Anchor Bay, four discs, color, NR, 442 min. plus supplements, Dolby Digital, fullscreen, Street: July 26, $39.98; First Run: NBC-TV, 1996
Although farce is rarely explored in American sitcoms, the beloved 3rd Rock took that comic method out of this world, transplanting aliens to Earth and giving them human bodies to study the human experience with outrageous results. Its six-season run boasted a bevy of broad, brash comedy mixed with clever insight into the way humans tick. The ragtag cast mostly came from theater, so they knew how to play it big for the small screen, and this first season collection has the show's performers exploding with the kind of energy and creativity that comes from being a part of something new. Supplements-wise, the four-disc set includes a blooper reel and informative interview sessions with all of the principal and supporting cast members. Best among these is the interview with star John Lithgow, who strongly taps into what makes the show and his performance so charming. Unfortunately, the questions asked of each cast member are all similar, making the interviews a bit monotonous. The best feature, however, is a teaser compilation of some of the funniest moments from the first season.