That ’70s Show: Season Two

Director: David Trainer,
Starring: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Don Stark, Tanya Roberts, Lisa Robin Kelly,

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DVD Review

Those crazy kids from Point Place are back with more wacky adventures as Kelso (Kutcher) and Jackie (Kunis) continue dating but unbeknownst to her, he’s also seeing Laurie (Kelly), Eric’s (Grace) trampy sister. Meanwhile, Eric and Donne (Prepon) get more serious in their relationship. It’s business as usual for That ‘70s Show.

In the episode, “Vanstock,” the gang goes on a roadtrip and, much to Kelso’s dismay both Jackie and Laurie tag along, which creates much hilarity. On the homefront, Midge (Roberts), Donna’s mom, gets Red (Smith), Eric’s dad, to watch her favorite soap opera and it is amusing to see him get drawn into the show. Danny Masterson and Kurtwood Smith really shine in this episode as they get to deliver some classic zingers.

“Sleepover” introduces Tommy Chong as Leo, the terminally clueless hippie who gives Hyde (Masterson) a job at his photomat. Leo is obviously a PG riff on his stoner character from the popular Cheech and Chong movies. Eric and Donna think about whether they should have sex or not and this episode highlights the sexy, girl-next-door vibe that Laura Prepon exudes as Donna. Jackie is often seen as the typical beauty of the show but it is Donna who is smart and beautiful while also willing to stand up for herself.

In “Kelso’s Serenade,” he tries to win back Jackie by writing a song for her, which allows Ashton Kutcher to show Kelso hit rock bottom, blubbering like a baby. His song is hilariously awful and Kutcher really sells it well, drawing a lot of humor out of its creation and execution. When Eric and Donna have a moment of miscommunication, she imagines their future to be like that of the classic sitcom All in the Family with Kelso as Meathead, Jackie as Gloria, Donna as Edith and Eric as Archie Bunker for a spot-on parody that also addresses the problem their characters have in real life.

Special Features:

All of the extras from the previous box set are included in this one except for the audio commentaries for three episodes.

The first disc has behind the scenes webisodes for six episodes from season two. They provide a little insight into how they were made. They were shot in front of a live studio audience and we see the cast and crew goofing around between takes and blowing lines while taping. It is interesting to see the inner workings of the show.

The third disc includes “Season One: A Look Back,” which is a brief recap of the highlights from what went down in the first season. This brings one up to speed when starting into this season.

Finally, there is “Season Two: A Talk with Director David Trainer,” which features the show’s director recalling when he knew That ‘70s Show had hit its stride. He talks about how it is the voice of a sole creator, Mark Brazill, who based it partially on his life growing up and his friends. There are lots of clips from the show with soundbites from Trainer.

J.D. Lafrance

J.D. is a freelance writer who is currently doing research for a book on the films of Michael Mann. He likes reading anything written by Jack Kerouac, James Ellroy, J.D. Salinger, Harlan Ellison or Thomas Pynchon. J.D. is currently addicted to the T.V. series 24 and enjoys drinking a lot of Sprite. This is not a blatant plug for the beverage but if they ever decided to give him a lifetime supply he certainly wouldn’t turn them down.
view all DVD reviews by JD Lafrance

 

Rating: 78%

Website: http://that70sshow.com/