If you were watching
American Idol this past Tuesday (April 5th), you saw the first commercials for a special offer on a TV-DVD from longtime
Idol sponsor Cingular Wireless. The spot was pretty funny: host Ryan Seacrest was outside a Cingular store, talking about the offer, and trying to convince people waiting in a long line (that extended out the front door and waaay down the block) to let him cut in. Noone would, and he finally found his way to the end of the line. Who was he about to stand in line behind for a very long time? None other than 3rd Season
Idol auditioner William Hung! ("She Bangs")
Okay, I've described the ad...now it's time to describe the DVD. Cingular stores in my area surprisingly were not displaying it the day after the ad ran, and the employees didn't seem to be aware of it, but by Friday I found one store that was able to dig up a copy in their backroom. The televised spots said that the cost was $9.99 if made with any other purchase. If there's nothing you're prepared to buy along with it, though, expect to pay $19.99 for this "Official Collector's Edition DVD." Is it worth it? Let's see:
American Idol - The Best of Seasons 1, 2 & 3 is a single disc running just 68 minutes. While the title emphasizes that it covers the best moments from the first three seasons, there is also footage on here taken from the early episodes of the 4th season as well (mostly audition sequences). Here is the total breakdown of all the content:
- "The Search" (14:41) - A look at American Idol's search across America for talent. Includes interviews with the Executive Producers, with Simon Cowell, and some of the most memorable auditions in the shows history, including from the currently-running 4th year. Look for audition segments - good ones and bad ones - from "Keith," William Hung, "Mary," "Scooter Girl," "Scat Girl," USMC Lance Corporal Joshua Gracin, and more! Narrated by Ryan Seacrest.
- Great Performances (37:12):
- Tamyra Gray: "Feel the Fire"
- Kelly Clarkson: "Respect"
- Justin Guarini: "Get Here"
- Kelly Clarkson - The American Idol: "A Moment Like This"
- Ruben Studdard-Clay Aiken-Kimberly Locke: "Medley"
- Reben Studdard: "Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do"
- Clay Aiken: "Bridge Over Troubled Waters"
- Ruben Studdard - The American Idol: "Flying Without Wings"
- La Toya London: "Don't Rain On My Parade"
- Fantasia Barrino: "Summertime"
- Diana DeGarmo: "Enough is Enough"
- Fantasia Barrino - The American Idol: "I Believe"
- "Here Come The Judges" (5:29) - A look at the three judges on American Idol, including interviews with Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul. Includes the infamous post-audition discussion in which a contestant douses Simon with a glass of water, plus more memorable clips from auditions as the judges explain their reactions. Narrated by Ryan Seacrest.
- Idol Extras:
- "The Audition Collection" (6:18) - The "Goin' to Hollywood!" auditions from Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Diana DeGarmo, and Fantasia Barrino.
- "Cuddles" (1:35) - Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell have a romantic dinner in this fun sequence that plays on the show's running gag about the judges' feelings for each other. Special appearance by Randy Jackson.
- "You're A Star" Music Video (2:16)
The national phenomenon, American Idol, is now a sensational new DVD. Re-live the incredible finalist performances and truly unforgettable auditions. Enjoy the judges' stinging commentary on talent-challenged contestants, and the excitement of your favorite moments from the show's first three seasons. Special bonus footage from Season 4! Loaded with the very best highlights, this collection gives fans of American Idol exactly what they've been waiting for!
The above description (in italics) from the back of the box frankly makes this item sound like there's a lot more here than there really is. I frankly wish there was something I needed for my Cingular phone right now, so I could have gotten it for the $9.99 price instead of paying the full $20 for it. Still, many of the moments on this disc ARE neat to have, especially the "Cuddles" video, great auditions (both excellent and awful ones), and knockout performances like La Toya London's following her too-soon elimination in Season 3, Kelly's belting out of "Respect" in the first year, Clay's emotional rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" in the second year, and I can't get enough of Diana DeGarmo's sensational version of "Enough Is Enough" during the third year (Diana, I keep playing and replaying that sequence on this DVD...well done!).
If you're a Cingular customer and need something for your phone while this DVD offer is being made, I highly recommend getting it as an add-on. If you're a huge
American Idol fan, it will be a no-brainer to add this to your collection even at the full $20 price, no matter the short running time, because it's really got some cool stuff on it. For more casual fans, though, who don't have a reason to purchase anything at a Cingular store, it will be hard to recommend this to you. Overall, this hopefully is nothing more than something to tide us all over until the new season set releases -
revealed this past February to be in-the-works - hit the market! Stay tuned for more info about those once we get the word. In the meantime, let's enjoy the 4th season.
