Review of South Park Volume 4

Introduction

We reach volume 4 of the South Park DVDs, which introduces us to the first five episodes of the second series. Following on from the great stories that closed out the first season, the second season begins as the last ended - with some very funny episodes.

Video

Yet again, as with the discs from the first series, another reasonable 4:3 transfer, not perfection, but there aren`t that many problems with it.

Still some compression artefacts on show, maybe expected given that there are five episodes on this DVD-5. Given the simplicity of the animation, it`s reasonable to expect a little more quality.

Audio

As with the first series, a DD2.0 stereo track, perfectly adequate for the job. Again, like the first series, the French audio track is included, with different voices for the characters.

Features

Oh dear, this is where the discs let themselves down. Gone are the introductions to each episode by creators Matt Stone & Trey Parker, and gone is the general trailer for the show.

All of the second series discs are therefore stripped of any bonus materials.

Conclusion

A very good set of episodes.

"Not Without My Anus" was the first episode of the season, an episode that focuses on the crazy Canadians Terence and Philip. This is probably the weakest episode of the entire series, as it`s a bit of a novelty episode. It caused confusion when first broadcast as everyone was expecting :-

"Cartman`s Mom Is Still A Dirty Slut" - which is the conclusion to the end of season one cliff-hanger, with some bizarre flashbacks, hilarious voiceovers, and the eating of Eric Roberts. One of my favourite episodes.

"Chicken Lover" is another classic, featuring the "booktastic bus", sexual attacks on chickens, and most memorable of all is Cartman`s own brand of police brutality, and his request to "Respect my authoritaaahh!"

"Ike`s Wee Wee" features more classic moments, including drugs awareness lessons from Mr Mackey - "Drugs are bad, m`kay", and then his descent into a drug-fuelled world, plus the battle to save Ike from being circumcised.

"Conjoined Fetus Lady" probably contains the best South Park song, inspired by the nurse in the title role. What other show could get away with "You`re my conjoined twin, dead thing hangin` off your head woman" ? Sick, twisted and an utter classic. The episode also contains the world Dodgeball championships, and some very funny Chinese sports commentators.

Four great episodes, 1 mediocre episode, but no extras this time round. Still a must for fans.