Simpson Crazy Newsfeed

Season 20 DVD released, lacks special features

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 10:21:41 UTC

The Simpsons Season 20 was released this week (Jan 12th) on DVD and Blu-ray, to a highly critical reception by fans. Previous Simpsons DVDs have been loaded with special features, including commentary for every episode, deleted scenes and various promos. This set, however, features almost nothing and has only two stars on Amazon.com.

This DVD/Blu-ray set is very bare bones...

In addition to the 21 episodes (which are far from the best the show has done), is a "sneak peek" for the Simpsons documentary, The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special, In 3-D! On Ice! - except the documentary aired in full on Fox last Sunday.

There was also supposed to be an updated Simpsons character poster included, but we've seen loads of reports that the poster is not included. The final "special feature" is menus hand-drawn by Matt Groening himself. Unfortunately, they purely consist of a white line drawing doodle on a black background.

And that's it! Absolutely nothing else is on this set, yet is roughly the same price as the fuller DVD sets. Since a Season 13 complete set is also in the works (with commentary etc), it is very likely that in a few years they will release a proper Season 20 set with all the usual features. If you still need (un)convincing, Adam over at the Simpsons Channel has published a short article, Ten Reasons To NOT Buy This Set.

Simpsons documentary airs tomorrow

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:20:13 UTC

A special documentary, presented by Morgan Spurlock (of 'Super Size Me' fame), airs tomorrow (Sunday Jan 10th) as part of the Simpsons 20th Anniversary celebrations on Fox.

The programme, titled The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special – In 3-D! On Ice!, examines the cultural phenomenon that is The Simpsons. It will focus on the fans of the series rather than the show itself, and includes interviews with the most-Simpsons-tattooed man, a couple who had a Simpsons-themed wedding, and a man who grew real life ToMacco!!

It was originally scheduled to air on Jan 14th, which is the 20th anniversary of the official Season One premiere, Bart the Genius. However, it has been brought forward and will air after what Fox is calling the 450th episode, Once Upon a Time in Springfield. Though as usual, their counting is off and that accolade goes to last week's episode, Thursdays with Abie.

You can see an out-take from the documentary below...

Vatican gives blessing to The Simpsons

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:47:47 UTC

Despite the many times that The Simpsons has mocked or satirized religion, it has earned an endorsement from the official Vatican newspaper on the occasion of the show's 20th anniversary, the Associated Press reported. In an article published on Tuesday in L'Osservatore Romano under the headline Aristotle's Virtues and Homer's Doughnut, the show was praised for its realistic and intelligent writing (and rapped on the knuckles for excessively crude language, the violence of certain episodes or some extreme choices by the scriptwriters).

Keep an eye on it.

Noting plots in which Homer Simpson has variously renounced his faith and mispronounced the name of Jesus, L'Osservatore Romano wrote that Homer nonetheless finds in God his last refuge and that the character's attitudes toward religion were a mirror of the indifference and the need that modern man feels toward faith.

Interactive Simpsons character poster

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:07:45 UTC

I've been working on this for a little while now. You've probably seen the giant Simpsons cast poster that was created around Season 9. In fact, Fox are releasing a new version with more recent characters, though it's a pretty crappy attempt.

You may have tried to name all the characters, but come up short. Now help is at hand - I've identified every Simpsons character on this poster, from Homer, Bart and Mr. Burns right down to the generic jobsworths that appeared for 5 seconds in Season 1.

Our character map names every person on this poster!

The interactive page is split into 4 sections; once you zoom in just hover over a face to see that character's name (if they have one) and a short description of where/when they appeared, if appropriate.

Simpsons characters poster

Updated cast poster for Season 20 DVD

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:20:59 UTC

EW.com have posted the updated Simpsons poster that will come with the Complete Twentieth Season DVD/Bluray. It is based on the classic poster that you may have seen with loads of Simpsons characters on it, up to Season 9. The new poster adds characters from later Seasons and The Simpsons Movie:

Not sure if this is finished - it's a bit lopsided! Click to enlarge.

New characters that can be found include Apu's eight children; Maude's ghost (even though Maude herself is still on the old part); Duffman; Declan Desmond; Gina from The Wandering Juvie; the irreplacable Señor Ding-Dong; and the angel skeleton from Lisa the Skeptic. How many can you name?

This is the best gift of all!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:04 UTC

Hey hey! This site may seem a little quiet, but don't worry, I am working on something big behind the scenes.

In the meantime, since Christmas is approaching I added a little festive cheer to the site. Only a tiny bit. I wish I had the time (and design skills) to make something fantastic but never mind.

Our festive wallpapers are back again (actually, they never left!) so check them out if you want a Simpsons festivities on your computer!

Simpsons Christmas wallpapers

Why not also check out the great site The Springfield Connection, who did make a great effort with a Christmas design. Also Last Exit to Springfield unveiled their Xmas section too, there are some great wallpapers there!

Season 20 DVD/Blu-Ray out January 12

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:21:12 UTC

The Simpsons Complete Season 20 will be released in America January 12 on DVD and, for the first time, in HD on Blu-ray.

As a special feature, the DVD has completely new menus drawn by Matt Groening himself, and a poster containing loads of Simpsons characters - though we're not sure if this is the same one that's been in the shops for over 10 years.

Spot the difference? The DVD and Blu-Ray box art

The set also includes a sneak-peek at the upcoming 20th Anniversary documentary from Morgan Spurlock, even though the documentary is set to air two days before the DVD is released!

No word on other features yet, such as commentary, but we'll keep you posted!

Simpson Crazy, now with RSS feed

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:33 UTC

We finally got around to adding an RSS feed to the site! Now you can keep up-to-date with Simpsons news in your favourite feed reader, such as Google Reader, Live Bookmarks in the Firefox web browser, or another application/browser.

To subscribe, simply click the orange icon in your browser's address bar, or the icon just under the header.

And don't forget our Twitter stream, where we're regularly posting breaking news and funny Simpsons quotes.

Simpsons scavenger hunt on Fox this week

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:05:26 UTC

As celebrations continue for The Simpsons' 20th anniversary, Fox is running a Simpsons scavenger hunt across its shows.

The Simpsons celebrate 20 years on our screens

Starting today, Monday 9th, and running until Friday 13th, the primetime shows on Fox will feature hidden Simpsons references and tributes. It could be a can of Duff beer, a Simpsons quote or even the cast and crew appearing!

There are prizes daily, and a chance to win a big Simpsons prize pack, including a chance to attend a Simpsons table read! See the video below for more details, or go to the Fox site to enter after each show.

Marge Simpson Makes Cover Of Playboy

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:49:46 UTC

Marge Simpson -- the blue beehived matriarch of America's most loved dysfunctional family - is Playboy magazine's November cover, the magazine said on Friday.

Simpson, tastefully concealing her assets behind a signature Playboy Bunny chair, is the first cartoon character ever to front the glossy adult magazine, joining the ranks of sex symbols like Marilyn Monroe and Cindy Crawford.

Simpsons Season 20 to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:54:22 UTC

Even though Season 12 was only put out recently, it appears Fox will be releasing Season 20 on DVD/Blu-Ray before the end of the year!

Season 20 saw The Simpsons switch to widescreen and High Definition. Many other shows release their DVDs soon after the episodes have aired, so this decision release makes sense. It is believed that the older DVDs (Season 13-19) will continue to be released alternately with the latest Season, every 6 months.

Here is the box art. Click the image to see the hi-res version:

New episode: The Great Wife Hope

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:24:39 UTC

Airing this Sunday 11th October, The Great Wife Hope sees the men of Sppringfield become obsessed by Mixed Martial Arts. However, when Marge and the women protest about its extreme violence, the show's promoter challenges Marge to a match.

Sacha Baron Cohen to guest star

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:04:05 UTC

British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is to guest in an upcoming Simpsons episode where the family take a church-group trip to the Holy Land. Cohen is the alter ego of presenter Ali G and fashion reporter Bruno, but is probably best known for his portrayal of Kazakhstan reporter Borat (pictured).

In the episode, Cohen will play an Israeli tour guide angered by the Simpsons, in particular Homer - who gets a case of Jerusalem Syndrome and believes that he is the messiah.

The episode is slated for a March 28 airing, to coincide with Palm Sunday, and is titled The Greatest Story Ever D’ohed.

Source: Hollywood Insider

Bart Gets a 'Z' information

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:36:23 UTC

Fox has released some information for the upcoming episode, Bart Gets a 'Z'. It will air on October 4th.

When Mrs. Krabappel confiscates student’s cell phones, the class, organized by Bart, decides to teach her a lesson by spiking her coffee and watching her make a drunken fool of herself. Principal Skinner fires Mrs. Krabappel and replaces her with a cool new teacher, Zachary Vaughn, who impresses Bart and his friends with a hip attitude and love of texting, blogging and using Twitter and Facebook. Torn by his affection for Mr. Vaughn, yet plagued by guilt, Bart makes his way to Skinner’s office to tell him the truth and get Mrs. Krabappel’s job back.

Blackboard & Couch gags updated

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:23:22 UTC

A few weeks ago I updated the lists of Bart's chalkboard gags and couch gag variations. In addition to descriptions of the couch gags, the list also contains storyboards of the action - some of the more recent gags are extremely long!

Bart's Chalkboard lines
Simpsons Couch gags

Simpsons lose animation Emmy, but Dan Castellaneta wins for voicing

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:23:26 UTC

The winners for the 2009 Creative Arts Emmys - the precursor to the main Emmy ceremony - have been announced.

The Simpsons episode Gone, Maggie, Gone was nominated for Outstanding Animated Program, along with South Park's Margaritaville and episodes of American Dad and Robot Chicken.

However, The Simpsons lost out to South Park - which is a shame, because theirs was one of the weaker episodes of the Season, while Gone, Maggie, Gone was on of the best of Season 20. The same episode was also nominated for Outstanding Music Composition For A Series, but lost to ABC show Legend Of The Seeker.

There was some good news though, as Dan Castellaneta - the voice of Homer - won an Emmy for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for the episode Father Knows Worst. Congratulations, Dan! Also nominated in the same category were Hank Azaria - voice of Moe - for Eeny Teeny Maya, Moe and Harry Shearer - voice of Burns and Smithers - for The Burns and the Bees.

The Simpsons get African makeover in Angola

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:58:33 UTC

The Simpsons family have received a cultural makeover by an Angolan advertising agency to promote the show there.

Even Homer's Duff Beer has been changed to Cuca, a popular beer in Angola.

Homer, Marge and the kids were given brown skin instead of the usual yellow, and they wear traditional African clothes. Instead of her points, Lisa has braids.

The show itself will of course air in yellow as normal - just think how long it would take them to reanimate it!

Antonio Pascoa, the Creative Director of Executive Center, said, "Our goal was to adapt the satirical parody of the typical middle-class American family to Angola. If people don't like it than I guess they don't have a sense of humor big enough to enjoy the Simpsons."

Promo Card for "Homer the Whopper"

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:17:47 UTC

A promotional image has been released for the upcoming Season 21 premiere, Homer the Whopper:
The episode was written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Comic Book Guy creates a superhero called "Everyman", which is turned into a feature film. Homer is cast as the lead, with Seth Rogen playing his personal trainer. The episode airs on September 27.

Season 12 DVD released

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:57:41 UTC

The Simpsons Complete Twelfth Season was released this week (Tuesday 18th).

The set features Comic Book Guy, with the overall theme being science fiction convention. Unfortunately the set still contains tight sleeves to contain the discs like Season 11 did, giving the potential for discs to get scratched.

The set will be released September 2nd in Australia and September 28th in the UK.

Homer & Marge to take up curling

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:46:14 UTC

An upcoming Season 21 Simpsons episode will focus on the sport of curling. In the episode (probably titled Rednecks and Broomsticks, though unconfirmed), Homer and Marge form a mixed-doubles curling team with Principal Skinner and his mother, Agnes.

Marge turns out to be a good curler because of her expertise at household chores, while Homer is not very good. Marge must decide whether to risk hurting Homer's feelings by dropping him from the team. Meanwhile, Lisa sets out to collect Olympic pins.

The episode is set to air in February, just before the 2010 Winter Olympics.