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College Hill: Interns
R1 - America - Paramount Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Rob Fields (27th April 2008). |
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The Show
 Well, I just got finished with reviewing one reality series. Now I have to dive straight into another. Does the insanity ever end? Not when you’re a DVD reviewer. No, you basically have to review whatever comes your way. Some of the titles you get aren’t the best in the world. Ultimately, you probably won’t even want to watch them. Still, being a reviewer, I find that some of the titles I am presented with aren’t as bad as I might think. Fortunately, there is always a variety. That helps make the job more satisfying. However, reality shows are at times a part of the variety. Yes, I can actually say that I have a few under my belt. I’m glad I don’t have to review them on a regular basis. So far, the ones that I’ve had to review have not left me moaning and groaning. I’ve caught bits and pieces of a couple on TV before and have wanted to comment against them. However, I would probably have been ejected from the room. Still, reality shows have become part of pop culture for the 90's and into today. And in my personal opinion, I don’t think the end is near for this genre of television. So, when one is presented to me for review, I go by one general rule: Make the best of it. It may not be as bad as you think. So, let’s see if my rule still holds true for “College Hill: Interns”. “College Hill Interns” – Synopsis: On "College Hill: Interns," college students across the U.S. are recruited for the internship of a lifetime. BET selects and places talented, high-achieving students with plenty of ambition in a position at a Fortune 500 corporation for hands-on work experience. It’s no coincidence that these attractive, athletic, and highly entertaining students are challenged both professionally and personally. Will these students have what it takes to transition to the professional world? Or will the prospect of living and working in the big city with the accompanying distractions throw them off their game? One of the things I liked about the series is that even though it is an all-African American cast, there is still some diversity among them. Each member of the cast comes from a different walk of life. In other words, each one is an individual with his or her own personalities, strong ones at that. They do not all act alike and have something to bring while competing and carrying out their internships. Also, with all of them living together in one house, it has a “The Real World”-style atmosphere. You know there’s going to be some conflicts and some hook-ups. Things are just waiting to happen. The question is: How far are you willing to go to see just how things develop (assuming you haven’t seen this series already)? Probably the best aspect of this series is the fact that Dr. Ian Smith is overseeing the competition. While you don’t see as much of him as you do the rest of the cast, he is the voice of reason amongst them. Also, while he is the one who decides who is eliminated, at least he gives potential ejectees a chance to fix their mistakes. Then, of course, there are the competitions, of which most are interesting. I also enjoyed how each person eliminated handled their expulsion from the internship. In all, 21 minutes can pass very quickly. That’s good (in a positive way), especially for a reality series. The downsides? While some of the cast members DO get along really well in spite of being on or opposing teams, there are a few that do like to create problems. I won’t give any names here, but you will know after probably the first few episodes who the problem children are. So the question remains as to which of these problem children will remain and which will be eliminated. My final word: If you like reality shows such as “Top Chef” (2006-Current), then perhaps you will enjoy “College Hill: Interns”. If you’re not into reality shows, then just keep watching what you like. When it comes to ownership, it’s definitely worth a rental – at best. This 2-disc set includes all 10 episodes of this series which include: - "Let the Games Begin" (20:40) - "Lead the Way, Baby" (20:40) - "Buttin’ Heads" (20:41) - "Just Wanna Party" (20:41) - "Good, Bad & Ugly!" (20:43) - "Handle Your Business" (20:43) - "Weakest Link" (20:43) - "All About the Kiss" (20:44) - "Not Just Goodbye" (41:16)
Video
Each episode and the extras (except for the preview trailer which is in anamorphic widescreen) is presented in full screen format (1.33:1 ratio). The episodes on each disc do not have chapter selections, but there are chapter stops where the commercial breaks would be. Each disc has a ‘Play All’ option, so you can have a marathon if you chose to. In regards to the picture quality, it’s been a trend with all of the reality shows I’ve had to review. This is my third one, and all three have been released by Paramount Pictures. The picture quality is equal to that of the other two – excellent. There are no signs of any noticeable defects. It is quite possible that this was shot on digital video, as there is no film grain to see here. The same video quality continues over into the extras. The flesh tones really stand out. You can tell whether or not any of the interns are under pressure REAL quick. Each episode has a ‘Previously on...’ and a preview for the next episode (the season finale does not have a next episode preview).
Audio
Each episode is accompanied by an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo soundtrack. There are no optional subtitles available. The audio is also very well done. Again, Paramount went the extra mile, just like in “Rob & Big: Seasons 1 and 2” (2006, 2007) and in “Keyshia Cole – The Way It Is: The Complete Second Season” (2007). The track could easily be a Dolby 5.1 surround mix. Imagine what it would sound like if Paramount would have decided to put a dts audio track on each episode. Also, the dialogue and music are equally mixed; one does not overshadow the other. The audio quality also carries over into the extras.
Extras
Paramount have included a cast audition reel, a rejects reel, a bonus trailer, and a featurette make up the extras on this 2-disc set. Read further for an explanation into these extras. DISC ONE: The cast audition reel lasts 9 minutes and 3 seconds. Here you will see the members of the cast answering personal questions, which range from dating to personal backgrounds to sex. The rejects reel lasts 2 minutes and 31 seconds. This pretty much speaks for itself. You can see some of the video audition reels of people who didn’t make it. After watching this reel, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to imagine why not. One bonus trailer for “How She Move” (2:21). This trailer is also forced before the Main Menu. Use your chapter skip button to bypass it. DISC TWO: The featurette "A Day with Soulja Boy" lasts 13 minutes and 7 seconds. It starts out with Jenna Nia Bailey as she has the opportunity to intern with rap artist Soulja Boy. You will see interview footage from both Jenna and Soulja Boy. First, she introduces him at a high school. Then, she has to take lunch orders for him and his posse. Jenna has no paper and must remember the whole order. Will she remember it all? Then she has to go and purchase some clothes for him. Oh, and then there’s the personal stuff. Will she survive? Will she make the grade?
Overall
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