It’s awfully hard for me to imagine why this abysmally failed sitcom is getting a DVD release when there are so many more deserving shows still waiting. The Ellen Show was populated with some of the most cardboard cutout characters I’ve ever seen. What you talkin’ about Willis? Here’s what I’m talking about. The dialogue is simply rattled off one-liners. Jokes so forced they could get past the famous 1985 Bears defensive line like it was merely a speed bump. Not even the usually ingenious work of Martin Mull could save this show. The series lasted a scant 18 weeks which was honestly 17 more than it had any right to. It’s filled with enough politically correct claptrap to fodder an entire season of South Park mockery. It doesn’t help that Ellen DeGenerate, oops, I mean DeGeneres is simply irritating on the ears and brain. This was truly the most painful viewing experience I’ve had in 5 years of writing these reviews. Stay away! You have been warned.
Video
Each episode of The Ellen Show is presented in its original full frame format. The video is very much standard broadcast videotape looking. Colors are relatively sharp but have a unrealistic pall to them. Lighting is often too bright so contrast suffers a bit. Black levels are OK.
Audio
Each episode sports an adequate Dolby Digital 2.0 track. There really isn’t any need for more. You can hear every word, unfortunately. Honestly I found the show improved quite drastically when I turned the sound off. Unfortunately there is no silent option, but switching off the amp works just fine.
Special Features
Thankfully none.
Final Thoughts
Still reading this review? Why? If you are one of the few who liked that show I’ve ticked you off enough you should have stopped reading by now. If you’re one of the enlightened who happen to agree, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Trust me, if you really need something to watch, those blurry vacation slides of Uncle Conrad’s are starting to look mighty sweet right now. The good news is the show ended here so there will be no new sets to come. I could say a lot more, but honestly, “There’s no need to harp on it.”
