Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series

Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) wants to alter her academically-gifted lifestyle after her grandmother's death, so she turns her back on the Math-letes and starts to hang out with the freaks of McKinley High. Her younger brother Sam (John Francis Daley) has to dodge bullies and stand in the shadows of jocks, along with his fellow geeks. Most network shows that depict high school life need to spice things up with overly dramatic and absurd scenarios, but Freaks and Geeks shows what life was like growing up for the majority of the population. Even with a massive underground following and heaps of critical acclaim, this brilliant series was yanked after just one season, and everyone knew it was coming. The final episodes were created with an uncertainty as to if they would even air, so the show wraps up some loose ends and concludes in a fashion that makes Freaks and Geeks an incredible mini-series that shows the hardships and vicious social circles of teenage years. Every character is compelling, from sci-fi nerds Bill (Martin Starr) and Neil (Samm Levine) to burnt-out class-cutters Daniel (James Franco) and Nick (Jason Segel). Even the parents, teachers and dozens of recurring classmates never fail to steal a scene in a show that was so authentic, hilarious and touching that it's amazing it ever made it onto primetime television. Five years ago when NBC pulled the plug, it seemed hopeless that one would ever see these episodes again. With the miracle of digital video and the outcry of demanding fans, this series is now a complete package with more extras than you'll see on most blockbuster editions of TV DVDs. There's a staggering 29 commentary tracks for 18 episodes, including contributions from the executives who cancelled the show, actors' parents, rabid fans and even in-character analysis from the McKinley teachers. Each episode contains deleted scenes and alternate takes, as well as blooper reels and "behind the scenes" antics with a hand-held camera. Considering you only get one chance to compile a finished series on DVD, you have to be amazed as to how much dedication was put into compiling the final word on one of the greatest shows of all-time. Plus: promotional footage. (Shout!/Dreamworks/Sony Music)