Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman July 8, 2021

Universal has released a seven season, 20-disc Blu-ray boxed set for 'Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series.' This fan-favorite show has received a well-rounded Blu-ray package, featuring pleasing video and audio presentations and enough extras to satisfy even the most ardent fan.

Official synopsis: Settle down in Pawnee, Indiana, with Golden Globe winner Amy Poehler in 'Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series.' Join small-town civil servant Leslie Knope (Poehler) for every awkward strategy meeting, kooky idea and delicious bite of waffle as she strives to make City Hall a better place. By her side are her beloved -- if quirky -- colleagues: the deadpan Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) (and his mustache!), apathetic April (Aubrey Plaza), rockstar-in-his-own-mind Andy (Chris Pratt), trendsetter Tom (Aziz Ansari), best friend Ann (Rashida Jones), smart-mouthed Donna (Retta), loyal Ben (Adam Scott) and the always energetic Chris (Rob Lowe). Oh, and Jerry (Jim O'Heir)...or is it "Larry?" Featuring a deep bench of comedic talent and guest stars from the world of politics and sports alike, this seven-season set includes all 125 episodes of the smart, irreverent, heartfelt series from Primetime Emmy Award-winning producers Greg Daniels and Michael Schur. Enjoy every laugh from "a show as rich and full as Ron Swanson's mustache" back-to-back and uninterrupted!

It's clear in the early goings that Parks and Recreation sought to capitalize on the mocumentary cinéma vérité-style that won over fans in The Office, bringing this office space to life with a farcical focus on lovably off kilter characters. Stylistically there's little distinction for camera movement, character mannerisms, and other key focal point details. Parks and Recreation does offer an expanded play area, so to speak, regularly taking the action away from the central office location to follow the characters in their adventures around town or in their homes. It gradually moves away to forge its own identity, refusing to settle in as a lifeless clone, and it's in the mid seasons when the break seems most apparent and the show forges its own identity that it starts to soar.

Cast commitment and excellence carry the show. Amy Poehler is special as Leslie Knope, particularly as the character emerges from the shadows of The Office's Michael Scott and makes the character her own, dimwitted at times and self-centered but friendlier and more outgoing if still a bit too driven by her own personal desires. It's a fun compare and contrast exercise but it's only when she, and the show around her, forge that individual identity that it begins to work on its own terms. Poehler's supporting cast is universally excellent across the broad range of diversely configured characters who bring sometimes monotone but nevertheless personality filled performances to the show. This is not as consistently funny and on-point as The Office but it's certainly going to appeal to the same audiences.

Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Parks and Recreation arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p image that is largely consistent throughout the entire seven season run. The picture certainty holds to that "video-y" look associated with contemporary broadcast television, one that is well detailed and sharp but lacking the filmic finesse and perfect clarity afforded to superior productions. Nevertheless, fans can expect high yield facial detail, strong definition on various examples of attire, and excellent clarity around various office space locations. The picture's inherent lack of absolute tightness, particularly in medium and long shots, is its greatest drawback, but rest assured that those intimate facial details will never be wanting in more tightly defined shots. Color output is fine, offering good foundational contrast and tonal depth. The picture might lack, again, the tonal finesse and exacting nuance that define superior Hollywood productions but this offers well versed color expression across the board, whether clothing, office knickknacks, real world greens, and the like. Black levels are deep but tend to push towards crush. Skin tones are generally strong. Low light scenes tend to push noisy and mild compression artifacts are at times in evidence as well. Certainly various source shortcomings hold this back from perfection, but Universal's presentation is well within expectations for the style and content.

Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Parks and Recreations DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers a satisfying listen, albeit one that is more constrained to the front and that is without a substantial back channel engagement. The track enjoys positive front end spacing, engaging along the main three channels with impressive fluidity and placement. While there are no regular surround barrages or even fully engaged surround sound atmosphere, the sense of place within the offices or other locations are just fine, doing well enough to draw the listener in and define the basics across the stage's front half. Essential audio detail impresses, however, whether considering spirited musical delivery, odds and ends environmental elements, and especially dialogue, which drives the program forward at all times. Spoken word definition and center placement consistency never fail. This is not a particularly memorable track; it's been engineered with a straightforward audio presentation in mind and the Blu-ray handles these essential qualities quite well.

Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series includes a large assortment of bonus features across the entire collection. No DVD or digital copies are included with purchase. Each season ships in its own standard Amaray case. For seasons with more than two discs, discs are stacked atop one another. Inner print artwork consisting of color photos and episode listings, plot summaries, and bonus features are included. All of the cases ship inside a slip box.

Season One:

• Audio Commentaries: For "Pilot:" Greg Daniels, Rashida Jones, and Michael Schur. For "Canvassing:" Dan Goor, Seth Gordon, Nick Offerman, and Michael Schur. For "The Reporter:" Dan Goor, Nick Offerman, Morgan Sacket, Paul Schneider, and Michael Schur. For "Boys Club:" Greg Daniels, Dan Goor, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, and Alan Yang. For "The Banquet:" Amy Poehler and Beth McCarthy Miller. For "Rock Show:" Greg Daniels, Rashida Jones, Chris Pratt, Michael Schur, and Alan Yang.
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Pilot" (8:20), "Canvassing" (5:52), "The Reporter" (1:10), "Boys Club" (3:32), and "The Banquet" (3:57).
• "Rock Show" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 26:49).
• "Hose" Cold Open (1080p, 1:17).
• "Pit" Music Video (1080p, 1:31).
• "Ann" Music Video (1080p, 1:57).

Season Two, Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Pawnee Zoo" (1080p, 12:27), "The Stakeout" (6:22), "Beauty Pageant" (8:37), "Practice Date" (6:06), "Sister City" (11:03), "Kaboom" (2:56), "Greg Pikitis" (5:47), and "Ron and Tammy" (8:49).
• Audio Commentaries: For "Sister City:" Amy Poehler, Fred Armisen, Alan Yang, and Michael Schur. For "Ron and Tammy:" Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Greg Daniels, and Michael Schur.

Season Two, Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "The Camel" (2:47), "Hunting Trip" (11:33), "Tom's Divorce" (5:18), "Christmas Scandal" (9:39), "The Set Up" (4:41), "Leslie's House" (5:56), and "Sweetums" (10:31).
• Audio Commentary: For "Hunting Trip:" Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Retta, Aubrey Plaza, Greg Daniels, and Michael Schur.
• "The Set Up" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 27:21).

Season Two, Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Galentine's Day" (5:49), "Woman of the Year" (5:02), "The Possum" (5:11), "Park Safety" (5:42), "Summer Catalog" (6:43), "94 Meetings" (4:27), and "Telethon" (5:44).
• Audio Commentary: For "Woman of the Year:" Amy Poheler, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Jim O'Heir, Retta, and Michael Schur.

Season Two, Disc Four:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "The Master Plan" (5:59) and "Freddy Spaghetti" (2:38).
• Audio Commentaries: For "The Master Plan:" Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Alan Yang, Dean Holland, Harris Wittels, Morgan Sacket, and Michael Schur. For "Freddy Spaghetti:" Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones, Adam Scott, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Jim O'Heir, Retta, and Michael Schur.
• "The Master Plan" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 29:57).
• "Freddy Spaghetti" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 25:15).
• Blooper Reel (1080p, 15:20): Humorous moments from the set.
• Pratt on Parks (1080p, 9:23): A series of short videos featuring Pratt touring the set and interviewing key personnel.
• Mouse Rat Rocks The Wrap Party (1080p, 9:10): Pratt's "band" performs at the wrap party.
• ?uestlove on Parks (1080p, 3:08): Parks meets Wu-Tang Clan.
• Parks and Recreation Theme Song Performed by Gabby Moreno (1080i, 0:48).
• Parks and Recreation Promos - Winter Games (1080p, 2:14): Parks promotes the Olympics for NBC.

Season Three, Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Go Big or Go Home" (6:33), "Flu Season" (2:40), "Time Capsule" (3:20), "Ron & Tammy 2" (3:34), "Media Blitz" (2:56), and "Indianapolis" (2:25).
• Audio Commentaries: For "Flu Season:" Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, and Michael Schur. For "Ron & Tammy 2:" Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Retta, Jim O'Heir, and Michael Schur. For "Harvest Festival:" Retta, Jim O'Heir, Harris Wittels, Daniel Goor, Dean Holland, and Michael Schur.
• "Harvest Festival" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 26:12).
• Gag Reel (1080p, 23:27): Humorous moments from the shoot.
• "Ron & Tammy 2" Trailer (1080p, 2:04): A humorous-serious trailer for the episode.
• Crazy Ira and the Douche Commercial (1080p, 0:26): A quick preview for the radio show.

Season Three, Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Camping" (1:26), "Fancy Party" (6:00), "Soulmates" (6:05), "Jerry's Painting" (1:52), "Eagleton" (2:16), and "The Fight" (4:21).
• Audio Commentaries: For "Camping:" Tom Magill, Shana Hagan, Doug Smith, Josh Swoveland, Paul Boydston, Alisha Baldwin, and Michael Schur. For "The Fight:" Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, and Michael Schur.
• "Jerry's Painting" Extended Version (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 26:41).
• "The Fight" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 25:03).

Season Three, Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Road Trip" (2:54) and "The Bubble" (0:57).
• Audio Commentary: For "Li'l Sebastian:" Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Retta, Jim O'Heir, Dean Holland, Daniel Goor, and Michael Schur.
• "Li'l Sebastian" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 25:03).
• Commercials (1080p, 3:15): Entertainment 7Twenty ads.
• Promos (1080p, 6:32): Ads for the show.
• Li'l Sebatian Tribute (1080p, 2:02): More from Entertainment 7Twenty.

Season Four, Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "I'm Leslie Knope" (5:55), "Ron and Tammys" (7:55), "Born and Raised" (6:16), "Pawnee Rangers" (3:53), "Meet 'N' Greet" (4:58), and "End of the World" (1:38).
• "End of the World" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 27:23).
• Road Trip Webisodes (1080p, 8:55): Tales from Andy and April's road trip.
• Leslie Tribute Video from Tom (1080p, 0:58): Leslie's campaign ad.

Season Four, Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "The Treaty" (4:54), "Smallest Park" (4:23), "The Trial of Leslie Knope" (5:31), "Citizen Knope" (9:33), "The Comeback Kid" (2:33), "Campaign Ad" (5:17), "Bowling for Votes" (3:03), and "Operation Ann" (4:43).
• Campaign Ads (1080p, 7:19): Ads for the City Council campaign.

Season Four, Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Dave Returns" (5:26), "Sweet Sixteen" (4:55), "Campaign Shake-Up" (6:32), "Lucky" (4:02), and "Live Ammo" (3:28).
• "Catch Your Dreams" Music Video (1080p, 4:30): Performed by Mouse Rat.

Season Four, Disc Four:

• "The Debate:" Amy Poehler's Director's Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 26:02).
• "Bus Tour" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 25:30).
• "Win, Lose or Draw:" Director's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 27:28).
• Gag Reel Uncensored (1080p, 17:03): Humorous moments from the shoot.
• The Swanson Zone (1080p, 5:12): Canoeing, cutting wood, and a woodworking project.
• Odds and Ends (1080p, 11:05): Various, humorous asides and promos.

Season Five, Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Ms. Knope Goes to Washington" (4:06), "Soda Tax" (3:55), "How a Bill Becomes a Law" (4:30), "Sex Education" (5:18), "Halloween Surprise" (2:46), "Ben's Parents" (4:08), and "Leslie VS. April" (9:13).
• "Halloween Surprise" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 26:08).
• Andy D.C. Webisodes (1080p, 4:59): Andy's looks for the real D.C. while touring some other highlight locales.
• Washington, D.C. Promos (1080p, 0:45): Ads for the show set in D.C.
• Ron Bacon PSA (1080p, 1:15): Swanson talks about a bacon shortage.
• Mouse Rat "Mencaceball" Video (1080p, 2:26).

Season Five, Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Pawnee Commons" (8:00), "Ron and Diane" (5:20), "Two Parties" (6:25), "Women in Garbage" (4:53), "Ann's Decision" (3:40), and "Leslie and Ben" (3:10).
• "Emergency Response" Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 27:35).
• Parks and Recreation Promos (1080p, 4:41).

Season Five, Disc Three:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Correspondents' Lunch" (5:40), "Bailout" (3:27), "Partridge" (1:23), "Animal Control" (4:36), "Article Two" (4:06), "Jerry's Retirement" (1:33), "Swing Vote" (2:21), and "Are You Better Off?" (10:18).
• Gag Reel (1080p, 21:27): Humorous moments from the shoot.
• Patton Sci-Fi Filibuster (1080p, 8:39): Patton Oswalt talks the then-future of Star Wars.

Season Six, Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "London" (4:22), "The Pawnee-Eagleton Tip Off Classic" (1:47), "Doppelgangers" (2:08), "Gin It Up!" (2:16), "Filibuster" (0:54), "Recall Vote" (4:29), and "Fluoride" (1:00).
• Parks and Recreation in Europe (1080p, 9:01): Promos for the show's European episodes.
• Winter Games Promos (1080p, 1:01): Parks and Rec pitches the Olympics on NBC.
• The Hapley Group (1080p, 5:05): A clip from a pundits roundtable.

Season Six, Disc Two:

• "Second Chunce" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 26:06).
• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "New Beginnings" (2:52), "Farmers Market" (7:01), "Ann and Chris" (2:42), "Anniversaries" (11:44), "The Wall" (1:16), and "New Slogan" (2:46).
• 100th Episode Feature (1080p, 20:27): Celebrating a milestone.
• Rashida and Rob Farewells (1080p, 1:51): Saying farewell to a couple of series favorites.
• T-Dazzle Commercial (1080p, 0:36): Pitching a new and improved bottle of water.
• Chipp McCapp Music Video (1080p, 1:54): A country-style song for the series.

Season Six, Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Galentine's Day" (1:34), "Prom" (0:44), and "One in 8,000" (1:25).
• "Flu Season 2" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 27:18).
• "Moving Up" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 52:58).
• Gag Reel (1080p, 19:29): Humorous moments from the shoot.

Season Seven, Disc One:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "2017" (3:45), "Ron & Jammy" (1:20), "William Henry Harrison" (3:55), "Leslie and Ron" (3:15), "Gryzzlbox" (4:56), "Save JJ's" (3:39), and "Donna and Joe" (3:48).
• "Ron & Jammy" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 27:05).
• Behind the Scenes of the Farewell Season (1080p): A deep-dive look into the season and the Parks and Recreation world. Included are Beginning and Ending (4:13), Jim O'Heir Set Tour, Part 1 (6:10), April and Andy (8:09), Jim O'Heir Set Tour, Part 2 (6:29), On the Road (6:19), From Script to Screen (8:33), and The Final Scene (7:13).

Season Seven, Disc Two:

• Deleted Scenes (1080p): Scenes from "Ms. Ludgate-Dwyer Goes to Washington" (1:52), "The Johnny Karate Super Awesome Musical Explosion Show" (2:24), and "Two Funerals" (4:03).
• "Pie-Marry" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 26:58).
• "One Last Ride" Producer's Extended Cut (1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, 52:59).
• Gag Reel (1080p, 27:48): Humorous moments from the shoot.
• Commercials (1080p, 2:45): Ads from within the Parks and Recreation universe.
• The Story of Mouse Rat (1080p, 3:17): A quick look at the history of the show's band.
• The Wisdom of Mayor Gunderson (1080p, 2:53): A few valuable nuggets to close out the supplements.

Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

In a world dominated by streaming, but within an increasingly fractured network of options and subscriptions, with more and more content falling not under a single streaming umbrella but rather network-specific options, it's suddenly (again!) more and more viable to make a physical purchase of a beloved film or television show. That's certainly a good idea for Parks and Recreation: here's a rock-solid Blu-ray package that is well worth the price of admission for quality of content and technical presentation alike. Longtime fans and newcomers, casual TV watchers and bingers alike will all find this to be a worthwhile investment of their Blu-ray dollars, and it'll always be on the shelf, not stuck behind a service. Highly recommended.