Blu-ray Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Series

Synopsis: This iconic Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning semi-improvised comedy series stars creator Larry David as an over-the-top, self-absorbed version of himself who finds endless ways to make a mess of his pretty, pretty good life. Offering a tongue-in-cheek depiction of the writer/producer/comedian's fictionalized world and friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm follows Larry's awkward everyday encounters, social missteps and knack for turning mundane situations into chaotic disasters, often leading to hilariously uncomfortable situations.

Main Feature: Curb Your Enthusiasm is not for everyone. Even it's fans can find things taxing. I am oen fo those. Larry David's humor is an acquired taste. The neurotic tendencies of this man are either laugh-inducing or hair-pulling. This hit or miss philosophy can be said for the Complete Series. Not just the writing but the transition to HD format, notably since the show began while still in the 4:3 ratio era. The seasons have been ridiculous in comedy, and much like any improv (the show uses a general outline of a story, and the cast fills in the gaps), some works and some doesn't. While it gives the sensation of real-time, authentic life situations and discussions, the spontaneity can get long in the tooth. But as a fan, I still enjoyed watching the full evolution of seasons just about right next to one another. Some seasons stand out. The Producers season gets a standing ovation from me, likely due to my sheer devotion tot he original film as one of screenplay perfection, but the long form setup to the final punchline is a joyful element for me. Mocha Joe is also one of fun (and quotable) glee. David's attraction of guest stars to play versions of themselves is one of happiness, too. The HD mastering has moments of oddity given cropping decisions, but my guess is many fans are not there for the aesthetics and framing, likely not distracting them.

Bonus Features: Very basic stuff scattered thru discs. Interviews, gag reels, behind the scenes featurettes, and the like populate the discs. Nothing too extravagant. The final season's are touching final notes for the cast and are the standouts. 

Final Call: While some seasons of the show are pretty, pretty, pretty good while others are meh, Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Series Blu-ray in overall final product, lands somewhere towards the latter. 

Grade: C+