Though the term “sitcom†has become a dirty word nowadays with exceptional single-camera TV comedies dominating the airwaves, multi-cam comedies were the norm way, way back in the 1990s. A number of 90s sitcoms were successful enough to be deemed "appointment television," but two shows invaded the zeitgeist like no other: Seinfeld and Friends. The latter is still one of the most successful television shows ever made, and its influence is ever-present as contemporary comedies are still trying to emulate its "formula."Friends is now—finally—coming to Blu-ray later this year with completely remastered versions of all 236 episodes in 1080p HD video, 16x9 widescreen format and 5.1 audio. Moreover, the complete series set will include over 3 hours of new bonus features. Hit the jump for more details.
Friends: The Complete Series on Blu-ray is set for release on November 13th of this year, just in time for the holidays. Though single season releases have yet to be announced, I assume they’ll follow after the complete series hits stores. The set will go for a whopping $279.98, though that’s chump change compared to the complete Harry Potter Blu-ray set.The special features for the Friends set include 17 hours of bonus content from the original DVDs as well as over 3 hours of all-new features. This includes retrospective documentaries with new interviews, never-before-seen gag reels, unaired footage and more. The premium collection also comes with a lenticular box cover, a hardcover book holding 21 discs, and 32-page episode guide.I already own all 10 seasons on DVD, but they’ve been airing the HD versions of the episodes on TBS over the past few months and I’m astounded at how good they look. Even season one episodes have been cleaned up incredibly well, and it’s tempting to upgrade just for the picture quality alone. Moreover, the series holds up spectacularly and has a great deal of rewatchability for fans of the show. Check out the full list of features below.
Synopsis:Â Â The ultimate collector set features over 110 hours of content (90 hours of features and 20 hours of bonus content).
Ø All 236 original broadcast episodes (released for the 1st time in the US) Ø Highly Collectible Premium Packaging Ø Lenticular Box Cover Ø Hard-cover book that holds 21 discs Ø 32-page episode guide with content from the Warner Bros. archives Special Features:
Over 17 hours of special features from the original DVD releases.
Over 3 hours of all-new special features
True Friends: Documentaries: Retrospective documentaries with new interviews looking at the influential 10 years of the show
The Original Producer’s Cut for 'The One Where Rachel Tells Ross
The Original Script for ‘The One Where Rachel Tells Ross’
Friends On The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (2005)
Friends Visit The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2004)
The Ones With More Friends: The original extended broadcast episodes
The One with the Never-Before-Seen Gags: Never-before-seen gag reel with the laughs that were too funny to include on the DVD
The Rembrandts - "I'll Be There For You": Official music video
