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Synopsis: The hit TV show Malcolm in the Middle hits DVD in a three disc set titled Malcolm in the Middle: The Complete First Season. Each of these episodes is presented in a cropped 1.33:1 full-frame transfer (the show was originally shot in 1.78:1 widescreen) and sports a few minor imperfections (i.e., grain and some softness in the image). Otherwise, these are fine-looking transfers that feature solid black levels and usually crisp colors. The soundtracks are presented in Dolby Digital 4.0 Surround in English. These mixes are better than expected when it comes to dynamic range and ambient sound. While none of the episodes' soundtracks will blow fans away, overall they sound exceptionally nice for a prime-time TV show. Also included on these discs are English subtitles. Fox has done a fine job at adding some bonus materials to this set, including commentary tracks on every episode by various cast and crew members, including creator Linwood Boomer, directors Todd Holland and Arlene Sanford, writers Alex Reid and Michael Glouberman, and stars Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston. Each of these tracks feature a plethora of production information, funny anecdotes about the shoots, and other tidbits for fans to chew on. Also included is an optional ID track which allows the viewer to know who is speaking at any given time. Next up is \ˇ±Malcolm Vision\ˇ± which looks at why the film was cropped to a full-frame transfer instead of presented in its original widescreen ratio. Two featurettes -- \ˇ±Malcolm in the Middle: A Stroke of Genius\ˇ± and \ˇ±Dewey's Day Job: A Portrait of Erik Per Sullivan\ˇ± -- take a look at what goes on behind the scenes of the show. The first featurette includes cast and crew interviews about the show while the second focuses on child actor Erik Per Sullivan and what he does when he's not in front of the camera. Finally there is a gag reel of bloopers by the cast, a behind-the-scenes montage set to upbeat music, some weird intros by the cast, and a few promo TV spots for the show. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide
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