DVD Corner

Delocated Seasons 1 and 2 DVD Review

“Delocated” is hit-and-miss.

“Delocated” begins with the Jon, his son (David), and his wife (Susan) entering the witness protection program and moving to New York along with a federal agent named Mike. Instead of lying low, the insensitive, jerk Jon has his family star in their own reality show in which they wear ski masks and have voice harmonizers to disguise themselves. Throughout the 19 episodes, plots involve adjusting to change, Jon getting a job at a copy store, David’s Bar Mitzvah, Susan divorcing Jon, Jon getting a new girlfriend (Kim), Jon opening a new business called Rage Cage, a Russian hit man named Yvgeny and his brother Sergei, Jon joining a golfing country club, the camera crew, a Russian Mob known as the Mirminsky’s, decoy Jons, Susan changing religions, David wanting to become a woman, Jon running for NYDC Dog Mayor, a Witness Protection Convention, pranks, Jon going undercover as Sergei, a reality show producer named Mighty Joe Jon, a stand-up comedy contest, Kim’s craft store, Todd Barry, Jay the doorman, David’ s brother, Jon opening a Bed and Breakfast in an RV, David getting a girlfriend, and a coma.

As with most Adult Swim shows, the first season of “Delocated” is comprised of 11 minute episodes. In this format, the show actually works as it never overstays its welcome and has some genuinely funny moments (such as the Paul Rudd cameo and the Black Caddies Association). In the second season, however, the show turns into a more traditional sitcom by stretching out the episodes to an unnecessary 22 minutes where the show isn’t as amusing. Considering the show essentially has a one joke premise, the decision to make each episode twice as long seems an odd one. Granted, there are some memorable moments in season two like the “Face/Off” mentions, the tap dancing, and the coma game show, but the show feels a little played out by the time season two comes to an end.

Another questionable plot choice is setting up the fact that Jon and his family are going into the witness protection program, but having Jon divorce his wife almost right out of the gate. The family angle is certainly something the show should have played off of more as there are some great storytelling opportunities there.

Summary: If you’re curious about “Delocated,” it’s worth a watch, but I can’t help but feel the show could be better overall.

Note: In case you are interested, the third season is scheduled to air February 2, 2012 on Adult Swim.

Video/Audio:

The first sseason was not the most visually appealing looking series, but the transfer looked solid regardless. The second season had a bigger budget, more locals, and better cinematography and thus looked much sharper.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track does the job. That’s all that needs to be said.

Extras:
* An amusing commentary on the “Pilot” by Jon Glaser who plays Jon. Expect a fine combination of jokes and behind-the-scenes information.
* Commentary on “The Mole” by Jon Glaser and John Lee. They both do the entire commentary as Brando. Gotta give them props for sticking with the joke the entire time.
* 2 flip books which are a collection of stills played together ala a flip book.

*“Relocated Demo”- A 3 ½ minute demo of scenes.
* 10 deleted scenes including one with Todd Barry.

* 13 outtakes including more Rage Cage smashing, Jon at a comedy club, and tap dancing.

January 30, 2012 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Adult Swim, Delocated Season 3, Delocated Seasons 1 and 2 DVD Review