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Impractical Jokers: The Complete Third Season
R1 - America - Warner Home Video Review written by and copyright: Anthony Arrigo (12th December 2015). |
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The Show
 There are plenty of lazy comedy shows that somehow survive on television year after year, so it’s nice to see one succeed that is actually deserving. The last time I saw an episode of “Impractical Jokers” (2011-present) was sometime during the second season, around the time I canceled cable and went streaming. And before anyone points out it’s available on Hulu – I know. The point is it had been a few years but these guys definitely haven’t lost any of their game. If anything, they’ve only managed to up the ante and push each other to even loftier heights of discomfort. The foursome is still comprised of Joe Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano. And they’re all still brutally vicious when goading the others to perform humiliating or offensive tasks for sheer amusement. If you aren’t familiar with the show, here’s how it works. The guys set up shop in a location, usually around New York City, and decide upon a prank to pull. Three of the guys are hidden off-camera, while the fourth is sent off to do their bidding. The three guys can see what the fourth is doing, and they can all communicate via concealed mics. Typically what occurs is a scenario is decided upon but the specifics are left to the three guys off-screen. So, say Murr has to be a bellhop. Sal might tell him he needs to unpack all of the person’s clothing and act like it’s normal. If he does, he gets a thumbs-up and passes the test. If not, he gets a thumbs-down. Get enough demerits and the final loser has to suffer the ultimate humiliation in a final prank. It’s the sort of humor you want to turn away from because it’s so cringe-y and uncomfortable, yet you can’t believe people have to do such mortifying acts and your eyes won’t leave the screen. Season three features more episodes than either of the previous two, coming in with 32 side-splitting shows. The episodes are spread out across four discs, with the breakdown as follows: DISC ONE: - “Look Out Below” - The Jokers lack hospitality as bumbling bellhops, pitch bizarre inventions to a confused focus group, and serve lunch with a side of awkward when they man hot dog stands. Then, the guys reach for the sky to surprise tonight's big loser. - “The Great Escape” - Murr, Joe, Sal and Q strike the wrong chord as music instructors and try to save face in a humiliating focus group face-off. Plus, tonight's big loser lacks the magic touch in a show-stopping punishment. - “Field of Screams” - The guys must identify the Joker behind the humiliating commands in a voice disguising challenge. Then they call it quits with a cringe-worthy public announcement, and act as dinosaur experts with preposterous prehistoric lessons. - “Nationals Disaster” - Murr, Joe, Sal, and Q fumble through the aisles of a grocery store, and re-gift the kooky contents of a mystery bag. Then, the guys must seek out the chosen one, in an embarrassing needle-in-a-haystack challenge. - “Toasted” - Joe, Murr, Sal, and Q get in a pickle serving up humiliating tasks as deli waiters, and later they step behind the counter asking customers to settle a series of silly debates. Plus tonight's big loser gets burned during an embarrassing toast that leaves everyone speechless. - “Scarytales” - The guys are forced to look for love in all the wrong places at a singles' event, and then phone it in making embarrassing calls on strangers' cells. And there's no happily-ever-after for tonight's big loser when his storybook ending becomes a humiliating sob story. - “Inside the Vault” – Joe, Murr, Sal, and Q crack open the Jokers vault once again to reveal secrets and discuss the cringeworthy stories behind more of their favorite moments from the cutting room floor. DISC TWO: - “Bigger in Texas” - Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr head to the Lone Star State in a special episode that proves even embarrassment is bigger in Texas. The city boys from New York whip up trouble teaching cowboy skills on a ranch, and forget their southern hospitality trying to sell western wear. And it's a real drag for tonight's loser at what is definitely his first rodeo. - “Snow Way Out” - The guys give a taste of their awkward customer service at a liquor store, take tickets of humiliation at a deli counter, and try to get signatures to recognize phony holidays. And tonight's losers pay a frigid price in a coldhearted double punishment. - “Takes the Cake” - Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr try to warm up to strangers at a ski lodge and pull up a chair as uninvited guests at an Italian restaurant. And tonight's punishment takes the cake when the loser is the surprise entertainer at the wrong party. - “Anniversary Edition” – Joe, Murr, Sal, And Q celebrate three years of embarrassing each other in this special anniversary edition. - “Jokers Playhouse” - The guys have to keep a straight face as the other Jokers act out bizarre scenes, then they try to get an embarrassing word in edgewise with strangers at the park. And playtime is over for tonight's big loser when the punishment hits a little too close to home. - “Make Womb for Daddy” - The guys bite off more than they can chew serving customers at a sub shop, and they team up at a food court to perform a mystery task based on ambiguous hints from their partner. Then, the guys need their memory to get them through a series of commands, and the loser doesn't have the stomach for tonight's punishment, as he experiences the painful pangs of parenthood. - “Puncture Perfect” - Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr have to complete a series of bizarre tasks at a video game store, and race with rock climbers to get them to repeat a bizarre word before they reach the top. Plus, tonight's punishment cuts deep for the big loser in a painful test of friendship. - “Junk in the Trunk” - Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr feel the wrath of disapproving focus groups after nonsensical presentations and try to reach out and touch strangers at the mall with anything but their hands. Plus, the guys must quit their job in front of an unamused crowd. Then the big loser takes a back seat in tonight's punishment and goes for the ride of his life. DISC THREE: - “The Good, the Bad, and the Uncomfortable” – The guys talk ticks, tricks, and antics! What’s with Murr’s fool-proof plans? And Joe’s crazy faces? And why is Sal always falling down? Plus, see the guys’ best bloopers and annoying habits that aren’t captured on camera! - “Clash of the Jokers” - In this competitive episode Sal, Joe, Q, and Murr battle head-to-head in fierce Joker vs. Joker challenges! - “Baggage Shame” - Murr, Sal, Q, and Joe share secrets with shoppers in a grocery store, but when one shopper has a history with Murr the embarrassment escalates to a whole new level! Then, the guys get creative in an art store, and convince New Yorkers to be featured in their wacky blogs. And tonight's big loser heads to the airport with a travel itinerary that would make anyone nauseous. - “Quantum Mock-anics” - Joe, Q, Murr and Sal get themselves into some hairy predicaments at the beauty supply store. Then, they discover that a language barrier adds to the awkwardness during a text message challenge in Time's Square. And later, a panel of esteemed educators offers no help to tonight's stammering loser. - “Tooth & Consequences” - Joe, Sal, Murr, and Q spread the love as attendants in a bridal dress shop much to the dismay of the brides-to-be, and break a sacred guy-code in the process. Plus, they attempt to sway frightened focus groups with fragrance campaigns that truly stink. Then the punishment takes an unexpected and never before seen twist when the big loser wonders if he's too old to get a visit from the tooth fairy. - “Fe-mail” - It's spa day for the Jokers, although for them it's anything but relaxing. Then at the park, Sal reveals his secret identity while discussing the "birds-and-bees" of dolphins. Plus, surprised strangers wish they could have their "penny" back for sharing their thoughts. Finally, the big loser finds himself a little over dressed and at the last minute has the runway pulled out from under him. - “The Lost Boy” - Joe, Murr, Sal and Q network their way into some very uncomfortable business conversations, and go head to head in a photography presentation that's anything but picture perfect. Then, the clock is ticking during a time sensitive challenge in the park. And finally, tonight's big loser thinks he can sing and dance his way out of his punishment. - “Up Loser’s Creek” - The Jokers make some tough calls at a telemarketing agency that leave everyone wondering if they're just phoning it in. Then, the guys' intentions get wishy-washy at a fountain in the mall. Plus, Q and Sal tap into their spiritual side when they catch some dreams down at the shore. And the big loser of the night has his tour dampened by the other Jokers. DISC FOUR: - “In Poor Taste Buds” - Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr take to the court to serve up some seriously personal tennis lessons, and then head to the park for a bewildering game of Now! And tonight's loser must put his face through the ultimate test during a food presentation! - “The Permanent Punishment” - Q, Murr, Sal, and Joe provide a false sense of security to some sassy shoppers at a drug store, and the competition reaches new heights during a rematch of their balloon challenge in the grocery store. And tonight the guys laugh and cry their way through the first ever permanent punishment! - “Parks & Wreck” - The guys cannonball into an uncomfortable poolside encounter and convince strangers to press send on their absurd e-mails. Later, the loser presents a shocking senior citizen initiative to a community planning board. - “A Legendary Fail” – It’s foul play when the guys work stadium security! Then, the guys contaminate evidence during a crime scene investigation class. Plus, this episode’s loser develops multiple personality disorder when opening for a popular band. - “Just Say No” - Joe, Sal, Q and Murr head to the casino to see if they can play their cards right as Blackjack dealers. Then they team up for a complex guessing game in the park and polish strangers' footwear to an imperfect shine. Tonight's loser takes a pounding on the mound at a Brooklyn Cyclone's game, but it's a mystery lover who is delivering the blows. - “B-I-N-G-O” - Joe, Sal, Q, and Murr ham it up behind the counter of a famous NYC deli and head to Union Square where they break the ice with bizarre behavior while selling popsicles. And tonight's loser wishes Bingo wasn't his name-o in a humiliating and cringe-worthy punishment. - “Brother –In-Loss” - Joe, Q, Murr, and Sal are forced to get cheeky with interviewers and explain their lackluster resumes while trying to land a job at a mobile company. And tonight's loser witnesses a joining in matrimony that's anything but holy. - “Happy Father’s Day Special” – The guys celebrate Father’s Day with some very special guests – their dads! Joe, Murr, Sal, and Q relive the moments when their fathers appeared on the show, and the dads share embarrassing behind-the-scenes details and unheard stories from the guy’s childhoods.
Video
Each of the episodes in presented at a ratio of 1.78:1 in anamorphic widescreen. The image quality is typical of standard definition, with colors that are accurate but not terribly vibrant, definition that maxes the limits of SD, and generally good contrast. Hidden cam footage looks a bit rougher than the normal shots, but it’s nothing too distracting.
Audio
An English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track capably delivers the dialogue and minimal sound effects. Subtitles are available in English.
Extras
Comedy –both in film and television – can require a ton of takes, and often times a lot of material is left on the cutting room floor. So, naturally, “Impractical Jokers: Season Three” is absolutely stacked with deleted scenes, digital originals and audio commentaries. DISC ONE: There is one audio commentary, on the episode “Toasted”, featuring Joe Gatto, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano Lots of deleted scenes (16x9) are included: - “Ice Pop Troll” runs for 1 minute and 32 seconds. - “One-Way Conversation” runs for 46 seconds. - “Confusing Advice” runs for 1 minute and 23 seconds. - “Contagious Hot Tub Disease” runs for 1 minute and 27 seconds. - “Tennis Lesson Mourning” runs for 51 seconds. - “Stealth-Mode Joe is on the Scene” runs for 1 minute and 11 seconds. - “Undercover Security Exposed” runs for 1 minute and 4 seconds. - “Girly Whisper Fight” runs for 1 minute and 3 seconds. - “Sandwich Maker Meltdown” runs for 1 minute and 22 seconds. - “Climbing Through a Weird Conversation” runs for 1 minute and 20 seconds. - “Q Gets Beat by Fake Daughter’s Boyfriend” runs for 55 seconds. - “How to Lose a Phone in a Pot Roast” runs for 49 seconds. - “Hilarious Medical Emergency” runs for 55 seconds. A number of digital originals (16x9) are also available: - “10 Funniest Reactions” runs for 2 minutes and 58 seconds. - “How Not to be a Grown Up” runs for 1 minute and 42 seconds. - “Guide to Summer” runs for 2 minutes and 29 seconds. - “Q’s Dating Do’s and Don’ts” runs for 2 minutes and 7 seconds. - “Behind the Scenes in the Lone Star State” runs for 1 minute and 12 seconds. - “Official April Fool’s Joke” runs for 1 minute and 32 seconds. - “Reactions from the Grocery Store” runs for 2 minutes and 21 seconds. - “Reactions from the Ranch (Part 1) runs for 1 minute and 47 seconds. - “Reactions from the Ranch (Part 2)” runs for 1 minute and 33 seconds. - “Sal’s Wedding Crash: The Aftermath” runs for 1 minute and 55 seconds. DISCS TWO-THREE: There are no supplements on these discs. DISC FOUR: The sole extra on this disc is an audio commentary on the episode “The Permanent Punishment”, featuring Joe Gatto, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano.
Packaging
The four-disc set comes in an amaray DVD keep case, with discs contained on two hinging hubs inside. A side-loading slip-cover jacket is included. There is also an insert page with information on each episode.
Overall
Three seasons in and this show is still just as hilariously uncomfortable to watch as ever.
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