Malcolm in the Middle Season One Review
3 Discs. 13 half hour episodes. Director / cast commentary. Deleted scenes. Outtakes. Available for about $30

Like so many other things that I enjoy, Malcolm in the Middle separates itself far from the rest of the pack. Here we have a sitcom, with the normal setup – a crazy family, yet it never feels as bad and boring as those other sitcoms. Part of it has to do with the production. A single camera show (like a movie…Friends by comparison is considered a 3 camera show.. like I Love Lucy) with no laugh track or audience. The result is a refreshing, always funny look at an insane family. Of course, the acting is all superb. Some may remember Brian Cranston from his recurring role as dentist Tim Whatley on Seinfeld. He’s never been better than he is here as the confused patriarch Hal. Jane Kaczmarek plays mother Lois, definitely the standout of the cast, getting to say the best punchlines, and slap the most little kids (and rightfully earning that Emmy). The rest of the cast (Frankie Muniz, Christopher Masterson, Justin Berfield and Erik Per Sullivan) fit together perfectly as brothers. There’s just so much to love about this show. Most importantly, it’s real funny.

Video 4 out of 5
It’s a TV show, so don’t expect anything to show off your system. But it has little or no grain and a bright color palette. Everything is how it should be.

Audio 4 out of 5
Not gonna break any speakers, front centered with little action in the rear channels if you have surround sound.

Extras 4 out of 5
For a TV show, this is pretty good. The commentaries are interesting and informative, the bloopers are funny – overall it’s all enjoyable for fans of the show.

Overall 4 out of 5
Do yourself the favor and buy this set. It stands as one of the smartest sitcoms on television. For a cynical guy like me, it made me laugh quite a bit.