Review by John Larkin
SEINFELD: THE COMPLETE SERIES is available to purchase at MovieZyng.com by clicking the image above.
Just in time for Festivus arrives the greatest sitcom ever created in stunning 4K UHD and Blu-Ray. One could argue SEINFELD is as popular as its ever been. In 2021, Netflix shelled out a whopping $500 million for exclusive streaming rights on its platforms. I can imagine Netflix is already preparing to renew that contract. If you're like me and like to own you favorite shows and movies on physical media, despite how reliable it's streaming presence may be - you're in luck! Sony has released this absolutely stellar box set that features the complete series in 4K UHD in their original 1:33:1 TV broadcast aspect ratio. Sony has also released a blu-ray only version of the box set, but I much prefer having the 4K version.
SEINFELD stands as a landmark in television history, redefining what a sitcom could achieve through its unique blend of sharp humor, relatable absurdity, and cultural resonance. Premiering in 1989 and running for nine seasons, the series broke new ground by daring to be a "show about nothing," focusing on the minutiae of everyday life and turning the mundane into comedic gold. Its innovative approach to storytelling—eschewing moral lessons and neat resolutions—allowed audiences to connect with its unapologetically flawed characters in ways few shows had before. Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer became not just icons of comedy but representations of a particular kind of humor that thrived on awkward social encounters, overanalyzing minor grievances, and exposing the quirks of human behavior.
The show forever altered the cultural landscape, introducing phrases like "yada yada yada," "shrinkage," and "no soup for you!" into the vernacular. Its influence can be seen in countless sitcoms that followed, many of which have tried to emulate its dry wit, ensemble chemistry, and unconventional structure. By holding up a mirror to the quirks and contradictions of everyday life, the show didn't just entertain; it became a cultural phenomenon and a touchstone for modern comedy, cementing its legacy as one of the greatest television shows of all time.
The 4K Ultra HD box set release of SEINFELD is the ultimate upgrade from the long ago released DVD set. Remastered from the original 35mm film negatives, the series benefits from a pristine 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR, enhancing the color grading and overall visual depth while preserving the show’s original aesthetic. Fans will appreciate how the enhanced picture quality breathes new life into everything from the iconic diner scenes to the background details in Jerry's apartment. In addition to the technical enhancements, the box set features a plethora of special features, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, cast and crew interviews, bloopers, and deleted scenes.
I must commend Sony Pictures' physical media department for consistently delivering some of the best disc packaging in the industry. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stand out, especially when compared to the subpar designs often seen from other companies. It would have been deeply disappointing to see cases similar to those used by CBS Paramount for their releases—an often frustrating and cluttered arrangement where four or five discs are stacked precariously on top of each other, layered in a confusing and inefficient manner.
As a passionate collector of physical media, I feel confident speaking on behalf of the community when I say that what we value most in packaging is creative artwork, security and durability. Cases should minimize the risk of discs slipping out or becoming damaged, and they should themselves feel robust and well-made. Sony Pictures has clearly understood and embraced these principles, offering packaging that not only protects the content but also enhances the overall collecting experience.
This Festivus they'll be no metal poles or "airing of grievances" necessary, as we have the ultimate TV show box set to be grateful for!