jokes a second time around is clearly the sign of a successful project, isn't it? I am even ready to give the British version a second chance.
Grading
Story: A
Acting: A
Visuals: A
Originality/Innovation: B+
Enjoyability: B+
DVD Extras: A
Overall: A
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