DVD Review: The State

The State: The Complete Series
Starring: Kevin Allison, Michael Ian Black, Robert Ben Garant, Todd Holoubek, Michael Patrick Jann, Kerri Kenney, Thomas Lennon, Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino, Michael Showalter, and David Wain

They are widely acclaimed and extremely loved by their dedicated fans. The State is also regarded as one of the best and funniest shows in MTV's history. That may be the case, I'm sure it certainly was in the 90's.

I should point out that I have never seen The State before, or if I had I hold absolutely no memory of it. So it is with fresh eyes that I watched this much loved cult show and found myself completely underwhelmed.

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It's not for lack of talent. The cast is great and it's clear that their fans remain loyal judging from the success of Reno 911 (which I enjoy) and the new show Michael and Michael Have Issues (which I also enjoy). I'm not sure I can even put my finger on why I didn't love this show. I enjoyed some sketches but for the most part I just wasn't that into it.

I do consider myself a fan of most of the people involved but for some reason The State just didn't click for me. It seems too nineties and I feel like the laughs just aren't there for someone who's watching the show for the first time in 2009.

Had I watched The State in the mid nineties and loved it like so many people do, I'd probably be singing an entirely different tune. But since that isn't the case, I find myself watching a show that is probably one of the single most eagerly anticipated DVD releases (at least in terms of comedies) and not really enjoying it.

That said, This DVD release is definitely for the fans. It's as comprehensive a set as you'll ever get. The set includes the complete series on four discs, plus a fifth disc full of bonus features including the Pilot Episode, over 90 minutes of Unaired Sketches, with commentary, special appearances, promos, and outtakes. The other four discs include commentaries featuring the entire cast, interviews, and outtakes.

This is a set the fans have been begging for for years and for them, it's a great collection and is certainly a must have.

For those new to the show, it's worth a watch to see the origins of some truly hilarious people. You might love the show.

I am certainly in the minority in my opinion and I can see how this show was hilarious back in its hey day. For me, in 2009, it just doesn't impress me.

The State is available on DVD now.