4 out of 5

Usual critiques for this DVD collection apply: I recognize that these are purposefully cheap deals to judge interest for full collections, as well as serving a purpose of “just put something on for the kids,” but it’s still frustrating that this stuff is broadcast in HD but is only available at DVD quality.  And yes, you can tell, and I think, given Gumball and Darwin’s bright and colorful world, kids will probably be able to see something’s up also.  Along these same lines – that this is for kids and not awesome adult viewers like me – the barebones extras (some text about the Watterson family) is annoying.  This would’ve been a great place to toss in the original short, for example.  (Maybe there’s some rights issues, but I kinda sorta don’t think so.)

Lastly, including the opening credits in front of every episode is a little annoying – although I’m watching the volume 2 DVD now and they awesomely include chapter skips to right after the titles, which negates this complaint, so maybe volume 1 did that too.  WE’LL CALL IT EVEN.

Elsewise, the first collection of Gumball eps is an amazing 2 hours for 12-15 bucks.  It’s not broadcast order, which is all sorts of odd, but besides the overall character evolution from season to season, order doesn’t matter much, admittedly.  What’s most important is that you get a glorious dollop of first season genius which, right off the bat, has the show barreling past the expectations of humor we normally get from funny animal shows, with The End and The Mustache and more all dabbling in surprisingly intelligent humor, while certainly remaining bright and boastful enough for the chitlins.  The first couple seasons also had a lower rate of more “standard” antics plots, resulting in a lot of jaw-dropping as you’re continually astonished by the creativity.  And the rougher mixed-animation style at this point actually looked cooler, if I may say so (much like South Park, it’s been smoothed out over the years – more professional, but not as unique looking.).

As to why this DVD – originally called “The DVD” – was repackaged with the ugly cheap orange cover, I cannae say, but the contents are gloriously untouched.  Thus: excellent collection, excellent value; gimme HD and extras.