Paramount Studios presents

Jackass Volume 3 (2001)

"I'm Ryan Dunn and this is a stupid idea rolling down a hill."- Ryan Dunn

Stars: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve O
Other Stars: Dave England, Brandon Dicamillo, Prestn Lacy, Ehren McGhehey , Ryan Dunn
Director: unknown

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for outrageous stunts, bleeped language, sexual references
Run Time: 01h:18m:47s
Release Date: 2002-12-10
Genre: television

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
B	C+	B-	C+	C+

 

DVD Review

In The Simpsons episode "A Star is Burns," Homer finds himself amazingly amused by the simple repeated image of a man receiving a football to his groin area with great force. I think of that scene whenever I view an episode of Jackass, as it proves that anyone can find anything funny, even if it involves pain and torture to others. You know the old saying "It is like a train wreck....."

This brings us to Jackass: Volume 3, a collection of the best segments from the television series. This volume finds the series in its latter years when the stunts would become more outrageous, thanks to the amazing popularity thrust upon the show. While the humor here are more of the bathroom variety, there are several segments that harken back to the simple don't-try-this-at-home style that makes the show so hysterical at times.

The majority of the content here, as mentioned above, is dedicated to such low level humor as eating pudding out of a baby diaper in public, or even making an omelet out of regurgitated vegetables and eggs. Aside from these moments, this release is a bit funnier than the previous installment (Volume 2, which hits the shelves at the same time), but the overall appeal of the show lessens when you factor in some of the more unnecessary stunts. This third compilation aims directly for its established audience and it succeeds, but there is still something to be said for taste—the image of dozens of leeches swimming in star Johnny Knoxville's mouth is certainly one I will long try to forget.

Yes, I did mention that this disc is a bit funnier than its predecessor, something well on display in segments like chapter seven's bottle skating or the snow surfing exhibition displayed in chapter thirteen. Standing in the middle of all of this are the stars, namely Johnny Knoxville as the sort of cynical ringleader. Knoxville has an abundance of charm that translates well to the material; he gets the joke and plays it for all it is worth. He certainly has a future beyond this vehicle.



Rating for Style: B
Rating for Substance: C+

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	no

Image Transfer Review: Presented in a full-frame aspect ratio, Jackass: Volume 3 looks better than it did in its original airings on MTV, though not by much. Shot on digital video, the image often appears soft and grainy, though given the budget this is to be expected. Colors are done nicely while sharpness and detail each look terrific as well.

Image Transfer Grade: B-
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	English	yes

Audio Transfer Review: The Dolby Surround track is largely dialogue-driven and what is here is fine, but not particularly great. Dialogue suffers from distortion as well as low volume. The left and right speakers and surrounds are offered very little to do.

Audio Transfer Grade: C+ 

Disc Extras

Static menu with music
Scene Access with 44 cues and remote access
Cast and Crew Biographies
Packaging: Alpha
Picture Disc
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extra Extras:

1. Trivia Game
2. Photo Gallery

Extras Review: The special features are slim but entertaining. A photo gallery of images is offered, as is a trivia game in which the participant must answer questions about the show. A section of cast bios rounds out the extra features. These features are identical to those of Volume 2, unfortunately.

Extras Grade: C+
 

Final Comments

Having withstood the second and third volumes of the iconic television show, Jackass, I can convinced that there is a large amount of humor on display, provided you know how to find it. Love it or hate it, this gang is here to stay, thanks to these DVD sets. For fans of the show, they are truly a blessing.

Kevin Clemons 2003-01-07