...

For Season 7, it looks as though things are coming to wraps with the major story tread being Monica and Chandler's relationship (which now only awaits the "FRIENDS STYLE" wedding).  Each Character's traits really do stand out like a sore thumb at times and it's great to see these exploited so well, and never really come across as mean spirited.  Monica's "i was a fat girl in high school" and "i must have clean surfaces, clean surfaces!!" characteristics have really been pushed to the limits and just when you think you've heard them all, the writers pop out another one.  

For the DVD release Warner have done something rather interesting and are offering now only 4 episodes per double Sided DVD, instead of 8, AND on the flip side are extended versions of each episode.  (Quite honestly it seems like a pointless exercise by including both TV versions AND extended version on the same disc when there's only a few minutes of addtional footage.  (I guess it's a been counters money making scheme to essentially double the number of discs consumers now have to buy to complete the season 7 set.)

Season 7, Disc 2 contains the following episodes

• The One With the Engagement Picture
• The One with Nap Partners
• The One With Ross's Library Book
• The One Where Chandler Doesn't Like Dogs

Season 7 was first released in 2000.

....

VIDEO
Thankfully, the Season 7 1.33:1 Transfer shows marginal improvements in Picture quality over Season 6. 

There is clear improvements in image detail with far less of that nasty haziness and the picture has a smoother cleaner look as a result.
Colour Saturation is looking good with consistency throughout each episode. 

The TV versions are on Side A of the DVD with the Extended version on Side B.  Each "extended" episode contains 1 to 2 minutes of additinal footage. 

For Example, Episode 5's extra footage is at

• 6:52 to 7:03
• 11:17 to 11:56
• 12:45 (which is just a slight difference to the scene change)
• 15:41 to 15:49
• 21:23 to 21:31

...

AUDIO
Here's where i really gotta wonder why Warner even bothered with the TV versions when the Extended versions were on offer.

Side A (TV Versions) contain a Dolby 2.0 soundmix, WHEREAS Side B (Extended Versions) are ALL IN DOLBY 5.0!!!! See what i mean!

Granted, the 5.0 mixes don't show drastic improvements over the 2.0 mixes, given it's only a TV series, but the added ambience to the surrounds as well as the slightly wider front soundstage do count for something. 

Dialogue is clean and intellegable on both versions with my prefernece leaning toward the 5.0 mix with its slightly more forward centre channel information.

...

EXTRAS
The Only Extra also included on this DVD is the PC Friendly Web Interface with some Web Links.


Season 7 Disc 3's "The One with Nap Partners" scrubbed up as the funniest episode to me followed closely by "The One With Ross's Library Books", the other 2 are still good episodes i guess :)

The Picture Quality is much better than season 6 AND the extended episodes contain Dolby 5.0 Sound mixes, though i can't really say this as a package makes it worth double the price for half as many episodes.

Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T50W1 (16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Pioneer DV717  (using RGB outputs)
Receiver : Denon AVC-A1SE THX Ultra (Dolby Surround EX, DTS-ES Discrete)
Speakers:-
     Mains: Quadral Amun
     Centre: B&W CDMC-SE
     Surrounds Left/Right: M&K SS500 (Dipole)
     Surrounds Back : Polk RT/fx (Diplole)
     Subby: M&K V125 

- Review Posted 30th October 2001

*  jpeg files for internet promotion use only. Copyright© exists on all aspects of these files by Warner Home Video