Review - The Road to Sectionals - Special Features

I was fortunate to receive an advance review copy of Glee Season 1, Volume 1: The Road to Sectionals, which includes the first 13 episodes of the series on four discs, as well as some special features on Disc 4 of the set. Since this is a blog which revolves around guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury, I'll rate each of the special features on a scale of 1 to 5 Squirts of Antibacterial Hand Gel.

5 Squirts is the best, because it is the cleanest.

Welcome to McKinley. Principal Figgins, played by Iqbal Theba, welcomes incoming froshes to McKinley High School. I've watched this piece, produced by the McKinley AV department, plenty of times already and each viewing presents me with a new gift, wrapped masterfully by Theba's subtle comedic genius. Watch this and receive answers to many questions, including, "How long might it take me to graduate from McKinley?" or "Where might I go to do research at McKinley?" and the ever-important "What is the code of conduct at McKinley High?" 5 Squirts

Glee Music Video. I'm a sucker for slow motion music videos. This video is particularly well done, and feels more like an extended commercial for the show than a flashy music television number. This would be the perfect thing to show a Glee-resistant friend to try to get them hooked on the show. I can't think of a soul who couldn't be persuaded after hearing "Somebody to Love." AND DID I MENTION THE SLOW MOTION? 5 Squirts

Full Length Audition Pieces. I got very excited when I saw the title of this feature, but I was a wee bit disappointed to find that the audition pieces were not of cast members' auditions for Glee, but Rachel's and Mercedes' auditions for New Directions. It was pleasant to hear an extended version of Mercedes singing "Respect," but Rachel's "On My Own" was really nothing new since the full-length single had been released for some time. Of all the auditions, I'd have liked to hear Kurt's "Mr. Cellophane" in its entirety. 3 Squirts

Fox Movie Channel Presents Casting Session. Now we're talking. Although this had been previously released online, I hadn't seen it. These types of special features are the reason I run to my local media store on the DVD release dates of my favorite shows. We're treated to the inside scoop behind Glee's creation and pitch. The show's creators and producers, Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan and Brad Falchuk, as well as executives from FOX, share their thoughts on how Glee was able to "thread the needle." Watching this feature made me want to abandon my sixteen-year teaching career, move to LA, and apply for an entry-level job at FOX just so I could be privy to the dailies from Glee. 5 Squirts

Deconstructing Glee with Ryan Murphy. I think Ryan Murphy is a television whiz, and I could listen to him discuss the inner workings of his mind for eternity. He clearly understands how to create characters that viewers will root for, and he doesn't have to rely on dumbed-down dialogue and laugh tracks to get fans on board with his vision. Ryan Murphy is to television what Christopher Guest is to film. Sheer genius. 5 Squirts

Dance Boot Camp. This is a fairly entertaining segment, and I suspect many folks will be enamored with choreographer Zach Woodlee. He's a spitfire, full of energy and vision, and it's easy to see why he delivers such an authentic product. I'd have liked more footage from dance rehearsals in this feature. I imagine Glee has a significant fan base who have at some point participated in musical theatre or show choir, and we love to see the process in action. Especially those of us more...seasoned...viewers, who enjoy taking little vicarious trips back to our youth. 4 Squirts

Jane Lynch A To Glee and Meet Jane Lynch. The only thing that would improve this feature is if it came in a Jane Lynch DVD of the Month Club, to which I could permanently subscribe. 5 Squirts

5 Things You Don't Know About Jayma
7 Things You Don't Know About Cory
6 Things You Don't Know About Amber
7 Things YOu Don't Know About Chris

and Video Diaries from:
Matthew Morrison
Jane Lynch
Lea Michele
Cory Monteith
Kevin McHale
Chris Colfer
Dianna Agron
Amber Riley

These features are loads of fun to watch, especially the flip-camera video diaries created by the cast. I suspect these features appeal especially to Glee's younger viewers. Chris Colfer's diary, in particular, is lovely, when he articulates his emotions about his role on Glee. And his reaction to spotting Glee posters in New York City is priceless. 4 Squirts

Viewers who didn't get on board until fall will love the special features we die-hard Glee fans have been enjoying since the summer hiatus. "Welcome to McKinley" alone makes the price of the DVD worthwhile.

We got a taste of Glee behind-the-scenes, but it definitely left me wanting more. I hope that a full season DVD release is on the horizon, with episode commentary, full-length casting videos, deleted scenes, bloopers, and lots more footage of the rehearsal process.

And of course, as a huge fan of Lou Eyrich's, I'd love to get a peek at the show's wardrobe and hear from Lou about how she selects pieces for the characters, where she shops, what gets made on set, and how much input the cast has in wardrobe selection. Heather Morris told me that Glee has the most incredible wardrobe of any show, and I had to force myself not to drool over her words. Note to production: feel free to include an entire DVD called "Dressing Emma," k?



I'm thrilled that Glee was picked up for a full 22 episodes, and grateful that a DVD of the first 13 will hold me over until April. If this quick-launch DVD (with its colorful menus featuring Swingle Singers music and cast photos) is any indication of what we might expect from a full-season DVD collection, the folks at Twentieth Century Fox are on the right track.

Don't wait another second to buy Glee Season 1, Volume 1: Road to Sectionals.
No sassback!

Review - The Road to Sectionals - The Best Underdog Moments of Glee

When we returned from our holiday trip to my hometown, I was greeted by an advance review copy of Glee Season 1,Volume 1: Road to Sectionals, and it couldn't have arrived at a better time. I've watched my saved recordings of Glee so much, I think I saw my DVR putting an ad for itself on Craigslist.

I can't count how many times I've seen Rachel bust through the curtain at Sectionals, or how many times I've choked up during "Somebody to Love." These amazing musical moments make Glee work in a way that other musical television shows have tried and failed. At its core, though, Glee is about the underdog, and there's somebody for each of us to love at McKinley High.

Every week, Glee sneaks up on us and throws a slushie in our face with a moment we never expected and didn't see coming. Quiet moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, but reveal the depth of character development and perfection in casting. And so as we enter a new year, with nine new episodes of Glee to anticipate, I offer you my choices for The Best Underdog Moments of Glee.

Michael Hitchcock as Dalton Rumba. Anyone who has followed Hitchcock's career knows that he is a master of comic timing and delivery. He needs only to walk in front of a camera to completely steal a scene. "Don't Stop Believin' is the most downloaded song in the history of iTunes. I've only got one good ear and even I know that!" The man is comedy genius.



The Acafellas performance. The cameo casting on this show is perfection. Josh Groban, Victor Garber and Debra Monk all in one scene would have been enough, but then they gave us "Josh Groban loves a blowsy alcoholic." WE'RE NOT WORTHY. WE'RE NOT WORTHY.

Sandy Ryerson at home. Dolls. Kimono. Paneling. Enough said. Stephen Tobolowsky is incredible in this role.






April Rhodes joins Glee Club. Dear Anyone Who Gives Awards, make sure Kristin Chenoweth GETS THEM ALL.





Terri confronts Emma. I'll never understand why so many people find Terri so evil. I think she's quite the opposite. Would anyone with crushed expectations of their own future be any different (except for the whole giving drugs to kids thing)? We'd be clinging to the one thing that made us feel like we were still living in the sweet spot, too, and for her, that's Will. Cheers to Jessalyn Gilsig for her richly layered characterization of Terri.

Kendra and Brittany. Every time I drive over the railroad tracks on my way home, I'm going to lift up my feet and make a wish that the creators and writers continue to develop these two characters and give them more air time. The lines written for them are as hilarious as any of Sue Sylvester's and delivered with as much finesse by Jennifer Aspen and Heather Morris.

I had a unique opportunity to meet Heather Morris (Brittany) last week, and I can assure you that she knows the square root of four is NOT rainbows.

Artie rejects Tina. Artie's character is incredibly complex, and it's moments like this one where we discover that, of all the Glee kids, Artie is perhaps the most self-assured.




Suzy and Rachel. Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuck are incredibly adept at writing significant moments of self-discovery through almost cartoonish events. It's Suzy Pepper who points out Rachel's insecurities and her attraction to the unattainable. I could almost feel her little perfectionist heart jump in her chest.


Kurt's dad and Finn's mom. Could these parent-child relationships be any more fantastic? I know I shouldn't wish for such a Brady Bunch plot, but I so want these two to hook up and get married, even though it would leave Kurt lusting after his own stepbrother.

The Swingle Singers background music. Admit it, you're singing it right now.

The judges at Sectionals. No topic, individual, or group is protected from Glee's wry humor, and Anna Camp as Candace Dystra may very well have had the line of the season, delivered with perfection: "They weren't singing, they were, like, HONKING, and everyone was crying, and I was like, 'Get off the stage, you're terrible, and you're making me super uncomfortable.'"

Finally, I'd like to thank Glee for bringing back the underdog of fonts, Century Gothic.

If you haven't gotten a copy of Glee Season 1, Volume 1: Road to Sectionals, what are you waiting for?

Stay tuned for a review of the Extras and Bonus Features on Disc 4 of the DVD set!

What are your favorite Underdog Moments of Glee?