‘The Simpsons’ Debuts A New Main Title Opening, Goes HD
Last night’s new episode of The Simpsons was the series’ first ep that aired in high definition … but much more importantly, debuted a new main title opening sequence — the first in the show’s 19 year history:
“The Simpsons” is finally going HD—and, in what some fans might consider an even bigger development, getting a new opening title sequence as well … The network actually made a low-key announcement of the news late last month, casually mentioning the developments as part of its episodic listings of various shows. According to Fox, Sunday’s “Simpsons”—entitled “Take My Life, Please”—will include the first full, permanent revamp of the show’s opening titles since its premiere in 1989. The last few seconds of the title sequence have long featured a different weekly “couch gag.” Fox also airs both a full-length and an abbreviated version of the credits. While “The Simpsons” has never aired in high-def, Sunday’s episode won’t be the first time fans of the show have been able to see Homer and Co. in their full digital splendor on television. HBO aired “The Simpsons Movie” in HD last year. While most live-action scripted network shows now air in HD, animation hasn’t been as quick to make the leap, although that’s starting to change. The producers of “South Park” recently announced their Comedy Central series would go HD starting with its 13th season, which bows March 11.
Longtime fans of the series are prolly very familiar with the opening title sequence that takes the viewer thru a quick trip around Springfield … this newly revamped sequence makes a lot of additions and amendments that are sure to breathe new life into the time-honored traditional opening (every single scene in the traditional opening has been amended in some way). In case you missed it, you can watch it right here. After the jump, check out the new main title opening sequence of The Simpsons …
I LOVE the new additions and changes. I’ve felt FOR YEARS that the opening was in dire need of updating … the animation and look of the characters alone have been outdated for many years now. Glad to see that they finally made some changes. The couch gag at the end of this vid is a bit much and, sorry to say, not as clever as other couch gags but I can’t really fault them. This gag is the longest ever and will be replaced with a new one next week. I am still loving The Simpsons and am really loving this new main title opening. What do y’all think?
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February 16th, 2009 at 12:39 am
AWESOME!!! I LOVED IT!! it was nice to see an new updated version and as well seeing the characters all with a makeover and not looking so dated! This makes the beginning fun again and i hope they do little changes every time a new episode airs!!
February 16th, 2009 at 12:45 am
It looks great… a lot like the Simpsons movie! Very modern
February 16th, 2009 at 12:46 am
Way way way too long, but otherwise cool.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:05 am
With my work schedules, I haven’t watched a new episode of the Simpsons in a few years. I love it!
February 16th, 2009 at 1:21 am
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February 16th, 2009 at 2:23 am
I love it!!!
February 16th, 2009 at 5:03 am
the begining was cool it wasn’t a whole lot different just a bit more modern, the last part kind of ruined it but they won’t always have that part so it’ll be cool
February 16th, 2009 at 5:04 am
A+++. I’m glad it didn’t change TO much!
February 16th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Wow, it looks a million times better! I agree that the gag was a bit long but still good nonetheless! They probably wanted to do something extended to show off their new HD animation :)
February 16th, 2009 at 8:14 am
I LOVE The Simpsons.. I really should make a point to catch up!
February 16th, 2009 at 9:04 am
I loved it! So hilarious!
February 16th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I needed to pause it and slow it down last night when it aired. Opening sequences like this one are one of the reasons I have a TiVo.
February 16th, 2009 at 10:03 am
is it the new one or just for that episode only!! i believe tah last part was a reference to old episodes!! as teh entire openning was!!
February 16th, 2009 at 11:04 am
yay! love it!
February 16th, 2009 at 11:05 am
when i was watching i was like wait….. what is going on!?
February 16th, 2009 at 11:14 am
love it! even after 19 years, the fun and creativity is still there.
February 16th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
That is so awesome! I loved it! I also am glad to see that they made a point to include all of the characters into the opening, since thery weren’t before. I especially am glad that the supermarket scene with Maggie and Marge was updated because that one was terrible before! :-) Yay!
February 16th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
@Sheena — I’m glad they added Apu’s 8 children … Nadya Suleman can suck it ;)
February 16th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
What is HD for cartoons, really? Does it really look crisper? I didn’t watch…not a fan. Now Family Guy, there’s a good cartoon.
February 16th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I honestly thought that it was way too long.
I didn’t see the need to update it. It’s a classic…
The writers need to focus on better episodes and less on re-vamping the opening score.
February 17th, 2009 at 4:53 am
I loved it! A great mix of the classic and new! There have been so many great characters through the years and I am glad that they updated it to include them! I wonder if they will be changing the Krusty billboard every week… It seemed kinda random and would be funny if it changed periodically! :)