Wildboyz: The Complete 2nd Season DVD Review:

If you have ever wanted to see a nature show that is entertaining without having to watch a middle aged Australian man flirt with disaster, there is a new kind of show on MTV. It seems that someone came up with the brilliant idea that mixing Jackass with an educational program would be a good idea. Although it sounds ridiculous, miraculously it works, blending humor with education remarkably. Although some episodes seem more obsessed with the wardrobe (often animal skin thongs) or insane stunts, there is often a great deal of information that is learned without even trying. As the boys play with danger, they also explain the animals and cultures they are visiting with.

Wildboyz is made up of Chris Pontius and Steve-O, with the occasional addition of Jackass alumni. They visit locations all over the world, from Florida to Australia and everywhere in between. Whether they are visiting a local tribe or searching for Komodo Dragons, there these guys always seem able to make a joke out of something, usually when it ends with one of them in extreme pain. Season two features a guest appearances by Johnny Knoxville and Wee Man, neither afraid to jump right in and get dirty.

Although many of the stunts often seem obscene or horrifying, often either ending with one of them bitten or one of them vomiting, there is a strange fascination to it because of these reasons. Many people may be turned off from the show because of it, and those people may be happier watching the Discovery channel, but the rest of us can have the extreme nature watching experience.

At times it feels as though despite the change in location, many of the same things are happening. There seem to be snakes nearly every country they visit, and often there are only so many things to be done with them. It is all worthwhile, however, whenever the boys find a unique situation. Some of the highlights from season two are the moments in which they seem to be in the most danger. The encounter with the gorillas is so intense that it seems as if they have no regard for their safety, and yet we thank them because of the entertainment it brings us. The Komodo Dragons also seem insane to be anywhere near, as well as any of the large cats which are encountered. There are also moments of excruciating pain, such as the coconut crab which attaches himself to Steve-O’s left butt-cheek.

The DVD is remarkably full of things to watch. On top of the episodes, there is also commentary from all of the guys, about the episodes. It seems ridiculous to listen to them talk about the same things that they seem to be talking about on the show, but they add extra stories and are more blunt about the situations they were in. Also on the discs are bloopers, Behind the Scenes Featurette, a trivia game, and a photo gallery. There is enough stuff to fill hours and hours of educational television watching time. The two disc set is in slim cases and set in a stylish box. The entire set is well produced and sleek.



Ryan Izay