Season 9 was about the most exciting year South Park had. Living in Florida, I was likely more tired of the Terry Schiavo situation than most, but watching Best Friends Forever was one of the best parodies the team has come up with. What was most impressive is that it was on the air while the actual event was still ongoing. One of the benefits of doing a show like South Park. When the boys aimed their guns at Scientology they ruffled more than a few feathers. It was rumored that Tom Cruise had led a fight to attempt to stop the hilarious Trapped In The Closet episode from airing. More important to South Park fans was the outburst of Isaac Hayes who decided it was going too far to make fun of a person’s sacred beliefs. Where was his indignation over eight years of piling on Christians, Jews, and pretty much every other religion ever known? Suddenly developing a conscience, Hayes vocally departed the show and South Park Elementary lost its Chef. I guess no more Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes. The Losing Edge has always been one of my favorites. Any kid forced into summer activities intended to make the parents feel better about leaving their kids alone will appreciate this one.Year 9 also found Parker and Stone finished with yet another box office bomb. This time it was Team America. The film’s failure meant more full time spent on South Park. The bomb likely also sharpened their bitter wit a bit. There’s no question they took no prisoners in season 9.
Video
Each South Park episode is presented in its original television full frame format. Expect pretty much the same as previous seasons. This stuff is pretty much created in a digital environment, and it shows. Colors are bright, or at least as bright as simulated construction paper gets.
Audio
Don’t expect much from this simple Dolby Digital 2.0 track. Still, what the heck do we need fancy surrounds for on South Park. As long as I can hear Cartman, life is good. I do wish that they would avoid the bleep noises on home releases. We’re fair warned about language, so what’s the point?
Special Features
Stone and Parker are back with their “commentary minis”.
Final Thoughts
South Park has always been a hit or miss series. Season 9 had far more than its fair share of hits. If you’ve been collecting all along, this is certainly no time to stop. If you haven’t yet started, there might not be a better season to get you hooked. Of course, you have to have an open mind and not be easily offended, or Tom Cruise, or Isaac Hayes. Secretly I bet this DVD set ends up in Tom’s eh’ closet just the same. South Park still has a few more bright years ahead, which means more DVD sets to come. Sure, it costs a few bucks, but don’t forget, “The first law of physics: anything that’s fun must cost at least $8.”
