"The Simpsons" The Complete Fifth Season DVD

Though it seems like Fox is running out of features to put in the extras on "The Simpsons" DVDs, this boxed set is packed with commentary and wonderful episodes. Some fans would argue that seasons three and four had more "classic" episodes. For me, the fifth season has some of the cleverest and most touching stories of "The Simpsons."

Pros

Cons

In the fifth season of "The Simpsons," the show was running like a well-oiled machine. The scripts were witty commentaries on pop culture, family life and politics. Comparing this season to the third and fourth, you can see that the writers, producers and cast had figured out the formula for success.

"Homer’s Barbershop Quartet" gave us a fun guest appearance by George Harrison, sending up his Beatles' own fame and grandstanding. The episode also gave us a winkingly good tune in "Baby on Board."

"Marge on the Lam" revealed a thumb-on-the-pulse talent because it was a take-off on "Thelma and Louise," with Pam Hayden giving an outstanding performance.

Super-star Michelle Pfeiffer popped in for an uncharacteristic character in "The Last Temptation of Homer." The episode is a fine study of marriage issues.

The list goes on and on of fantastic episodes included in the boxed set. You also get to hear very witty and insightful commentary from not only the producers, but also the cast.

I wish for only one thing that isn't included: cast interviews or behind-the-scenes footage. When "Shrek" and "Finding Nemo" were released in theaters, I practically choked on the amount of footage I saw of the actors recording their characters. Why don't we have the same for "The Simpsons?"

Regardless, this set is worth its price.