TVSquad

The first thing I noticed about the Venture Bros. DVD was the packaging, which is actually a lot nicer than I expected. I had already fawned over the art when it was released online, but I gained a whole new appreciation when I actually had the product in my hands. While the first season's DVD packaging was simple and sleek, this one has great, aged detail and -- get this -- it feels so wonderfully soft and papery. I'm probably a little weird for doing this, but as soon as I pulled the box out of the plastic, I gasped and made the people around me pet the DVD packaging. And if they refused, I shouted until they agreed. "Yes, Annie. Yes, that is very nice DVD packaging..."

By the way, a heads-up to the Venture Bros. fans who have a few extra hundred dollars to burn... The great original artwork used for the DVD is now available on eBay. Check out Jackson Publick's blog for links and information.

Of course, it was wonderful to re-experience the second season (quick note: they swapped the third and seventh episodes, "Assassinanny 911" and "Love-Bheits", presumably to clear up the confusion as to why Kim knew Hank in "Assassinanny 911" before their first meeting and why the Impossible family would still participate in a group costume contest in "Love-Bheits" after their "20 Years to Midnight" fall-out), complete with creator commentary on each and every episode. As with the first season DVD, Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer could not stay on-topic for more than five consecutive minutes. Guest commentators James Urbaniak (Doc Venture) and Michael Sinterniklaas (Dean Venture) joined in for a few episodes, but didn't do much to help keep things on-topic. The commentary is actually the only thing that I can even think to complain about, because the audio is a little poor. It kept sounding like Doc Hammer was right next to the microphone and Jackson Publick was sitting in the opposite side of the room. So, if I turned up the volume to hear Jackson, Doc's voice became insanely loud. But I'm probably nitpicking.

The commentary provided ample uncensored -- yes, uncensored (mostly)! -- discussion about guitars, members of Adam and the Ants, and body hair, but relatively few "insider moments". During those rare on-topic moments, Jackson and Doc talked about things like keeping Stars Wars references to a minimum in Season Three, feeling ashamed of "Guess Who's Coming to State Dinner?", and cartoon genitalia. Oh, and whenever Jackson and Doc did commentary with Sinterniklaas, I felt like I was listening to two brothers talking to their slightly confused younger brother. It was very, very strange.

I found the Deleted Scenes a little more enjoyable than last season's because instead of having only strictly audio over rough storyboard drawings, there were a few completed scenes included as well. However, my favorite special feature has to be "Deep Inside Astrobase Go!", a tour of the creators' studio and command center, because it's tremendous fun and a great change from the usual, documentary-style behind-the-scenes extras included on DVDs. Narrated by Billy QuizBoy and Pete White, we were guided on a journey to the station orbiting the moon. From the looks of it, the Astrobase is filled with geeky toys, recording equipment, and second-hand smoke. Goodness, what I would give to intern there. Also, those of us who are fans of Doc Hammer's oil paintings were treated to a sneak peek of some new works (more girls in bras; I'm assuming the work on the easel is not old). Doc also posted a behind-the-scenes look on the behind-the-scenes special on his MySpace.

The impressive packaging aside, this DVD is gold because the second season is so solid. Of course, it's a must-have for any Venture Bros. fan, but it's also the perfect tool for collecting more hapless souls into the Venture fandom. Lure them in with the promise of an episode or two of action-adventure comedy and trap them for a life-time of obsession and sweet title menus!