There is cause for joy for TV sitcom fans. Taxi‘s second season is now on DVD. It’s an important season to own, since the show develops more memorable characters like Reverend Jim and Simka (played by the great Christopher Lloyd and Carol Kane). But series regulars, like Alex, Latka, Louis, Nardo, Tony, and Bobby Wheeler, all show more depth here. Taxi really came into its own in the second year, and its multiple Emmy awards were justified. All 24 episodes are here. Farcical but human, Taxi…should belong on any TV collector’s shelf. I could listen to that melancholic theme song for days.
Audio
For classic TV on DVD release, this standard Dolby Ditial 2.0 audio track seems to be par for the course. Dialogue and sound come through quite clear. No need to turn the sound up. There are a few scratchy moments, but I’m sure it’s the source material.
Video
As expected, this set is presented in its originally broadcasted full frame 1:33:1 aspect ratio. I was a little worried by the grain in the opening title sequence. But, fortunately, the episodes seem much more cleaned up. It’s not a perfect transfer, but the video seems solid enough and the colors are passable. The taxi garage seems grimy enough, the flesh tones are natural.
Special Features
Except for a few previews of other TV on DVD (Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, and Mork), the special features are as barren as New York street at 4 AM. Too bad. Some retrospectives would’ve been nice.
Final Thoughts
Taxi is a classic TV sitcom. The second season box set is lacking in the extras department. But all 24 episodes are here, with adequate video and audio. Here’s hoping upcoming seasons will have more features. The show deserves it.
Special Features List
- Previews
