DVD review: 30 Rock season 3
By Tony Robinson, TV/movie criticNow that the fall television season is upon us, you might be thinking about the shows you didn’t watch last year. In my case, the DVR got just a little too full and sacrifices had to be made. One of the shows that bit the dust was “30 Rock.” Besides, I know you were faithful to KATU and were probably watching whatever was on ABC, and we thank you for that. Still, I won’t begrudge you for partaking what is the best comedy on television. Created by “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Tina Fey, “30 Rock” is a behind-the-scenes look at what takes place on a fictional comedy/variety show at NBC. Fey’s character, Liz Lemon, is the show’s executive producer and her daily life is filled with attempts to wrangle her show’s borderline insane stars Tracy and Jenna (Tracy Morgan and Jane Krakowski) all while dealing with her upwardly mobile corporate boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin). The show’s humor is reminiscent of “Seinfeld,” combining absurd situations with a cast of characters exhibiting all sorts of neurosis and bad behavior. Season three commences with Jack attempting to get his old job back at NBC and Liz on a desperate quest to adopt a baby. Tracy and Jenna, of course, are as crazy as always. The new year also finds a number of romantic entanglements for Liz, Jack and Jenna. Even Kenneth the Page (Jack McGrayer) has a chance encounter with Cupid.
I missed the debut season, but got into the show when Universal sent me a screener for season two. Frankly, “30 Rock” is the best television comedy I’ve seen since “Seinfeld” went off the air, and that includes “The Office.” Consistently funny, Fey, her writing staff and the excellent ensemble turn in a tremendously enjoyable show week to week.
The characters are memorable, entertaining and with their own specific quirks. The show also offers a rotating group of guest stars and season three boasts memorable appearances by Salma Hayek, Jon Hamm, Steve Martin, Alan Alda, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston and the cast of “Night Court.”
All 22 episodes are beautifully presented in anamorphic widescreen and while you don’t watch sitcoms for their technical merits, “30 Rock” looks great on this DVD set. The three-disc set also comes with several bonus features including audio commentaries on 7 episodes, 13 deleted scenes, a look at the Muppets used in one episode, Liz Lemon’s 900 phone line commercial, as well as a script reading and documentary on the season finale.
There is also a look at Alec Baldwin’s monologue on his most recent appearance on “SNL,” Emmy and Golden Globe award acceptance speeches and cast member Tracy Morgan doing a parody of Christian Bale’s famous “Terminator” rant. Sadly, there isn’t much Tina Fey on the bonus features, which is conspicuous since she’s become a media darling in the last year. It’s a glaring omission which takes away from the appeal of this DVD set.
Minuses aside, “30 Rock” season 3 is an outstanding product and I’m a little ashamed I deprogrammed the show from my DVR a third of the way in. I won’t make that mistake this year. A strong cast, unique characters and crazy situations make “30 Rock” my favorite comedy on television and is truly must see tv. If you missed last season, you still have some time to catch up before season 4 begins.
4.5 out of 5
DVD/Bonus Features
3.5 out of 5
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Tony Robinson is a past host of KATU's Movie Guys film review segment and currently reviews movies exclusively for KATU.com. He lives in Portland with his wife, son and action figure collection. He can be reached at 
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