Dirt: The Complete First Season DVD Credits:

Region: 1

Dirt: The Complete First Season DVD Release Date: 11th December 2007

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Dirt: The Complete First Season DVD Review:

With the major television networks spitting out massive amounts of reality filth and anything but creative programming, it’s nice to see that cable networks such as FX have the tenacity to reveal some true gems such as Dirt: The Complete First Season. This cutting edge drama dares to take the risk of blending filmic qualities of surrealism while playing the game of exposing Hollywood’s dark underbelly. Dirt is a breath of fresh air that works on a variety of levels.

The show revolves around the appropriately named Lucy Spiller (Courtney Cox) who not only serves as the editor of both Dirt and Now magazine but also as the thorn in Hollywood’s side. From the first scene in the pilot episode we get a strong sense for the distaste that Hollywood executives have for Lucy. But the fact remains that as much as they hate her, she is valuable and can make or break someone’s career. You might think that this is a show about a tabloid and on the surface that is an understandable assumption but Dirt quickly transcends such preconceived notions. Lucy is much more focused on truth and the integrity of journalism. Although she does prey on Hollywood sensationalism and depends on raunchy stories of personal exposure, most of her cover stories breach the boundary of simply being just stories. We end up wanting Lucy to use her manipulative skills to right wrongs and expose actors, athletes, etc. whom have secrets in need of just release. That’s one of the most intriguing parts of the show. We are rooting for a character that isn’t necessarily the most amicable or worthy of sympathy. However, there is sympathy because her character is so complex and well drawn out. Throughout the thirteen episodes, you develop a strong relationship with Lucy and the other characters. Avoiding the “plot” trap of television and focusing on character driven drama is what makes this one-hour program so entertaining.

Every episode has a strong story and fresh working dynamic that carries you effortlessly through the season. Dirt really pushes the envelope at times. There were a couple moments where I asked myself how they get away with what they do. You will find every kind of decadence you can imagine from female prostitutes playing the male role with pro athletes to macho action stars giving in to their homosexual desires to obsessive drug use to managers keeping clients’ decapitated heads in jars. There is an almost absurd amount of sex in the show but it helps it feel real while not serving as a crutch. It keeps you excited and keeps you on your toes.

The cast is a delightful ensemble that has a strong natural chemistry. Cox is spot on as the “take no prisoners” independent woman who can’t achieve orgasms with anyone but herself. Josh Stewart plays Holt McLaren as the shadowed actor that turns his life and everyone else’s surrounding him upside down in his quest for greatness. His girlfriend, Julia Mallory (Laura Allen) is America’s sweetheart that turns into a drug abusing basket case that flies down a seemingly never ending downward spiral. Other supporting characters such as Lucy’s sleazy boss (Jeffrey Nordling) and the new innocent turned cutthroat reporter (Alexandra Breckenridge) really help the show feel full and cohesive. The most intriguing character though is by far Don Konkey (Ian Hart). He’s the schizophrenic photographer who always gets the shot. This character is responsible for the dreamy surreal qualities of the show. His hallucinations, which include engaging in a romantic relationship with a dead actress, delivering her birth of kittens, and other such interesting scenarios, really help set a dark and intriguing tone to the show. Also, there is a host of guest stars (Shannyn Sossamon, Rick Fox, Paul Reubens, David Fincher, Wayne Brady, Perez Hilton, Vincent Gallo, Jennifer Aniston) that add a special kind of genuine quality to the show. Dirt is not as celebrity intertwined or Hollywood-cool as Entourage but that works to its advantage because it is a more serious show that is just as much about the people who aren’t in Hollywood as the people who are.

Although not as unique and rich as the show itself, the Special Features are enjoyable. Celebrity Couple Gets Dirty displays interviews with Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and others involved, telling the story of how Dirt came to be and the struggles that ensued. Through a Lens, Darkly profiles Ian Hart’s brilliant character Don Konkey and features interviews with more cast and crew. Tabloid Wars: Totally True Stories From the Celebrity Trenches goes rounds examining the real world’s obsession with tabloids and gossip. The Deleted Scenes, Etc. are nothing to write home about. The interviews are much more entertaining.

Dirt is a fun, new, deliciously different show to satisfy the appetites of all of those looking for something new and exciting to watch. It’s not perfect, no show is, but it is quite good and will have you hooked.

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Dirt: The Complete First Season DVD review written by: Bryce Carlson