‘Seinfeld: The Complete Series’ review (4K Ultra HD)

The TV sitcom about nothing was certainly something special for lucky viewers catching it during NBC’s prime-time lineup between 1989 and 1998.

Easily one of the greatest situation comedies in the history of the medium, that precious television miracle is now respectfully available in the ultra-high definition format to dazzle binge-watchers around the world in Seinfeld: The Complete Series (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, rated TV-PG, 1.33:1 aspect ratio, 24 4K discs, 4,188 minutes, $249.99).

For those living in a bubble for the last three decades, Seinfeld offers the complex lives of the certifiable Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards), feisty Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), frugal conniver George Costanza (Jason Alexander) and breakout standup comic Jerry Seinfeld (the real Mr. Seinfeld) — four neurotic individuals trying to exist in a smothering New York City.

The laugh-out-loud, often head-shaking hilarious tone for the show was cemented for me during the first episode of the second season called “The Ex-Girlfriend” in an exchange between Jerry and George with the cheapskate refusing to pay a chiropractic bill.

“Touch that, feel this, 75 bucks … what? Am I seeing Sinatra in there?” lamented George.

Within meandering plotlines, unredeemable characters and any reasonable resolutions to life’s mundane challenges, the 180-episode run tapped into many of the real-life adventures of co-creators Larry David and Mr. Seinfeld.

Episodes of hysterical significance included “Puffy Shirt” (Jerry accidentally agrees to wear a ruffled pirate shirt on the “Today Show”); “The Contest” (the four friends bet on who will be able to suppress their sexual urges and be “master of their domain”); and “The Chinese Restaurant” (the episode completely takes place in the waiting area of a Chinese restaurant as tempers begin to flare due to lack of food and no table to be found, even with a reservation).

The series also found viewers meeting an eclectic collection of eccentrics, curmudgeons, old-timers and pop culture superstars messing with our friends’ lives.

They included George’s parents Frank and Estelle Costanza (icons Jerry Stiller and Estelle Harris); mailman and adversarial fellow tenant Newman (Wayne Knight); Elaine’s eventual boss Jacopo “J.” Peterman (John O’Hurley); Elaine’s occasional boyfriend David Puddy (Patrick Warburton); and the game-changing “Soup Nazi” (Larry Thomas) to name a few nut jobs.

The star power guest appearances offered the likes of Courtney Cox (“Friends”); Teri Hatcher (“Desperate Housewives”); Jami Gertz (“Square Pegs”); Debra Messing (“Will and Grace”); and Lauren Graham (“The Gilmore Girls”) taking on roles of Jerry’s occasional girlfriends. Celebrities appearing as themselves included Bette Midler, Jon Voight, Raquel Welch and New York Mets legend Keith Hernandez.

“Seinfeld” broke the rules of the sitcom format and paid a wildly successful price through a loyal following that will certainly appreciate its return to the home theater format in the best visual presentation possible.

4K in action: Purists will appreciate Sony mastering the episodes from the original film elements in the original aspect ratio (1.33:1), which might rankle the average viewer looking at the large black bars on either side of their modern television monitors.

The results are more than appreciated with plenty of rich color and crisp detail amid some expected film grain highlighted by clothing choices and any special makeup, especially during the later seasons.

However, I’m not watching “Seinfeld” for any blockbuster visual effects so simply delivering stable and clear imagery as the shenanigans play out was certainly a welcomed experience.

Those still annoyed with the black bars should instead look to purchase the Blu-ray version of the set, which boasts the cropped, screen-filling 1.78:1 aspect ratio.

Best extras: Each of the discs offers some digital goodies often pulling from the original DVD season releases from the 2000s.

By far, the most important is the generous supply of 70 optional commentary tracks with key cast and crew. The best being Mr. Seinfeld teamed up with Mr. David, as well as eight coveted tracks with Ms. Louis-Dreyfus, Mr. Richards and Mr. Alexander hanging out together.

Next “Inside Looks” offers roughly five-minute retrospectives on many of the episodes with cast and crew members, and even NBC and Castle Rock executives.

They fondly remember the story origins and challenges in creating the episodes of “Seinfeld” with even Mr. Seinfeld’s speech at the induction of his famed puffy shirt into the Smithsonian Institution being included.

Finally, and what I coveted the most, are the blooper compilations for each season. I have spent many a night on YouTube laughing until my stomach hurt watching Ms. Louis-Dreyfus unable to keep a straight face.

It’s great to have all of the goofy gaffes now forever available on the 4K discs.

A final extra worth a look is a 2007, almost hourlong sit-down with Mr. David, Mr. Seinfeld, Mr. Alexander, Ms. Louis-Dreyfus and Mr. Richards as they reminisce about the good old days of being part of “Seinfeld.” This extra is loaded with clips for viewers to enjoy.