List Price: $39.95Amazon.com's Price: $29.99 You Save: $9.96 (25%)as of 11/22/2009 05:15 EST
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
Brand: SONY PICTURES HOME ENT
EAN: 0043396180024
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC
Item Dimensions: 100
Label: Sony Pictures
Languages: EnglishOriginal LanguageDolby Digital 2.0 SurroundEnglishSubtitledPortugueseSubtitled
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
MPN: D18002D
Number Of Items: 3
Publisher: Sony Pictures
Region Code: 99
Release Date: March 20, 2007
Running Time: 482 minutes
Studio: Sony Pictures
Theatrical Release Date: March 21, 1995
Related Items:
Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display
Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Movie DVD
Amazon.com:
"We're not going be here forever together," billionaire and WNYX station owner Jimmy James (Stephen Root) says at one point to the cracked NewsRadio team. "Eventually, we're going to have to move on with our lives." That time came too soon for this endearingly goofy series, which could not overcome the shocking and tragic murder of perhaps its most beloved ensemble member, nor network indifference and low ratings. The fifth was News Radio's last and least season, but only by this series' own high loopy standards. In fact, many years on, these episodes have aged surprisingly well. The heartbreaking season opener, which takes place following the funeral of news anchor Bill McNeal (said to be felled by a heart attack), honors the memory of the irreplaceable Phil Hartman with genuine affection and humor. Andy Dick, in particular, is movingly understated as Matthew, who idolized Bill and is in denial about his death. The second episode introduces Jon Lovitz, who costarred with Hartman on Saturday Night Live, as the hapless Max Lewis, who has been fired from 37 different stations, but was a friend of McNeal's. "It's not about qualifications, it's about chemistry," James advises news director Dave (Dave Foley). "Maybe hiring a friend of [Bill's] will help us ease over this rough patch." It's true, as one character states, that "no one can replace Bill," but after a few episodes, Lovitz becomes a seamless member of the ensemble.
Some of this season's most memorable episodes subvert these singularly weird characters. In "Flowers for Matthew," a new "smart drink" transforms Matthew, the office's "silly little monkey," into "Smart Matthew" (or "Smathhew"). In "Noise," high-strung Dave mellows out after Joe (Joe Rogan) builds him a white-noise machine. A story arc that will reverberate throughout the season finds Jimmy James on the lam after the FBI accuses him of being the legendary hijacker D.B. Cooper. Patrick Warburton, who like Lovitz simply sounds funny, guest stars as James' arch nemesis, Johnny Johnson, who has designs on his business empire, and later, on reporter Lisa (Maura Tierney). Another memorable guest star is Tiffani-Amber Thiessen as Lisa's bombshell new assistant, who devastates brainy Dave and brawny Joe. NewsRadio deftly melded physical comedy, out-of-left-field situations, sparkling dialogue, and bizarre grace notes (the wacky outfits of Vicki Lewis's "red-haired temptress," Beth). What makes this set especially News-worthy are the extras, including 10 entertaining commentaries with cast and crew members and a generous gag reel. To quote Bill McNeal: "Salut!" --Donald Liebenson
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
NewsRadio was one of the very few comedies that I can watch over and over. Starting with the very first episode, I was hooked. The stories are funny, and clever, and the characters are so much fun to watch.
The entire cast is perfect - Dave Foley plays Dave Nelson, Maura Tierney plays Lisa Miller, Phil Hartman is Bill McNiel, Stephen Root is Jimmy James, Vicki Lewis is Beth, Andy Dick plays Matthew Brock, Khandi Alexander is Catherine Duke, Jon Lovitz (who stepped in when Phil Hartman died) plays Max Lewis, and Joe Rogan plays Joe Garrelli -- all who have gone on to star or co-star in some of TV's best programs.
And there were notable guest stars - Lauren Graham, John Ritter, Dennis Miller, Janeane Garofalo, Ben Stiller, French Stewart, Jon Stewart, and Tiffani Amber Thiessen just to name a few.
The entire series is well worth your time and money to watch and to own.
Rating:  -
Newsradio is one the greatest shows they have ever put on TV. It is up there with Seinfeld and Arrested Development. The last season without Phil Hartman just wasn't the same. I still enjoyed the fifth season but it just didn't measure up to the previous four.
Rating:  -
This series was fantastic, and I think the first episode of this season in which they honored Phil Hartman was as good as it could be. This show had strong writing and actors and remains one of my favorite series EVER!!
Rating: -
I had wanted to see this final season of Newsradio for years. Filmed just soon after the tragic death of actor Phil Hartman (and thusly his character Bill McNeil), the crew of WNYX mourns his loss in the premiere episode. It's very heartfelt and genuine. You can see the actor feelings on the surface and it makes the episode that much more touching. Catherine Duke(Khandi Alexander)returns for this episode & it's great to see her again.
After the first episode, the show goes on in just the same terrific manor that it did the 4 years previous. Jon Lovitz fills in for his good friend Phil Hartman as Max Lewis, a bumbling, weird, insane & ultimately lovable newsman. While Max Lewis as a character can never replace the genius character that is Bill McNeil, he's a perfect fit with the rest of the cast. And, throughout the season, the lack of Bill's trademark humor & presence is definitely felt.
There are many priceless episodes & moments, including "Flowers for Matthew" in which Joe gives Matthew a "smart drink" and the results are hilarious. "Jail" "The Lam" & "Clash of the Titans" where Jimmy James is arrested for supposedly being notorious long lost thief D.B. Cooper. Jimmy's arrest, incarceration & escape are only part of the fun of these episodes. "Freaky Friday" in which Matthew & Jimmy switch jobs for a day. And, of course, Matthew totally messes things up for Jimmy. I laughed so hard when Jimmy chases after Matthew, you could tell they had fun doing that scene. And, of course, the final episode "New Hampshire". Series finales are always bittersweet, and this one's a great end to the series. I really liked how all the characters were resolved and in typical Newsradio fashion, the very end is hilarious. Also, watch for a seriously creepy looking Matthew under Dave's desk near the end. There are also many guest stars like Adam West, Patrick Warburton & Tiffany Amber Thiessen.
All in all, if you were ever a fan of Newsradio, pick up this season (along with all the others), you will not be disappointed. It's my favorite sit-com of all time.
Rating: -
The fifth and final season of "News Radio" opens with what was the unexpected departure of Phil Hartman, who was shot by his wife. The series never really recovered from his absense, but it made an honorable effort under unbelievable circumstances. SNL alum and former friend of Hartman, Jon Lovitz stepped in to play Bill MacNeil's former friend and radio personality cohort. Many people criticize the show's final episodes for lacking the dry comedy of Hartman, but they fail to appreciate the slapstick of Andy Dick, and the amazing efforts of the entire cast.
|
