DVD Review: …Stella: Season One… DVD Released Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, and David Wain shine in their latest TV series

By George Marzloff

The MIT Tech, Boston, MA

Last week, a year after the first season of “Stella” premiered on Comedy Central, the “Stella: Season One” DVD two-disc set was released. Tag-lined by the creators as “Dumb comedy dressed in suits,” the series is the brainchild of Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, and David Wain. The series is based on their short films and stand-up routine as the “Stella” comedy troupe. The show follows the wacky adventures of the three that occur in their daily lives — such as their performing open-heart surgery on their landlord, camping in the woods, crashing the neighbors’ office party, or defending their paperboy from the bullies in town.

One of the most notable “Stella” episodes is “Vegetables,” in which the trio starts up a profitable large-scale plantation in their apartment, only to lose everything by “over-farming the land.” Showalter admits, “I didn’t know you couldn’t water the floorboards!”

In “Campaign,” Black runs for the building’s resident board president because the incumbent would neither let them skateboard nor have bonfires in their apartment. However, as the campaign escalates, politics comes between friends, and Wain must make a drastic decision.

The quirky trio’s absurdist material typically draws a polar response from viewers, who either love it or hate it, but even big-name celebrities such as Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, and Janeane Garofalo have loyally participated in much of the trio’s work (“Stella,” “The State,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “The Baxter”).

The DVD set includes all ten episodes with audio commentary, deleted scenes, bloopers, a documentary about the history of the “Stella” comedy troupe, and “Stella’s” performance on “Comedy Central Presents”. According to the “Stella” website (www.stellacomedy.com), the set also includes hidden Easter eggs. Episodes can be watched over and over, and the jokes never get stale. Humorous subtleties occur in the background of scenes, and only become noticeable after multiple viewings.

In the audio commentary, the creators reveal behind-the-scenes information about writing, filming and editing each show amidst their sarcastic banter. The DVD has fourteen minutes of deleted scenes that are worth watching and probably were just cut for time constraints. Despite the quality, Comedy Central has not picked up “Stella” for a second season yet.

The first season DVD set is definitely worth buying, as it will provide hours of classic comedy that will keep you entertained for years.

I recently called Michael, Michael, and David to talk about “Stella,” their other projects, and their advice for students.
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