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Jul 15, 2009 Web Exclusive By Nick Hyman

Just on the heels of Parker Lewis Can’t Lose comes yet another long-awaited comedy series DVD release. This time, it’s cult MTV sketch comedy The State. The 5-disc set includes all four seasons of the show and a whole disc of extras. That means that you’ll finally understand why your comedy junkie friends still say “I’m gonna dip my balls in it!” Memorable characters such as Doug, Barry, Le Von, Capt. Monterey Jack, and others are played by Michael Ian Black (VH1), Ken Marino (Veronica Mars), Michael Showalter (The Baxter), David Wain (director of Role Models), Kerri Kenney (Reno 911!), Thomas Lennon (I Love You, Man), and Joe Lo Truglio (Fanboys). The New York based sketch comedy group’s show on MTV ran from December 1993 to July 1995, when it was finally canceled. Most of the cast members have remained tight and have frequently appeared together in other comedy shows such as Viva Variety, Reno 911!, and Stella. Some members have also crossed over into movie land in the likes of Wet Hot American Summer, The Ten, and Role Models.

The DVD should be worth the wait (it was delayed because of music clearance issues; you’ll hear familiar versions of several ’90s songs throughout) since it has a ton of extras. Each episode features group commentary from cast members, and this, while cool, may eventually wear you down. Every disc includes period interviews and outtakes, and the bonus disc includes unaired sketches from the first three seasons (with season 3’s deleted material being as good if not better than what aired), promos, and special appearances on period MTV shows like The Jon Stewart Show. The series, like many sketch comedy shows, is patchy in quality, with its legacy largely evidenced in those of its stars who have gone on to make us laugh since. As it stands, The State is a better time capsule of the ’90s than an essential sketch comedy show.

(www.paramount.com/homeentertainment, www.mtv.com)

Author rating: 6/10