The Simpsons is inarguably one of the most influential television shows in history. Winning countless awards and breaking countless records (including being the longest-running prime-time show in US history), The Simpsons is celebrating twenty years (and twenty-one season – and counting). What better way to celebrate than with the 20th season on Blu-Ray?

Season 20 was the first season The Simpsons went HD (though not until the second half of the season) so it seems fitting that it be the first season released on Blu-Ray. All 21 episodes are spread out on two discs, and look beautiful. The standard def episodes are as crisp and clean as the HD episodes. Interestingly, the audio on the HD episodes sounds flat and tinny – it actually sounds bad. Standard def episodes have audio that is crisp and well-mixed. To add to the disappointment, there are no extras, save for a five-minute preview of the 20th anniversary special directed by Morgan Spurlock. Frankly, I think that “preview” is the opening segment of the show that will air.

I get the feeling that this season was rushed to Blu-Ray to go along with the anniversary. All the early seasons that were on DVD (I think they are up to season 12 currently) are clean, sound good, and have some extras. The people putting together the DVDs took their time. Season 20 feels slap-dash, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they release a new and improved version in a couple of years.