Published: June 26, 2008 10:14 am         

TELEVISION: 'Futurama' returns with new feature-length DVD

From television to cancellation to DVD and back to television, “Futurama” is surviving, no matter what the medium.

The Matt Groening-created “Futurama” returns this week with a new feature-length straight-to-DVD film titled “The Beast with a Billion Backs.” It’s the second such film, following “Bender’s Big Score,” which was released in November.

Just like the previous full-length adventure, this film will be split up into four regular “Futurama” TV episodes to be shown on Comedy Central at a later date.

Peter Avanzino isn’t sure if the DVD-to-TV path is the best option for the show, but he’s gotten used to the idea. An animation director with Rough Draft Studios, Avanzino is director of “The Beast with a Billion Backs.” He spoke to Night & Day about the new film in a phone interview.

“Ideally, one way or the other (full-length or regular episodes) would be better for the story-telling,” Avanzino said.

That being said, Avanzino believes the story-telling in the new film has improved since the series’ initial DVD film.

“ ‘The Beast’ may flow a little better,” he said. “ ‘Bender’s Big Score’ had so much back and forth. We’re trying to keep it flowing.”

In the new film, a rip in outer space allows a monster from another universe to invade Earth. But in classic “Futurama” style, the monster (played by David Cross) and its intentions are not what they first appear to be, and the evolving storyline touches on universal themes in the strangest and funniest of ways.

“I’m very happy with (the film),” Avanzino said.

As far as the look of “The Beast,” fans should expect the show’s mix of traditional animation and CGI, Avanzino said. Only this time, there will be more tentacles due to the monster from another universe.

“There are a lot of tentacles,” Avanzino said.

There are two more “Futurama” DVD films on the way. “Bender’s Game” is due for release sometime this holiday season, while “Into the Wild Green Yonder,” the last of the planned DVD movies, is set for 2009.

Sales of the first DVD have been strong, Avanzino said. Those figures may be the key factor in the future of “Futurama.”

“There’s talk that these will determine if there’s interest in doing more things,” Avanzino said. “The first (DVD) sold wel. We’ll see if the second will sell well.”

One possibility for “Futurama” is a theatrical movie, Avanzino said. But he wouldn’t rule out a return to television for the series, nor would he be against it.

“I would like that,” he said. “I might like that more than a theatrical movie. I enjoy the variety you get with 22 episodes.”

Whatever happens, Avanzino has no doubt that “Futurama” fans will be there, waiting to watch.

“The fans of the show are going to follow it,” he said. “I know there’s an audience for the show.”