August 5, 2014
Community - The Complete Fifth Season
Christian Cintron READ TIME: 2 MIN.
"Community" has managed the near-impossible: Died and been resurrected. The cancelled show will find new life on Amazon, but luckily the series's fifth season is now available on DVD.
Die-hard Dan Harmon fans will enjoy the series and bonus features that include the showrunner.
It is sad that the series lost Donald Glover, Chevy Chase and its place on NBC. However, "Community" has still retained its unique genius. The fifth season finds some shifts and departures but doesn't lack in the show's unique blend of intelligence and pop culture references.
The DVD set has a bunch of special features, despite the season's small size. There is a featurette about the making of the fifth season's cartoon episode. Creators decided to do a specific "G.I. Joe" themed episode. This behind-the-scenes footage focuses on how the series was able to create what feels like an authentic 1980s cartoon.
The other behind the scenes special feature focuses on the final days of the season and series. "Advanced Television Production: 5 Days, 2 Scripts, No Sleep" includes interviews with Dan Harmon and the writers about their struggles finishing the season.
The season set also includes typical bonus features like outtakes and commentaries. What's great about the commentaries is that there is one for every episode. They also feature blends of cast members from the show and writers like Harmon. The outtakes are also fun given the unique writing style of the series. It also features a throwback to earlier seasons with Glover mooning the camera again.
"Community" may be cancelled but only a couple steps away from its mission of six seasons and a movie. It joins the ranks of cult-faves like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Arrested Development" that jumped networks. This season features a great satisfying ending, a new direction, and all the things you love. So before the show gets resurrected be sure to check out it's swansong on national television.
Christian Cintron is a writer, actor and stand up comedian. He attended Vassar College and has worked in marketing and social media. For more check out YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CintronicComedy and www.obscureathon.com