FRASIER - THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON is a half-hour comedy series set in Seattle, which chronicles the lives of an eloquently pompous radio show host, Dr. Frasier Crane, (Grammer), his competitive, high-brow brother Niles ... more »(Hyde Pierce), their crotchety father Martin (Mahoney) and Martin's semi-psychic, live-in home-care provider, Daphne (Leeves). The show made history by becoming the first series, comedy or drama, to achieve a record five consecutive Emmy wins for Outstanding Comedy Series.« less
Actors:Kelsey Grammar, David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, John Mahoney, Peri Gilpin Genres:Comedy, Television Sub-Genres:Comedy, Comedy Studio:Paramount Format:DVD - Color,Full Screen DVD Release Date: 02/01/2005 Original Release Date: 09/16/1993 Theatrical Release Date: 09/16/1993 Release Year: 2005 Run Time: 9hr 13min Screens: Color,Full Screen Number of Discs: 4 SwapaDVD Credits: 4 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 Edition: Box set Languages:English
"After the solid third season, Frasier came back with what could arguably be its best season. There were new storylines: Martin meeting a new lady, Sherry (played by Marsha Mason), who doesn't exactly hit it off with the rest of the gang--as well as continuations of old ones: Niles trying to reconcile with Maris. The biggest story of this season, though, was off-camera: star Kelsey Grammer went into rehab, which necessitated that the others in the cast pick up the slack. They proved up to the task, of course, and upon Grammer's return the show became better than ever. In this season, we were visited by familiar faces like Lilith and Frederick for a memorable Thanksgiving episode, as well as Agent Bebe, as well as surprise appearances (James Earl Jones). In addition, this season contained some of the truly greatest episodes of this show: the opener, The Two Mrs. Cranes, had the show's farcical sense of its humor at its most potent, Ham Radio featured delightfully unhinged performances by the supporting cast, and Are You Being Served? features one of the show's funniest moments. This is where the show hit its peak: the synthesis of great acting, writing, and ensemble acting that made this show memorable. If you love Frasier, these episodes are probably many of the reasons why. If you only buy one set of Frasier DVDs, this should probably be it."
A year of comedy perfection
E. Kutinsky | Seattle, WA | 03/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Frasier was about to come into its off years, but they got it exactly right in Season 4 - it's full of heavy laughs, pitch-perfect timing, meaningful characterizations, and a breezy, nimble energy that carries through one shockingly good episode after another. I may never laugh harder at a half hour sitcom than I did during the brilliant season premiere, "The Two Mrs. Cranes," which features Daphne and Roz trying to outlie each other for a random Brit's affection, or during "Ham Radio," the slapstick masterpiece about Frasier trying to put on an old-time radio mastery. The writing was the best it ever was this year, but I think that's because the characters had reached such a place of familiarity and ease that every scenario is just another grand excuse to see the bizarre ways they'll all interact. As brilliantly embodied by the entire cast (especially, this year, by John Mahoney as Martin, and David Hyde Pierce, in the Niles golden years), it's hard not to argue that this was one of the funniest years of any sitcom in television history."
And the Champion is Frasier!
John Carr | 02/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Frasier is, for my money, the best sitcom ever presented on American TV. The comedy on this wonderful show runs across all genres from slapstick to drawing room farce. And the dialogue is aguably in the same class as the best of the 1930's screwball comedies! If Preston Sturges were alive, he would have been writing for Frasier.
The fourth season of Frasier is the best yet. The interplay between Frasier and Niles and their father is a joy to behold. Frasier is the only TV show that consistently has me rolling on the floor with laughter. And, the supporting players, from Bulldog to Roz, cross all comedic and encomic lines! And what great lines they are...
I love being able to buy these quality shows in their entirety so that I can watch them without commercials and at a time of my chosing. And, with the price drop for Season 4, it's gotten even better! According to tvshowsontv.com, Paramount will be releasing 3 more seasons in 2005! It doesn't get much better than this for comedy fans.
I recommend this show to all intelligent and discriminating TV viewers.
"
Solid but....Formulaic?
John P Bernat | Kingsport, TN USA | 02/04/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great season but, if you watch it right alongside of Season 1 or Season 2, there's some risk of disappointment.
The writing is solid but, in this season, we start to see some burlesque style, particularly in the way Niles is written. After four years, even a brilliant series is bound to show a little fatigue, and this is what we see here.
Niles is shown as conflicted and even a trifle complex, but the portrayal is so broad as to hint a writer's desire to pigeonhole him and make the jokes come thicker and faster.
And then there's Frasier. Remember how the end of Season 1 has him talking about how happy he is? In this season, he gets a little lonlier, a little angrier, and a little sadder. It's not a bad development, but when it's coupled with the broader humor which typifies this season, there's a dissonance that's a little hard to resolve.
But I guess by saying that I sound like the Crane brothers, right? Oh, well...the fourth season is enjoyable and as much fun as ever!"
ANOTHER solid season - not a single subpar episode!
John S. Harris | Memphis, TN | 04/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's almost not fair. Every episode in this season is a keeper. Not a single disappointment in the bunch!
I can't think of ANY other series that ever had such a solid streak of home runs. Season 4 of "Frasier" is consistently funny and often inspired. I dare say that it is the strongest one of the 5 seasons released to this point (as of April 2005).
The sexual tension Niles experiences over Daphne increases, and results in one of the funniest episodes of the season.
Glad to see the the company is releasing these season box sets at an acceptably rapid clip."