8- The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, January 12, 2005 ARTS 'The Simpsons' hits its stride in stellar fifth-season DVD set. By Adam Rottenberg Daily Arts Editor There's a reason "The Simpsons" became a pop culture phenomenon. Quick-witted writing, coupled with heart and timeliness, made the series rise above ..__.......__ its mediocre animation to The Simpsons: become one The Complete of the all time Fifth Season great primetime 20th Century Fox series. Even though at its core "The Simpsons" is a sitcom, it rejuve- nated the played-out format. Unfor- tunately for viewers, Fox and Matt Groening continue to sully the show's reputation with each subsequent epi- sode. With the release of "The Simp- sons: The Complete Fifth Season," 20th Century Fox helps alleviate the pain through a reminder of a simpler time when the series reached brilliant comedic heights. Through the course of 22 episodes, the Simpson family had its fair share of ups and downs. Homer went to outer space, Lisa fought Malibu Stacey, Marge battled a gambling addiction, Bart found fame and Maggie discovers an invaluable stuffed bear. Yet through it all, viewers can find plenty of humor and compassion - even in the show's cruelest moments. What makes season five so dif- ferent from the current crop of epi- sodes is that the quirky citizens of Springfield serve as comic foils to the Simpsons's storylines, rather than the centerpieces of the shows. The show still was filled with fresh ideas and nonstop jokes. Season five derived much of its humor from the dim-witted behavior of family patriarch, Homer. Continuing a trend from earlier years, Homer's stu- pidity stooped to new levels with each episode. By removing the focus further from the original breakout star, Bart, and onto Homer, the creators were able to craft funnier and stronger narratives. Bart's bratty shenanigans had run their course as the centerpiece of the series to the point where the creators lam- pooned it in the episode "Bart Gets Famous." In season five, "The Simpsons" aimed its attacks at all realms of popular culture. Whole episodes were crafted as extended film parodies, most noticeably "Cape Feare," where Side- show Bob acts as stalker Max Cady, as well as "Rosebud," which places Mr. Burns into the role of Charles Foster Kane. The town of Springfield has never looked clearer and crisper than in these DVDs. Years of syndication have ruined the reruns by featuring shortened epi- sodes and worn-out video. Thankfully, Fox has restored the series to its origi- nal luster, making the viewing experi- ence more pleasing than ever. Moreover, the set offers fans the chance to hear from the creators on every episode. Twenty-two commen- tary tracks is a feat few television programs dare to take on, but "The Simpsons: The Complete Fifth Sea- son" commentaries offer plenty of laughs and insights into the produc- tion of the show. Each track features Groening, the writers of the episode and some of the cast. The most satis- fying of these commentaries feature former writer Conan O'Brien - yes, the same one of NBC fame - who goes into great detail about how he was lured away from the show while writing some of these episodes. The other features on the set fail to capture fans' attention quite like the commentaries. Commercials starring the Simpson clan, a brief featurette on the season, animatics and a collection of deleted scenes round out the extras. While the deleted scenes are hilarious, many of them have already been seen in e0 Courtesy of 20th Century Fox No. 8 *burp* No. 8 *burp* No. 8. the classic episode "The 138th Episode Spectacular" and are further hampered by being grouped together as a single 30-minute viewing option. The television landscape has forever been altered by the impact of "The Simpsons." It not only proved that ani- mated programming could thrive in primetime, but it also paved the way for a throng of imitators. Yet, it was in season five that "The Simpsons" grew into the fully formed show that defied conventions and became an immortal classic. Show: ***** Picture/Sound: **** Extras: **** Patchen re-issue ages with grace By Lloyd Cargo Daily Arts Writer M I E* It was about damn time this album got re-issued. Long recognized as the greatest Kenneth poetry and music Patchen collaboration Kenneth Patchen ever set to wax, Reads with Jazz Kenneth Patchen in Canada Reads with Jazz Locust Music in Canada finally gets the digital treatment it deserves on Chicago's excellent Locust Music label. Playing with a young band featur- ing the Charlie Parker-worshipping alto sax of Dale Hillary, Ken- neth Patchen creates an album that swings harder than the sum of its parts. What's even more amazing is the story behind the making of this album - it's almost more Kerouac- ian than the poetry itself. According to pianist Alan Neil, Patchen had to make an emergency trip to the dentist right before a 1959 session at the CBC's studio in Van- couver. Despite incredible pain and numbed lips, Patchen emerged from the operation ready to perform. Expe- riencing problems with certain syl- lables, Patchen's toughness inspired his band to reach a level all musicians aspire to attain - to truly wail. Drum- mer Bill Boyle does his best Philly Joe Jones imitation, while bassist Lionel Chambers keeps the beat loose and galloping right along. Alan Neil's piano is understated, yet comple- mentary to the rest of the ensemble, and Dale Hillary, only 18 years old, effortlessly channels his idols Sonny Rollins and Charlie Parker. On top of all this, Patchen proph- esizes with verve, speaking primar- ily on the post-WWII reinvention of America. It's his delivery that sets this collaboration above all other jazz- poetry combinations. His sing-songy raps make his low howls and moans that much more effective. When Patchen has something to emphasize, he makes sure it gets heard. Kenneth Patchen Reads with Jazz in Canada avoids the pretentiousness associated with jazz and poetry in a way no one else ever could. a0 41 It will feel less constricting at a great job. At Ernst & Young, the opportunity for growth is enormous. 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