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Click above to purchase "Clerks Uncensored" at amazon.com
Clerks Uncensored
(Animated Series)
review by Zach B.
Rated R
Studio: Disney
Running Time: 130 minutes
Starring the voices of Brian O'Halloran, Jeff
Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith
Retail Price: $29.99
Features: Commentary with Kevin Smith, Scott Mosier,
Dave Mandel, Chris Bailey, Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson
and Jason Mewes, Animatics, Jay and Silent Bob
Introductions, Character Development Featurette, "The Clerks
Style" Featurette, "Super Bowl" TV Spot, Film Festival
Trailer, Trailers. DVD-ROM: Script/Storyboard Viewer,
Character Profiles, Weblink
Specs: 1.33:1 Full Frame, English Dolby Surround,
English Captions, Chapter Search (Episode 1 - 5 Chapters,
Episodes 2-6 - 4 Chapters), Two-Disc Set
My friend once asked me if I ever saw "Clerks". I told
him yes and he replied "Good. Your life is not complete
until you see 'Clerks'." Some may disagree, but most of you
can say (including me) that he's right. When "Clerks" came
out in 1994, I think it's fair to say that once again,
history on the independent film scene was made. Kevin Smith
struggled to make a film about a day in the life of two
clerks (I heard he maxed out his friends' credit cards to
get it done). However, his hard work paid off. Earning great
buzz at film festivals, "Clerks" took America by storm in
the fall of 1994. It was a monumental success thanks to
Smith's sharp writing as well as directing, nicely put
references and great acting. Kevin Smith became a household
name, an it certainly would not be the last of him.
The following year, Smith released "Mallrats" which I
felt was overbashed. Next, he did "Chasing Amy", which
earned raves and did fairly well at the box office. Smith
just kept getting hotter, and soon he'd be caught in a wave
of controversy for the religious flick "Dogma". "Dogma"
earned some nice reviews and was his biggest box office
success. Currently, Smith is doing another film with his
beloved characters entitled "Jay and Silent Bob Strike
Back", and he's set to revive the "Fletch" franchise.
Somewhere in all of this, despite many rumors of a
"Clerks" sequel, Smith developed an animated series of the
film. This news excited many people, including me. An
animated "Clerks"? Who knew what Smith could create with the
unlimited possibilities of animation? However, as many of us
know, Smith got screwed over with the series. I personally
think the battle that ensued was terrible, and the series
never got a fair or even semi-decent treatment.
Six episodes of the show were created, an average number
for a midseason replacement. The only problem was, the show
never became a midseason replacement. At the last minute,
ABC shifted the show from its March launch until May. An
angry Smith ranted and spoke bitterly about it, and
honestly, who can blame him? A lot of effort was put into
the show, and it became really anticipated by many Smith
fans. ABC even ran an ad during the Super Bowl advertising
the show for March (and it can be seen on this DVD, with
"Spring" crossed out into "Summer" and then "Whatever").
Many fans were disappointed at the delay and what ABC did,
but the delay meant more bad news: starting it on the last
day of May really meant the show had no chance of survival.
If you're familiar with television Nielsen ratings, than you
should know that summer is the worst time for TV viewing.
It's all reruns, they're movies out, etc. but summer really
is a dumping ground. No one watches TV during the summer.
May 31st the show debuted... season finales just ended.
Who's really going to turn in? ABC used the success of "Who
Wants To Be A Millionaire" as an example that a summer
series could become more, and that "Clerks" had a chance. Of
course, that's all BS, because "Millionaire" was really one
in a million (no pun intended). No one expected that kind of
success. A good amount of shows bomb during midseason, but a
lot do return for additional episodes and a full run in the
fall. I personally thought if Clerks started to air that
March, it would have had a good chance.
The show got a decent start the first week, but bombed
the second week. The show only aired twice. Many were up in
arms that ABC ruined the original order of the episodes. The
first episode shown was really the fourth episode, and to
many people, it didn't make much sense. Characters were
there that were never introduced before, and I felt it was a
bad move. The second episode was the real second episode...
but it was a flashback episode. Yes, it may sound silly that
there is a flashback episode for the second one, but it's
all in good fun. What wasn't in good fun was that the
episode made no sense, because it made references to the
"real" first episode that never aired. Confused? You should
be.
It didn't end there. The second episode caused a lot of
controversy due to a movie parody. "Flintstone's List" was a
take off on "Schindler's List", and most of it ended up
getting cut (This set, however, shows it in it's full form).
Many felt it was making fun of the Holocaust, but I
personally felt it was making fun of Spielberg himself. The
news of the cut made a good amount of newspapers, but the
scene in full was available to look at on the official
website. For a show that was shifted and with not much hype,
"Clerks" was getting a ton of publicity.
As far as reviews for the show went, I read quite a few,
and many criticized the show. Reviewers felt the show was
cliched and unoriginal (uh... no?). I was initially turned
off by the reviews I read, but still being a Smith fan, I
tuned in. I didn't understand what everyone disliked. I
loved the show. It was not what I was expecting and maybe
that's why I liked it so much. It brought a very large smile
to my face and made me laugh out loud, something I don't do
much when watching TV. Sure, I enjoy some sitcoms and
programs and think they're funny, but usually not laugh out
loud funny.
Smith is the type of filmmaker who will fight and support
whatever he does, and I have respect for that. He's done it
for all his films and fought a lot of controversy, and I'm
glad he had such a passion for his series. Shortly after the
show was canned, Smith announced there would be a deluxe DVD
edition. My prayers were pretty much answered. It was a bit
off, but I couldn't wait.
And so finally, "Clerks Uncensored" arrives on DVD. This
is a really, and I mean really nice set. I'll get into the
extras and other details a bit later, but every Smith fan
and series fan will love this set and will be beyond pleased
with it. Before I begin with that, I'll take you through
each episode of the show and my thoughts on them. Let's
begin (note, some summaries have minor spoilers)...
Episode 1 - "The Pilot" or "Leonardo Leonardo
Returns And Dante Has An Important Decision To Make":
The real first episode that ABC didn't think was a good
premiere, I have to say, it's not my favorite either. Still,
to those who have never seen the film and for the series in
general, it gives a very nice overview of the setting
characters and tone. The basic plot pretty much involves
Leonardo Leonardo opening a mall-like convenience store
called "Quicker Stop" across the street from Quick Stop.
Randal and Dante are worried about their jobs, but they are
offered ones by Leonardo Leonardo himself. Randal pretty
much screws the whole situation, but the two attempt and try
to stop Quicker Stop. There are some funny lines and scenes
here, and again, gives a good overview of the series
generally.
Episode 2 - "The Clipshow Wherein Dante and Randal Are
Locked In The Freezer And Remember Some Of The Great Moments
In Their Lives": The second episode (and last) that
aired on ABC, here, Dante and Randal get trapped in the
Quick Stop's freezer. The two have flashbacks about things
they did together. Jay and Silent Bob soon join them, and
have flashbacks as well, and soon, Silent Bob breaks them
out, but Randal and Dante get locked inside RST Video. More
flashbacks occur there. This is a very enjoyable episode,
however, it really made no sense to air it second, because
it makes references to the first episode that didn't air
first... and never even aired. There are some pretty funny
references here. Plus, on the disc, you get "Flintstone's
List" all uncut. All in all, very entertaining.
Episode 3 - "Leonardo Is Caught In The Grip Of An
Outbreak Of Randal's Imagination And Patrick Swayze Either
Does Or Doesn't Work In The New Pet Store": The third
episode focuses on Randal's over-exaggeration of an
ebola-like virus in Leonardo due to a monkey at the pet
store down the street, and sure enough, everyone believes
him. While the real reason Leonardo Leonardo becomes ill is
obvious, there's a lot of funny sendups in this episode
including a nice homage to the movie "Outbreak" (which is
even mentioned directly). And how can you go wrong with the
mockery of Patrick Swayze? This episode really shows what
the series has to offer and what it could accomplish.
Episode 4 - "A Dissertation On The American Justice
System By People Who Never Been Inside A Courtroom Let Alone
Know Anything About The Law, But Have Seen Way Too Many
Legal Thrillers": The first episode that aired, and my
favorite. This is a really zany and inspired episode (plus
an incredible ending) where Randall wagers Dante that he can
take care of the Quick Stop. Of course, he can't, and Dante
helps him out as Randal admits it. Randal then reluctantly
tries throwing a soda can with some liquid in it into a
garbage bag, but misses, and soda spills. Jay and Silent Bob
come in, where Jay slips on the soda puddle. Randal says
that Jay should sue for ten million dollars, and pursues a
big Manhattan lawyer to take the case. And there, a legal
court battle begins. A lot of funny stuff here and I think,
the best of all the episodes. I don't remember the last time
I laughed so hard at something on television.
Episode 5 - "Dante And Randal And Jay And Silent Bob
And A Bunch Of New Characters And Lando Take Part In A Whole
Bunch Of Movie Parodies Including, But Not Exclusive To,
The Bad News Bears, The Last Star Fighter, Indiana Jones
And The Temple Of Doom, Plus A High School Reunion":
In this installment Dante and Randal go to their tenth high
school reunion, where we learn that Randal has some special
power after he's done with a woman. Dante tries to hang out
with his fellow baseball teammates from high school where he
was the team manager, but they don't remember him and gets
pretty bruised. Leonardo Leonardo, from the class of 1970,
is also neglected so Dante and him get drunk. By some twist
of fate, Dante becomes coach for Leonardo Leonardo's little
league team, while Randall becomes obsessed with an arcade
game he used to play and is "recruited". A ton of movie
references here to enjoy, plus this delivers a good amount
of laughs.
Episode 6 - "The Last Episode": The final episode
goes out with a bang, where Dante is supposed to meet his
ex-Katlin. However, Dante and Randal are stuck at Quick Stop
since there is a fair in town, but Jay and Silent Bob come
in pretty often to tell them what's happening outside... and
with Katlin. This episode works on two levels. Those who
haven't seen the movie will get it, but there's a lot of
references and hidden jokes to those who have seen it.
There's also some pretty funny pop culture references... so
if you've never seen "Clerks" (the movie) before, you may
want to watch it first before watching this episode.
This show had so much going for it, and I'm sure if it
really had a fair chance, this could have been a great
animated series that could have lasted for ages. The first
six episodes boasts an impressive list of guest stars such
as Gwyneth Paltrow, James Woods and Julia Sweeny (with Alec
Baldwin as a regular!). Add in some wacky situations and a
ton of pop culture references, and what you have is a
brilliant and really enjoyable show. Too bad though... these
six episodes have a lot to offer.
Each one of the six episodes are presented in it's
original aspect ratio of airing (or how they were going to
be aired) in 1.33:1 full frame. The transfers are great. I
wouldn't expect any kind of blemishes and dirt, and there
aren't any. The only problem I'd think a transfer like this
would have would be noise or shimmering. Surprisingly, I
didn't notice any of that either (woohoo!). Everything looks
splendid. The comic book-like animation style and bold
colors pop right out and there's smooth motion throughout.
No noticeable artifacts either. It's all very vibrant and
all very well done.
When some TV shows made their way to DVD, sometimes they
were mixed to Dolby Digital 5.1. "Clerks" is only in 2.0
Dolby Surround, and while I think 5.1 could have worked
pretty well, the surround track is great and a lot better
than I expected. Dialogue is clear and easy to hear, and
music doesn't overlap it. There's also no distortion or
hiss. The surround effects are pretty plentiful and are
pretty good. Take "Episode 3" where the Stealth Fighter
flies in the sky, or the first episode with the firecrackers
exploding. Each episode has some nice effects to be heard,
and while I know some of you would have liked a 5.1 mix,
this track gets the job done perfectly. Surround mixes don't
get much better than this. Plus, I think this is the first
ever Disney disc where you CAN ACTUALLY CHANGE THE AUDIO
WHEN WATCHING. I could be wrong, but all the other
Disney discs I have you can't. AMAZING!
I would have been content if this DVD just had all the
episodes. And while it does, Smith and company have thrown
in some excellent extras to make this package even more
worthwhile. Thankfully, Smith is the kind of filmmaker who
likes supplements and what the fans want.
All six episodes feature a Commentary with Kevin
Smith, Scott Mosier, Dave Mandel, Chris Bailey, Brian
O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson and Jason Mewes. While several
TV sets tend to have a commentary on one episode ("Sopranos"
and the upcoming "Buffy" set come to mind), here, you're
treated to six commentaries. And if you've heard past Smith
commentaries, you know what you're getting in for. Each
track is really lively and considering what went on with the
series, there's a ton to say. Comments are not always so
screen specific, but I really just absorbed and found
everything said interesting as well as captivating. Smith
does most of the talking and the others respond as well as
point things out. They talk about how ABC didn't promote the
show, controversies and whatnot. There's some funny moments
and the commentary is like old friends talking, just having
a good time. There are no pauses, no gaps, the commentaries
flow great. O'Halloran, Anderson and Mewes don't talk as
much, but they have things to say, and their comments are
pretty funny and welcome. Commentaries don't get much better
than this. Definitely listen to each commentary, you'll
learn a ton about the show and have a great time too. Once
again, Smith and crew deliver a fantastic commentary (well,
commentaries). They also mention toward the end of the last
one that there will definitely be a "Clerks" animated movie
in the "near future". I personally can't wait. It doesn't
get much better than this folks. Also, as I mentioned, you
CAN change tracks during the course of an episode... this is
the first Disney disc I've seen that lets you do this.
Sweetness.
Animatics is a pretty neat feature if I say so
myself, which uses the angle feature really well. During the
episode you are watching, you can switch to see the whole
thing in a storyreel (or have it start out that way). When
you switch, the voice acting is still there, and it's pretty
interesting to see how things were originally planned out
and what didn't make it into the final animation. This is a
pretty unique and interesting feature that makes a very nice
addition. You'll see all the storyboards for all the
episodes.
The Clerks Style is a four minute featurette that
analyzes and looks at the design aspect of animating the
series. It's pretty in-depth and insightful. It's narrated
sorta like a commentary, and features episode clips,
storyboards and conceptual art. It's a good watch, and if
you enjoy the art style of the series (like myself), you'll
like this featurette.
Character Development is a featurette that lasts a
little over ten minutes, and basically shows how the
animation and art style evolved from the start and to final
product. It's also narrated, and features clips from the
show, clips from the original "Clerks", early artwork and
more. It discusses inspiration and how the original movie
was used for developing the character designs plus has some
interesting comparisons. Again, if you liked the animation
and style the series had, you'll be interested in this.
The Film Festival Trailer is a scream and
advertises the show (I really enjoyed it, I could definitely
watch it over and over) really well, plus there's the
Super Bowl TV Spot I mentioned earlier (which
includes the Spring to Summer to Whatever change) that ABC
played...during the Super Bowl. There are nice advertising
materials.
Speaking of ads, Disney also includes four
Trailers. One for the original
Clerks,
"Chasing Amy",
Princess
Mononoke (woohoo! More exposure! Too late though sorta)
and the classic Beatles film "A Hard Day's Night".
Each episode also features Jay and Silent Bob
Introductions. They're pretty short, but they are really
funny and fun to watch. Some of them sorta mock the
"success" of the cartoon.
As far as DVD-ROM features go, there's a neat
script and storyboard comparison viewer, weblink and
character profiles. Nice computer materials.
Things I should point out that this is a two disc set,
and comes in a double case, not a single amaray case with a
flap inside. Speaking of two discs, stuff is going around
that some sets have two "Disc 1"s, not one of each. So make
sure you get a good copy. Also, each disc has three episodes
and each disc holds the same supplements, so you don't have
to switch discs if you want to see one of the featurettes or
advertising spots (of course, the commentary and animatics
part differs to reflect the episodes being shown). Each disc
also has some nicely animated menus with great colors and
pictures. The menus are designed nicely and easy to
navigate. That's about it... and as you can see, there's a
lot of nice stuff on here to enjoy.
I haven't been anticipating a disc like this since
Rushmore
Criterion (one of my favorite movies ever). Thankfully,
this disc delivers beyond my wildest dreams. Smith fans will
love it for sure, and those who never got a chance to see
the show (due to the unfairness it faced) now finally have a
chance to see it. Everyone's getting something new out of
this set. The picture and audio exceeded by expectations,
and the supplements are plentiful and fit really well. The
price point is also excellent, and considering you can get
it online cheaper than thirty dollars make this one a steal.
"Clerks Uncensored" is an excellent buy for animation fans,
pop culture freaks and Kevin Smith lovers. This deserves a
spot in your collection.
 (4.5/5 - all episodes, NOT
included in final score)
(4.5/5)
(4.5/5)
 (4/5)
(4.5/5, NOT an average)
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