For years, The Simpsons have overshadowed hundreds of DVD releases as their sets have provided a standard at which TV shows should be released on DVD. Now, Fox has decided to start releasing them on Blu Ray. While The Simpsons: Season 20 went on sale this past Tuesday, there are a few things you should know before you decide to purchase it.

1. There are no commentaries! For all twelve sets prior to this release, The Simpsons have featured exciting commentaries on every episode. For die hard fans (like me) who have seen every episode 5,000,000 times, these commentaries not only provide wonderful insights on the making of each episode, but are often as funny as the episodes themselves. Season 20 has no commentaries, probably as a result from the obvious rush job, or the simple fact that those involved with the episodes are hard at work on a future season.

2. There is only one special feature! Unlike the other sets, there are no animatic showcases or deleted scenes. In fact, it’s even missing those wonderful introductions that series creator Matt Greoning used to record for each season. What is this lone special feature? It’s the 20th anniversary special directed by Morgan Spurlock of the Super Size Me fame. Sound familiar? It was just shown on television this past Sunday!

3. The packaging will scratch your discs! This is a disease that has plagued the most recent Simpsons releases. I’m not 100% sure about the Blu Ray release, but the DVD version is the same crappy cardboard slots that have been notorious for turning your discs into pop can coasters since the Season 11 release.

While it’s hard to predict right now, there may be a small chance that a much better Season 20 release will show up in the years to come. But I wouldn’t hold my breathe! Two out of three of these issues will only bother the die hard fans! In fact, I’m sure many of you haven’t noticed that the releases have jumped from Season 12 to Season 20.

It”s expected that Fox will continue to release two seasons a year, but now with one classic season and one new season. Hopefully, the classic seasons will continue to include the good stuff!

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