1. A Unique Direct-to-DVD Release
The film was originally released as a direct-to-DVD movie on September 27, 2005. This format allowed the creators to explore storylines and humor that might not have been suitable for regular broadcast television. The decision to release it directly to DVD was a strategic one, allowing the creators to push the boundaries of their storytelling and humor.
2. The Intriguing Plot
The film’s main plot point concerns Stewie Griffin, following a near-death experience, trying to find who he thinks is his real father after seeing the man on TV. This intriguing plot point serves as the driving force behind the entire film, leading to a series of hilarious and unexpected events. Stewie’s journey takes him to San Francisco, only to find that the man is him from the future.
3. The Three Segments
The film was originally written to be a “straight-to-video” movie in three episode-length segments. Each segment was written by different people, adding a unique flavor to each part of the story. The segments are titled “Stewie B. Goode”, “Bango Was His Name Oh”, and “Stu & Stewie’s Excellent Adventure”. These segments were later aired as the three-part season four finale.
4. Aired as Season Finale
The decision to air these three episodes as the three-part season four finale was a strategic one. It allowed the creators to bring the unique storytelling and humor of the film to the television audience. Fox aired the edited and separated versions of the three segments on May 21, 2006.
5. Edited for Television
The film had several scenes cut out, new scenes put in, and other scenes altered to make it more appropriate for broadcast on American television. This was done to bring the length down to 66 minutes. The changes were likely made to ensure the content was suitable for a wider television audience, and to fit the standard runtime of a TV episode.
6. Behind the Scenes
The film was a product of the creative minds of several writers, each contributing to the different segments of the film. The film was directed by Pete Michels and Peter Shin, with Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, voicing several of the main characters. The film also features a sneak preview of American Dad!, another creation of Seth MacFarlane.
7. Reception and Reviews
The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its biting satire, loony wit, and laugh-out-loud moments. The film holds a rating of 7.5/10 on IMDb.
8. Impact and Legacy
The film has left a lasting impact on the Family Guy franchise and its fans. It showcased the creative potential of the series and its ability to successfully venture into different formats. The film remains a favorite among Family Guy fans for its unique storytelling, humor, and memorable moments.
So, while it may seem like “Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story” was “stuck” being turned into a multi-part TV episode, it was actually a strategic decision made by the creators and Fox to adapt the content for television audiences. The film serves as a testament to the creative genius of the Family Guy team and their ability to push the boundaries of animation storytelling. So, if you’re a fan of Family Guy or just love a good laugh, this film is definitely worth a watch!