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The Movie: "Stella" is the latest effort from the creators of the cult series "The State" and the similarly culty flick "Wet Hot American Summer". The series, which lasted a season on Comedy Central, stars Michael Showalter, David Wain and Michael Ian Black as Michael, Michael and David, three guys who live in their own upside-down world. Essentially, "Stella" feels like watching an improv class ("Here's the scene and....go!") with some talented students. Mostly it works, sometimes it doesn't - but it's always random and absurd (and in the case of this show, at least somewhat amusingly childish - the show's motto is "dumb comedy dressed up in a suit".) In the first episode, they get kicked out of their apartment for playing funk rock too loud (which they chose to play after deciding against funk rock) and attempt to get a co-op. When the board doesn't want to approve them, they launch into an extended dance routine that looks like something out of an 80's music video. They get approved...and find out that the place costs $3m that they don't have. What to do? Fake being businessmen and try to get back into the apartment they were booted from. The series tries to find the funny (not to mention the over-the-top bizarre) in common situations and mostly succeeds. Aside from the amusing pilot, another main highlight is "Paper Boy", a priceless episode where the three stand up for their 10-year-old paper boy when he's harassed by bullies, then end up accidentially injuring him. When they take over his paper route, they're entered into a secret society of paper boys (who all ring the bells on their bikes in thanks for the three standing up for the paper boy) and do a hilarious "friendship rap" when the bullies come after the paperboys to show them the power of friendship. Another brilliant episode is "Camping", as the three go off into the woods and find themselves inept at living in the wild from the first moments they step off the road. Soon after, they're saved from a dangerous goat by a wild mountain man (guest star Tim Blake Nelson.) Another highlight is "Vegetables", a marvelously strange episode that has the trio trying to grow vegetables in their apartment to get themselves out of debt. They throw seeds on the floor and water them, wrecking their neighbors' apartment below. However, when the veggies actually do start sprouting, the three think they've found their gold mine...until things go South when greed gets the better of them and their crops. Guest stars throughout the episodes include: Josh Charles, Topher Grace, Janeane Garofalo, Tim Blake Nelson, Edward Norton, Alan Ruck, Paul Rudd and Sam Rockwell. 1. 1- 1 28 Jun 05 Pilot 2. 1- 2 5 Jul 05 Campaign 3. 1- 3 12 Jul 05 Office Party 4. 1- 4 19 Jul 05 Coffee Shop 5. 1- 5 26 Jul 05 Paper Route 6. 1- 6 2 Aug 05 Meeting Girls 7. 1- 7 9 Aug 05 Camping 8. 1- 8 16 Aug 05 Novel 9. 1- 9 23 Aug 05 Vegetables 10. 1-10 30 Aug 05 Amusement Park The DVD VIDEO: "Stella" is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen by Paramount. While a few scenes look slightly "digital" and soft on occasion, the majority of the episodes look crisp and clear. Aside from some minor artifacting, the picture looked crisp and clear. Colors also appeared warm and well-saturated, with no smearing or other issues. SOUND: The show's stereo soundtrack offers up clear dialogue and no concerns. EXTRAS:: "The History of Stella" has Showalter, Black and Wain going through their entire history together, from getting together with other members of "The State" at NYU to putting together their nightclub comedy show (also called "Stella") to creating the Comedy Central series of the same name. The trio also offer audio commentary on each episode. Also included are: "Comedy Central Presents: Stella" featurette, deleted scenes, bloopers and promos for other titles from the studio. Final Thoughts: It's not going to be for everybody, but I thought some of the episodes were simply priceless. It's too bad that the series has apparently not been renewed for a second season. The DVD offers fine audio/video quality and a nice set of supplements. Recommended. |