Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Three (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)The third season of the popular teen drama Degrassi The Next Generation is now available on DVD. The three disc box set features all twenty two episodes from the shows third season--including the two part episode "Accidents Will Happen." This episode did not air in the United States on The-N, the network which airs Degrassi The Next Generation.
Now that the shows fifth season episodes are airing, season three seems like it was a really long time ago. It was before the school shooting and Jimmy's paralysis, and light years before Jay & Silent Bob decided to pay a visit to Degrassi Community School.
At the beginning of season three Emma's mom was preparing to give birth to baby Jack. This new addition to the family and Emma's home life with Mr. Simpson now as her step-father sent Emma on a mission to find her birth father Shane. Emma finds her father and he isn't exactly in the greatest shape. Season three definitely started with a bang.
Whereas the new character Craig Manning was very integral to the season 2 storylines, Craig had to share the spotlight with several other characters who had major stories during the shows third season. Season three was the season in which Marco came out to his friends regarding his homosexuality. Of all of Marco's friends Spinner had the biggest problem with Marco's revelation but the two would overcome this obstacle.
Another important season three storyline would be the volatile relationship between Terri and Rick. Their story would end with violent consequences.
Interracial relationships are nothing new to Degrassi The Next Generation (Craig & Manny, Ashley and Jimmy), yet it appeared the show was about to embark on another interracial relationship between Emma and Chris. Well perhaps the writers decided to go in another direction because although it once seemed like Chris would be an important character on the show he soon faded into the background.
Probably the most talked about episode from season three is "Accidents Will Happen." This is the two part episode that didn't air in the states. The reason why? Most likely because this episode deals with that hot button topic of abortion. In this episode young Manny finds herself sick and throwing up quite often. What is initially thought to be a cold or virus turns out to be an unplanned pregnancy. Manny turns to Emma's mom Spike for guidance. Spike became pregnant at the age of 14 and soon after gave birth to Emma. Spike is a comforting ear for Manny. I don't want to spoil things too much for people who have never seen the episode but it's very well written. It's a well known fact that Emma (Manny's best friend) is strongly against abortion (remember she flipped when her mom considered having an abortion when she became pregnant with Jack before the wedding?) Craig wants to keep the baby, Manny initially isn't sure what she wants. It's a great episode and one of the best Degrassi The Next Generation episodes ever because watching the episode you will truly empathize with every characters point of view when it comes to this controversial topic. Outside of the unplanned pregnancy, there are some other important scenes in these episodes. We see Manny apologize to Ashley for being involved with Craig while they were dating. "Accidents Will Happen" part two also features the clip of Liberty dressed in leather trying to pick up Sean. The-N shows this clip quite often in promo's but fans of the show have been left wondering when this happened, mystery solved.
Overall, season 3 was a really great season. For the most part the adult storylines took a back seat to the kids this season but there were several on-going stories including Mr. Simpson's cancer and the ongoing love affair between Joey Jeremiah and Caitlin Ryan.
Funimation once again did a great job with the DVD box set. The box and inner casing design is similar to the previous season box set. As expected you can count on cool extras. Bonus features include:
Deleted Moments
-Karoke
-Episode Commentaries "Accidents Will Happen" & "Pride"
-Ultimate Season 3 Interactive Quiz
-CTV Degrassi Promo
-Degrassi Yearbook
-Character and Cast Bios
-Degrassi marathon feature on every disc

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The intensity of Degrassi the Next Generation amps up in in season three. And it's all here for you - UNCUT - in the Director's Cut Season Three Ultimate Box Set. Contains the epsisode that everyone has been waiting for "Accidents Will Happen." This set is packed with deleted scenes, bloopers, profiles, pus a personality test, photo album, karaoke and an original series promo. Package that with commentary and you have a set that no Degrassi fan should be without!

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Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season One (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Sadly, I must say that I'm probably considered an old guy to most of the reviewers of this "Degrassi: The Next Generation" boxed set. At twenty-eight years of age, I'm probably twice as old as most of these folks. But that doesn't matter because I really love this boxed set. I grew up watching the original Degrassi shows on PBS in Louisiana. Though the cast was roughly two years older than I was, I found myself relating to a lot of them. The new series allows me to catch up with some of my old favorites, as well as introduces me to a new crop of kids going through that great life-changing period we know as junior high and high school.
This new DVD set brings us the first season of the new series. Many of the kids are still pre-teens in this season. We are introduced to Emma, J.T., Toby, Manny, Ashley, Paige, etc. We're also introduced to some of their parents. One of the parents is very familiar to us old folks. Emma's mom is Ms. Nelson, or Spike, from the original show. She'll become quite close with Emma's media immersion teacher, Mr. Simpson. Once again, the old folks will probably, recognize Mr. Simpson as Snake from the old show. Another returning favorite is Joey Jeremiah. You'll remember him as the goofy kid that wore a fedorah. Many of the older castmembers show up for a class reunion at the end of episode two.
The new cast is fun to watch. It's funny how kids these days still deal with many of the same problems that other teenagers deal with. Everything from sex to drug abuse to first loves is dealt with. There are a few new trials and tribulations these days, however. One such temptation is internet romance, which gets Emma into a sticky situation. Another subject dealt with is Ashley having to come to terms with the fact that her father is gay. Though homosexuals have been around forever, I think that this is the first teen show that deals with this particular situation. Spinner is on behavior-controlling prescription drugs(ritelin, forgive the spelling). Jimmy uses those particular drugs to give him an "edge" at basketball. J.T. and Toby check out a little internet porn and, as usual, those blasted parents catch them. These are just a few of the "newer" problems that are addressed on the show.
Some of the problems that have hampered teens since the dawn of time are addressed as well. Toby crushes big-time over Emma, who is captivated by Sean. Sean, meanwhile, comes from a busted, alcoholic family. Paige manipulates her friends to get what she wants. Terry is overweight and thinks that no one will ever like her. Liberty fears failure in the classroom, etc., etc. What you get is a teenage soap-opera that deals with real issues.
Granted, some of the "problems" are hokey and 100% cheese, but this helps break the intensity of some of the dramatic moments. The acting isn't superb, but it wasn't with the original show, either. What you end up with is a program that teens and pre-teens can watch without feeling like they are being preached to or lectured. The characters are believable and they deal with their problems in the same way as any average kid would these days.
The DVD extras are fun. There is karaoke, where you get to sing the theme song. There's a casting call section where you get to see some of the youngsters try out for roles. A blooper reel is included, and some deleted scenes as well. One of the best deleted scenes for us oldsters is one which catches us up on a lot of the old characters from the original shows.
I recommend this boxed set to anyone who wants to relive the old days of their youth. More importantly, I recommend this set to teachers and parents who want to teach their kids without having to hammer a speech down their throats. Kids connect with the characters on this show, and that makes life a little bit easier to deal with once they realize that they aren't the "only one" who has to deal with any of their particular teenage problems.

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The Ultimate Box Set Has Arrived!Are you ready to experience Degrassi: The Next Generation like never before?Fans... hold on to your fedoras!Because the Next Generation of Degrassi has been born on DVD!This Degrassi: The Next Generation Ultimate Box Set includes: two DVDs that hold a whopping 450 minutes of episodic footage from the first season of the series, one bonus DVD boasting more than 100 extra features and exclusive Degrassi: TNG locker decor.It's a brave new world as the Next Generation of Degrassi confronts all new issues.But, this environment is much different than the one faced by generations before.It's filled with the Internet, body piercing, hip-hop and more opportunities for pitfalls than ever.Remember when meeting pen pals wasn't risky?These kids may be more media savvy than their parents, but they aren't necessarily more sophisticated.A whole new generation ventures through the trial and tribulations of adolescence, with a one-hour kick-off episode (featuring favorites from Degrassi's past) and a cliffhanger that you won't want to miss.Watch Emma and "next generation" classmates, Manny, Toby, J.T., Liberty, Sean , Ashley, Paige, Terri, Spinner and Jimmy as they encounterpressure, temptation and revel in the glory that comes with being young.Kick back and enjoy Degrassi: The Next Generation... The Ultimate Box Set.More than 100 Extra Features!Enjoy Degrassi: The Next Generation like never before with: 15 Director's Cut Episodes Degrassi Karaoke Degrassi Photo Album Character Descriptions Cast Biographies Deleted Scenes Oops and Bloopers Original Television Promos PLUS.... On the Casting Couch: Audition Tapes Unveiled AND... EXCLUSIVE Locker Décor!

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Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Four (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I accidently stumbbled onto Degrassi several years ago over a Christmas break and found the show to be easily addictive. Not being one for the standard sterotypical high school scene like in the OC or Dawson's Creek I was stunned on how well the show was put together along side it's addictiveness.
Not only is the show intelligently written and plotted the acting from the youthful cast is spectacular. Each character (as partly a result from them being well written) is brought out onto the screen with that particular oddness and poignancy that is all to familar with someone who just left high school.
This is not a show where the entire cast is drop down gorgeous nor act exactly the same; there is a wonderful diversity with the roster of characters present. They all don't wear most expensive clothes or drive the most expensive cars to school and do not go around spouting out mindless phrases such as 'waxing philosophical.' This is a real life show displaying real life characters with real life problems and having those characters work through them with real life means.
About six months after I discovered this little gem of a show I found with much surprise that the DVD sets for each season were available and freaked out; quickly drove to the store and laid down my money. I bought season one sortly before season two came out in Aug. 2005, and saw that the release date for the third season was already scheduled for this past March and quickly pre-ordered. I watched them the entire way through and was able to pick up larger story arcs that I had missed when I saw the reruns on the Noggin Network and longed for more after the last episode had ended on the third season disk set. Once again I saw the release date was only about six months away after the third season (a very short time considering it takes over a year for each season of most other shows to be released on DVD).
I wrote a review for the third season of this show months back and claimed it the be the best season of the entire show (based on what I had picked up on TV and later watched on DVD) and still claim that, but must admit that season four is a very close second.
As in past shows Degrassi boldly faces down such issues as teen pregnancy, drinking, drugs, sex, cutting, homosexuality, violence, and much much more with a raw force that other shows would only dream of doing. The fourth season however goes even further with such issues as noted and beyond.
Not to give anything away (though I will give away some) a school shooting occurs, a student is murdered, another paralyzed, affairs of the heart go out of control, secrets are revealed, and pretty much the same intensity ignites as it has done in the past seasons.
Though some has called this show pretentious, overly dramatic, or just plain stupid they need to think again and take a look at the other shows out there depicting life in high school and recall what it was like for themselves years past in high school. I for one (as someone who just left it) find Degrassi to be all to true to the reality that teens go through as they walk the halls to class. It's safe to simply say this show gets it right.
As for the DVD as with the past three seasons the extras seem to be a step above one another with each passing season. Deleted/extended scenes, gag reels, casting tapes; the usual (I'm not one who does much with extra features on DVDs apart from deleted scenes). The quality of the print of each episode is great (the only drawback is it's in fullscreen (although apart from HBO DVDs not many TV shows that I own are in widescreen format)).
In the end is Degrassi worth laying down the money for? Absolutely...100%...YES!!! It is a must own for fans of the show, fans of high school programs, and fans of people who just like plain good old television; you will not be disappointed.

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Season four of Degrassi:The Next Generation could very well be one of the darkest and most intense seasons ever.And for good reason!Paige finally faces Dean in court.Crashed cars broken relationships burning questions .Emma lays the pressure to think to get Rick out of Degrassi.STDs are hot topic in the hallways.Marco realizes he s being cheated on.Ashley leaves.Craig snaps .Rick reaches for a gun .The Season Four Ultimate Box Set is packed with deleted scene bloopers yearbook original auditions quiz and so much more.Plus get the inside scoop onTime Stands StillandSecretfrom the actors and writers themselves.System Requirements:Running Time: 600 MinutesFormat: DEGRASSI Genre:ANIMATION/ADULT SWIM Rating:TV-PG UPC:704400113482 Manufacturer No:1-4210-0670-7

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Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Five (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love the cheesy escapism of this Canadian teen soap, in which every episode is A Very Special Episode. Watch Manny pursue acting, Emma struggle with anorexia, Liberty and J.T. deal with possible parenthood, Craig make it big in music, Spinner try to redeem himself, Jimmy struggle with his identity post-parapalegia, Paige explore a different aspect of her sexuality, and Marco come out to his Dad. And more. The stories seem a little better fleshed out this season, perhaps because of the back work done in season 4. In addition, the writing seems snappier and funnier, but I could have just been tired from being up all night with the baby;) Pure escapist fun. A guilty pleasure for those of us far past our high school days.

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In case you thought that Degrassi High couldn't get any more intense…think again. This season, the challenges get harder, the lessons get tougher and the path to self-discovery becomes more dangerous than ever. Emma goes to exremes to lose weight. Manny makes a decision that tarnishes her reputation. Paige questions her sexuality. Relationships will begin or rekindle...and some couples were meet their bitter end. This 4 disc set includes:
19 Director's Cut episodes
Bloopers & deleted scenes
Original auditions
Character & cast bios
Cassie Steele interview
Degrassi yearbook and much more...

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Drake and Josh, Vol. 1 - Suddenly Brothers (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Drake and Josh is my favorite show on Nickelodeon. Even though there are no DVD season boxsets out yet, this DVD came out in early 2005 and I bought it. Here is my review ( I have no life ).
[*] Indicates a "DVD Great"
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[*]Pilot: 4.5/5 This is the first episode of the series. Drake and Josh become step brothers and Drake realizes that Josh is a real loser in school. In a case of mistaken identity, Josh has to fight a "jealous boyfriend".
[*]Dune Buggy: 4.5/5 Drake and Josh get a dune buggy from Drake's friend, Trevor, but find out that it doesn't run. After getting it fixed, Drake and Josh aren't allowed to even drive it. Josh gets grounded for lying because of Drake, and Drake takes the dune buggy for a ride regardless. He crashes into a tree and tries to hide his injuries.
Two Idiots And A Baby: 4/5 Josh volunteers to babysit, but Drake abandons the baby to play a concert with his band. Josh soon loses the baby and looks tirelesly around the house for him. Soon, Meghan reveals that she had it the whole time and nobody knows what happened.
[*]First Crush: 4.5/5 Josh promises to play a birthday song on guitar at a girls birthday party. Having no idea how to play it, he has Drake teach him, but the strings on the guitar snap. Drake comes up with a plan that makes Josh look like he's playing it but he really isn't.
Special Features: Outtakes: 5/5 On this DVD there are 8 minutes of outtakes. They are pretty good, too, and are well worth watching. Makes the DVD all more worth the money.
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Overall, this is an excellent DVD. The quality for some reason is furry-like on the episodes, but the episodes are still great. It has some of the first episodes of this great series. I really think you should buy it. Since it is from the first season, you will notice some things. First, the whole entire house looks different; especially Drake and Josh's room. The door doesn't even face the same way, and the whole room looks different entirely. You will also notice some "slip-ups" by the director, but you'll forgive them. You should really buy this DVD if you are a Drake and Josh fan. It's really just a bummer there are only 4 episodes and there hasn't been a new volume to this for about a year and a half now.
4.5/5

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Fifteen-year-old Drake and Josh are schoolmates, but not close friends.As a matter of fact, Drake thinks Josh is a bit of a goof.Imagine his shock when he discovers this goof is about to become his stepbrother and new roommate when his mother marries Josh's father!

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