Review of South Park Volume 5

Introduction

Back to four episodes for Volume 5, so we have episodes 6-9 of the second series of South Park. The high quality of earlier episodes is continued, even though that American sit-com standard, the "flashback" episode, is included amongst those on the disc. At least a little effort went into making this particular "flashback" episode.

Video

As with all of the other discs, another reasonable 4:3 transfer, not perfection, but there aren`t that many problems with it.

Still a few compression artefacts on show, perhaps due to the continued use of a 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. There are some mildly amusing translations, but probably only funny if you speak French.

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

Another good set of episodes.

"The Mexican Staring Frog Of Southern Sri Lanka"

After being accused of lying on their English project, our heroes decide to get their own back by inventing footage of the aforementioned frog, to trick viewers of "Huntin` & Killin` with Ned & Jimbo". This provokes a ratings war with "Jesus & Pals" which fights back by becoming a cheap imitation of "The Jerry Springer Show". Hmm I wonder if British TV executives watched this episode....

"Flashbacks"

When Mrs Crabtree has an accident in the school bus, endangering the lives of our heroes, they start to reminisce about past adventures, in that all too familiar American TV show way. Except that the flashbacks all differ slightly from what really happened, which gives it that little twist that makes you want to watch it rather than ignore the usual compilation fare.

"Summer Sucks"

All the snow has gone, school`s out, fireworks (the only good thing about summer) are banned, and Mr Hat has gone missing. This adds up to a bad time for our heroes, including Cartman who is taking swimming lessons in swimming pools filled with urine. Can Jimbo & Ned save the day with some smuggled fireworks?

"Chef`s Salty Chocolate Balls"

The episode that spawned a number one single features the return of everyone`s favourite Christmas Poo, Mr Hankey, whose life is threatened by the dietary habits of the visitors brought to South Park by a film festival. Will the film buffs aid him in his plight, or will they just make a film about it, starring Tom Hanks? The answer is pretty obvious, with plenty of cheap attacks on Hollywood to boot.

Plenty to keep South Park fans amused.