Amazon.com

It feels both inaccurate and inadequate to describe The Office as a comedy. On a superficial level, it disdains all the conventions of television sitcoms: there are no punch lines, no jokes, no laugh tracks, and no cute happy endings. More profoundly, it's not what we're used to thinking of as funny. Most of the fervently devoted fan base watched with a discomfortingly thrilling combination of identification and mortification. The paradox is that its best moments are almost physically unwatchable. Set in the offices of a fictional British paper merchant, The Office is filmed in the style of a reality television show. The writing is subtle and deft, the acting wonderful, and the characters beautifully drawn: the cadaverous team leader Gareth (Mackenzie Crook); the monstrous sales rep, Chris Finch (Ralph Ineson); and the decent but long-suffering everyman Tim (Martin Freeman), whose ambition and imagination have been crushed out of him by the banality of ! the life he dreams uselessly of escaping. The show is stolen, as it was intended to be, by insufferable office manager David Brent, played by codirector-cowriter Ricky Gervais. Brent will become a name as emblematic for a particular kind of British grotesque as Basil Fawlty, but he is a deeper character. Fawlty is an exaggeration of reality, and therefore a safely comic figure. Brent is as appalling as only reality can be. --Andrew Mueller

The second series exceeded even the sky-high standards of the first. Indeed, it ventured beyond caricature and satire, touching on the very edge of darkness.Ricky Gervais is once again excruciatingly superb as David Brent, but in this series, Brent's to-the-camera assertions concerning his management qualities and executive capabilities are seriously challenged when the Slough and Swindon branches are merged and his former Swindon equivalent Neil (Patrick Baladi) takes over as area manager. To compensate, Brent cultivates his pathologically mistaken image of himself as an entertainer-motivator-comedian whose stage happens to be the workplace. Meanwhile, Tim, who can only maintain his sanity by teasing the priggish Gareth, continues to wrestle with his yearning for receptionist Dawn Tinsley (Lucy Davis), a sympathetic character persisting in a relationship with a man about whom she still maintains unspoken reservations. As ever, it's the awkward, reality TV-style pauses and silences, the furtive, meaningful and unmet glances across the emotional gulf of the open-plan office, that say it all here. As for Brent, his own breakdown is prefaced by a moment of hideous hilarity--an impromptu office dance, a mixture of "Flashdance and MC Hammer" as Brent describes it, but in reality bad beyond description. Then, when his fate is sealed, he at last reveals himself in a memorable finale to perhaps the greatest British sitcom, besides Fawlty Towers, ever made.--David Stubbs

The brilliant and devastating comedy of The Office is brought to a satisfying conclusion in The Office Special, originally a two-part Christmas special on the BBC, set three years after the end of the faux-documentary's second season. The former office manager David (Ricky Gervais) now ekes out a desperate existence as an oblivious quasi-celebrity, making awkward, humiliating visits back to the office staff he still believes loves him. Gawky Gareth (Mackenzie Crook) has risen to manager and become a petty tyrant, while the sweet but snide Tim (Martin Freeman) continues to pine for former receptionist Dawn (Lucy Davis), who fled to Florida with her fiance. When the documentary crew pays for Dawn to return for the holiday party, an unpredictable reunion looms ahead. The Office fuses scathing humor and genuine empathy, turning excruciating social discomfort into inspired satire. Fans will find this special rewarding in all respects. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Cosmos was first broadcast in 1980, our world--and the context of Carl Sagan's eloquent "personal journey"--was a different place. The late Dr. Sagan would be pleased to witness the cooling of the cold war, the continued exploration of space, and ongoing efforts to curb our destructive dependence on fossil fuels. For Sagan's series is far more than a guided tour through "billions and billions" of stars and galaxies. It remains a profound plea for the unity of humankind, for the recognition that "we are a way for the universe to know itself," with an obligation to know our origin, our place in the universe, and our future potential.

In the course of 13 fascinating hours, Cosmos spans its own galaxy of topics to serve Sagan's theme, each segment deepening our understanding of how we got from there (simple microbes in the primordial mud) to here (space-faring civilization in the 21st century). In his "ship of the imagination," Sagan guides us to the farthest reaches of space and takes us back into the history of scientific inquiry, from the ancient library of Alexandria to the NASA probes of our neighboring planets. Upon this vast canvas Sagan presents the "cosmic calendar," placing the 15-billion-year history of the universe into an accessible one-year framework, then filling it with a stunning chronology of events, both interstellar and earthbound.

From the lives of the stars, to creation theories, functions of the human brain, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence, Cosmos asks big questions. When appropriate, Sagan offers big answers, or asks still bigger--and yes, even spiritual--questions at the boundaries of science and religion. What's most remarkable about Cosmos is that it remains almost entirely fresh, with few updates needed to the science that Sagan so passionately celebrates. It is no exaggeration to say that Cosmos--for all the debate it may continue to provoke--is a vital document for humanity at a pivotal crossroads of our history. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (134)

science, the history of science, and its role in the future
It amazes me that to this day that no science series since Cosmos first aired has come close to illustrating both the scope of human knowledge and its practical purposes in our lives. Every parent with a DVD player should buy this if their children have the slightest interest in the sciences. Your kids will thank you when they're older. Carl Sagan must've had a talent for teaching as any intelligent young student will get something out this series. Cosmos ages well, serving as a springboard into other disciplines.

Watching the series again on DVD, I enjoyed the less-hard science episodes. All thirteen are great. I especially liked:

"The Harmony of Worlds"
"The Backbone of Night"
"The Lives of Stars"
"The Persistence of Memory"
"Enyclopedia Galactica"
"Who Speaks for Earth"

Each of these episodes is rich with history and gives me a new respect for the man as a speaker. Especially the last episode, though somewhat dated as it was written during the Cold War. The sound quality's excellent too.

Note: Science changes so fast, some of the updates may be 'out of date'. The final update, in light of current events, where Dr. Sagan expresses optimism for the future, well it's a bit chilling.

A Vision for All Mankind
After watching COSMOS for the third time, I am continously impressed by the bravery and insight of Dr. Sagan's vision for humanity. COSMOS's overarching theme is an introduction to the natural sciences for the general public. Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics are wonderfully reduced to their core concepts. Dr. Sagan may be the only person I know who manages to explain Einstein's special relativity without algebra. For those amongst the general public who wish to understand just what a four dimensioned universe is, there is no better series today than COSMOS. Dr. Sagan stays true to his populist belief that science belongs not only to the scientists, but to all humanity.

However, anyone with a university degree will probably be familiar with the science Dr. Sagan speaks of. The shining jewel of COSMOS is not its scientific content, but its deeply humanistic message of hope. We have all heard about the cruelty of the so called "real world" and "human nature." But Dr. Sagan shows us that human bravery and intelligence has transformed our world for the better and that our world is what we make of it. In one of the most poignant moments of the entire series, Dr. Sagan describes the human longing for an explanation of the universe as an eternal part of our species. We, citizens of the 21st century, are the first generation of human beings priviledged with some of the answers to the questions that have fascinated our ancestors.

Dr. Sagan also outlines the philosophy and history of science. This is especially essential to today's society in which science has become increasing gadgety. While cell phones, computers, the internet, designer drugs populate every segment of our society, the philosophy of critical thinking, factual analysis and of questioning every statement, the very heart of science remains as rare today as ever. Our present civlization is forever indebited to those brave men and women who choose the pain of truth rather the comfort of lies. For those who ever wondered how we human beings progressed from tribal hunters to technogical beings, Dr. Sagan's documentary provides a riveting account.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, Dr. Sagan's documentary provides a unifying vision for the future of human kind. We have reached a time in the development of our species when the power in our hands is extraordinary. The destiny of our world and our species is fully in the our own hands. We can either use this power to continously squabble amongst ourselves, to fight our pointless wars and to poison our environment with blatant waste and race headlong to self annihilation, or... we can set aside our differences, recognize the fragility of our world and embrace the common destiny of humanity to explore the final frontier. Dr. Sagan does not pretend that this journey will be an easy one; every age and time has had those who would at the expense of our world, stirr up hatred, fear and greed. However, by showing that science is our candle in the dark, Dr. Sagan encourages each one of us to struggle against the irrationality and ignorance inside each of us to literally reach for the stars.

From the beginning of time to the future of our world, Dr. Sagan's account of the struggle of the human mind to attain sentience is highly passionate while at the same time even and objective. Science, he describes, is the ultimate manifestation of our humanity, the quest of starstuff to understand itself.

I am pleased to say that as the light from Dr. Sagan's house continue to pierce the darkness of Ithaca's gorges to inspire me, so too does his visionary work: COSMOS.

the best science documentrary
This is prehaps the most inspiring documentary about the earth and our place within the universe. I have seen the series about a dozen times and its just as interesting each and every time. This would be great material for children learning about the world around them..

+Fred

Very Excellent!
A little expensive but very cool. Carl Sagan was the first man to break the sound barrier and this is his story. Carl also was a swimming contender in the 1968 Mexico Olympics but he felt the sting of defeat and didn't win diddley. We don't like losers, Carl. A famous scientist, Carl died of cancer some years ago because he didn't eat his broccoli. If only he's gone to Denny's every Thursday for their cream of broccoli soup, he would still be alive today.

Portuguese Subtitles ??
More than 250.000.000 people in the world speak Portuguese. Why didn't they made subtitles in portuguese language for Cosmos? I hope that in the next edition, this problema will be solved. How can we show this DVD for children and teens who doesn't speak english yet? This is my only complain about. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fun In DISfunCTION
a look at how we live despite our family that we can't live without. how can you not see how much is truth with slight exageration for affect. try it you''ll like it!we already own and watch the first two seasons.

I Hate this unfunny show

It's so dumb and lame. I hate this show and I don't see anything good about it.

The Best Show on Earth
This show is above and beyond anything else...I LOVE IT!!!!! I can't wait for the fourth season to come out

ME FASINA ESTA SERIE ES FABULOSA
NO SE IMAGUINAN CUANTO ME DIVIERTO CADA DIA VIENDOLA NO ME LO PIERDO NI UN DIANI LOS SABADOS NI LOS DOMINGOSLO QUE MAS ME GUSTA ES QUE ESTA EN MI IDIOMA Y PUEDO DISFRUTARLA Y REIMER MUCHO A LA VEZ QUE APRENDO INGLES PORQUE PRIMERO LO VEO EN ESPANOL Y LUEGO EN INGLES ES REALMENTE FABULOSA ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Desperate for more!
I only started watching this show at episode 18, but DH has quickly beome my favorite series. I absolutely love the storylines and the way each of the characters interacts.

For anyone who's never seen it, here's a quick run-down of the show:

In the first episode, the narrator of the series, Mary Alice Young, kills herself. It's later discovered by her neighbors that she was being blackmailed, and committed suicide to hide her secrets. The four wives of Wisteria Lane spend the rest of the season searching for clues that might help solve the mystery behind Mary Alice's past. The clues pile up; from a tape stolen from a marriage counselor, to a baby blanket embroidered with the name "Dana".

Bree Van De Kamp is the epitome of the Stepford Wife - perky, resourceful, and perfect in almost every way. Except for one thing: her family thinks she's psychotic. Her husband wants a divorce, and is later caught up in a sex scandel when another wife's little black book surfaces. Bree and Rex have an on-again-off-again relationship, and two children, Andrew and Danielle. Andrew is a seemingly-average kid, except that he runs over a helpless older woman, gets caught smoking weed, confesses an affinity for homosexuality to Bree and Rex, and confesses to a local priest of his plans to make his mother's life a living Hell. Danielle, the 4th, seldom-seen Van De Kamp, is probably the most normal of the group. Further complicating their lives is George, a local pharmacist. Attempting to get back at Rex, Bree starts seeing George, but breaks it off when a reconciliation seems possible. However, George hasn't gotten over his feelings for Bree, and has a tricks up his sleeves.

Next is Gabrielle Solis. A once-famous runway model, she married Carlos for his money, not realizing that he was marrying her as a trophy wife. Unsatisfied with how things have gone in their marriage, Gabrielle seeks fulfilment in their gardener, 17-year-old John. Their affair is nearly discovered by Juanita, Carlos' mother, but she is run down by Andrew Van De Kamp, and later dies, before passing on her discovery. Carlos, desperate for children, starts tampering with Gabrielle's birth control pills, much to Gabrielle's dismay when she finds out.

Then there is Lynnette Scavo. Once a top-notch ad-exec, Lynnette has since traded in her PowerPoint presentations for diapers and parent-teacher conferences. The mother of 4 (a baby girl and 3 boys, two of whom are twins), she spends each day trying not to rip her hair out dealing with the boys. Tom Scavo, Lynnette's husband, is a busy advertiser, and spends most of his time on business trips. Lynnette becomes suspicious of Tom, and also deals with a drug dependency at one point.

Finally, there is Susan Mayer. A single mother, she has a funny way of making a mess out of every situation. From burning AND under-cooking macaroni and cheese to burning down her neighbor's house, her clumsyness has no limits. Her 14-year-old daughter, Julie, seems more mature than her, and ends up doing the recon work when Susan gets a crush on new neighbor, the mysterious Mike Delfino.

Secrets abound on Wisteria Lane. The only way to see them all is to get this DVD set and watch the series. You're never going to find another series as complex and complicated as Desperate Housewives.

Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives is very exciting!!!!! Everyone has so many secrets and it is kewl!!!!! I LOVE THIS SHOW SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

don't buy this dvd

Woman learns how to cheat. I wonder why men gets payed more?? lame show so I will not buy this crappy dvd

KNOTS LANDING gone funny.
From the moment it first aired, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES proved to be a ratings phenomenon for its network, ABC. Its pilot was the highest-rated show of that week, and the audience kept growing throughout its first season. The reason for its immediate appeal and success, moreso than anything, was that the show was wickedly twisted, often unpredictable and funny. Though creator Marc Cherry refers to it as a satire of upper-middle-class suburban life, "Desperate Housewives" functions as a mix of great comedy and pure soap opera. It has mystery and romance, twists and cliffhangers. And it's often very funny.

The writing is generally excellent. You can guarantee at least one moment per episode where you'll laugh out loud, while the "Mary Alice Young" mystery that kicks off the first episode remains compelling throughout the season.

To sell it all, the cast of experienced actors is absolutely superb. Teri Hatcher - as the bumbling Susan Mayer - and Marcia Cross - as prim Bree Van De Kamp - give career-best performances. Cross is my personal favorite because she can shift tones from wrenching drama to mocking comedy in one scene, and her plotline thus far is the one with the most meat.

Felicity Huffman, who was wonderful in SPORTS NIGHT, plays harried Lynette Scavo with a tremendous amount of intelligence. Eva Longoria is fabulously silly as Gabrielle Solis, a self-involved former model who amuses herself by committing adultery with her teenage gardener.

The men in the show are great, as well, particularly Steven Culp as Bree's exasperated husband.

The plot keeps you guessing. You'll get sucked into the show almost immediately, and "Desperate Housewives" has kept up the momentum. It's fantastic.

Desperately Sexy

This show is a great first half of a hot-date double feature.

I would recommend it along with any of these as a followup:

LAst Tango in Paris
Body Heat
Godess Worship
New Sex Now
Tequilla Sunrise ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's goodbye to Capeside, hello to Boston in Dawson's Creek's fifth season (a.k.a.: Dawson's Creek: The College Years).While the end of the fourth season sent the five friends their separate ways--Dawson (James Van Der Beek) to USC Film School, Joey (Katie Holmes) to Wilmington College, Jen (Michelle Williams) and Jack (Kerr Smith) to Boston Bay College; and Pacey (Joshua Jackson) to the high seas--it doesn't take them long to find themselves together again.That's a good thing, especially when tragedy strikes a family member and threatens to tear the survivors apart.

More than anything, the fifth season seems to be about falling into bad relationships.Jen dates a cute but sleazy musician (Chad Michael Murray), Pacey gets a job in a restaurant where he pursues a woman (Lourdes Benedicto) already having an affair with a married man, then fends off a vampish new boss (Sherilyn Fenn, Twin Peaks).Joey is drawn to her handsome English professor (Ken Marino).And Jack joins a frat, becomes a jerk, and starts a devoted relationship with his beer bottle.Dawson meets an eccentric young filmmaker (Jordan Bridges) which in turn leads to a meeting with his favorite Boston film critic (Meredith Salenger).And Joey's new roommate, the annoyance-with-a-heart-of-gold Audrey (Busy Phillipps), becomes the newest major addition to the cast. The irritation factor is high this season, a couple of "Joey is threatened" interludes don't have the punch that they could have, and in the season finale, the inevitable resolution of the show's central relationship doesn't really resolve anything at all.But viewers who have followed the Capeside crew for four seasons will still want to see what happens in the fifth.

The fifth season is the first to have no DVD extras at all, and it continues the music-replacement strategy (which, since the second season has replaced much of the music, and since the third season has replaced Paula Cole's theme song, all due to licensing expenses).In addition to the usual background-music switches, some scenes have been edited (for example, the episode "Highway to Hell" has cut two of the performances on-stage at the Drunk & Dead).Also, the opening credits of "The Long Goodbye" and "Downtown Crossing" had originally used instrumental versions of "I Don't Want to Wait," which had underscored the emotion of those episodes. In the DVD set, those have been replaced by the standard version and an instrumental version, respectively, of "Run Like Mad." --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (26)

happy but not satisfied
I loved season 5 all the way back to season one but I have to say the cuts and change of songs are pretty disapointing I to delt with the changed theme song all though i hate it. anyways I don't have any thing to bad to say but i do feel like i got ripped off I was looking forward to extras and bonuses. i red in some one review that we would pay top dallor if thats what it takes and i second that if you need to bump up the price then please do so .

Paul Stupin, you're killing me!
I've heard it all before.It costs a lot of money to get credits for songs.But when I think I'm buying Season 5 of "Dawson's Creek" and what I really get is some whacked-out EDITED version of the show, I'm gonna be unhappy!This is the situation.I dealt with the theme song change.I dealt with some horrendous replacement songs.But I shouldn't have to deal with the decision to edit out some scenes for licensing issues.I hope I speak for many when I say that I am willing to pay top dollar for the unedited, as they aired versions of each and every episode of "Dawson's Creek".The DVDs as they are do not do the show justice.Only Season 1 is in its original state.It's the only set I suggest buying.

Pretty Good Season. Not As Bad As Everyone is Saying.
The fifth season saw alot of change for Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen, and Jack, but it also brought a more "adult" and loose feeling to the cast that, otherwise, wasn't there in seasons 1-4. Having said that, I feel that this season isn't as strong as other seasons, but it still worth the watch. I definitely think if you skip this season, then you will not get the season six. The reason I said that is because I quit watching Dawson's Creek around the middle of this season. I quit watching not because I thought it wasn't any good at the time, but rather that I was really busy with work and school.

Anyway, this season as I said, brings forth change, but one thing remains is the Joey-Dawson-Pacey love triangle and the Jen and Jack friendship. College really messes these characters up. They find themselves in a new environment with new characters like Audrey (Joey's college roommate), whom I think isn't that great of a character, but does add a nice break from the five.

People can say what they want to about this season. I like it. I know it's not as good as the other seasons, but it does have an interesting feel that the other seasons didn't. Things change and so do people. This is most comfortable I've seen these characters since their early beginnings in Capeside. It's definitely a different season, but I think it's a very welcoming change that has some interesting plots and twists.

its missing alot
I can understand the idea of not including certain songs because of the cost, but at the same time there are soemthings you just shouldn't change and should be forced to pay the money for. For example joey only sings one song when she performing with charlie at the dive bar.They totally edited that out, also when jenn dedicates a song to dawsons, how do u not get the rights for REM's Nightswimming.That song was chosen in the Tv series especially for that scene, i just dont get it.Also coem on Paul how about a little commentary, you definityl shoudl have had some words to say about a few episodes, such as the episode where Joey gets mugged and the episode with Mitch's funeral.Oh well at leats we have the episode on dvd

Dissappointing!
Okay, I am a hardcore Dawson's Creek fan...and yes I have bought this set of DVDs...but for a producer who was very passionate about this series, he didn't really put much into it. Some of the episodes look very grainy and the 100th episode, in the first flashback between Joey and Dawson, they forgot to mix in Dawson's dialogue so you only hear Joey talking, and Dawson's mouth moving, but no sound...all I have to say to Paul Stupin is..wtf? If he cared enough he might have taken the time to do some commentary, perhaps even get the rights to some of the better songs that they played during this season. For instance, the song in "Downtown Crossing"...the one Joeys dad used to sing to her, they cut out Joey humming the song and they replaced it with some other song. Mary Beth Meziarz is an awesome pianist and singer and they should have tried to keep her in the soundtracks. All we have here is the 23 episodes of the 5th season with music changes. Paul Stupin, I beg of you, please do something with Season 6...make buying these DVDs worth while! ... Read more

Description

I LOVE LUCY: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON continues to follow the wild and wacky comical adventures of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo and their infamous neighbors Fred and Ethel as they embark on even more madness in season four.Episodes include such classics as: "Ricky's Movie Offer," "Mr. & Mrs. TV Show" and "Lucy Gets in Pictures." ... Read more

Reviews (17)

I FOUND NO FLAWS IN MY SET!
My set of DVDs are perfectly restored and intact.Perhaps the reviewers got a bad set of DVDs."The Fashion Show" plays perfect for me and as for the rest of the episodes, they are pure gold enhanced by the high quality of the DVD set!This is comedy at its best and I found no flaws on my DVD set.I give this 5 stars and more!!

Uncut? Restored? Hmmmm...not quite.
Adding to what the previous reviewer said about picture quality, I too just watched "The Fashion Show" episode, and there is indeed a jerkiness to the picture quality in this episode. I thought I was seeing things at first, but I am glad it was not just my imagination. I don't think it necessary to put this season of 30 episodes on 6 discs, when the previous two seasons (containing more episodes) fit on 5 discs with excellent quality.

My BIG gripe with this set, though, is that at least four of the episodes were not restored to their original uncut length. Both "Tennessee Bound" and "L.A. at Last" had some dialogue in them, which remain missing in this set, even though the original middle break, and end logos of those episodes have been restored. Additionally, "Lucy Gets in Pictures" is missing a shot of Lucy and Ricky driving the Pontiac through the gates of M.G. M., while "First Stop" is missing a good minute of footage (an extra scene in the car, and a scene when they arrive at the motel, before they actually enter). These pieces of footage remain unrestored and missing on this set, when it would appear that original prints were available to be used. What remains here, on this set, are the same 'uncut' syndication prints that have been around for decades.

I realize that many fans have probably never even seen this missing footage, since it's not been shown since the '50s (and so, may not miss it), but having seen the wonderful degree of care that was put into the previous three season sets, I find it inexcusable that the same care was not taken for this set. This is my favorite season, and I really looked forward to this set. Now, however, I feel (a la Lucy in "Mr. and Mrs. TV Show") gypped.

There's a flaw in this gem
Until now, all the Lucy DVDs have been nothing short of spectacular. The picture is as sparkling as it possibly can be and the sound is clear as a bell.
I just got my Fourth Season I Love Lucy boxed set today and have seen about half the episodes. They are as wonderful as I have come to expect.
Then, I started to watch "The Fashion Show", and was startled by the jerkiness of the video. It looks like watching a mpeg video on the internet, where the number of film frames have been reduced to cut down on the amount of video information. This problem was only apparent in the first hotel scenes of the episode.
On other episodes, try stopping on any frame, and you will see the picture as a clean, clear photographic still. On "The Fashion Show" episode (in the first section), advance the picture one frame at a time. You will find something that looks like horizontal scan lines running through the picture, giving it a "corduroy" effect. This is the reason for the jerky movement. Instead of 24 separate pictures per second, we get twelve (every other frame), and the frames inbetween are "corduroy-blends" of the frames before and after them. It's the video equivalent of diluting Don Perignon with gutter water.
What a shame.
The producers of this series have spoiled us with perfect quality...so much in fact, that now we are more apt to spot any attempts to "cheat". Lucy looks LOUSY, in this jerky-moving format.
I was happy with all the extra goodies on the DVDs--BUT, I would have gladly given them up to have all the episodes looking their glorious best.
It probably happened because CBS DVD-Paramount wanted to squeeze ALL the episodes from Season Four onto 5 discs and had to forfeit quality to do so. I wouldn't care if the last episode from Season Four ended up in the Season Five box, if it meant that ALL the episodes looked as stunning as they have up till now. Lucy on DVD is a testament to its great film quality--I just HATE to see that quality compromised, for any reason. Doesn't "artistic integrity" mean anything anymore?
Shame on you, CBS DVD-Paramount! Please go back to the great quality in the first 3 season boxes, the kind that I would gladly give a five-star rating to.

Extras plus attention to detail
By now, releases of complete seasons of TV Shows fall into a familiar pattern: 22 to 36 shows, usually uncut, with little or no extras.

The I Love Lucy packages have been different.First, an amazing amount of effort has gone into presenting the shows as originally televised...even if that means simply restoring an additional laugh from Ricky or some other relatively minor "trim" made for syndication.

Second, there are lots of extras.There are "flubs", such as Lucy and Ricky's new Pontiac appearing in the process shot behind Lucy and Ricky, as they sing "California, Here I Come."There are biographies of anyone who spoke a line in the show.There are the various different openings (and closings) of the shows.Book excerpts from the original producer, complete radio shows from Lucille Ball's My Favorite Husband series, script excerpts for lost scenes, or from scenes that are not that clear as broadcast.There are even some extra scenes that were shot to frame reruns that ran in-season.In other words, there is lots of stuff not seen or broadcast in 50 years.

And of course, this was a classic season. There are lots of classic bits, and even some less famous sequences are amazing.In Lucy Learns to Drive, for example, Lucy explains to Ethel here disastrous attempt to take the damaged Pontiac to be repaired.Her description of this off-stage event is perfectly timed and hilarious.

Fifty years later, the laughs are all still there.A must for any Lucy, or TV, fan.

The Premiere Season
This is the season that "I Love Lucy" fans have been waiting for on DVD. California, here we come!The Ricardos and the Mertzs travel to the sunny town of Hollywood to persue Ricky's film star dream. The end result is some of Lucy's most hilarious and memorable moments.

In order to star in the upcoming mvie "Don Juan", Ricky is whisked off to California to set his sights on the silver screen, and of course, in tow, brings Lucy, Fred and Ethel. The writer, sensing a goldmine ahead, didn't rush the foursome out to the Golden State right away, but let the momentum build up. The pre-traveling episodes are as rich as the rest of them. A particular favorite is when Ricky buys the car they plan to drive out in and Lucy needs to learn to drive it. Another, Fred packing the car a little too full. Once on the road, the foursome experience many adventures along the way, including a revisit of the hilarious Tennesse Ernie Ford and a visit to Ethel's home town.

Once they land in Hollywood, though, watch out. Viewed together, these episodes are the some of the best in the series. The acting and comedic timing of all four leads is impeccable. The writing is high quality and without fault. The plethora of guest stars that dance through the episodes are some of the brightest in the mid 50's, including a classic episode with Harpo Marx.

Were I to tell someone who hadn't ever seen one episode of this amazing show, I'd plug them into this season first. Certainly, its a great introduction to one of the greatest series ever. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I say thee, YEA!
I just wanted to add my two cents to the review written by Mr. Marold of Bethlehem, PA.I agree with nearly everything Mr. M had in his review, with the exception of his comment about the episode where Bartlett stepped aside while his daughter was being held captive.I believe that was an entirely plausible situation and it was presented in an accurate manner.

Be that as it may, I have a different reason for enjoying "The West Wing".I too came to the show late in it's run and somewhat reluctantly.I thought, given the cast, that they would be laying on the liberalism with a heavy hand.Being an independent and a moderate, I have some liberal tendancies, but I do think of myself as a conservative and the thought of Martin Sheen and company preaching at me for an hour was too much with which to cope.However, once I saw the reruns on Bravo and some of the new episodes, I began to warm up to the show.I found that 95% of the time, the liberal cant is handed out in managable portions.The other 5%?Well, I can live with that because I found another overwhelming reason for loving this show.They...make...me...LAUGH OUT LOUD!The banter back and forth amongst the staffers gets to be hilarious and the President will joke with anybody from his aide, Charlie, to Adm. Fitzwallace, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.I cannot think of an episode that I watched where there wasn't something that made me burst out with laughter.Maybe the "Zoe kidnapping" episodes.

Watch "West Wing" for the political machinations and the insight into our political and constitutional systems.But also for the humor and wit.You will be well rewarded on all fronts.

Major Entertainment and Civics Class, all in one!
This DVD set includes all available `The West Wing' seasons in a single package and it represents the least expensive way of acquiring all four seasons, if you do not already own one or more seasons on DVD.

I am late in coming to appreciate this show, as my attention over the last four years has primarily been on retiring, learning to cook, and religiously following the careers of my various Food Network heroes. I have just recently started watching this show when the Bravo network started running `The West Wing' marathons and showing episodes on most weeknights.

The very first criterion I have for buying a DVD might be called `rewatchability'. There are certain movies and certain shows that are so rich that you are still detecting nuances after the fourth or fifth viewing. Compared to a show like the CSI incarnations, `The West Wing' easily retains its power on a third or fourth or fifth viewing. `CSI', except for those with a big element of office politics in the plot, loose their punch after you remember who the perp is as soon as you know what episode it is you are watching. Once the rush from listening to the great `The Who' intro passes, so does the thrill.

`The West Wing' has gotten lots of praise and awards for the quality of its writing and acting, but I am almost willing to believe it has gotten less than it deserves. I have never been moved so much by a scripted television show since some of the very best `All in the Family' episodes. Amid the flood of reality shows, I am even tempted to say that between `The West Wing', `CSI', `Law and Order' and all of the various spin-offs of these shows constitutes a golden age of scripted television drama, especially in this twilight of the great comedies of the past decade.

The quality of `The West Wing' for me lies primarily in the accuracy with which it portrays the realities of American politics and, beyond that, the realities of politics in general. In doing so, I believe the show can help to explain to most Americans why political `horse trading' is essential to the way our policy making works, why raw power is not always effective on the international stage, regardless of how seductive the use of that raw power may be. It also highlights that most important political virtue, loyalty. I have not read James Carvell's book on this subject, but I suspect that he would say that without party loyalty, government would simply be impossible, or at least much more difficult than it is now. As so many stories show so well, political loyalty works two ways. An elected official must be loyal to his constituents or the representative will not get reelected. An elected official must also be loyal to his party, or he will get no political largess bestowed on the people in his constituency. I can thing of no more dramatic example of this than in the change in benefits coming Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley after the election of Ed Rendell to be Pennsylvania governor, replacing Tom Ridge. Ridge and most other governors in my lifetime came from outside the Philadelphia sphere of influence, into which the Lehigh Valley falls. Thus, it almost seems as if Harrisburg suddenly discovered that the Lehigh Valley was now a part of Pennsylvania when Rendell was elected.

The third energy, after politics and international crises which drives the plots of `The West Wing' are the particular strengths and weaknesses of the principle characters, starting with President Bartlett and his remitting MS weighed against his great intellectual ability and accomplishments. For other major characters, it is part of the great genius of this show that while they are riddled with human frailties, they are sustained and succeed in high government positions due to their loyalty to both Bartlett and basic American and Democratic ideals. The chief of staff is a brilliant politician with alcoholism, the head of White House communications is a sour puss who is rarely wrong on principles, the assistant chief of staff is a little boy in a grown up body who has a great imagination for political tactics, the White House press spokesman has a father with Alzheimer's and a passion for women's issues which she sometimes needs to control if it conflicts with White House policy. The assistant head of communications is a brilliant writer with a weakness for inappropriate liaisons. The first lady is an important, talented medical doctor who compromises medical ethics to care for her husband and his political vulnerabilities.

One of my greatest pleasures is the fact that while I share the political priorities of the Democratic Bartlett administration, the Republicans, who are written to control both houses of the Congress, are not represented as straw men with positions which it is easy to dismiss. The tactics of the Bartlett team would not be nearly as believable if the House and Senate Republicans were cardboard caricatures. It almost seems like the writers intentionally make House and Senate Democrats and members of the cabinet as ornery and as difficult to work with as the Republicans.

If I have any difficulties with the plots of these stories at all, it is with the suspicion that a real modern president would not get involved in a lot of small details such as in the episode when two American girls were arrested in central Africa for prostylicizing for a Christian church. In real live, it seems this would reach no higher than an assistant Secretary of State. Another implausibility is when Bartlett stepped down from the presidency temporarily, handing it over to the Republican speaker of the house, while Bartlett's daughter was kidnapped by Arab terrorists. But then, we would not have had the pleasure of watching John Goodman play president for three episodes!

This show is great and parts should be required watching in high school civics classes.
... Read more

Amazon.com

Glamorous Maddie Hayes (Cybill Shepherd) is an ex-model with a problem--her accountant just ran off with her money. Granted, he did leave her with a few broken-down businesses. One happens to be a detective agency run by charming loudmouth David Addison (Bruce Willis). Her attempt to shutter the agency fails when they stumble across a crime and David convinces Maddie to help him solve it. And with that, one of television's most popular partnerships was born. Moonlighting made a star out of newcomer Willis and turned Shepherd (Taxi Driver), who had already found fame through fashion and film, into a bona fide TV star.

Created for ABC by Glenn Gordon Caron (Remington Steele), the romantic comedy/detective drama was a mid-season replacement that quickly became a hit. There were only six episodes in the first season, including the two-part pilot, but 18 were produced for the second. Rhyming receptionist Agnes DiPesto (Allyce Beasley) was a regular from the start, while Herbert Viola (Ray’s Curtis Armstrong) wouldn’t hit the scene until the third season (as with Paul Sorvino and Mark Harmon). The first two seasons attracted an eclectic array of guest stars, including Tim Robbins ("Gunfight at the So-So Corral"), Beasley's husband Vincent Schiavelli ("Next Stop Murder"), Dana Delany ("Knowing Her"), Richard Belzer ("Twas the Episode Before Christmas"), and Whoopi Goldberg ("Camille"), who earned an Emmy nomination for her performance. The most notable guest was surely Orson Welles, who introduces the black and white noir spoof "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice." It would be his final TV appearance. Moonlighting ran for three more years. While the Emmy-winning Willis would abandon TV for the big screen, Shepherd found subsequent small screen success with Cybill. Caron, meanwhile, would launch another mid-season replacement series which became a surprise hit: NBC's Medium with Patricia Arquette. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (20)

At Long Last
Moonlighting was one of the most clever and stylish shows on television. I am so thrilled that it is finally available on DVD. The chemistry between Cybill Shephard and Bruce Willis is unmatched, which is odd considering the rumors that befell them regarding their apparent strife behind the scenes. This discord is not apparent watching the episodes, in which their chemistry is phenomenol.

The physical comedy in Moonlighting simply doesn't exisit in today's television programs. The writing is quite humorous and the supporting cast is genuinely talented. Even the storylines surrounding the supporting cast members are enjoyable.

All in all, a fantastic show and a welcome addition to my DVD collection.

All Good Things Come To Those Who Wait
There were 5 seasons of Moonlighting, and there were a few "glitches" during that time (namely, the one where some goofus thought it would be "interesting" to have Maddie marry a less-than-sexy guy), but oh, the good times were twice as good, by comparison.I have been writing TPTB regularly, seeing the other TV shows that have already made it to DVD, and I fully expect to buy each and every one as they're released.(I've never forgotten the film noir story, or their take-off of Taming of the Shrew, and I can't wait to see it all again.) Thank you, to whoever finally made the right decision.I can't wait for the end of this month!!!(Bruce Willis, with a full head of hair......hubba, hubba, hubba!)

Yay!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've been waiting for this for a loooong time.I watched Moonlighting when it was on (probably part of the reason my grades in highschool weren't so hot) and I have all the episodes on Beta tape. I can't find anyone to fix my Beta player and I've been without Moonlighting for way too long.This show started my almost 20 year love of Bruce Willis (and I'm only 32!).
Moonlighting was and always will be one of the most clever and well written romantic comedies on tv.I've never seen anything come close and have missed it desperately.My fiance thinks I'm crazy since I've now asked for this for a wedding present!I found out about it coming out on dvd from an ex-boyfriend who called from two states away to tell me (he remembered my obsession!)

It's amazing--buy it!
Just got the DVD boxed set. It's amazing, with crystal clear picture and sound, all the music intact, and a nice selection of extras. To my pleasant surprise, apart from some corny moments, it stands up as one of the best and most inventive shows of the 1980s. After years of waiting, I can finally throw out those slowly disintegrating old tapes! Highly recommended, and can't wait for the third and fourth seasons.

a Great show
ths show came along at the right time in tv land.Cybill Shepherd truly blew up&fit Her role to a "T". Bruce Willis seemingly came out of nowhere&Fit right into His role as well. there Chemistry was truly One of the best on the Small screen. this show had wit,charm,Drama&alot of charisma that truly made it a must see show.the music was cool to it as well. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

NOT the original version of the show - music edited
If you are one of those idiots who says "oh shut up and stop complaining, it's just the music, waaa waaa", take your DVDs and BURN them. You know nothing about what it means for the music to be an important part of the show and are just a complete moron (I can't express in words the anger that goes through me reading someone go "it's just the music"; it's NOT just the music!!!, it's the SHOW that is screwed up!!!)
Quantum Leap is one of those shows where the music is crucial aspect of show; the music is not just some background noise; it sets the mood. The show is completely ruined and is not worth a cent without the original soundtrack. Awful job on the part of Universal.

excellent series
No matter what this series is excellent. Anyone griping about the music must remember its better to have the series on dvd rather than not available at all. Hopefully season 4 will come out soon as its my favorite!

Hey, Universal, call me when you come to your senses.
Having read that Universal once again mucked up the music, I won't be buying Season 3 of Quantum Leap.There are some shows in which the music doesn't really matter - Laverne & Shirley's first season, for example, mentions on the box that the music is different, but the songs in Laverne & Shirley are merely incidental, background sounds.In QL, the music was a major part of the show, helping to set the time period, helping to set the mood.

I have read some of the reviews from people who claim that the change in music makes no difference (generally such comments are written in a boorish, bumptious, hectoring tone, a fact which I find rather interesting and quite telling).No?Close your eyes and imagine the Lord of the Rings movies with elevator music instead of the soaring splendor of its real score.Ponder "American Graffiti" with the sort of synthesized slop that has replaced the original music in QL. Then try to tell me that music doesn't matter.

The choice is not these travesties or nothing for most QL fans; it's a choice of a poorer-quality taped-from-TV video with the real music, taking up more shelf space than a DVD set; or a better-quality picture with no commercials that has had much of the atmosphere stripped from it. I'll take my tapes, thank you very much.If Universal comes to its senses and releases QL in unmangled form, even if it costs more, I'll buy it. Until then, count me out.

Classics never get old!
I have been waiting for this season for a long time now. The series reached its peak with episodes like "The Leap Home" and "The Boogie Man". Scott and Dean do their best work when the story really gives them the chance and the episodes of the third season really give them the best chances of the entire five-year run! It is pure pleasure to watch them perform. It is a shame that they only got five years! They could have gone on for many more!!!
(BTW, if anyone is confused by the other reviewers complaints about the change in the music, don't worry about it. What you heard on TV is what you get. They didn't change the music for the DVD release - which is exactly what I thought they were complaining about!) So buy this DVD set! You won't regret it!

Forget It
Music replacement abound, once again.A truly great show is being given the shaft by Universal, who only percieves it's formidable fan base as an open wallet.Boycott.Don't listen to the soulless collectors who only want to line their DVD shelves.QL without the original music arrangements is a travesty. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

California, here we come again!
The second brilliant season of "The OC" is true to form and typically blends halarious comedy with its at times controversal drama. Though perhaps not as consistant as its first flawless season, "Season Two" is nevertheless a compelling watch.

Picking up where we left out awesome foursome: Ryan Atwood (Benjamin McKenzie) is back in his hometown of Chino; Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) has been blackmailed into living with her mother, for whome she has much hatred; Seth Cohen (Adam Brody), distraught and lost after his best friend's departure, has run away to Portland; leaving his girlfriend Summer ROberts (Rachel Bilson) behind in Newport.

Following the resolutions of these situations, come many more situations! These include: A long lost relative of the Cohens, a lesbian relationship, an ex-con coming to stay, a drug overdose, a near-rape, a divorce, a death and a shooting! Enough? 'Course not! I've merely skimmed the surface!

This season, perhaps a bit more than "Season One" takes note on some very prominant issues in teenagers' lives. Issues including, homosexuality, rape violence are explored. I love that "The OC" goes into these relavant issues, as the majority of viewers are teenagers whome must face them in real life.

Having said that, I also like how "The OC" always manages to have that comical edge to it. The screenplay, by Josh Schwartz, is full of more fantastic one-liners and wonderfully funny scenes, bringing out that "OC" style of never taking itself TOO seriously!

Finally, the music as per usual, is fantastic. This is particularly thanks to the addition of "The Bait Shop," a regular hang-out spot for the gang where bands perform live. It adds that extra "OC-ish" element to the show. The music definately has more of a prominant role in bringing out emotion and other moods to their full.

And without giving too much away the finale of this 24-episode is, in my opinion, is the best "OC" episode ever made. THe ending left me utterly paralysed and craving for the third season!

I thouroughly enjoyed this second season. My only criticism would maybe be that it started out a little dull, by it regained itself and finaled to a truly stunning finish! Through its great script-writing to the contagious music, "The OC" will be around for a little while yet!

The last 6 episodes WOW!
The first half of this season was boring but the last 6 episodes are some of the best in the series. The last episode was probally the best in the series the last 5 minutes were shocking about Marissa and Trey. But because of the first half of this season I can only give it 3 stars but the last 6 episodes get 5 stars. Also Kelly Rowan deserves an Emmy nomination for the last episode

THE OC ROCKS!
The OC is the best show ever! You get really into it! It is also reallly exciting because I live in Newport Beach and I have seen most of the places in Newport they film on the OC. It is the best teenage show on TV ever!

Just Horrible

This must stop now. This is not a good show and this is the reason why I never watch TV. Season 2 is also bad and the acting this time is even worse. Dumb and boring show for people with no lives. Please make it it stop.

THE OC 2nd SEASON WAS GREAT!!
I must say that I loved the 2nd season of The OC and I can't wait to have the DVD set so I can watch it whenever I want!!! I was very excited to find out that The OC will bo into season 3!! OH doing happy dance!!! I can't wait!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

T.V Needs more of these
One of the funniest shows, on T.V, in my opinion. It brings classic humour, and pushes the envelope, without going over. T.V has lost the abilty, to make new shows, for the life after Sienfeld, Friends, Fraser, but this one has a chance to be that. I would tell anyone to buy this DVD set, if they enjoy a comedy, that they want to watch over, and over. I can't wait for it to come out ... Read more

Amazon.com

The 2003 debut of Chappelle's Show on Comedy Central marked a high point for the cable channel, and now the entire, wildly creative first season can be seen, with hundreds of bleeps removed. That's not to say Chappelle's Show is perfect entertainment: there are too many moments among the 12 episodes here that descend into pointless scatology and booty fever. But for the most part, Chappelle, a talented comic slowly growing into greatness, is trying to push the sketch-humor envelope and succeeds at surprising us with original concepts and merciless execution.

The merely clever material includes "National Geography's Third World Girls Gone Wild," basically an update on those topless-native-women gags of yore, and Chappelle's "Educated Guess Line," in which the sage comic eschews psychic powers to logically deduce racial insights from his callers' questions. Far more wicked is an in-your-face satire on such autobiographical film fare as Antwone Fisher and 8 Mile, in which Chappelle plays himself ascending from street hustler to rapper-comedian to bona fide savior of America. The best thing here, however, is a parallel-universe version of The Real World, in which the usual racial proportions on MTV's workhorse series are reversed, thrusting a token white guy into a Hoboken houseful of crazy African Americans. There are also laughs in "Ask a Gay Guy with Mario Cantoned," as well as a sketch about an "inner-thoughts cam" and a nasty piece about Chappelle's Make-a-Wish visit to a dying child, which decays into a cruel video game competition. Overlooking the series' weaker material, this is outstanding television comedy. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (142)

Best cross over comic since Murphy! Now on DVD!
When I heard about Dave getting his own show last year I was so happy. I was impressed with his ability to stay "ghetto" and have that "white" humor that many may not get.
His strong point is that he can cross between the two and pull in both audiences. It's not 100% all the time. Especially when he's injecting his politics.
Other than that he is able to poke fun at everyone. Just like Chris Rock, no race or gender is safe. His sketch comedy routines voice the things that one race may not like to say about another. Most importantly, it voices the things races feel about themselves. His show just allows you to laugh at them in a playful manner.
Best features are the "Great Moments In Hook Up History" complete with stats and that great NFL Films-esque voice over.
There is also the infamous "Piss On You" video and the following remix.
The second seems to be another classic, but, that's for the next DVD set.
Twelve episodes seems to few to enjoy. But, it's worth the price.

Chapelle's Show First Season DVD REVIEW
Perhaps the most underrated comedian in the industry today, Dave Chappelle brought his racially-charged brand of comedy to Comedy Central in 2003 with hilarious results. While the first season was somewhat of a mixed bag and certainly not Dave's best material, the two-disc "uncensored" collection of all twelve original episodes has plenty to offer. With such memorable sketches as Clayton Bigsby, a blind KKK publicist who happens to be black, "Great Moments In Hook-Up History" and Dave's take on a number of classic movies, "Chappelle's Show" offers countless laughs. Not only does this DVD restore all the stuff that was censored out on cable but it includes tons of bonus footage like a bloopers reel and more of "Ask A Black Dude" with Paul Mooney. While I didn't think the show truly found its voice until the second season, the first season definetly had more than its share of side-splitting moments.

Funnier the second time around.
Dave Chappelle keeps showing why he is the funniest, maybe not the most talented, but still the funniest comic of our generation. Chappelle allows you to join in his skits by showing his genuine enjoyment of making them. This is a man who enjoys his work and the audience feeds on his enthusiasm. These skits are first rate, but be aware they can be very crude, albiet funny at the same time. Rick James........:)

Funny Show
Dave Chappelle is a good comic.

Player's Haters Ball & the R. Kelly Piss On You Remix
I don't think I could have laughed harder... ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Excellent Series
When investing in any DVD, especially a boxed set, you might ponder the question, "How often will I watch this?" Let me say that your purchase of The World at War will offer you endless viewing opportunities! Besides the 26 original episodes, all of the extra features that were produced afterwards are included in the set. There is so much information generated in over 30 hours of material that you will discover something new with each repeated viewing. Each episode will hold your attention from first to last, and they are efficiently indexed so you can easily review a map or replay a speech. Along side the emotional impact of the pictorial images, you have Carl Davis' moving score, a judicious use of period music, personal accounts from all the major powers, and Sir Laurance's strong narration, making this the most comprehensive documentary on the subject. Now if we can only have World War I, narrated by Robert Ryan, available, we would have the documentary bookends to the two most devastating wars in the 20th century.

The Finest WWII Documentary Ever Produced
For History buffs and those who have a keen, deeply felt interest in World War II beyond just the military events, the World at War, produced by Thames Television (1981) and released earlier on VHS by Thorn/EMI, is a 26 episode documentary set apart from all other documentaries about WWII. No other, with the exception of Walter Cronkite's CBS series, comes close to an unbiased, analytical perspective of a War that cost perhaps 50 million lives and took an emotional and philosophical toll we are still trying to comprehend today.

Narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier and covering all aspects of the war, this definitive series is used by many colleges and universities as a source for History and Documentary Film courses. There is an incredible depth of archive footage used; skilfully woven with interviews of major figures in the War from Britain, US, Canada, Europe and Japan. Many major eye-witness leaders and ordinary people who were still alive in 1981 contributed sometimes surprising, sometimes incredible, and sometimes haunting interviews. Yet, for all its skilful editing and historical sophistication, it is clearly presented and emotionally compelling. In my opinion, it is, along with Kenneth Clark's "Civilisation", the best ever produced British documentary.

What makes this a stellar and overpowering account of the War is Olivier's narration. Never blustery, patriotic, or theatrical, Sir Laurence delivers pointed, thoughtful analysis with his incredible command of English and oration. Music for the series was composed by Carl Davis and even the opening credits set an unforgettable tone in a haunting image of a child in a photograph, dissolving in flames. This series is for those trying to make sense of a 6 year period when the world went mad. Five Stars PLUS.

Very good. Probably THE documentary set to own
This kept me going for months (in one hour segments at a time). There is so much material presented here and I learned a lot.

I wanted to give 4.5 stars and only knock a half off for the sometimes annoying menu (it could have been presented in a more orgnaized fashion, I thought), or other small problems, but half points aren't allowed on the system. Very close to perfect!

Buyer Beware
This was a wonderful documentary as originally broadcast, but I'd avoid this product if I had it to do over again: the maker's quality control is awful. Disk 1 skipped badly. And I the same problem others have reported: two copies of one of the five disks (with me, disk 5), and one disk (disk 4) entirely missing.

"Remember"
This is an excellent, extensive, British-made documentary about events leading up to, and including, World War II. With 26 episodes, there is quite a bit of material covered. Excellent narration by Laurence Olivier, and a memorable score.

If you are a war buff, particularly WW2, this is the set to have. Can't say enough good things about it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The remarkable first season of Deadwood represents one of those periodic, wholesale reinventions of the Western that is as different from, say, Lonesome Dove as that miniseries is from Howard Hawks's Rio Bravo or the latter is from Anthony Mann's The Naked Spur. In many ways, HBO's Deadwood embraces the Western's unambiguous morality during the cinema's silent era through the 1930s while also blazing trails through a post-NYPD Blue, post-The West Wing television age exalting dense and customized dialogue. On top of that, Deadwood has managed an original look and texture for a familiar genre: gritty, chaotic, and surging with both dark and hopeful energy. Yet the show's creator, erstwhile NYPD Blue head writer David Milch, never ridicules or condescends to his more grasping, futile characters or overstates the virtues of his heroic ones.

Set in an ungoverned stretch of South Dakota soon after the 1876 Custer massacre, Deadwood concerns a lawless, evolving town attracting fortune-seekers, drifters, tyrants, and burned-out adventurers searching for a card game and a place to die. Others, particularly women trapped in prostitution, sundry do-gooders, and hangers-on have nowhere else to go. Into this pool of aspiration and nightmare arrive former Montana lawman Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) and his friend Sol Starr (John Hawkes), determined to open a lucrative hardware business. Over time, their paths cross with a weary but still formidable Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine) and his doting companion, the coarse angel Calamity Jane (Robin Weigert); an aristocratic, drug-addicted widow (Molly Parker) trying to salvage a gold mining claim; and a despondent hooker (Paula Malcomson) who cares, briefly, for an orphaned girl. Casting a giant shadow over all is a blood-soaked king, Gem Saloon owner Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), possibly the best, most complex, and mesmerizing villain seen on TV in years.Over 12 episodes, each of these characters, and many others, will forge alliances and feuds, cope with disasters (such as smallpox), and move--almost invisibly but inexorably--toward some semblance of order and common cause. Making it all worthwhile is Milch's masterful dialogue--often profane, sometimes courtly and civilized, never perfunctory--and the brilliant acting of the aforementioned performers plus Brad Dourif, Leon Rippy, Powers Boothe, and Kim Dickens. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Description

Standup comedian Ray Romano stars as Ray Barone, a successful sportswriter who deals with his brother and parents, whohappen to live across the street. Patricia Heaton ("The Goodbye Girl"), Peter Boyle ("While You Were Sleeping"), Doris Roberts ("Remington Steele"), and Brad Garrett ("Gleason") round out the stellar cast. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

GET IT NOW..........................

THIS IS THE BEST TV COMEDY TO CAME OUT OF THE USA IN A LONG TIME

ALONG WITH king of queens, THESE ARE THE BEST SHOWS ON THE TV.

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS DVD AND THE SERIES 1 AND 2 AS WELL.

I THINK THE SHOW HAS NOW STOPPED AFTER 210 EPISODES,

STILL THE FUNNIEST NEW SHOW ON TV
Raymond to me is the heirapparent to Seinfeld...a show that started out somewhat slowly and built itself into a juggernaut.Much like Seinfeld it's a show that is going out while still being at the top of its game and I really can't believe the show has been on for nine years.But the show will be one that will survive for years in re-runs.It's that smart and that funny.That makes a good sitcom is great characters and Raymond had them hand over fist.I think it will be a long time before I ever get tired of watching this show.Here are some of my favorite episodes from the third season:

"The Invasion"The opening episode has Ray and family forced to move in with his parents when their home is being cleaned for termites.Ray and Debra decide to give Marie and Frank a taste of their own, butt-insky treatment.

"The Sitter"Marie is insulted when Debra hires a young baby-sitter instead of asking her.They let the sitter go but then Marie finds out she can't keep up with the kids.

"Halloween Candy" one of my all-time favorites.Ray plans to get a vasectomy but backs out.He decides then to use condoms and buys a multi-colored pack that Frank mistakes for candy and gives out to the kids for Halloween.

"No Fat"Marie wants to eat healthier and puts Frank and herself on a diet right before Thanksgiving and even makes a tofu turkey, much to the family's horror.Ray orders a real turkey and catches Marie sneaking some of it later.

"The Toaster"A Christmas Episode.Ray gives family and friends a personalized toaster as a gift.he then finds out his parents returned the gift without ever opening it.

"Roberts Date" Robert hits it off with his new female partner who happens to be African-American.Robert then starts talking in slang and wearing yellow suits.

"Dancing With Debra"Ray encourages Robert to go dancing with Debra so he can get out of it.But his brother and wife are having just a little too much fun together.

Great show...Great Season!Relive the greatness that is Raymond!

One of the best shows of its time...
First telecast in the Fall of 1996, Everybody Loves Raymond became an instant favorite among TV audiences, a love affair that would last for nine memorable seasons. Following on the heels of a series of successful sitcoms starring stand-up comics - Seinfeld, Home Improvement, The Drew Carey Show, etc., Everybody Loves Raymond drew upon the comedic talents of Ray Romano who plays the role of the title character Ray Barone...

A successful Long Island-based sportswriter, Ray and his wife Debra (Patricia Heaton) enjoy a happy marriage and the company of their three children - daughter Ally (Madylin Sweeten) and twin sons Geoffrey (Sawyer Sweeten) and Michael (Sullivan Sweeten). But they also happen to live directly across the street from Ray's parents, Frank (Peter Boyle) and Marie (Doris Roberts), who take it upon themselves to enter their son and daughter-in-law's house whenever they wish (without knocking) and dispense advice and sometimes insults. Joining Frank and Marie is Ray's brother Robert (Brad Garrett), a divorced policeman, who periodically lives with Frank and Marie and is often jealous of Ray's idyllic life. Together, they create the perfect loving and dysfunctional family...

The Everybody Loves Raymond (Season 3) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere in which Ray and Debra's house gets quarantined after they spray for termites. Moving into Frank and Marie's house along with the kids, they decide to give Ray's parents a dose of their own medicine, but quickly learn that it's near impossible to turn the tables on their annoying relatives... Other notable episodes from Season 3 include "Getting Even" in which Debra vows revenge on Ray for embarrassing her, prompting Ray to drive himself crazy in anticipation of her retaliation, and "Moving Out" in which Robert attempts to move out of his parents house and into a garage apartment only to realize that the couple he's now living with are clones of the very parents he sought to escape...

Below is a list of episodes included on the Everybody Loves Raymond (Season 3) DVD:

Episode 48 (The Invasion)
Episode 49 (Driving Frank)
Episode 50 (The Sitter)
Episode 51 (Getting Even)
Episode 52 (The Visit)
Episode 53 (Halloween Candy)
Episode 54 (Moving Out)
Episode 55 (The Article)
Episode 56 (The Lone Barone)
Episode 57 (No Fat)
Episode 58 (The Apartment)
Episode 59 (The Toaster)
Episode 60 (Ping Pong)
Episode 61 (Pants on Fire)
Episode 62 (Robert's Date)
Episode 63 (Frank's Tribute)
Episode 64 (Cruising with Marie)
Episode 65 (Ray Home Alone)
Episode 66 (Big Shots)
Episode 67 (Move Over)
Episode 68 (The Getaway)
Episode 69 (Working Girl)
Episode 70 (Be Nice)
Episode 71 (Dancing with Debra)
Episode 72 (Robert Moves Back)
Episode 73 (How They Met)

The DVD Report

I love *Everybody Loves Raymond*
I can remember being on a flight where episodes of ELR were being shown. At the time, I thought, "how boring" and read a book. Now, 2 years later, I am a devout ELR fan, and I never miss an episode, including all the reruns! I regret that I didn't watch ELR on the plane--it would've made the flight more enjoyable. My entire family enjoys this show, including my little sister who is 10 years old. I'm 22 and am in love with the show! It's truly something the whole family can enjoy. You just can't find comedy like this anywhere else. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 3rd season! The DVD's have extra features that are also fun to watch. We'll miss you Raymond! :)

If it were that bad it wouldn't have lasted nine seasons...
Hey, the world is full of different sensibilities and everyone has their own feel for what's funny. I didn't begin watching this series until it made it to daily syndicated repeats, and once I started watching it I saw a lot of truth in the show...a lot of real life family situations, and while Ray Romano's delivery may not be everyone's style...Ray Barone is just a guy trying to deal with what his life has given him, in this case a brother who thinks he's playing second fiddle, a wife who's smarter than anyone gives her credit for and parents who are absolutely priceless. They simply couldn't have picked a finer group of people to play these characters. Sure, some folks say "What was the big deal about Seinfeld or Friends?" and the big deal was the way they all worked together and the way we all got to know their characters and their histories together, what worked out, what didn't. There's a chemistry unique to Everybody Loves Raymond that a lot of the critics completely miss when they say they think the show is boring...it's the ensemble working together that makes this show...made Friends what it was, Seinfeld, WKRP in Cincinnati...they made each other look great and you can tell they were having a great time doing it. The commentary in episode one on the first season collection explains it all: the title is said from the perspective of Robert, Ray's brother...that's how he feels: "Yeah, I bust my butt every day and I try to be the best I can...but EVERYBODY loves Raymond..." I look forward to season three on DVD, and the rest of them too. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It wasn't until the beginning of Stargate SG-1's fourth season that fans knew to take the Replicator threat seriously. The spidery nasties had only seemed like one of many new enemies introduced in previous years. But when the one seemingly omnipotent backbone of the galaxy was asking Earth for help, clearly we were in real trouble! In fact, the team's list of enemies expanded and got far more complicated this year. Proving without a shadow of a doubt that this is science fiction, the Russians reveal they have their own Stargate program and ask the Americans for help. This twist allows for exploration of all the political machinations occurring behind the scenes of the SG-C, all of which appear to stem from the embittered Senator Kinsey (Ronny Cox).

There were quite a few Earth-based stories in the year, but not all the new enemies were originally local. Willie Garson comically guest-starred as Martin, a geekily suspicious guy with too much knowledge of the Stargate. More sinister was an old flame of Daniel's turning into something far more painful than an old wound (thanks to an ancient Egyptian curse). Thankfully, the writers hadn't forgotten the importance of one-off storylines too. In "Upgrades" the team learns a lesson in abuse of power. In "The Other Side" (featuring DS9's Rene Auberjonois) they learn about blind trust. In "Scorched Earth" a dangerous claim for a planet's ownership means they learn to value Daniel's contribution to the group dynamic. If only this last lesson were learned better, season 5 might not have ended up as muddled as it did. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (25)

SG-1 Season Four -- A Clear Triumph
I must say that Stargate SG-1 Season Four is, by far, my favorite season of them all. The year opens with a terrific conclusion to the climactic cliffhanger. "Small Victories" shows us just what a mess the Replicator bugs can be for Earth. "Window of Opportunity" is a delightful tale of time-travel with a unique twist where Jack and Teal'c can't get out of the same ten-hour cycle! "Tangent" shows us just what we get if we "slap a USAF sticker on the side of a death glider" and call it ours. Great acting by Richard Dean Anderson and Christopher Judge, though they are sitting down most of the time. Other top episodes from this season include "The Curse," "The Serpent's Venom," "Chain Reaction," "The First Ones," "2010," "Absolute Power," and the ultimate blowout for Apophis in "Exodus," which sends our heroes hurtling into their next adventure for a new year! Season Four is a definite triumph for the Stargate legacy, where stories are followed up and new ones are born. At this point the show had totally come into its own, and it is shown in the development of the characters, the top-notched scripts, stomach aches of laughs, and a plethora of absorbing and entertaining plot threads that will have viewers drooling for the next season. Plus, this is the first boxed set with commentaries! Hours of entertainment right there! Plus the usual special features. So fork over that tad bit of cash and plug in for Season four. Get ready for Sci-fi at its finest hour!

...

just that much better than the first three
So many good and entertaining things about the entire Stargate series make it my favorite television show I have ever seen. This season continues and expands on all these things through some truly amazing, humorous, in some cases powerfully emotional episodes, while at the same time adding something new to the mix: the annual super-whimsical episode. Season 4's is Window Of Opportunity.

While the episode's overall plot is serious, and stellar even by Stargate standards, the episode goes beyond even the great humor of O'Neill's constant wisecracks when it explores the possibilities of what crazy things a person could do if they knew they could do anything they wanted for a day and soon afterwards everyone around them would not remember what they had done. Dang that General Hammond for yelling during O'Neill's backswing! (while driving a golf ball through the Stargate without permission...)

War and Politics in Outer Space
The Replicators. The Russians. The Aschen. These are only a few of the new enemies presented this year, in Stargate: SG-1 (okay, so technically, the Replicators were introduced last year). These new baddies made a lot of trouble this year for the SGC in what is definitely the best season yet. We learn more about the Replicators this year when Sam (Amanda Tapping) is brought to an Asgard-controlled planet to help defend the O'Neill, the Asgard's newest and most advanced ship ever. Also, the Russians retrieve the Giza gate from the bottom of the ocean from when Thor's ship, the Beliskner, crashed, while the SGC is now using the Antarctica gate. And, 10 years in the future, an advanced race, known as the Aschen, are quietly wiping out the human race by making humans infertile.
These are just a handful of the amazing new stories that occurred this year. It seems that Col. O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson), Maj. Carter, Dr. Jackson (Michael Shanks), and Teal'c (Christopher Judge) can never catch a break. This year, not only have their alien enemies become more powerful than ever, especially Apophis (Peter Williams), their enemies on Earth have truly become a threat. Senator Kinsey (Ronny Cox), the man who tried to shut down the SGC in Season 1, has been linked to the rogue sector of the NID, the civillian organization responsible for the theft of numerous alien technologies over the last few years.
The stories this year are better than ever, especially with an increasing number of arcs occurring. Episodes like "Crossroads" and "The Serpent's Venom" were expertly executed, and had immense emotional effects on our heroes. However, I have to praise the stand-alones this year, especially "Window of Opportunity" and "The Other Side", which have never been better.
I guess the only thing that I didn't like about this season is that the Asgard were only in one episode, and the Tollan and the Nox were nowhere to be found. Oh well.
If you have seen the previous three seasons and are still skeptical about this show, I urge you to watch Season 4; I guarantee your interest in this show will quickly increase.
Some other great episodes are:
"Small Victories", "Upgrades", "Watergate", "Point of No Return", "Tangent", "The Curse", "Chain Reaction", "2010", "Absolute Power", "Double Jeopardy", and "Exodus".

Purchase a set today!
While perhaps not as strong as season three, season four promises to entertain. I felt that there were very few episodes in this season that could be considered "okay" - most of them were either excellent or pathetic. Nothing in between. Fortunately for the viewers, most of the episodes were excellent.

New to the sets are director commentaries for each episode! While the extras on these boxed sets continue to disappoint, there is at least a little more to be found.

Definitely a must buy for both fans and newcomers to the show.

Good television 4 years running
I've always liked Stargate, 4th season is no exception although I did think it might be just a lilttle darker in tone at times. The writers/ producers continue to come up with a wide variety of plots, writing, great sets and some interesting characters.
The most unusual set was in the season opener "Small Victories" in which O'Neill and Teal'c do battle with the Replicators on board a Russian submarine, it really is a Russian submarine.
I thought one of the most unusual characters was that of the Goa'uld Osiris, portrayed by Anna-Louise Plowman (the best role I've seen her in). In this one a former colleague of Daniel Jackson's, Sarah Gardner, is finally revealed to have been posessed by the Osiris symbiote after examining some Egyptian artifacts at their University. Plowman does that role so well, its a shame we don't see her more often. You always have Richard Dean Anderson doing his oddball bit, the best guest oddball was Willie Garson in "Point of no Return", playing the part of a delusional little guy who thinks he's an alien, turns out he is. That story was fun but definitely not one of the more serious episodes of the season. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The definitive British sitcom is almost certainly Are You BeingServed?, which depicts the squabbles, misadventures, and flirtationsof the staff of Grace Brothers department store. The show was originallyconceived as a vehicle for an irreverent junior salesman named Mr. Lucas(Trevor Bannister), but it soon became clear that mocking a socialhierarchy isn't half as funny as taking it all too seriously. The showreally revolves around Mrs. Slocombe (Mollie Sugden), whose wildlychanging hair color and mercurial moods terrorize the rest of the staff,and cheerful but sly Mr. Humphries (the effervescent John Inman), one ofthe first gay characters on television treated with dignity--or at leastno more indignity than anyone else (the show makes some noise about notbeing sure if Mr. Humphries is gay or not, but no one in the audience willhave any question). But the rest of the cast is superb as well: FrankThornton as the elegant but leering floorwalker Capt. Peacock, WendyRichard as the sexy, impish Miss Brahms, Arthur Brough as cantankerous Mr.Grainger (who, sadly, died after the fifth season; other characters took hisposition on the sales staff, but never quite matched up), and NicholasSmith as the self-serving but incompetent manager Mr. Rumbold form a comicensemble that has rarely been equaled.

These characters, written withaffection and played with superb comic dash, endlessly jockey for statusand salary while simultaneously creating an alternative family (the corestructure for any sitcom on either side of the Atlantic). Are You BeingServed? deserves its devoted fan base, who will revel in thiscomprehensive 14-DVD box set (which includes specials about Inman, Sugden,and Richard, as well as other extras). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Description

Featuring the final 28 episodes from the popular animated hit, Batman: The Animated Series - Volume Three is highlighted by over 10 hours of original TV programming and enhanced content on this 4-disc collector's set DVD. Gotham City crime czars Scarface and Rupert Thorne battle evil masterminds like The Joker and The Penguin for money, power and respect. Kidnappings rise as foe-versus-foe attacks become more vindictive. And just when you thought you knew the good guys from the bad, the craziest villains try to go straight, triggering one dangerous blowout after another. Amidst all the terror, one man walks the fine line between vengeance and justice as often as he balances his crime-fighting persona and his billionaire playboy public life. This is the Batman series that introduced a new kind of superhero - cool, composed, uncompromising. Your Batman collection won't be complete without the DVD release of Batman: The Animated Series - Volume Three, which includes the following extras:

Gotham's New Knight featurette on Batgirl
Commentary on "Read My Lips" episode by series producer Bruce Timm, producer/director Boyd Kirkland and composer Shirley Walker
Video commentary on "House and Garden" by series producer Bruce Timm, writer Paul Dini, director Boyd Kirkland and moderator Jason Hillhouse
Commentary on "Harlequinade" by series producer Bruce Timm, writer Paul Dini and composer Shirley Walker ... Read more

Reviews (11)

The original series is complete!!!
Volume 3 of WB's Batman: The Animated Series includes the last 29 episodes of the series, and marks its complete release on DVD! From here on out there should be another set that contains the later "New Batman Adventures" episodes, and hopefully sets of Batman Beyond will follow next year if we're lucky (and then Justice League, once Superman completes its DVD release).

This set marks a lot of my personal favourites, including four episodes that feature the immortal Ra's Al Ghul (and one with Jonah Hex, who recently appeared as a younger incarnation in Justice League Unlimited). Bane, who infamously broke Batman's back in the comics also appears, as well as the gangster puppet Scarface. Batgirl debuts, and fans of Robin will find a lot more of him - the last few episodes were made following a request from FOX to feature more of the Boy Wonder, and they include a new intro and ending that haven't been seen in ages. Elsewhere, the saga of Mr. Freeze continues, Riddler tries going straight, the villains take over Arkham and put Batman on trial, and Clock King finds a new way to manipulate time (kudos to the staff for his recent appearance on JLU). It's a lot of excitment for 29 episodes, and the quality remains consistent throughout.

Vol. 2's extras were more plentiful, as this set only includes 3 commentaries and a minor featurette on Batgirl. Still, it could be worse - the single disc releases I've traded in at game stores are proof of that.

The FINAL 29 episodes of BTAS!!!
Even though the description on Amazon says 28, there are 29 episodes total in this set.This completes the 85 total episodes of Batman: The Animated Series which ran from 1992-1995.It was known as The Adventures of Batman & Robin starting from Season 3 onward which included a new opening sequence and theme (which are included on the proper episodes).These episodes are still considered part of BTAS and are included in this set.

This set DOES NOT include the 24 episodes from Batman: Gotham Knights (aka The New Batman Adventures) which ran from 1997-1999 alongside Superman TAS on WB.Hopefully a 4th set that includes these episodes will be released later this year.

The episodes included in this third volume are considered some of the best episodes in the entire series.There are some great commentaries (Read my Lips, House and Garden, Harlequinade) and featurettes (Gotham's New Knight - Batgirl). It also includes a trailer for the new Batman Begins movie.As a long time fan, I wish there were more features since this is the last volume in BTAS.As always, it's a treat listening to Dini and Timm give us insight on the episodes.One note, the commentary for "House and Garden" is a video commentary so you can see the episode with a little box at the bottom that shows the person talking.

The episode breakup over the discs are as follows:

Disc One

1. Shadow of the Bat: Part One
2. Shadow of the Bat: Part Two
3. Blind as a Bat
4. The Demon's Quest: Part One
5. The Demon's Quest: Part Two
6. His Silicon Soul
7. Fire from Olympus

Disc Two

8. Read My Lips
9. The Worry Men
10. Sideshow
11. A Bullet for Bullock
12. Trial
13. Avatar
14. House and Garden

Disc Three

15. The Terrible Trio
16. Harlequinade
17. Time Out of Joint
18. Catwalk
19. Bane
20. Baby-Doll
21. The Lion and the Unicorn

Disc Four

22. Showdown
23. Riddler's Reform
24. Second Chance
25. Harley's Holiday
26. Lock-Up
27. Make 'Em Laugh
28. Deep Freeze
29. Batgirl Returns

Hopefully 29 NOT 28 episodes...
In order to have this complete the initial run of Batman the Animated series, this DVD set should have 29 episodes, NOT 28 (although TV ads would suggest otherwise). Its simple Math. 85 original episodes. set 1 had 28, set 2 had 28, so set 3 should have 29, unless the "last episode" is a hidden bonus, or would be on a 4th set containing all of the "Gotham Knights" episodes, we can only hope all the ads were in error, and there are actually 29 episodes in this set.

THE greatest Batman show ever. Period.
I really have nothing new to add, only to agree with all of my fellow Bat-fans that nobody has done the Caped Crusader better than Warner Bros. Beautifully animated and masterfully written, we finally get a grim and gritty Batman who doesn't come across as an anti-social, psychotic jerk like he does in today's comics. He's more like he was during the comics of the '70's, still grim and gritty, but showing some humanity and compassion as well. I recommend all 3 volumes of the DVDs. Now if only we could persuade Warner Bros. to put out ALL of the Justice League episodes on DVD box sets,as well as the rest of the Batman series (The Adventures of Batman & Robin, Batman Beyond),I would be a happy man. And more Superman The Animated Series wouldn't hurt, either. Bring 'em on!

Best Show EVER!(Plus didn't feel like making an acount)
and it finally gets its final eps on DVD. I just want to clear upto whever said this was a bad show, firts off how is it Korean Animation, its got people from Tiny Toon Adventures on the production team, and besides that he obviously doesn't know what Batman really is because he says to watch the 6's Batman which is a spoof of the Comics version. Ignore all the bad reviews, this show has been called one of the greatest cartoons of all time by many, and does not deserve a single bad review. So don't tell me this show was bad, its the greatest interpretation of Batman ever. It IS Batman. And weak voice acting, you mean Mark Hamill, who has been named the best Joker ever is bad, or Kevin Conroy who Wizard Magazine(in addition to others) is Batman is a bad voice actor. Then go watch Adam West's Batman or The Batman, and miss out on the REAL Batman. "I am Vengeance, I am the Night, I am Batman" tha qoute is what's Batman's all about not "Quick Robin to the Batcave."

Ths show is Batman at his finest. I also highly reccomend getting the first two sets also and completing your collection. ~LW ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1965, Star Trek set out to boldly go where no series had gone before, beginning a three-year mission that led to a franchise that would last decades.Here at last is the first season of the original series all in one box, 29 episodes in their original broadcast order.That means starting with "The Man Trap," and soon followed by "Where No Man Has Gone Before," the second pilot filmed and the first one starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk.The many highlight episodes include "Balance of Terror" and "Errand of Mercy" (introducing, respectively, the Romulans and the Klingons), the two-part "The Menagerie" (which recycled footage from the original pilot, "The Cage," which featured Christopher Pike as the captain of the Enterprise and is not included in this set), "Space Seed" (introducing Ricardo Montalban's Khan character), and "The City of the Edge of Forever" (written by sci-fi giant Harlan Ellison and considered by many the best-ever episode of the series).

The first-season DVD set is supplemented by 80 minutes of featurettes incorporating 2003-04 interviews with Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, other cast members, and producers, and some 1988 footage of Gene Roddenberry.The longest (24 minutes) featurette, "The Birth of a Timeless Legacy," examines the two pilot episodes and the development of the crew.Slightly shorter are "To Boldly Go... Season One," which highlights key episodes, and "Sci-Fi Visionaries," which discusses the series' great science fiction writers (most famously in "The City of the Edge of Forever").Shatner shows off his love of horses in "Life Beyond Trek," and, more interestingly, Nimoy debunks various rumors in "Reflections of Spock."As they've done for many of the feature-film special editions, Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda provide a pop-up text commentary on four of the episodes filled with history, trivia, and dry wit.It's the first commentary of any kind for a Star Trek TV show, but an audio commentary is still overdue.The technical specs are mostly the same as other Trek TV series--Dolby 5.1, English subtitles--but with the welcome addition of the episode trailers.The plastic case is an attempt to replicate some of the fun packaging of the series' European DVD releases, but it's a bit clunky, and the paper sleeve around the disc case seems awkward and crude.Still, the set is a vast improvement both in terms of shelf space and bonus features compared to the old two-episode discs, which were released before full-season boxed sets became the model for television DVDs. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (21)

TIME TRAVEL NOT REQUIRED TO SEE THIS COMING
I must say, that time travel was not required for me to anticipate this release of the original STAR TREK on DVD boxed set format... In the past I collected all 79 episodes individually on VHS format and enjoyed them all.. I love the show, its movies and "THE NEXT GENERATION" . I knew however that someday the ORIGINAL show would come to DVD as a boxed set.

MY PATIENCE HAS PAID OFF... I did not make the mistake of buying the 2per episode disks for several reasons.. 1. I knew that thsi show would join the others as season sets. 2. The packaging of the 2per disks was, to say the least HORRID.. 3.Cost economy... yes, I am not a cheap skate but i prefer more for less.. and last.. 4. SPACE- the limited frontier.. on my shelves for many disks when my TNG collections only takes up about 12" or so..

WELL, as for the show itself.. the FIRST and SECOND seasons are very well written storys, bad effects aside.. THE THIRD season was not quite up to snuff, but i still LOVE MY TREK...

GO OUT AND BUY BUY BUY... This set will sure to please..
AND NOT TO FORGET THE BEST PART---Special Features...
I fully enjoy learning all about movies, and TV shows i grew up to love..

THX FOR READING

The true final frontier
Even with five spinoffs,ten movies and nearly 38 years of history,The original Star Trek is the one that started it all and continue to inspire millions of fans.
The plot was simple, in the future a starship goes out on a five year mission to explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and civilizations.Led by the heroic Captain James T. Kirk (willian Shatner) along with his Vulcan first officer Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy).The other crew members include Dr.Leonard McCoy (the late DeForest Kelley),Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott(James Doohan), Helmsman Hikaru Sulu (George Takai),Communications officer Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), and Yoaman Janice Rand (Grace Lee whitney who would only last half the first season).
Despite the cheap looking special effects and set pieces,ST was a mixture of action,humor,drama and morality tales.A far cry from other science fiction shows airing at the time such as Lost In Space.Classic first season episodes includes The Naked Time,The Enemy Within, The Menagerie ,The Conscience of the King, Balance of Terror(the Romulan's debut), Space Seed(KHAN!!!), Arena,This Side of Paradise,The Devil in the Dark, and the greatest Trek episode of all time, The City on the Edge of Forever.
The new season DVD set includes extras not included in the first wave sets which consisted of two episodes on forty discs.

Finally!
I've been waiting for this for MANY years! I know fans who bought the earlier DVD's (2 episodes on one DVD) are upset but in fairness those came out before this whole trend of 'Series Box Sets' started. And yes I'm sure that there will be future compilations (Special Ultra Limited Edition, etc) but I've always just wanted one thing: to have the entire series at my disposal to pop in a favorite episode whenever I wanted and HERE IT IS. I'm so psyched!

I love this series!
Star Trek is my favorite T.V. series of all time. I'm so glad that they're finally releasing it in box sets. I avoided buying the previous releases because at $20 for each 2 episode disc, I would have felt more guilt than joy everytime I bought one. I feel bad for the people that purchased those. That was really a greedy money grubbing move that Paramount made. SOB's, It always really pissed me off. This box set is also too expensive, but they know we'll buy them. It's like health care. You have to have it, so they take advantage of you and charge as much as they possibly can, making sure that they can make themselves richer and richer at the expense of us, the common man.

Yeah yeah, I "know" I should have waited...
but knowing Paramount, they could of sat on the release the boxed sets for who knows how long. It could have been atleast until 2006 (40th Anniversary) until they decided to release them as boxed sets since they could have easily continued to gouge buyers into buying the 2 episode per disc set -- why shouldn't they? they control the market?...and they probably will still do it. After everyone has bought the boxed sets they will release them all again remastered in High Definition. Maybe, with the infamous blooper reel as a bonus (unless they oh, so generously decide to release it in the upcoming season 2 and 3 boxed sets -- but I doubt it. Frankly, life's too short and I didn't want to wait for the boxed sets. I've enjoyed them since their release 5 years ago.

In any case, I won't be re-buying the new sets. The "bonuses" seem a little thin and desparate....probably will be some interviews of some of the supporting staff that were loosely involved (many of the important guys have passed on any way)in the original series making some minor comment on obscure incidents playing on the nostalgiac thirst of the hard-core fan.

In fact I can see Paramount re-re-releasing the series again (the 40th anniversary set?) with FULL LENGTH commentaries for every episode (e.g. Sally Kellerman, Willim Koenig, Dianne Muldar, William Ware Theiss etc.) by some of the actors actors and guests stars -- ONLY after everyone has bought the boxed sets.

However had Paramount been more fair about how they released the DVD's,and the way they treat loyal fans, I probably would have, for the sake of "completeness" continued to support their products (TNG, DS9, Voyager, and likely Enterprise etc.) but I'm not -- mainly because they don't deserve my business and they won't. In fact I generally BOYCOTT Paramount DVDs.

As Scotty once said: "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame me"...and I'm not about to be fooled again.

See you later paramount suckers! ... Read more