Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
Starring: Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar, Simon Helberg
“Why did the chicken cross the Möbius strip? To get to the same side…. bazinga!!!”
Jim Parsons as Sheldon
I am a major “The Big Bang Theory” fan. So, I was jazzed when Season 3 on Blu Ray reached my humble abode. Let’s explore, shall we?
The Series
Just in case you aren’t familiar, here is a quick rundown of the premise of The Big Bang Theory. Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), an experimental physicist and Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), a theoretical physicist, reside as roommates in Pasadena, California. They are both professors at Cal Tech.
Their best friends are Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar), a particle astrophysicist and Howard (Simon Helberg), an aerospace engineer. The foursome loves all things geeky, takeout food and scientific and enjoy many spirited debates and discussions about their beloved nerdy interests and hobbies.
Their neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco), an aspiring actress and Cheesecake Factory server, frequently visits and has even had a “on again, off again” romantic relationship with Leonard, even though they are different in personalities and interests.
The show continues in its 3rd season to be one of the funniest and most sharply written and performed comedies ‘airing currently. And while I loved every episode of this season, I have a few favorites.
In an episode entitled “The Staircase Implementation”, a squabble over the thermostat setting leads to Leonard going over to Penny’s and recounting for her the story of how he met and moved in with Sheldon. Fans will finally learn the history of the elevator in Sheldon and Leonard’s building.
The Wheaton Recurrence finds Sheldon squaring off in the bowling alley against sworn nemesis Wil Wheaton. Yes, that Wil Wheaton of Star Trek fame. Meanwhile, Leonard’s miffed when Penny doesn’t respond the way he hoped after saying, “I love you.”
The Precious Fragmentation episode is going to be particularly funny for fans of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The discovery of a prop ring from The Lord of the Rings movies puts a strain on the guys’ friendship.
The Vengeance Formulation finds Barry Kripke pranking Sheldon during his spot on NPR, leaving him with a taste for vengeance. Howard, pressured by Bernadette to define their relationship, gets advice from a fantasy version of Katee Sackhoff. This episode will please fans of Battlestar Galatica to no end.
The Creepy Candy Coating Corollary episode finds Sheldon looking forward to squaring off against his sworn enemy, Star Trek actor Wil Wheaton, in a fantasy collectable card game tournament. Howard cashes in on an old pact with Leonard to get Penny to set him up with a friend of hers.
And finally, the 3rd season finale attempts to find an answer that lingers in the hearts and minds of any true Big Bang Theory fan: Is there a soul mate in this world for Sheldon Cooper?
I cannot stress enough that The Big Bang Theory is simply one of the best comedies on the air right now. If you already have Season’s One and Two, then Season Three is a no-brainer. If you are just getting into this show, treat yourself: buy all three seasons. That is the only course of action for any self respecting geek.
10/10
The Video
The show is presented in Anamorphic widescreen in 1080/AVC MPEG4 video. This transfer is truly first rate and takes full advantage of the Blu Ray format. The colors are spectacularly vibrant and the level of detail is stunning. The image is respectable sharp and there are no instances of grain or artifacts in any frame.
9/10
The Audio
Presented in DTS-HD Lossless Master Audio 5.1, the dialogue is crystal clear and mixed well. The bass mix is respectable and there is some mild usage of the rear speakers.
8/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features
The show is presented in a multi-disc blu ray amaray case with artwork suitable to the show presented as the cover.
A few bonus features await your perusal. A Big Bang Set Tour with Simon and Kunal is offered.
Take-Out with the Cast of The Big Bang Theory where fans join the cast while they enjoy some Chinese food and discuss favorite Season 3 moments.
Rounding things out is a funny Gag Reel.
4/5
Overall (Not an Average) 8/10
The Series 10/10
The Review
The Video 9/10
The Audio 9/10
The Packaging and Bonus Features 4/10
Overall ( Not an Average) 8/10