Seinfeld: Seasons 1 - 3 [1993]

Co-written and co-created by Seinfeld and Larry David (who later went on to plumb greater depths of misanthropy with Curb Your Enthusiasm), it revolutionised American sitcoms with its cynical and mature comedy, and its ability to find comic gems in the most mundane situations (one classic episode is set entirely in a mall car-park). Seinfeld was, as all involved frequently admitted, a show about nothing. But this extras-laden collection--which features extensive cast and creator commentaries, deleted scenes, trivia tracks, outtakes, interviews and more--is most definitely something. --Ted Kord

Customer reviews:

American Sitcom Gold, 2007-05-25
For some reason I never saw Seinfeld on it's original showing in this country as I just can't remember it being on and if it was then I must have been on another planet. I can only remember first seeing a few episodes sometime in the mid 90's but can't remember which season and which channel but I remember seeing some early episodes on the paramount channel on sky in about 2000-2001 and then some last ever episodes on BBC2 roughly in 2001-2002 and from then on I was hooked, so I admit that I am a late fan of the show.

I was so excited when they started releasing them on DVD because I could start watching it right from the beginning in the correct order. The thing about sitcoms for me is that I either really like them or really hate them both British and American, this is my favourite American one. I could watch this show again and again and never get bored with it, what makes it so special for me is that it doesn't matter what the subject matter is about, it's just very funny, both the acting and the writing is fantastic.

Larry David is a comedy genius. To make this is amazing, but to then go on and be responsible for the wonderful Curb Your Enthusiasm (another one of my favourite American ones) proves he is no one trick pony. Another reason why I adore Seinfeld is because every character is flawed in some way, whether they look a bit odd or they have strange personalities and habits etc. which make it much more believable even though at the same time it is unbelievable. Unlike the type of sitcoms that I hate it is not about emotional and family problems, okay it occasionally involves family problems but only in a crazy hilarious way, it doesn't preach and you shouldn't do this shouldn't do that etc., the characters are who they are and you don't have to like them to find them funny, it just cares about making me laugh and for that reason I shall be forever greatful.

I also like the extras on these DVD's especially the Inside Looks in which the writers talk about how the idea for the episode came along and it is usually based on something funny that has happened in their life or an incident that they have witnessed etc.

Just one last comment for anybody who has never seen this first season is that as with a lot of my favourite shows the pilot episode is a little slow, but don't let that put you off as on one of the commentaries Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David admit that some of the earlier episodes are a little slow and to be fair they do have a laugh at themselves because of it. Once the show speeds up it just gets funnier and funnier.

Now all they need to do is release season 9 to complete my collection and I shall be able to watch them again and again. OUTSTANDING COMEDY HEAVEN.

A show that was totally different, 2006-09-05
What is this "Seinfeld" show?

It has become somewhat of a chore listening to the number of people who talk about how Curb Your Enthusiasm is the "funniest TV show ever" or "the best thing ever to have been on television". They might even say something like: "Larry David is a genius". However, Seinfeld remains simply "that show" that he co-created and sometimes mentions.

Seinfeld never really stood a chance in the UK. Random scheduling and a heavy dose of American culture alienate it from the vast majority. There are two things the British hate most: Americans and cleverness. Seinfeld has them both in abundance. On the other hand, if you enjoy watching TV that doesn't patronise you and makes you laugh until you wet yourself, this is a good place to start. Mind you, this is definitely one for those who prefer ER and the Sopranos to The OC and Grey's Anatomy.

This isn't Friends. This is a cynical and far funnier look at the world put together by an incredible ensemble and unbelievably is over 15 years old.

Better than Curb Your Enthusiasm? Yes. Just watch it, ok?