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It's odd (and I'm sure often noted) when a show that doesn't really have 'seasons' to begin with is released under the guise of being "The Complete Third Season", but I suppose 'more or less what came out in one calendar year' didn't look right on the cover. The politically incorrect band of misfit children returns then, for their third season. Because the shows aren't produced, or even released, in anything like a real season, it's hard to get a handle on an overall feel for one of these releases. That said, the third season is far more hit and miss than most. A few of the episodes are wonderful, but just as often the show seems wanting in its original freshness. At some point most things have been done, and a show like this can only go on so long before it winds into the realm of the self-referential. ***

Still, even a bad episode of 'South Park' is better than quite a lot of alternatives, and by season three the show had taken hold of a large enough chunk of society that guest stars are common. The first two seasons obviously couldn't cover everything, and there are still opportunities for such things as an episode that attacks the Rainforest agenda. ***

On the other hand, reviewing any release of 'South Park' is possibly only so much wasted breath, as everyone who wants to know anything already knows it. Turning to fans, the third season is shorter on 'classic' episodes than the first two seasons, but it is a quality release. -

The fullscreen format is to be expected, and there is obviously little to gain from any other aspect ratio. The image quality is well above-average for a television release (even if it is a cartoon). There are no complaints to be made really, and it is as good or better than it has ever been seen before. ***

The sound is only average, but that's also to be expected. There's nothing wonderful about it, but it's hard to complain. There are certainly no flaws specific to the DVD. -

Each episode has a five-minute 'mini-commentary' by creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. I haven't run into a concept like this before, and frankly, I think it works. The creators don't waste any time babbling while trying to fill dead air which would surely arise if they were going to attempt filling every episode. They get right to the point, and have some surprisingly interesting things to say about where the ideas for each episode came from (though of course, some are rather obvious). ***

You aren't going to get a host of information, but these are clearly well planned, and you get all you need. Basically, you get the same amount of relevant, worthwhile commentary you'd get if they ran the entire episode, without the tangential filler. Though, for fans of the show, tangential filler is probably not to be taken lightly. -

The third season is not really the best if you had to pick a single season, but any season is a must buy for fans. 'South Park', according to fans, has limitless replay value, and this is certainly a nice release. The commentaries may not sound like much when you're looking at the back of the box, but they are definitely a plus.

Marc Eastman

www.movieroundtable.com