The moment I caught the news, via Dr. Horrible’s Twitter feed, that a DVD version of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog was complete, I knew I had to eventually own it. I didn’t care that I’d seen the entire show online for free, or that I’d bought each act from iTunes already or saw it on screens at ComicCon with thousands of singing freaky fans this past summer. No sir.
Lucky me, I was able to obtain an early review release of Dr. Horrible before it makes its way to Amazon.com on December 19. Oh, don’t call me so lucky — it’s just a cheap burn from the offices of Bad Horse/ELE for review purposes, so I’ve still got my pre-order set for the official release (not that I’m complaining!)
So, let’s look at what you get with the DVD that you haven’t already seen….
The Movie Itself
I must say it was great to see the show play out on my large LCD TV rather than a laptop screen. And before you say anything: yes, I know I could have displayed it on my TV from my computer using any number of other options. The quality of the video and sound is as crisp as you’d hope it would be. Other than that, there aren’t any extra scenes thrown in, at least by default (more on that later).
The Commentary(!)
There are two versions of commentary you can play over the movie. One is the much talked about “Commentary! The Musical,” which is — you guessed it — an almost-entirely sung “commentary.” I put quotes around commentary because it’s not really a commentary on what you’re watching on-screen at any given time, which could be just as easily listened to without the accompanying video.
That’s not to say that “Commentary!” isn’t worth listening to — far from it, in fact. You’re basically getting another 40 minutes of musical numbers, some which I like better than a few in the movie. For the most part it’s the entire group singing about how they got along with each other (and how they didn’t), who felt snubbed and a couple of other worthwhile digs. Oh and for some reason I feel compelled now to mention The Guild … curse those subliminal messages!
One of my favorite numbers from “Commentary!” was the soft melody, “Ninja Ropes.” To prepare you for that, go have a play of the game here — Nathan Fillion boasts a 119.7 yard record! A sampling of the lyrics:
There’s a game on my phone
That I sometimes like to play when I’m alone
go to Google, type it in
Click the extreme edition
And in moments you’ll begin
And you’ll be thinking this is dope
Ninja Ropes.
A couple of other notable songs are “Nobody Wants to be Moist” (one guess who sings that one), “Ten Dollar Solo,” Nathan Fillion’s “I’m Better Than Neil” (best quote at the end of that song: “Nathan, what are you trying to say here?”), and “It’s All About Me.” Even Joss has a number in there toward the end. Another great spot of lyrics comes from the final song before the end credits:
Hope you had fun,
‘cuz now we’re done
You’ve listened to every word.
Seeing it through
Makes each of you
a huge fucking nerd.
I need to note, though, that the profanity is bleeped on the DVD. If there’s an option to turn that off, I didn’t find it.
The other set of commentary is the “more serious” one that features Neil, Marissa, Joss, Zach, Felicia, Nathan and Jed. This was one of the better commentaries I’ve listened through. The sound had each person placed around the surround such that it sounded very much like they were all sitting in specific spots behind you (at least this is the effect I got with headphones). Also, the commentary was very thorough and without any lulls in the conversation at all. I kept thinking that I wished Joss did this much commentary for his TV shows, but then again, this is one “episode” we’re talking about here, not seasons worth.
Any true fan of Dr. Horrible will need to listen through both commentaries. Within this second one, a few things were revealed that I didn’t know (but maybe you all do and I’m just lame for never having heard it before.) Here’s a teaser for you: they make mention of a special guest in the audience during the award ceremony at the end of the movie. See if you can guess who it is:
Special Features
There are a few featurettes included on the DVD that are a perfect length for what they cover, and they capture the excitement that went into making the film and the songs, as well as the reception Dr. Horrible got at places like ComicCon and the Internet in general. Those who attended the panel at ComicCon might catch a quick glimpse of themselves if they look closely enough.
Also included is the original trailer for the movie and a set of a bunch of fan-made ELE applications. Some of the ELE applications were worth skipping through, though there are some stand outs including Mr. Terrible, Tur-Mohel and Lord Stabbington. Kudos to everyone who put the time into those videos!
Other Things
There are definitely easter eggs hidden on the DVD. I made some progress in finding what seem to be two triggers to get to some other special features on the disc, but after that I was stuck. I won’t reveal the steps I found for getting to these two clues, but at least in once instance you have to use resources not on the DVD to proceed — that’s all I’ll say about that.
It’s possible there are other features hidden by the easter eggs, such as cut scenes and gag reels, but I’ll just have to dig around more or wait for someone a lot smarter and with a lot more time on their hands to help me out.
Conclusion: The Musical
DVD
I saw it first
There I go
Gloating
Anyway
To quench your thirst
It’s till online
That’s worth noting
So yeah this DVD it’s worth a buy
Order this DVD, it needs to be given a try
If only for
The special things
“Commentary!”
So fucking great
Easter eggs
Joss Whedon sings
Pre-order now
It’s not too late
Like I said this disc is worth your dime
Thanks for reading I just hope this was worth all your time
Wait a sec
What is this?
A DVD!
To giveaway!
Comment now
Just promise
Post only once
Not every day
We’ll pick a random one to win this prize
Thanks again for reading and, oh yeah, good luck you guys!
(All comments left between now and next Friday, December19th at 5 PM EST are eligible. Only U.S.-based mailing addresses are eligible. Not following the above rules voids your entry. You can still comment as much as you want, just only mention you want to enter once.)
Nice, I still have not decided who I’m going to give this as a Christmas present to.
Great review!
Thanks for the great review. This is looking to be an awesome DVD.
Very lovely review, and I cannot express exactly how excited I am for the DVD Giveaway.
Nice lyrics. Since I shall be returning here often to enter once a day, I may try my hand at a musical blog comment later.
I think I know who the Specially Mentioned Guest is, but I’ll hold off on saying so as not to spoil it for others.
And I’m so very glad that Tur-Mohel and the minion made the cut!
i’ve heard good things about this…i might buy a copy….unless i win one! ;D
They got… the mustard… OUT!!!
I was under the impression that those with review copies were given strict instructions not to mention certain things on the DVD…. hmmmm….
*POST AUTHOR*
I was not made aware of such restrictions.
According to other reviewers they were asked not to talk about Easter Eggs or ELE applications and possibly other things are you sure you weren’t given the same instructions? Overlooked them in your enthusiasm perhaps?
*POST AUTHOR*
Seriously, I received no such instructions. I wouldn’t have done so otherwise!
Since the shout-out for ELE apps was broadcast over DrH’s Twitter feed, I don’t see why it would make sense for reviewers not to mention them. And as far as Easter Eggs, it’s not like the review gave instructions on how to access them, simply that they exist.
(Does this count as an entry comment? ;) )
I think you saw it second, not first. ;) See NewTeeVee.
*POST AUTHOR*
I meant before you. :)
teehee
“Comment, the musical!”
Dr. Horrible
I love you so
You would know
you saw me there
Standing
with my friends
at the end
of your street
With my camera I will take your pic
With my camera I will show the world the way I feel for-
Someday I will
find a way
to get you alone
with only me
Together we
will rule the world
and show them all
what we can do
With my camera I will see your face
It’s not a freeze ray or a death ray, I’m not that keen
I just think you need to time to know
that I’m the girl to make it real
the feelings you don’t dare to feel
You’ll bend the world to our will
and you’ll make time stand still!!
Yeah, sing it to the tune of “My Freeze Ray”, the one where they’re in the laundromat. I really am such a dork.
Great review!! :)
Thanks for sharing.
So the silence re: the Evil League of Evil competition has finally been broken. Congratulations are in order for Mr. Terrible, Tur-Mohel and Lord Stabbington. Who are the remaining 7 winners? We’ll all know soon enough. In the meantime, Fury of Solace’s application can still be viewed at https://www.vimeo.com/1941670. And there’s more to come at https://www.furyofsolace.com
Fury of Solace
Doing Evil so you don’t have to
Somewhere in Los Angeles
Thank you for the informative review. I already bought 4 copies for gifting purposes. I’m a little bummed though that the release date got pushed back. Sorry to those whose ELE’s didn’t get included!
Hello, Keith. I look forward to owning this!
Oh I can’t wait to check this out
I was about to pre-order the DVD off of Amazon but I’m still crossing my fingers that I get it as a Christmas present :)
I want it!
Still making up my mind about whether I want to buy it, but I know I’d love to win it.
I don’t buy DVDs…ever. I’m going to have to make an exception in this case however – unless I win it!
Would love to get this. It’ll make a great X-mas gift.
Bartender, one Dr. Horrible DVD and an Evil Sam Adams!
I can’t wait! I’ve been looking forward to Commentary! The Musical since Comic-Con and it seems like it’s worth the wait.
So is that really Sarah Michelle? I thought the jury was still out on that. Any chance they’re joking in the commentary?
*POST AUTHOR*
It sure didn’t seem they were joking in the commentary. And on my TV (rather than on a small monitor), I’d say it’s her.
I’ve been looking forward to this one. Great review!
I knew it! I knew that was SMG. (It is Sarah, right?) The musical was done around the time of the Paley festival, so that was a big hint. But fans kept hearing denials. I never believed a word of it though. Unless they are joking, hmm…
I cannot wait for my dvd! Amazon says it won’t arrive ’til the 26th though. :( Wonder if I can ‘upgrade’ the shipping.
OMG. I so can’t wait for this to come out!!! Your review has just gotten me more excited because of all of the goodies!
I’d like to enter for the giveaway please!
And thanks for the review. You’ve got me TOTALLY confused & curious about one of those Easter Eggs!
*insert generic fanboy drooling here*
-Incoming Transmission- ELE – Guilt Galore –
That’s ok..
don’t pick me…
I’ve already see it..
anyways..
Not my plan.
Just had to say..
It’ll be ok..
anyway..
With my guilt trip I will stop.
the world..
==============================================
Thanks for the great review! I’ve just passed it on to hundreds of friends. Prepare your server for a lot of hits.
I am so glad for Tur-Mohel! It was my absolute favorite!
Awesome FREAKING possum. The team is right… we are huge F***ing nerds. AND SO EXCITED ABOUT IT.
Can’t wait for the commentaries and ELE applications! *giddy*
I can’t freakin wait!
“Commentary! The Musical” is gonna be stuck in my head from Christmas till New Years. Its gonna be awesome.
Thanks for the review.
Ninja Ropes is a lot of fun! Those with iPhones should check it out!
This DVD is going to be Legen-wait for it-DARY!!!
I have to own this, just to hear “Nobody Wants to Be Moist.”
I’m so excited for the audio commentaries.
Even though I know my ELE video had no shot, I’m looking forward to seeing if any of the ones I’ve seen already have made the cut.
Nice review!
I’d also like to enter the giveaway please, thanks!
Since I can’t afford the dvd, I hope I win it!
Thanks for the review!
Nice review, I want to win a dvd.
I wonder if they’ll release the commentary songs on iTunes or something. I’m really looking forward to seeing the DVD. But I’m a bit broke and can’t afford it at the moment, so I’m hoping I win this here contest. *Wink, wink, nudge, nudge*
Finally we know what to expect, as if we expected any less.
Thanks for the review… I just wish we had more info on the easter eggs. I never was very good at finding those things…
darn!!!!!!
I can’t wait to see this! And to find those easter eggs…
A little saddened that there isn’t a behind the scenes or something.
I cannot WAIT for this! :D
Especially since I’ve almost dropped my laptop several times while dancing around to this. Oops.
I like my Easter eggs sunny side up, please.
Thanks for the review. I’ve got multiple copies on order. Fingers crossed they make it here in time for gifting.
I already ordered five, but I’m sure I can find someone else to be on the giveaway list…
Man…I hope Nathan’s song “I’m Better Than Neil” includes a line to the effect that he’s dated way more ladies. Hee.
Good review, glad everything I see about the DVD is positive.
Brilliant!
Wait, you mean that chick-in-the-crazy-black-wig is SMG? OMG!
Seriously?
…sigh… It will take me until Easter to find all the bonuses, at this rate! I don’t want to search, I just want someone to point me to them.
Enter me, please!
I noticed that cameo a long time ago, but I thought I heard denials that it was SMG. Hmm.
awesome review!
i was debating wether to buy it because i have it on iTunes.. if i dont get the free one, i just might!
Awesome review. I am so excited for the commentary! And so addicted to Ninja Ropes…
Wow that sounds completely and utterly awesome. Cannot wait to have this in my DVD player!
Cool review!
Can’t wait for DVD! My less-than-stellar video card made
watching it an exercise in frustration. It stuttered,
and trying to hear the lyrics was weep-worthy!
I finally got to see it on a friend’s PC.
Pure genius!
When I got my Acer (8.9″) I could watch it finally!
Winning one would be wonderfun!
lovely review and song :)
i didn’t see it mentioned, and i’ve been curious for a while- does the dvd have closed captioning/english subtitles? i want my near-deaf gran to be able to enjoy it with us on christmas!
*POST AUTHOR*
Yes there is closed captioning, but not for the commentary, unfortunately. There are more closed-captioning options on this disc than I’ve seen on anything! Just you see. :)
I got so excited over each thing I read in this review that the hubby actually had to tell me that if I couldn’t read quietly to not read it at all. lol
Heee I love Dr. H! I’d love to be entered to win, please!!
Now that… makes me think. There was a lot of speculation and argument that the “special guest” was SMG, but I thought that was pretty much shot down… now that you call her a special guest.. hmm
Gah!!! I can’t wait! I’m happy to hear that Commentary the Musical is worth the wait! Poor Moist LOL
i didn’t buy it on iTunes, because i was waiting for the DVD. i bought the soundtrack though. i’ve seen only positive reviews of the DVD. i am SO EXCITED. and oh yeah, definitely want to enter to win it. squee!
Wow, that’s a lot of awesome new features!! I’d love to win it! :D
Sounds fantastic, especially the commentaries.
I wonder how many formats I should own this movie in… perhaps quite a good gift for the family.
Thanks for the review!
Great review! I can hardly wait =]
Also because I didn’t say so, would love to enter the contest.
I just hope the great success will motivate the whole team to do further awesome projects together!
I already know I’m going to waste so much time searching for those hidden features……oh, what the hell, enter me in the contest too!
I ordered a copy for my brother for Christmas and can only hope he did the same for me. I’m giddy just thinking about it!
I’m so glad they made a musical commentary in addition to the ‘normal’ one. Looking forward to getting my copy.
Wow, a chance to win a copy of the DVD?! Perfect way to get comments… And thank you for a wonderful review. Now I’m even more excited about the DVD than I already was.
[And I found your review from the link on Dr. Horrible’s twitter feed: https://twitter.com/drhorrible *grin*]
Anyone who finishes a review with a song is officially my personal hero (but the cool Dr. Horrible kind, not the corporate tool kind) – so says CINERINA!!
Thanks! I can’t WAIT!!!
If I win, and I figure out the other easter eggs, I will tell you how I found them. Just sayin’.
I want the giveaway…pick me pick me! ROFL
seriously though, “commentary!” sounds AWESOME. I can’t wait to watch it.
I’m giving one of these to each of my kids. We all know the words by heart and sing the duets and trios quite a bit at our house!
SO EXCITED!!!!
PS Would love to win it, even though it’s already on pre-order! Maybe that way I’ll get it before the new year!
I’m still waiting to see the rest of the winners of the ELE application contest. I’m excited to know if I somehow managed to make it on to the DVD. That would be freakin’ awesome.
i’d love to have the dvd, thx.
By far the best thing to come out of the Writer’s Strike, and definitely something worth getting. I may have to gift myself with it this year. :-)
I want a copy of this DVD. If I don’t win one, I will go out and buy it. Thanks for including me in the giveaway drawing!
I cannot -wait- for Commentary! The Musical. Also looking forward to trying to find all the easter eggs. Great review!
Sweet! I can’t wait to get the DVD to check it out.
OMG, I’m dying to get my hands on a copy! Great review!
please let me enter
alas sing I can not do
so have a haiku
Thanks for the review and especially for the ELE recommendations.
And I’d like to enter the contest, please.
Aw! The special features seem just as amazing as I was hoping. I can’t wait to check them out for myself!
Great review! i’d love to like to it from my blog — oh, and please enter me in the giveaway! How much do I love Nathan Fillion?
I totally have to enter to win this!!!
Thanks for such an awesome review.
(To the Tune of the Bad Horse Chorus)
Average and Naughty Kitty
Are very thrilled to see
Some favorite evil Cohorts
In the ELE
And we can’t wait ’till Friday
To see the DVD
It sure makes a
Great gift of course
And proceeds go
to fund Bad Horse
(Guess it’s too late to kiss up now – Oh well! Merry Christmas everybody! Darn – I mean, have a Mediocre Holiday Season – if you feel like it – or not… Average Out!
Dr. Horrible is amazing and I can’t wait to check out the DVD!!
Great review.