Newsradio: The Complete Series (Slim Packaging)
by Dave Foley, Alan Myerson, Gregg Heschong, James Burrows, Joe Furey
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Actor: Andy Dick, Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Stephen Root, Vicki LewisDirector: Alan Myerson, Dave Foley, Gregg Heschong, James Burrows, Joe Furey
Brand: Sony
DVD: Region Code 99
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 2184 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-28
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
DVD Reviews of Newsradio: The Complete Series (Slim Packaging)
DVD Review: HELLO LISTENERS...
Summary: 5 Stars
As any actor will tell you, comedy is not easy. And comedy shows in particular are not easily made nor do they stand the test of time. Many shows that were benchmarks in their day do not hold up well years later. Then there are the jewels that DO stand up with repeated viewings at a later date. Such can be said of NEWSRADIO.
The show only aired for 4 years and yet it had some of the funniest scenes ever committed to video tape. It covered some topical issues but not to the point of preaching and not to the point where the discussions aren't relevant today. But best of all was that this was an ensemble cast that worked.
I've often said that ensemble casting in television shows is the way to go. With a wide ranging casts the hopes and dreams of the show aren't placed on the shoulders of just one person, the make or break burden that leads to celebrity meltdown. A great ensemble casts spreads the jokes around, makes everyone a part of the plan and offers some of the best comedy and acting there is. Such was the case with NEWSRADIO.
The story revolved around the new station manager, Dave Nelson (Dave Foley), just in from the Midwest and now the manager of WNYX, an all news station in New York. Where one would expect the show to adopt the fish out of water aspect, it never happens. Instead we have a fresh take on the country bumpkin going to New York. He isn't a bumpkin at all! He's pleasant, affable and tries to rope in the staff and anchors that work at his station. And he does so well considering who that is. Foley does an upstanding job as Dave, making him appear naïve and yet capable of handing himself.
Stephen Root stars as station owner Jimmy James. What an incredible character this is. And I think that this was/is the best part that Root has ever played. Jimmy is incredibly wealthy and yet never seems snobby. Jimmy can buy and sell as he pleases, yet holds on to this station. Jimmy often times seems incredibly stupid and simple, yet beneath it all he knows more than anyone in the building. To portray this person and do make it work shows some fantastic acting chops.
Maura Tierney is Lisa Miller, the top news writer and all around station fixture who takes care of everything. Her belief was that she would get the job now handed to Dave. The two face off immediately with malice in her eyes. So what's next? They jump into bed together and become a secret item in the office.
Vicki Lewis is Beth, the all knowing, all seeing, all commenting smart alek of an employee who knows the dirt on everyone. She's the one who offers the quickest of quips when things happen and stirs the pot when she can.
Joe Rogan is Joe Garello, the handy man in the office. Mr. Fixit can whip up a computer, fix the station's microphones or create an exploding block of cheese in an attempt to discover who is stealing food from the fridge (one of my favorite moments). Here again we have someone who appears simple minded yet knows all the tech that runs the station.
Of the cast here Khandi Alexander seems to be the least used. But when she is the biting criticism of her character, the standoffishness of her aloof Catherine Duke, news anchor, is such that she still seems approachable. Her remarks to co-anchor Bill McNeal offer the counterpoint to his sarcasm. She goes toe to toe with him and stands her ground.
Matthew Brock. This character is perhaps the only funny thing that comedian/actor Andy Dick has ever done. Since the show I've not seen him be funny once. But here, he drew viewers towards him every time he stepped into a scene. He was the goof, the oddball, the nerd and he did it well. Not only did he play the character that way but he had a puppy dog attitude that made you feel for him while laughing at his antics.
Best for last. Phil Hartman as Bill McNeal. When you watch this DVD, you can't help but feel a certain amount of sadness knowing that Hartman is gone. While he was amazing on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, he truly shines here. Hartman doesn't take center stage all the time, rather sharing the limelight with every other cast member. But when he's there you can't help but be amazed at how natural everything he does seems. His character is filled with egotistical mania, considering himself to be the best that there is in this station. And at the same time he does some of the most ridiculous stuff or misquotes famous lines. It is Hartman and not McNeal that makes for one of the most interesting members of the cast.
So now you have the cast. How does that make a show? Simple, they all work well together. Each one plays off of the other, none of them stepping on the toes of the next cast member. While watching you never feel like one member or another is the centerpiece of the show. Each has their own moment in the spotlight. This is what makes great ensemble acting.
The stories range from the simple (Dave having to fire the man he is replacing) to the ridiculous (the staff setting off rat traps because they have adopted the rat in the room). Certain episodes make the serious funny like the attempts of Bill McNeal to stop smoking that starts with him simply ignoring the no smoking rule.
So we have a great cast, great stories and great directing. Is there anything at all wrong with this series? Once I find it I'll let you know. As for now the chance to own the complete series in one box for a more affordable price than buying them separately is enough to make you whip open your wallet. This is one that is worth having on your shelf. I doubt there would be a time (with the exception of a loved one dying) that you couldn't pop in a disc from this set and find yourself laughing. In today's serious world, that alone makes it worth the money invested.
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