The Simpsons--The Complete Second Season DVD Collector's Edition

Featuring the 22 episodes comprising the 1990-1991 second season of The Simpsons, this DVD boxed set serves up an entertaining and hilarious blast to the past, catching the show as it began to rocket to mania. From the initial "Treehouse of Horror" Halloween special to classic episodes such as "Dancin' Homer," "Oh Brother, Where Are Thou?," and "Lisa's Substitute," this compilation sports much improved animation (over the first season's doodles), the addition of new characters (such as Scottish Groundskeeper Willie and lawyer Lionel Hutz--formerly voiced by the late Phil Hartman), and plenty of Simpsons-initiated catch phrases (remember, "Don't have a cow, man"?). True Simpsons aficionados will rejoice over the DVD extras, which include a clip from the American Music Awards with a live-action Bart; two music videos, including "Deep, Deep Trouble" (a song co-written by Simpsons creator Matt Groening and DJ Jazzy Jeff); Butterfinger commercials; interviews with senior director David Silverman, Groening, and executive producer James L. Brooks; an amusing Emmy Awards presentation by the family; and foreign language clips (just in case you couldn't live without hearing Bart speak Hungarian). Great guest stars, wonderful tongue-in-cheek gags, satirical dialogue, and wacky plots have always kept The Simnpsons in the cultural spotlight, and the show remains fresh and innovative, even as it heads into the 14th season. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Williams)