With this winner, they've struck 'Earl'

BY DIANE WERTS | Newsday Staff Writer

September 19, 2006

Jason Lee, star of "My Name Is Earl," sans mustache in a new DVD set

Now this is the ultimate TV DVD. "My Name Is Earl" series creator Greg Garcia even provides a cool new alternate-universe episode of his good-hearted NBC hoot!

Emmy-winning director Marc Buckland shot three days' fresh footage to craft a DVD-exclusive "lost" pilot, in which Jason Lee's local loser/lottery winner gets an opposite inspiration while watching hospital TV in his accident-induced fog. Forget Carson Daly's do-right concept of karma. Earl now hears the voice of "Family Guy" plotter tot Stewie Griffin exhorting "sweet, sweet vengeance."

And does he follow through. Lee merrily goes malicious as Earl cuts a spiteful swath through town. The climax comes when gay guy Kenny (Gregg Binkley) gets a whole 'nother kind of visit from Lee, who's playing what we can only tease as a saucily costumed double role (sans mustache!). It's all gleefully gamy and outrageously adult.

This would be treat enough, but the DVD also boasts one of the cleverest series documentaries we've seen. This 40-minute backstager from director Bryan Johnson evokes an indie-film feel as it goes on-set for in-recliner interviews with cast/crew (and in-TransAm byplay from Garcia). Its feel-good blend of clips and comments beautifully extends the show's relaxed charm.

Other extras include deleted scenes, great bloopers and seven loosey-goosey episode commentaries (plus one for the new "pilot"). Most feature the usual suspects, but one gathers the moms of Garcia, Buckland, Lee and co-star Ethan Suplee to swap family anecdotes while the Mother's Day episode unreels. Keep an eye on "Earl's" second season (starting Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC/4) to see if the moms make it onto the screen. (The season premiere's first segment is previewing online at nbc.com/firstlook.)

"Earl" always was exceptional, straight from that singular pilot, and its appeal has been confirmed by a slew of awards (People's Choice for favorite new comedy, Television Critics Association for best new series, Emmys for comedy writing, directing, casting and editing).

These DVD episodes reveal deeper joys upon repeat viewing, especially after hearing the show's creative team talk about their intentions (Garcia describes the real-life Earl who raised him). Most TV series come out on DVD with a few thrown-in bonus features, but Fox Home Entertainment has backed Garcia on a golden effort this time. "My Name Is Earl" is one set as creatively inspired as the show itself.

MY NAME IS EARL. First season's 24 episodes and bountiful bonus features on four discs; out today from Fox, list price $50.