That '70s Show: Season seven [DVD] [2004]

The old saying that the more things change, the more things stay the same seems almost custom-built for the seventh series of the popular sitcom That '70s Show. Not only did the 2004-2005 season mark the departure of its two biggest stars--Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher, who left to embark on their movie careers--but Hyde (Danny Masterson) meets his biological her (Tim Reid) and sister (Megalyn Echikunwoke); Red (Kurtwood Smith) ends his financial worries by opening a muffler shop; and Fez (Wilmer Valderamma) moves in with Kelso (Kutcher) to provide a "safe" home for his baby. Old faces make return engagements as well, including Midge Pinciotti (Tanya Roberts), Kelso's brother Casey (Luke Wilson), who coaches Eric through a remedial gym course, and Leo (Tommy Chong), who offers to help Kelso with his daughter. There's also a new member of the gang (Bret Harrison), a new blonde look for Donna, and plenty of fun guest stars (Lindsay Lohan as a potential love interest for Fez, Eliza Dushku as a scheming intern at Hyde's her's radio station, and Brooke Shields, The Office: An American Workplace's Jenna Fischer, and Bob Newhart Show vet Jack Riley). And if the show's loose and bawdy charm seems to have dimmed a bit in these episodes, the comfortable interplay between the cast members still feels the banter of real friends and family, which remains the key to the show's long-running appeal. The four-disc Season 7 set includes light-hearted commentary by director David Trainor, who waxes effusively about his cast on three episodes (season opener "Time Is On My Side," "Angie," and season finale "Till the Next Goodbye"). Behind the Polyester is a short chat with the show's executive producers on developing the seventh season, and there's a review of the season's shenanigans, as well as promos for all of its episodes. Finally, the underpraised Don Stark (perennially clueless Bob Pinciotti) reminiscences about his favorite moments from the show, especially his garish outfits and headgear. -- Paul Gaita, Amazon.com

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