Reviews (596)

A marvelous adaptation of one of the great novels.
This A&E/BBC miniseries is a true masterpiece, bringing Jane Austen's most popular novel to life in a near perfect production. It has everything: authentic Regency Period atmosphere, costumes, settings, a beautiful musical score, excellent performances by a well-chosen cast. Andrew Davis's script does full justice to Austen's original. Colin Firth is excellent as Mr. Darcy, but Jennifer Ehle just takes my breath away with her magnificent performance, which catches every nuance of Elizabeth Bennet's character exactly right in every scene. It is a pleasure to watch all 4 1/2 hours straight through again and again. As a longtime devoted admirer of Jane Austen's works, I am very critical of any movies based upon her novels, but this has to be one of the very best adaptations of any major literary work.

WORTH OWNING AND REPEAT VIEWING
I'm usually very hesitant about adaptations from book to film (especially classics), but this movie does justice to Jane Austin's timeless masterpiece. I rented this movie on a whim, thinking that it would at least be somewhat entertaining, but to my surprize and great pleasure, it not only captivated the true essence of the novel but the characters really came alive and stayed true to the story the whole way through. I eventually bought the DVD and I have NOT had "buyer's remorse" ever since. I get caught up in every moment of every scene of every viewing.

There are no annoying "Hollywood stars" in it like in Ang Lee's Sense and Sensibility, yet the acting is incredible. Although I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility (on the second viewing because the first time I watched it I fell asleep), it doesn't hold a candle to Pride and Prejudice. This adaption lets your imagination steep in the imagery, language, and essence of the film so you never get "pulled out" of a scence. If you're unsure as whether or not to buy this gem, just do what I did and rent it for the weekend. You'll soon discover that your movie collection will be lacking without this rendition of Pride and Prejudice.

Superb, true to Jane Austen adaption
This version of Pride & Predjudice is my absolute favorite. I have owned the tapes and the original DVD. As far as the movie itself goes, the characters are all perfectly cast. From the embarassingly annoying Mrs. Bennet, the sweet oldest sister Jane, the condescending and IQ challenged Mr. Collins, to the feisty Elizabeth and the Proud Mr. Darcy, you will find yourself engrossed in every character's story. The script was written to stay true to the original novel. The scenery in breathtaking, and you will find yourself paying as much attention to the beautiful countryside as you will the drama.
As for technical details, the biographies that are included on this special version are simply printed words on the screen. Interesting information, but each bio is only one or two paragraphs long with a complete list of credits for only a few of the characters. The mini featurette is okay.
My bottom line: if you love romance, drama, and history then this is the movie for you. If you already own it on tape or have the original dvd, save your money and enjoy the version you have.

Period Movie - Lovely to watch
As an avid lover of period movies, I received this particular one last Christmas. I've been able to watch it multiple times. I love Colin Firth's portrayal of a proud and prejudice man who finally learns there are more important things. It's funny and romantic and the dialogue, as with any period piece, will keep you on your toes . . . maybe that's why I can re-watch so many times. It is a timeless movie!

Colin Firth...need I say more? Great Movie Colin Firth aside
This movie is so amazing I've watched it so many times and I never get tired of it. I thought this was by far the best film adaptation of the novel. Colin Firth portrayed Mr. Darcy exactly as I pictured him in my mind. I loved all the characters and felt like the actors/actresses lived up the their characters in the novel. While the picture quality may not be that great (read several comments about it) it didnt bother me one bit. The locations they filmed were simply beautiful, the story and characters entralling, and the costumes and scenes eye catching....I didnt even notice the quality. ... Read more

Amazon.com

As the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," and the second season of The Golden Girls picks up where the first ended. The same classic quartet--Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia--is back, along with their snappy retorts, shoulder pads, and cheesecake. Well, there was one change. In the season premiere, "End of the Curse," Blanche (Rue McClanahan) goes through menopause.

Highlights of the 26 episodes include "Ladies of the Evening," featuring a cameo from Burt Reynolds, just a few years prior to his own network sitcom, Evening Shade. As Blanche exclaims, "Mr. Burt Reynolds is one of our finest living actors...I mean, you put Sir Laurence Olivier in Cannonball Run--see what he can do." Then there's "Isn't It Romantic?" with Lois Nettleton (In the Heat of the Night) as Dorothy's lesbian friend, Jean, who falls for an unsuspecting Rose (Betty White). As was often the case, a sensitive subject is handled with taste and humor and resulted in an Emmy nomination for Nettleton's performance.

Further highlights include a white-wigged Nancy Walker (The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda) as Sophia's long-lost sister, Angela, in "The Sisters" and "Long Day's Journey Into Marinara," and a pompadoured George Clooney (ER) in "To Catch a Neighbor." The final episode of The Golden Girls second season, "Empty Nest," features David Leisure and Oscar winner-Rita Moreno (West Side Story) and sets the scene for creator Susan Harris's 1988 spin-off, Empty Nest (although only Leisure would segue to the new show, while Soap's Richard Mulligan would take over for Moreno). --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (29)

It just keeps getting better!!!
Just when you think it can't get funnier;The Golden Girls season two is terrific and will keep you tuned in for hours on end.From "The Vacation" to "A Piece of Cake", the show has amazing writing that brings out the acting ability of its actresses and actors (STAN).

Love it, but leaves me wondering why...
they took out the skipping ability in this set. In season one the viewer was able to "skip" past each opening song and "skip" to different scenes within the episode. This is gone from the Season 2 set. I really miss it and am really disappointed that they took it out. Can't think of the reasoning behind it. That is the only reason I can't give it 5 stars. This is my all time favorite show.

GG Season 2
I pre-ordered this DVD (having the first one already of course) and I must say that every episode was great.There is no doubt in my mind that the second season is better than the first with the characters much more developed and the lines funnier than ever before.The stories were more solid and watchable with more quality episodes than the first season.Because this is one of my favorite shows, I hate to not give it 5 stars, but there is a compelling reason for not doing so.This time, I believe that Buena Vista took a step backward.You cannot skip scenes or go back to a scene, or skip the intro to each episode.If you try, it will take you to the next one, or the very beginning of the episode.I enjoyed being able to do that in the previous season and am baffled as to why they chose toleave that option out this time.Also, the trivia challenge does not always work right and would have been best left out.Behind-the-scene footage would have been better I think, or an interview or two from the cast members.I expected alot more from a DVD than what I got this time around.The episodes, however, are great and I would highly recommend it to anyone on that note alone if you can overcome the technical issue.

A Great Season; beautiful dvd transfer
Let's face it, the Golden Girls are a classic.Like Lucy, you still laugh after hundreds of viewings.

Season 2 (another emmy winner) is one of the best with some of the most classic episodes.Throw the whole thing on for a lost weekend or a sick day - you'll feel much better.

DVD transfer looks great - so clean after the old edited Lifetime copies.Only issue - bonus quiz is awkward to navigate.Can't wait for season 3.

Take Note Buena Vista (Disney)
There's adequate description of the show already, but as has alsobeen stated, what about some decent extras?Maybe interviews with Bea Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan.Even an interview with creator Susan Harris would surely prove enlightening and entertaing.Come on Disney- the show and we deserve a bit better! ... Read more

Amazon.com

After you've seen all 14 episodes of Firefly contained in this smartly packaged DVD set, you'll be begging for more. The sad irony is, series creator Joss Whedon's ambitious science-fiction Western (Whedon's third series after Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel) was canceled after only eleven of these 14 produced episodes had aired on FOX, and its demise was woefully premature. Whedon's generic hybrid suffered an inaugural setback when network executives preferred an action-packed one-hour premiere ("The Train Job") over the intended two-hour pilot "Serenity" (oddly enough, the final episode aired), which provides a better introduction to the show's concept and splendid ensemble cast. Obsessive fans may debate the quirky, semi-fallible logic of combining spaceships with direct parallels to frontier America (it's 500 years in the future, and embattled humankind has expanded into the galaxy, where undeveloped "outer rim" planets struggle with the equivalent of Old West accommodations), but Whedon and his gifted co-writers and directors make it work, at least well enough to fashion a credible context from the incongruous culture-clashing of past, present, and future technologies, along with a polyglot language (the result of two dominant superpowers) that combines English with an abundance of Chinese slang.

What makes it work is Whedon's delightfully well-chosen cast and their nine subtly-developed characters (a typically Whedon-esque extended family), each providing a unique perspective on their adventures aboard Serenity, the junky but beloved "Firefly-class" starship they call home. As a veteran of the disadvantaged Independent faction's war against the all-powerful planetary Alliance (think of it as Underdogs vs. Overlords), Serenity captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) leads his compact crew on a quest for survival. They're renegades with an amoral agenda, taking any job that pays well, but Firefly's complex tapestry of right and wrong (and peace vs. violence) is richer and deeper than it first appears. By the time we've gathered tantalizing clues about Blue Sun (an insidious mega-corporation with an as-yet mysterious agenda), its ties to the Alliance, and the traumatizing use of Serenity's resident stowaway as a guinea pig in the development of advanced warfare, it's painfully clear that Firefly was heading for exciting revelations that never came to pass. Fortunately, Whedon was developing a Firefly movie as this DVD set was being released in January 2004, so the ultimate fate of Serenity's crew remains to be seen. In the meantime, these 14 episodes (and enjoyable bonus features) offer everything you'd expect from the creator of Buffy: action, drama, humor, hints of romance, suspense, fine acting, film-quality direction, dazzling special effects, and ample proof that Fox made a glaring mistake in canceling the series. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (1033)

Joss Whedon's Third Home Run
If you're a serious Buffy and Angel fan, you're probably curious about Joss Whedon's third television series, the short-lived Firefly, and if it's worth your time to check out, even after cancellation. I won't keep you in suspense - of COURSE it is. Let me give you some idea of what you're getting into if you buy this 4-DVD set:

Five hundred years in the future, humanity has spread into space, and the Alliance completes the Unification, i.e. forcible pacification of all planetary colonies resisting absorption under their rule, the so-called Independents. Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) was an Independent Sergeant who, even in the final battle on his world against the Alliance, never gave up hope, still believed (wrongly) victory was possible, when his government and military pulled the plug on him, admitted defeat. Unwilling to live under Alliance rule, he and fellow soldier Zoe (Gina Torres) head for deep space as their last possible source of freedom. Thus the lines from the show's great intro tune, "Take my love, take my land/Take me where I cannot stand/I don't care, I'm still free/You can't take the sky from me." Now Mal is captain of the Firefly-class transport ship Serenity, Zoe his second officer, existing outside the law, smugglers, thieves and scavengers trying to balance their need to make a living with a code of personal integrity that's an expensive trait in the life they lead.

This is not a blindingly original premise, the basic idea is old hat science fiction. But it doesn't really need to be original, anything can be done well or poorly, right? Fortunately, Whedon & Co. go straight for "well," not even stopping at "poorly."

Firefly's greatest strength is its cast of well-drawn characters. In addition to Mal and Zoe, crew and passengers on Serenity include:

"Wash" Warren (Alan Tudyk) is ship's pilot and Zoe's husband. He goes where his love goes, his personality alternating between a wacky sense of humor when at ease and extreme competence under pressure.

Inara Senna (Morena Baccarin) is a registered Companion, i.e. psychologist/counsellor/prostitute. Revered in some quarters as the highly trained, upper class professionals they are, condemned in others as common [prostitutes], she rents one of Serenity's shuttles as her "office."

It's hard to see Adam Baldwin in a t-shirt and fatique pants and not think "Animal Mother," his role in Full Metal Jacket. Jayne Cobb is kind of like Animal Mother with the intensity control turned down from 10 to about 7, from absolute psychosis to extreme self-interest.

Kaylee aka Katwinnit Lee Frye (Jewel Staite) is ship's engineer, a charming gamine with a smudge of oil on her nose and a million mega-watt smile who's obviously, completely unaware she's beautiful and sexy.

Shortly into the first episode, Serenity takes on three passengers (extra cash and a cloak of respectability) who stay on as de facto crew themselves:

Two days out of an abbey, Shepherd Book (Ron Glass), a missionary, gets sucked into the world of Serenity. Problem: everyone else on board is either already religious or completely uninterested in what he's selling. The one exception, though he knows it not, is the most overtly anti-religious person on board, Mal Reynolds. Once extremely devout, Mal was a charismatic, inspired warrior who believed God was on his side in the fight against the Alliance. Since God betrayed him, he now hates God. Like the saying goes, "A cynic is a romantic who's been hurt."

Simon Tam (Sean Maher), a doctor, becomes ship's medic. Born to aristocratic wealth and privilege, he threw away both to rescue his sister from an Alliance "academy," an act that's left them both highly sought fugitives.

Finally there's River Tam (Summer Glau). Owning an IQ that looks like a zip code, Alliance experiments on her brain have (a) driven her insane, (b) unlocked psychic abilities.

Much has been written about the series pilot "Serenity" being the last episode aired due to network interference; how in Firefly Whedon takes conventions of the Western, transplanting them into outer space (the parallel between the Alliance Unification and the United States' Civil War is obvious); how this DVD set includes every Firefly episode ever completed, even three not actually aired; of Whedon's refusal to abandon the project and his work on a Firefly movie. So I won't discuss all that (I'm coming to end of my allotted 1,000 words); you can read about it elsewhere. I'll just say this is one of the best television shows ever, the DVD set is priced to own with hoards of cool "extras," and if you buy it, you will love it. 'Nuff said.

Wonderful show, good DVD
I was so disappointed when Firefly was cancelled and absolutely overjoyed when I learned they were releasing the entire series on DVD, including 3 episodes I had never seen. I bought the box set just a few days ago and have already watched all 14 episodes. This series has everything- an interesting plot, fascinating three dimensional characters and a fantastic setting. Fox made a big mistake when they cancelled it. I don't know why they didn't give it a better chance to succeed. It was mishandled from the very beginning- I won't go into the details, but Fox basically shot themselves in the foot here.
Anyway, I would recommend this set to anyone who enjoys character development, humor, drama, romance, action, adventure, etc.
There's only one downside-after watching all the episodes offered, you're left wanting more. Each character has a mystery in their past and none are solved in this box set-which is maddening, I admit. But what's there is so good, it's worth the aggravation of being left hanging. AND I've heard distant rumors that a Firefly movie may be in the works!

Thank goodness for this DVD
I tried to watch this series when it was airing, but could not keep up on all of the scheduling changes.

Fortunately, the DVD not only has the episodes which I missed, but it also presents the series in a rational order.

This is great sci-fi.

Too Good to Be Gone!
The tragedy of Firefly's pilot being cut from an exciting two-hour premiere to a different one-hour episode has already been widely lamented. Yet, even with the early abridgement, I cannot fathom how this show could not have performed better. It is full of not only quirkly, fun ideas, but extremely well written with an interesting premise.

I'm sure most of us fans who have sniffed out this boxed set can agree Fox dumped this one far too soon. Our collective solace? With a Firefly movie in the works, and such series as Family Guy resuscitated due to strong DVD sales, can a Firefly revival be far behind?

Gone far too soon
Like many fans, I completely missed this series when it aired. I'm certain that word of mouth will boost sales of the DVD set far beyond expectations. The characters are three dimensional, quirky and likeable. Current sci-fi shows like Enterprise or Andromeda constantly leave you wondering why you should care about the characters. Firefly's pilot episode, "Serenity", ensnared me with wounded Kaylee, disturbed River and what's with Captain Malcolm and the companion Inara? It's worth watching. I only wish there were 6 or 7 seasons worth. ... Read more

Description

"You're one of us now," Nikita is told. But has she truly abandoned her compassionate nature and become an unquestioning member of the soulless covert organization called Section One? Or has she mastered the group's knack for deceit and cover-up so efficiently that she can beat Section at its own game? The sleek, chic and powerful adventures of the agent codenamed Josephine continue in Season Three of the intrigue-filled five-year series that stars Peta Wilson in the title role. Season three is marked by the unveiling of Michael's secret life, Nikita and Michael?s romantic relationship and the further suspicion about the true nature of Section One. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Compared to other shows...
I really wish people would stop comparing LFN to other tv shows, especially Alias.I love Alias, am a huge fan of the show, but while I have only seen the first 2 seasons of LFN so far (since I just bought them on DVD in March when the 2nd season was released) I would have to say that the 2 shows just aren't comparable...They are both spy shows but that is basically where the similarities end.Alias is a great show (a little slow and boring through this past season since it was acting as filler until they could get around to the good stuff) but I would HATE it if they tried to make it more like LFN, and in turn, I would hate LFN if they had gone on and turned it into something like Alias (or 24 or MI-5 etc).

LFN takes you through the life of someone that had nothing to do with that lifestyle, and basically throws that person into it without a choice, oh well, she did have a choice, Live and do it with their rules, or Die... Not much of a choice which is what was great about it (and the original movie as well). The great part of the tv show was that they took the main basis of the movie and then were able to not only expand on it some, but have a whole 5 seasons to do whatever they wanted with it. They focus on Nikita with "jobs" being just that... They never really seem to have a whole lot to do with the main plot or at least not for long.They whole point is about HER and how she evolves as she needs to, to stay alive ...Alias focuses more on Rambaldi and the Prophecy and evil/good power with all characters and they like to throw in eye candy clothes with cool moves, and great music to help draw people in (no problem in that as long as you don't take it for more than that).

But this is about LFN, so let's cut back to that.I first jumped into the LFN fan pool, drooling over the 2 seasons and knowing (or at least hoping for) the 3rd to be released this summer... I had no idea in the beginning just How Many seasons there were and then found out there were 5 (you lucky b@st*rds that got to see all 5 on tv).I am going crazy waiting for the next month to go by, and I know I will totally drive myself insane waiting for the next 2 seasons over the next 2 years...

I never got to see the series when it originally aired on tv since I was homeless at the time (and I am a punk rocker).Seeing the French movie version(on cable in February) then the series (in March) has made me feel a little odd and wonder if that could actually happen and possibly happen to some of the people I know... Hmmm, the conspiracy theories that could evolve.

One of the few tv shows for insiders
This show is definitely a unique one. That's probably why the show didn't have a lot of success throughout Europe, and probably why it did not attract the huge audience like the incredibly stupid show Buffy or Charmed, and why it took so long for it to be released on DVD.

Not a superficial show like others (Smallville, Alias or what you call it, O.C.). A very convincing storyline with very credible actors who really fit the role in the show. How can somebody even try to compare Jennifer Garner to Peta Wilson?? Though Wilson obviously has not appeared on the big screen so far (whatever the reasons are), she did a fantastic job in here role as Nikita. Needless to mention the amazing performance of Roy Dupuis as Michael.

And more importantly, what's rare on TV these days, the show is about a serious relationship between adults, not teenagers. Though the story is very creative and exciting, the love between Nikita and Michael overshadows all other elements of the show.

Overwhelming score music by Sean Callery.

LFN, a show that has already become a classic.

LFN forever

THE BEST SERIES EVER
La Femme Nikita was the FIRST television show to ever have a strong, intelligent female as the lead.The actors are all of the highest caliber and the plots/story lines are so engaging, you'll be hooked after just one episode.If this series had been on a major network at the time it originally aired, it would have been on MUCH longer.Alias doesn't hold a candle to this show (as a matter of fact, they steal a lot of their stories from LFN).Jennifer Garner only wishes she was as believable as Peta Wilson is in this type of role.Roy Dupuis (Michael) is also an amazing actor and is HUGE in Canada.This was a show that believed it's audience to be intelligent, but can be enjoyed by everyone.It has the right mix of romance, action, intrigue, and technical gadgets so there is something for everyone.

Best Season of La Femme Nikita
In my opinion, this is the best of all 5 seasons. All the characters have been fully developed. In Season 1 and part of Season 2, it seemed a bit like they weren't in these characters as well as later. Plus, it starts off with an incredibly emotional start. Major insight into the character of Michael, finally some of the intense emotion we all knew he had under the layers he hides under. What more can I say?

One of the Best Series EVER
I faitfully watch Nikita when I was in high school and when I went to college, I schedule my studies around Nikita. I made sure regardless what I was doing, I made it home to watch it. Peta and her supporting cast are awesome and I don't know why the series got cancel but I do know that I can't wait for this season to come and the rest of the seasons. I caught a case of the a$$ last year when WB change the release date on season 2, hope it doesn't happen with this one. But for those that like Alais, you'll love Nikita. I have a friend hook on it because she loves Alais and didn't think she would like it but changed her mind after the 1st season. So give it a try ... Read more

Reviews (37)

The Brick in Roslyn WA looks like a NE casting call!
Recently, I was at The Brick in Roslyn WA. Yes, the real Brick bar, not the set. It was down the street from the Roslyn's Cafe wall mural with the camel shown on the show. If you miss this show visit The Brick on a Friday night. It's only 80 miles east of Seattle just a few miles off Rt. 90. The bar has a running water spitoon trough at your feet, the food is good, the music provided by the legendary Jim Basnight that night was great, and the faces in the bar looked like a Northern Exposure casting call. It was great!!

No original music - say it ain't so?!
I loved Northern Exposure for many reasons - the eclectic and evocative musical choices were definitely in the mix.The final wordless scene of the series, with the voyeur camera peeking through the windows for a final look at this family of characters, was completely held together by Iris DeMent's "Our Town".If these songs are not included in the DVD versions, a critical facet of the art is lost.I won't buy partial art.

Season Three is GRRRRRRREAT!
(...)
Per the muasic of season 2 DVD: I heard everyone belly-ache about important music being cut out. I agonized about this (thinking it was important stuff like At Last, Blue Moon, DW Suite, etc..) but when I watched the episodes its just the BACKGROUND MUSIC (ie whatever is playing on the juke box at the brick) which has been replaced not the FOREGROUND MUSIC (the stuff the series was acclaimed for in the first place). I too liked to hear old Hoagy Carmichael stuff or old-time cowboy music whenever they walked into the bar, but I don't believe it detracted very much from any episode. Grrrrrrreatstuff. I miss the early 90's!

Don't let the music hoopla keep you from NX on DVD
As somebody said, a scratch does not into junk turn a car. It is true, there were some changes made, and very distasteful changes at that, to the music in SOME passages of season 2, but it most certainly was NOT done in many. I haven't counted the number of changes, but I'll bet it's not more than a handful. The loss is great, but ... not so much as to ruin one of the greatest TV series ever. Also, I would love to have some printed material to accompany the DVDs, but it's just an extra, the series is there regardless. I agree with other reviewers, I thank Universal for making NX available.

Beyond Belief
I loved the complete 3rd edition of NE - unfortunately that was many years ago when I watched it on a commercial network.Oh, to live in Canada or the United States where it is available on DVD. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It now seems clear that season 5 of Stargate SG-1 will be remembered as the one in which something went awry with Daniel Jackson. Lots of behind-the-scenes rumors fueled the idea of cast tension, but whatever the problem, his sudden departure from the show was obviously through a quickly contrived scenario. In retrospect, there must have been a problem for some while before the weird penultimate episode ("Meridian"). Michael Shanks looks frequently bored in his rare moments of individual screen time as he infiltrates a Goa'uld meeting and even when making friends with a creature everyone else wants dead. In fact, there's only one point when everyone really seems to be having fun, and that's in the spoof 100th episode "Wormhole X-treme!"

Most shows go through a run-around, skin-of-their-teeth period awaiting renewal, and it certainly seems to have affected storylines this year. For example, a next generation of younger SG teams is introduced. Replacements? The most unfortunate aspect of things, however, was that not a single episode managed to stand alone on its own merits. Every single story was dependent on a part of the greater interwoven warring-species threads. Some of the one-off tales were terrific in and of themselves, but it was as if the writers fell into the trap of having to refer to as much backstory as possible, perhaps to ensure loose ends could be easily wrapped up? Ultimately none of this mattered since the show went on for quite a while. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (23)

One of my personal favorite seasons
I know this isn't everyone's opinion, but for me, each season gets better and better. Writers and actors get to know the characters and a story more when they've made over 100 episodes with them. (Episode 100 is included in this set, an episode where the writers just decide to mess around and have a good time)

Season 5 introduces some very key characters and situations:
--Colonol Frank Simmons
--Explanation of the ascended being ("Ascention" and "Meridian")
--The jaffa rebellion ("The Warrior")
--Further Russian entanglements including the fate of the Earth DHD ("48 Hours")
--The introduction of Anubis ("Last Stand," "Revelations")
--The fate of the Tollan ("Between Two Fires")
--The temperary departure of Michael Shanks ("Meridian")
--The method of Asguard reproduction ("Revelations")
--Jonas Quinn ("Meridian")

All of these situations play key in the epic saga of the Stargate universe, providing for plot variations and new ideas in later seasons. The new ideas are still there. The humor is still there. Over 100 episodes in, Stargate is still going strong in this collection.

I am looking forward to adding this 5th boxed set to my other four boxed sets.

I enjoyed Season 6 even better. Season 7 is still blowing my mind. Let's have those as boxed sets soon as well.

Good sci-fi, moderate Stargate SG-1
While there were several gems, I find most of this season lacking the flair and style seen in previous seasons. The cast seems rather tired in this season, almost defeated. They go through the paces, but seem to be grudgingly doing so. Episodes such as "48 Hours" and "Failsafe" only served to humiliate the cast and writers who, up to this season, seemed to pride themselves on original storylines.

Daniel's departure is handled adequately for his character in terms of how he is retired, but the story feels quite too sudden and contrived. His storyline is almost entirely forgotten by the next episode, especially in terms of the civilization he saved.

The remaining story lines depend too heavily on previous stories from as far back as season one. It was rumored that this would be the last season of the show, and the writers wanted to tie up the loose ends of the series. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the show wasn't canceled, leaving the cast with few allies or enemies. Because of this, the season finale feels weak and ultimately ends up being the worst yet.

Collectors should purchase this item to complete their set. Newcomers to the show may feel best skipping this season.

Rewatch the first 3 seasons instead
I've watched all seven seasons of stargate, and season 5 was abysmal. Michael Shanks(Daniel) and Christopher Judge(Teal'c) were completely underused, which is tragic because these two men are such good actors. Forcing Carter and Jack into a relationship just feels awkward - both from the 'it's against regulations' aspect, and the 'no chemistry' aspect. Yes, there were a few good episodes - menace, threshold, 2001, between two fires. but you had to wade through some boring shows to get there. The fact that so many old characters keep getting killed off is annoying. (spoiler) killing daniel off in the end felt rushed, ruined season 6, and didn't allow everyone to mourn him as fully as they should have (jack was just too stoic. his previous reactions to Daniel's 'death' in Fire and Water or Serpent's Lair show how he should have reacted.)
Your best bet is to buy one of the first 3 seasons(two's my favorite) and watch it again. At least the storylines are good, everyone's in character, and daniel and teal'c have more than 1 line per episode.

Relapse
Sadly, the fifth season of Stargate: SG-1 broke the streak of progressively better seasons that had been going on ever since the first season. The year began with a cool premiere, "Enemies", but the next couple episodes sucked. For example, the episode "Beast of Burden", which deals with Daniel Jackson's (Michael Shanks) Unas friend, Chaka, was terrible. Personally, I also hated the episode "The First Ones" from last year which began the Chaka thread. I mean, I haven't seen episodes this bad since Season 1 (many of the Season 1 episodes, while good, are far inferior to the episodes of Seasons 2-4). Once you reach the third disc, beginning with the episode "Between Two Fires", the episodes become good again. However, the bad episodes weren't the only problems that this season faced. Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) seemed to regress a little bit because he seemed a lot less tolerent of Daniel than he had been in the last two years (he does, however, reveal his true feelings about Jackson in the episode "Meridian"). Teal'c (Christopher Judge) and Dr. Janet Frasier (Teryl Rothery) were underused, as were the Asgard, who seem to have put politics ahead of real problems.
However, when this season was good, it was REALLY good. There were some amazing story developments this year, beginning with the final demise of Apophis (Peter Williams), the Goa'uld System Lord who has been making life difficult for the SGC ever since the first season. Next, the Tollan, an extremely advanced race of humans who are allied with Earth, begin acting suspiciously, the SGC begins recruiting new officers, the motives of the Aschen from last season are revealed, the Tok'Ra are nearly destroyed, and the Jaffa rebellion begins to truly become a problem for the System Lords. And then, Daniel is brought to a System Lord summit where he has the chance to wipe out the Goa'uld threat forever, that is until he learns of the return of Anubis, an ancient System Lord who was banished for his horrific crimes. Also, we finally learn the origins of the Replicators. Finally, SG-1 must endure a change that they never thought would happen in the episode "Meridian", and then, Anubis and Osirus (Anna-Louise Plowman) reveal plans to attack the Asgard. But the most pivotal plot twist involves the new series-within-a-series, WORMHOLE X-TREME!!! Just kidding.
This is a very important season, so despite its poor opening, I still reccomend it. Just be ready to be underwhelmed by the first few episodes. But after you get past those, enjoy! Some good episodes include: "Enemies", "Threshold", "Between Two Fires", "2001", "Wormhole X-Treme", "Proving Ground", "Summit", "Last Stand", "The Warrior", "Menace", "Meridian", and "Revelations".

Makes me PROUD to be an Air Force vet!!!!
Y'know, this show is probably the most positive view of the Air Force that you will ever see in entertainment. Military personnel are treated as what they are in real life: real people with faults and weaknesses, but with a lot of professionalism, skill and determination to do the best job they can and do the right thing at the same time.

Ironic to find this in a sci-fi show of all places, but I have to thank the producers for the care they put into the characters! Not that there's really a Stargate, a Prometheus or even a Samantha Carter, who can solve any threat with five minutes to do calculations in her head, but at least these Air Force men and women aren't cynical hardcases out to rape and pillage the worlds across the stargate for the "military industrial machine". That's what you would get from MOST of Hollywood if they were doing this show. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on Brian Greene's book, this three-part Nova program should do for physics what Cosmos did for astronomy. Greene hosts the program on the relative new concept of String Theory, a potential (and explosive) answer to the Holy Grail of science: a single, ultimate theory for everything. Part of Greene's (along with filmmakers Julia Cort and Joseph McMaster) genius is the ability to explain complex issues with ease thanks to a generous helping of graphics and humor. It starts with a perplexing anecdote: Einstein died trying to figure out if there could be an ultimate theory. His General Theory of Relativity brought order to the laws of large objects, but could not explain the chancier world of Quantum Mechanics (which deals with atomic particles). String Theory tries to marry the two. Greene and many colleagues give us a history of the quest and how String Theory was "discovered" in the 1980s. The formula has a lot of quirks, the most dazzling being the insistence there's 11 dimensions in the universe. Greene is not as natural as Cosmos creator/host Carl Sagan, but he is certainly friendly and encouraging (albeit it's quite odd for the host to be interviewed at various times in the program). Because it's a three-part show, there is some overlap at the start of hours 2 and 3. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Good, but not Great
I was excited to see these programs put out by NOVA, and I have always thought highly of the television program. However, I did not actually learn a whole lot from these specific episodes. While being a show on String Theory, the program beat around the bush about explaining how String Theory works. While covering Newton, Einstein, and Bohr, the NOVA never made a real attempt to explain their theories, but rather gave extremely vague understandings of everything.

No I do not believe that "The Elegant Universe" should delve on hairy mathematics, but it should answer "whys" and "hows" rather than just simply tell us that there are strings in subatomic atoms. Instead, it wasted so much time repeating things over and over like "people who believed in more dimensions a long time ago would have been labeled 'crackpots' but now String Theory demands it" or "if you can't test something then it's runs the risk of being philosophy." While those are interesting points, they are repeated in these documentarys over and over by the same people with computer graphics running all over the screen, never really doing a great job explaining any these claims.

I think this would actually be pretty good for anyone who has little knowledge on physics, but definitely not for anyone who is at least familiar with what String Theory is.

High Quality CG Animation realizes String Theory to Everyone
I was struggling whether I should spend $35Cdn (I bought this from amazon.ca) on this 'String Theory' that I have no clue of what it is but only aware of the interesting sound of 'Theory of Everything'. I was also worrying my limited education background and brain capacity for such complex concept. I took the risk and completed my order. Two days later, I got my dvd delivered to my door, couldn't stand finishing my dinner, I opened it and watched it right away.

The first 3 minutes was the trailer/intro of this 3 hours DVD. It really drew my attention with interesting topics and high quality special effects & CG animation. I knew my $35Cdn was very well spent. The first hour talked about the ground concepts of basic forces: Gravity & Quantum Mechanics. Don't worry, you don't need a science or physic degree to understand these concepts. The beauty of this DVD is that it uses various scenarios, via pictures, animiation, & special effects to depict the complex concepts to you in a very simple & understandable way. Trust me, even your grade 6 children are able to comprehend the elegant universe theory from this DVD. The first hour was focusing on these basic forces, what Albert Einstein wanted to do with unification, and what the problems were. The second hour talked about how the String theory evolve and help to solve the puzzle of Einstein's unification problem. And the last hour will take the String theory to realize the possiblilities of 11th dimensions, the impacts to our world, and the future of this 'Theory of everything'. If you still find difficulties to understand those concepts, don't worry, you will find lots of interactive education materials from the second DVD. There's an initeresting demo let you to build from 1 dimensional line to a 4-dimensional hypercube visually. I absolutely found those extra goodies were very helpful.

The only picky thing I disliked was there're quite lengthy advertisings at the beginning of each episode. However, you can always skip it using fast forward. Honestly, this is a true FIVE STARS DVD. It's entertaining, it's simple, visual, excellent three hours programme. You and your kids will sure benefit from this amazing 'Theory of Elegant Universe' --- String.

Elegance Succumbs to Giant Sucking Sound
Reading the commentary on here is almost more entertaining.

Well, here are the few points I wanted to make that are not in the work itself and don't seem to be in here:

1. One of the most interesting parts of this thing is how the community responds to the idea of postulating about problems that cannot be observed. It almost plays like a Lutherian drama at that point (faith/works threatening to split a rift that will lead to civil war). But let's face it: a. the main discovery of the 20th C was uncertainty, which means that even if you can see the electron trail, you have not really succeeded in observing it (at least cleanly), and b. this is an edge that we are bound to have come upon and furthermore, consider the question of what we would do even if we could see down into a realm that bears no resemblance to where we exist, what would we be able to deduce (c.f. Ambrose Bierce's "The Damned Thing": 'nothing')? Anyway, I found this part and the echoes of it here most amusing.

2. Doesn't 1 kind of point in the direction of Wolfram's unoriginal revolution? Aren't we bound for a world of new information derived solely from simulation? Or are we already there? Why aren't scientists screaming when the proteomics people talk about simulating protein formation?

3. Scientists are sometimes great story tellers, and sometimes not. This is definitely a case of not. The Newtonian/Einsteinian vectors being returned to ad nauseum are clear signs of a threadbare, almost infantile notion of story construction (with the apple falling standing in, for instance, for the fallen cherry tree of yore). Gleick's book about Feynman shows that that great man view of all things is certainly gone (if it ever did make any sense). Great to herald the accomplishments of others, but should be in a context that provides more depth than the rodeo scene from "Annie Get Your Gun."

4. Most of the hard questions here were really ultimately ducked or served cold. The buildup to the genius coming in and solving the five models problem was so drawn out I started to think TiVo was tormenting me by replaying sections (I couldn't imagine a conscious editor called for that many repeats). And then the genius' conclusion is that the five models are all reflections of one reality. Ah, I see.... Hello? Are we that dumb? If so, why are we watching? A little more detail please.

I hope this cat doesn't decide to do a film about Fermat's Last Theorem... I'd like see something that takes a bit more bother with the seminal moment and less with the titillation.

A DISSERVICE TO SCIENCE
{APOLOGIA: A review as damning as what follows will inevitably seem hyperbolic and unkind. Yet "The Elegant Universe" is such a singular case, and egregious misexample to both the science-documentary profession and public, that I have only said here what was accurate, condign, and the duty of any conscientious, technically knowledgeable commentator.}

What a vapid production! Terribly, almost moronically, edited, taking forever to say anything, endlessly repetitious. Narcissistic. Precision and key details missing everywhere. No profound development of ideas. Images and props constantly get in the way of meaning and exposition, and most of what IS said will surely already be known to the majority of the literate public.

Ironically, "The Elegant Universe" is the least elegant of science productions. It could be skillfully cut to a third or a fourth of its present length without substantive, persuasive, or artistic loss, but much dramatic gain.

Absurd platitudes fairly trip over one another's feet. Why is Isaac Newton supposed to be the "greatest scientist of all time"? In point of fact, he is a most unlikely choice.

This is the worst science film I have ever seen as a scientist, at least for its length and melodramatic ambition. Although kindergartners might like it. Certainly the ingenious visual and musical simulation of the jittering Dirac vacuum is magnificent!

With respect to superstring theory itself, this supposed documentary is more like an advertisement than an honest examination of what to date remains a charming but sterile scientific theory, a theory that could easily be joined by a thousand other ideas, neither less nor more plausible, on the same shallow pond of data, where they could all figure skate together. A scientific theory never "proclaims" anything about the universe; only its exponents - physicist Greene, in this instance - can be guilty of THAT.

Although I found much to enjoy, and more than a little enlightenment, in Brian Greene's superb book of the same title years ago, and strongly recommended its purchase to sophisticated lay friends, in this extraordinarily bathetic television tutorial there is little or no trace of his expository genius and style. I am afraid that in the making of this program the youthful Prof. Greene allowed himself to be badly misused by his handlers.

The universe is not a cartoon, and science - as publicly understood and professionally pursued - can only be degraded and perverted by such undignified, unintellectual drivel.

Final impression: Revolting! Literally an embarrassment to watch.

A masterpiece !
This is an easy one to rate, for me anyway. The depth and continuity of this 3 part series on a heretofore uncovered topic is excellent. Only Timothy Ferris has produced science documentaries at this level in the last decade or so ("Beyond Earth", "The Creation Of The Universe")

A superb presentation that explores the boundary between physics theory that can be experimented against (quarks, etc), and that which currently cannot (strings). ... Read more

Description

The complete first season of Rod Serling's classic, groundbreaking series exploring the fantastic and the frightening. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A smart and savvy (albeit highly stylized) look at the single lives of four thirtysomething Manhattan women, Sex and the City: The Complete Second Season builds on the foundation of its first season with plot arcs that are both hilarious and heartfelt, taking the show from breakout hit to true pop-culture phenomenon. Relationship epiphanies coexist happily alongside farcical plots and zingy one-liners, resulting in emotionally satisfying episodes that feature the sharp kind of character-defining dialogue that seems to have disappeared from the rest of TV long ago. When last we left the NYC gals, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) had just broken up with a commitment-phobic Mr. Big (Chris Noth), but fans of Noth's seductive-yet-distant rake didn't have to wait long until he was back in the picture, as he and Carrie tried to make another go of it. Their relationship evolution, from reunion to second breakup, provides the core of the second season. The fittingly titled and keenly observed episode "Evolution" found Carrie trying to leave a few feminine belongings at Mr. Big's apartment with little success, charting the challenges and limits of intimacy. And the season's finale, "Ex and the City," was a melancholy goodbye for Carrie and Big that took its cue from The Way We Were. It wasn't all angst, though: among other adventures, Charlotte (Kristin Davis) puzzles over whether one of her beaus was "gay-straight" or "straight-gay"; Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) tries to date a guy who insists on having sex only in places where they might get caught; and Samantha (the exquisite Kim Cattrall) copes with dates who range from, um, not big enough to far too big--with numerous stops in between. Through it all, the four actresses cohered into a solid ensemble that played on their complex relationships among themselves as well as with men; in two short years, Parker and company became one of the best TV casts in over a decade. And to top it all off, the second season offers 18 episodes, six more than the first. Sometimes size really can make a difference! --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (140)

An easy addiction!
What's fascinating is the wide appeal of SATC! I know straight and gay men and women of all ages who watched the HBO version, and I found myself hooked on the DVD's.

Parts of each character are realistic, but ultimately there's an element of satire and "over-the-top" that keeps the reader hooked. (...)

And in Season 2, Big comes across as a really decent guy. He accompanies Carrie to a wedding of a couple he doesn't know and to a dinner with her friends. And she comes across as high maintenance. She can't read between the lines to see how much he cares for her so she keeps pushing for more. (...).

I believe the episodes work best when they're light-hearted and playful, such as 20-somethings vs. 30-somethings.

(...)."

Sometimes I think SATC is a litmus test for personalities. Everyone who watches sees something different. Some like Samantha best, others like her least. And some viewers focus on the clothes.

What hooks viewers, I think , is the three-dimensional qualities of the four main characters, and even of Big. They have real flaws as well as great virtues. And they have enough money and career stability to spend all their energies on relationships. Sometimes it's exhausting just to watch the quest, but the writers make sure it's never dull.

Sex and the City-Second Season (a guilty pleasure)
The Sex and the City-Second Season is a great item for those who don't have cable TV (unlike me). I get HBO just to watch these shows. Most of the year I don't have HBO, but when June comes, I rush to get it. I have all of the second and third season on tape, but this is a great gift idea for friends. I will probably buy this for one of my family and friends for birthdays or holidays. The great thing about this show is that every woman can see a little bit of herself in every one of the characters. Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is the character I most relate to because of her fashion sense and her personality (very similar to mine). Samantha (Kim Catrall) is the woman that most women vilify, but wish they were like. She is so bold, daring and downright outrageous. There is a little Samantha in everyone. Miranda is the workaholic of the bunch who seeks perfection in everyone in everything. She is bold like Samantha, but in a different way. Charlotte is the one who you find endearing. Her search for her Prince Charming with a Madison Avenue job and Park Avenue apartment is something to watch. She goes through so many frogs, it is hilarious to watch.

The second season includes Carrie & Big getting back together and breaking up again (can they ever make up their minds?!), Miranda having a real relationship (with Steve, a bartender), Samantha having a relationship (oh my stars!) with the perfect guy (except for one "little" thing), and Charlotte dating so many guys (your head will spin) and not keeping any of them. It is a whirlwind of laughs, a few tears, and more, more, more.

This show has all of the elements that keep you tuning in. This is a must buy for all the non-HBOers out there. Buy it!!!

4 ho's, 5 stars
On the surface, this is the story of 4 floozies who complain that no one wants to marry them. They spend their time jumping in and out of beds with the idea that this is the path to matrimony. Someone should have recommended that they read the book "Who Moved My Cheese?" Somehow, though each of these women are portrayed as smart and successful in the businessworld, they exhibit no inkling over the plain fact that steady, reliable men don't marry ho's. Bed them, yes, but marry them? No.

It then occurred to me after watching a number of these episodes that it is really the story of 4 gay queens looking for a gay partner. At least that is the way it is written. Seen through this prism, the show is actually more poignant. The show -- through its characters -- strives to champion promiscuity as a virtue. And isn't this really at the heart of the gay ideology? But what makes the show so good is that the writers never insert love into the equation. These 4 selfish people constantly indulge in sex, but it is plain that none really have their hearts in it. They bemoan the lack of men who would love them, but they themselves withold their own love. Stingy with offering out their heart, they trade affection for something they do not value, their own bodies.

My first experiance with the show was in 1/2 drops every 6 months or so on HBO. But the DVD format allows one to watch the episodes back-to-back. With my infrequent viewings I was impressed with the glamour and adventurousness of the stars. But with seeing the shows back-to-back, the loneliness, neediness, and desparation exhibited by the ladies pops to the surface. There is nothing glamorous about their lives. Commendably, sex isn't depicted as an answer, but more as a drug to take the edge off of their main concern, their inability to win the heart of a man. Intentional or not, it is this truth that makes the show as good as it is.

Oh, by the way, the show got cancelled because the 4 ladies just got too old for their make-up to hide. They probably stayed on 2 seasons too long, but at least they got out when they did. How long could anyone watch 4 old ho's whine on about how they missed the boat?

great show but. . .the dvd sucks
I LOVE sex and the city I am very sad about the ending of the series, but this DVD is horrible(not the actual show but everything else about it). First, of all the caseing is this flimsy plastic material, which breaks easily. Second, there is not play all function of the discs, so if you are trying to watch the dvd all the way through, you have to choose each episode and click play twice(it goes to a synposis first) Last of all there are no special features at all, how can there be no outtakes? if you like s&c the second season is one of my favorite but the dvd can be very fustrating sometimes

Really sucks you in, then rips your heart in two!
This is the season where you really get drawn into the romance between Carrie and Big. When it works, it's really fun to watch, but when it falls apart....you want to just slap Carrie upside the head for being such an idiot! She really did bring a lot of the problems she had with Big on herself. Couldn't just enjoy a good thing when she had it. Oh well! Eventually I'll have to buy the whole darn series on DVD, but I'm going to pace myself. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A very atypical mother-daughter relationship is at the center of Gilmore Girls, a comedy-drama that immediately set itself apart from the herd with smarter-than-smart dialogue and an endearing mix of whimsical comedy and family drama. Set in the Capra-esque burg of Stars Hollow, where everybody knows everyone and eccentrics abound, Gilmore Girls was less a mother-daughter show and more of a screwball buddy comedy in which the two buddies happened to be parent and child. Pregnant at 16, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) left her rich parents to bring up her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) on her own terms; when Rory herself turns 16, Lorelai wants to send her academically gifted daughter to the prestigious Chilton school. The catch is, Lorelai can't afford it on her own, and rather than let Rory go without, the elder Gilmore girl brokers an uneasy truce with her parents (Edward Herrmann and Kelly Bishop), who finally get a chance to bond with their granddaughter while financing her education.

It sounds like a premise potentially fraught with angst and trauma, but in reality Gilmore Girls was one of the freshest, airiest, most enjoyable shows to air on the perpetually melodramatic WB network, critically praised once viewers got hooked on its unique brand of humor. Rory's growing-up adventures, including her acclimation to snooty Chilton and romance with townie dreamboat Dean (Jared Padalecki), gave the show a teen-friendly feel, but Gilmore Girls was anchored in the adult by the luminous Graham, a brilliant comedic leading lady who could turn dramatic on a dime and never break stride. The show's hallmark was its rat-a-tat, whipsmart dialogue, delivered perfectly by Graham and Bledgel, as well as a host of wacky supporting characters who would go on to become invaluable cast members. The first season allowed the show--and its lead actresses--to bloom gracefully and establish a deep, humorous rapport that lent itself perfectly to weekly travails both comedic and dramatic. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (192)

Gilmore Girls is coming to DVD! (in the 1st half of 2004)
Gilmore Girls is one of the best shows on television. It shows strong women doing what they want to do. Lorelai Victoria Gilmore (played by lovely Lauren Graham) got pregnant in her middle teens and gave birth to a daughter named Lorelai Leigh Gilmore (played by the stunningly beautiful Alexis Bledel). This Lorelai's called Rory though. Rory and Lorelai have a close relationship and because of their close age, it often seems like they are sisters instead of mother and daughter. In the series premiere, Rory got accepted to the prestigious private school of Chilton Prep. But Mom couldn't pay for tuition so Lorelai went to her rich parents (played by veteran actors Edward Herrmann and Kelly Bishop) even though she didn't want to. There was one condition on how Lorelai would get the money from them. This was Friday night dinners with them.

There are quirky townspeople in the town of Stars Hollow, CT where Lorelai and Rory live. There's Luke, the grouchy proprietor of Luke's Diner where the Girls eat practically everyday. It's obvious though that he has a crush on Lorelai.

Well, I've got to run so buy this DVD ...

Meet The Gilmores
Gilmore Girls is one the best-written, well acted shows on television. The program bounces along at a breakneck pace, filled witty dialogue and banter between characters that are reminiscent of Hollywood films of the 30's and 40's. The show focuses on the mother-daughter relationship between Lorelei (Lauren Graham) & Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) who are really best friends. Lorelei comes from a wealthy Hartford family and got pregnant at sixteen and moved to a small Connecticut hamlet called Stars Hollow to raise Rory. Lorelei runs the local Independence Inn and Rory is an incredibly gifted high school student. The show's plots are built around the girl's relationship which each other and the conflicting lives Lorelei leads. One is her life in Stars Hollow, which is filled with quirky residents and odd town events. The other is with her estranged parents (Kelly Bishop & Edward Hermann), whose blue-blooded ways rankle with her free spirit. Lorelei is forced to take her parents help in order to pay for Rory's tuition at the prestigious Chilton School which will help Rory try to fulfill her dream of going to Harvard. As a condition of giving her the money, Lorelei and Rory must attend weekly Friday dinners at their house. These dinners lead to numerous confrontations between Lorelei and her parents throughout the season. The residents of Stars Hollow provide comfort and friendship to the Gilmores. Among them are the gruff and grumpy Luke Danes (Scott Patterson) who owns the local diner, Sookie St. James (Melissa McCarthy) who is Lorelei's best friend and chef at the inn and Michel Gerard (Yanic Truesdale) who is desk manager at the inn and is incredibly sarcastic. Ms. Graham is a revelation in her role. She commands every scene she is in and she can deftly deliver the rapid-fire dialogue that is in every show. She is one of the most over-looked and underrated actresses on television. The extras on the disk are as good as any on tv show box set. One interesting extra is a pop-up video version of the "Rory's Dance" episode. A big trademark of the show are the incredible amount of pop culture references included in each episode. This extra provides you with a pop-up each time one is made and in the pop-up, it tells you where the reference is from. If you've overlooked this quality show in the past, the you should check out this excellent package that gives the show its due.

Nice, romantic, funny mother-daughter show
I was pleasantly surprized by this mother-daughter show. It's really thrilling play. Very nice actors, nice dialogs. Good fillings of the nice small town and relationship between people. I think it was very nice time expenditure for me.
Thanks everyone for this DVD set!!!
Just love it so much!!!
Waiting for other seasons :)

Amazing!
I really love "Gilmore Girls", especially Lorelai and Ms Kim! I've to say i was quite surprised when i first saw GG: i had expected just another boring, silly series ( as there are many). But this is different: It is entertaining, it is funny and -nevertheless- it deals with problems everbody knows (like breaking up with your boyfriend, problems with a class mate ...)

Einfach Traumhaft
Eine absolut geile Serie ! Das Verhältnis zwischen Mutter und Tochter ist so wie es sich viele wünschen würden ! Die Schlagfertigkeit der beiden ist einfach genial ! Wir hoffen das die beiden bald auch bei uns in Deutschland auf DVD erscheinen ! ... Read more

Amazon.com

To resolve the season 2 cliffhanger, General Hammond rounds up every conceivable ally to rescue the SG-1 team from Hathor's clutches and gets a much-needed field trip in the process. "Into the Fire " is actually a weak opening for the new year, but does boast some impressive visuals as Hammond and Brat'ac pilot a shuttle through an open Stargate (euphemistically called "threading the needle"). In subsequent episodes, Daniel Jackson is intrigued by the planet Orban's scientific advances over only a few years. An exchange of knowledge is agreed and the precise "Learning Curve" of their children is revealed. Still recalling the original movie, O'Neill is concerned for the siblings because of the loss of his son. In "Demons" some serious lambasting of organized religion occurs in a storyline concerning a medieval Christian village that's being terrorized by a giant Goa'uld servant creature. This episode both brings to light and questions each of the principal characters' beliefs.

"Forever in a Day" begins an important storyline about Daniel's wife Sha're's stolen child who is a "Harcesis," an illegal breeding between Goa'uld hosts. Then an earlier thread is picked up in "Past and Present" on planet Vyus whose people all suffer amnesia. Their leader Ke'ra (played by Megan Leitch who's portrayed Mulder's missing sister in The X-Files) is a link to the earlier "Prisoners" episode and the dangerous "destroyer of worlds". In a two-part cliffhanger, Sam must attempt to rescue her father, face Satan himself on a prison moon, and resurrect "Jolinar's Memories" from the Goa'uld she was briefly possessed by, then "The Devil You Know" reveals an embarrassing secret that could allow the team to escape the clutches of Satanic Sokar. "Pretense" is one of those sci-fi series staples as a character is put on trial to prove their guilt on behalf of another. "Urgo" expands the general sardonic humor with a little pathos for the guest appearance by Dom DeLuise. Lots of slapstick ensues.

"A Hundred Days" is the three months O'Neill spends stranded on planet Edora by the fire rain of a passing asteroid belt. Then in "Shades of Grey" he appears to suffer a total personality switch when he steals technology from the Tollan and is insubordinate in the extreme. Both these are terrific concepts but are scarcely enough story to have stretched across more than one episode. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Very good, better than just about anything on TV
If a person wants some pretty good TV science fiction, the Stargate series has always been a good choice with the third season being no exception.
The alien worlds SG-1 visits each week do have a Canadian look to them that can't be helped, that's where it's filmed, but for action adventure I think you'll find it to be really pretty good.
There's a wide variety of stories for you to choose from, something will be good to anyone who likes scifi with some gunplay. I personally liked #1 Into the Fire, #2 Seth, #4 Point of View,#12 Foothold,#15 A Hundred Days, #17 New Ground. Most of the others had their good points too, how many series are that strong in quality?
The featurettes are done in a different style with this box set with Don Davis and/or Teryl Rothery in character on the SG-1 set speaking to the camera as if the viewer is someone invited to look over some computer file or do some research, when the segment is done they invite you to leave. The format is a little silly but the featurettes are interesting.

great series; not so great dvd pakage
I love this series, the concept, the plot, the characters and their interaction with one another; I LOVE this series... However, while I desire to add all seasons to my dvd collection it's BULKY pakaging and few extras features have yet to convince me. These (3 so far) dvd boxed sets are well deserving of their name. Instead of following suit such as Fox's X-files pakaging and Paramount's ST: DS9 which are compact and collect one whole season, MGM released the first season in five separate dvd's, each consisting of about four episodes and title vol. 1-5. When that didn't work out as well as the studio hoped and they recongnized that customers and fans alike preferred each season in its entirety rather than designing a new, better, compact pakaging method they wrapped the previously released vol. 1-5 in a BOX. They have also done the same with season 2 and 3. I hope that one day the see the errors of their ways and reoffer this great series in a better pakaging format so that I can then buy them.

Old Endings and New Beginnings
Many people believe that subsequent seasons of Stargate: SG1 get progressively better. So far, no arguement from me. Season 1 was good, 2 was better, and this has been the best so far. Col. Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson), and his SG1 team of the now Maj. Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), Dr. Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), and Teal'c (Christopher Judge) continued their adventures through the Stargate to various old and new planets. The team, as well as the SGC in general, were tested in many more ways than ever thought possible. The team went to "Hell" in order to save Sam's dad, who is still a member of the Tok'Ra resistance, Daniel suffered a major loss, and O'Neill was blended, albeit briefly, with a Goa'uld.
One of the reasons that I personally liked this year was that many of last year's conflicts were resolved (Lenea, Destroyer of Worlds), which made room for new plotlines (the Replicators), as well as continuing old ones (the search for the Harsesis child). Also, this season revitalized a Season 1 plotline that had been falsely ended in Season 2.
This is also the season when SG1 truly realizes that they truly have allies in their fight against the Goa'uld; the Asgard helped form a treaty between Earth and the Goa'uld (though it is not likely to be followed by either party due to some of the clauses), the Tok'Ra continue to offer their assistance and wisdom, the Nox have begun to reestablish contact with the SGC, and the Tollan, who are also human, now have reason to truly dislike the parasitic alien race. Speaking of which, I really liked the episode "Pretense", because it gave large roles to the Tollan and Liah, who is of the Nox. I mean, if the Asgard had made an appearance in the episode, then it would have really been a party.
Other good episodes include "Into the Fire", "Fair Game", "Legacy", "Learning Curve", "Point of View", "Past and Present", "Jolinar's Memories", "The Devil You Know", "Foothold", "Urgo", "Shades of Grey", "New Ground", and "Nemesis". Judging by the increase in quality each season, I can't wait to see Season 4.

the king of sci-fi
Sg1 is just too amazing. The stories are great and they truly start to shine in season 3. We have had 2 seasons for some good character development so why not throw in some new gods and allies and make things happen!

This season is just great and sets up a lot of stuff that we will be going back to in further seasons. Such as the episode jolinars memories and of course urgo is a great episode and shows what most sci-fi shows preach. Foothold is a great episode as well and tends to bring the sgc some trouble later on in the series. It's truly tough to choose the best episode for any stargate series as pretty much all shows are great.

For the technical aspects

The show has improved on their transfers for the video and added a great bit more extras! The audio is still amazing with its 5.1 audio. Season 3 is an amazing season and well enough reading the review just watch the season and enjoy!

Superb season!
There were very few episodes in this season I didn't like. A solid season with great storylines and acting. This season has great rewatching value - almost every episode excites time and time again. While I find myself skipping episodes in other seasons, I don't see that happening much in this season. Back to back great episodes! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even as it bid goodbye to one of its core characters, Cheers enjoyed a fifth season of high hilarity that still holds up decades later.The cliffhanger at the end of the fourth season began a season-long courting dance between Sam (Ted Danson) and Diane (Shelley Long) in which both want to get married--but never at the same time.They argue, they see a pre-nuptial counselor (an Emmy-winning John Cleese), and then one has to make a final decision.But Sam and Diane weren't the only ones exploring relationships.Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) once again meets Dr. Lilith Sternin (Bebe Neuwirth) and, with the help of Diane, are soon cozily coinhabiting.Woody (Woody Harrelson) gets a visit from his ex-girlfriend (Amanda Wyss), and meets Coach's niece (Cady McClain).Carla (Rhea Perlman) seems finally rid of the sleazy Nick (Dan Hedaya, who was spun off into a thankfully short-lived series called The Tortellis) only to meet a Bruins goalie named Eddie LeBec (Jay Thomas).Then again, there were some non-relationship events, such as Diane's trying out for the Boston Ballet and the gang's classic Thanksgiving dinner at Carla's house (in which we finally get to see Norm's wife, Vera, sort of).But more than anything, the fifth season belonged to Sam and Diane.Their relationship ends in touching flash-forward and a wish to "have a good life." If only the departing actor's subsequent career had been so good.Like the fourth season, the DVD set has no extras.--David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I have no reason to give less than 5 stars
I, for one, am in favor of these CHEERS sets being released without extras if it results in a lower price and shorter breaks in between release dates.So even though 5 stars might be too high of a rating for this set (since there are no extras), I can't give it any less because I'm getting exactly what I wanted here - all the episodes in their uncut glory!

"I Do, Adieu," the final episode in the set, includes the shortened opening credits sequence we now see in syndication, but otherwise everything looks to be intact.Some copyrighted music may have been replaced here and there in a few episodes but I can't tell for sure - if it was then it couldn't have been anything crucial to any story or joke.

The picture quality is as near perfect as I could've expected, and I like that the chapter stops are placed at the act breaks.The "play-all" option is a marathon lover's dream come true as well.

Incidentally, this season contains one of my favorite episodes of the entire series, "Simon Says."John Cleese is hysterical and gives Sam and (mostly) Diane a hard time in the most fitting manner possible.Trivia buffs may already be aware that Cleese won an Emmy for this.He is the only guest actor to do so in the history of this series.

Since releasing that first season set of this show, Paramount has really improved their overall presentation.Some might call this bare bones, and perhaps they're right.But that's okay with me since CHEERS may never look or sound this crisp in syndicated reruns.

ONE OF TV'S ALL-TIME GREATS
Cheers was one of the great all time sit-coms that unfortunately seems to have not aged very well with viewers.While other shows like Seinfeld continue to be ratings juggernauts in re-runs, Cheers has lost a bit of that lustre and I'm not really sure why.With great writing and great performances Cheers always delivered the laughs and the ratings.This show finished in the Nielsen Top 10 eight times including SEVEN top 5 finishes.That's really incredible.Season five was notable for one big event which was Shelly Long leaving the show in the last episode of the season, paving the way for Kirstie Alley in Season six.Season Five would begin with dueling wedding proposals between Sam and Diane and end with the pair finally set to marry until Diane gets a book offer.

Favorite season five episodes include:

1) The proposal - Sam finally proposes to Diane romantically aboard a boat.When Diane turns him down Sam makes her walk the plank.

2) Thanksgiving orphans - One of the all-time great Cheers episodes as the gang gathers at Carla's house for Thanksgiving Dinner that takes all night to cook and ends up in a hilarious food fight featuring the only appearance of Norm's wife Vera as she is totally covered in food.

3) Everyone Imitates art.Sam gets a poem published in a magazine that has rejected Diane's work a number of times and she is sure that he stole the poem from somewhere and is determined to find out.

4) Never Love a Goalie - Carla starts dating a Pro hockey goalie named Eddie (Jay Thomas) but as soon as they start dating, Eddie starts playing terribly.

5) Dinner at Eight-ish.Frasier and Lilith invite Sam and Diane over for dinner but things go awry when Lilith finds out that Frasierand Diane used to date.

6) Norm's First Hurrah.Norm brags about getting a great job as an accountant with a top company but when the gang surprises him at work, things are not exactly as norm described.

7) Simon Says - The Great John Cleese plays a noted marriage Counselor who says Sam and Diane are not meant for each other which so upsets Diane that she continues to pester him.Hilarious episode!

8)I do and Adieu - Diane's leaves Sam when they are finally ready to be married.

To be honest I always preferred Kirstie Alley over Shelly long so I was not all that upset to see Diane leave.But there are lots of great episodes in this season that would lead into the final six season which I truly loved.

One of the greatest sitcoms in television history...
One of the greatest television comedies in history, Cheers is an absolute "must see" for anyone who's ever had a regular hangout "where everybody knows your name". The shows centers itself around the friendly neighborhood Boston bar named Cheers. The bar is owned by former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Sam has three employees - bartender Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) and waitresses Carla Tortelli (Rhea Pearlman) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Noted psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) and his wife Dr. Lilith Sternin Crane (Bebe Neuwirth) are regulars at the bar (with Grammar later starring in his own series spin-off, Frasier). Regular barflies Norm Peterson (George Wendt) and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) round out a strong supporting cast.

The Cheers (Season 5) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere in which the audience discovers that Sam's marriage proposal from the previous year's season finale was directed at Diane. However, Diane feels that Sam is on the rebound from Janet, so she declines - requesting a more romantic setting for their engagement. When Sam proposes on a boat, Diane turns him down again then spends several episodes attempting to get Sam to propose once again. Meanwhile, Carla falls in love with Boston Bruins goalie Eddie LeBec (Jay Thomas) and John Cleese makes a guest appearance as a famous marriage counselor and friend of Frasier Crane. The season ends with Diane leaving Sam at the altar in order to finish a novel a publishing house is interested in...

Below is a list of episodes included on the Cheers (Season 5) DVD:

Episode 96 (The Proposal)
Episode 97 (The Cape Cad)
Episode 98 (Money Dearest)
Episode 99 (Abnormal Psychology)
Episode 100 (House of Horrors With Formal Dining and Used Brick)
Episode 101 (Tan N' Wash)
Episode 102 (Young Dr. Weinstein)
Episode 103 (Knights of the Scimitar)
Episode 104 (Thanksgiving Orphans)
Episode 105 (Everyone Imitates Art)
Episode 106 (The Book of Samuel)
Episode 107 (Dance, Diane, Dance)
Episode 108 (Chambers vs. Malone)
Episode 109 (Diamond Sam)
Episode 110 (Spellbound)
Episode 111 (Never Love a Goalie: Part 1)
Episode 112 (Never Love a Goalie: Part 2)
Episode 113 (One Last Fling)
Episode 114 (Dog Bites Cliff)
Episode 115 (Dinner at Eight-ish)
Episode 116 (Simon Says)
Episode 117 (The Godfather, Part III)
Episode 118 (Norm's First Hurrah)
Episode 119 (Cheers: the Motion Picture)
Episode 120 (A House is Not a Home)
Episode 121 (I Do and Adieu)

The DVD Report

I'm Gonna Miss Diane
I love Cheers. Its my favorite show of all time! The Diane years are my favorite. But the seasons after her departure are classic too, don't get me wrong, but i think Cheers is at its best with Diane. This is her final season, and boy, did she leave it with a bang. An absolutely classic show, and yet another phenominal season of Cheers on dvd. There are too many classic episodes to name, but here's a couple, when Sam councils Dianes' reservations at that expensive restaurant, and takes his date there instead. Hilarious! And when the dog bites Cliff, and he thinks she really likes him, but of course she is just trying to get out of being sued by Cliffie. A laugh riot! There are atleast like 15 more I can think of, but I can't list them all here. I got the first 4 seasons the day they came out, and I'm gonna get the 5th season the day it comes out as well.

Cheers Seasonn Five:funny, entertaining, and timeless
Cheers was one of the best sitcoms of the 80s. It was funny, entertaining, and timeless. My favorite characters are Norm, Diane, and Carla because each was unique and very funny in their own ways.

Here's all the episodes you'll get with Cheers - The Complete Fifth Season:

The Proposal (September 25, 1986)
We find out that Sam's telephone proposal was to Diane. But Diane feels that skirt-chaser Sam is just on the rebound.

The Cape Cad (October 2, 1986)
Diane goes to Cape Cod only to meddle and cause trouble during Sam's weekend with another women.

Money Dearest (October 9, 1986)
Cliff couldn't be happier when he finds out that his mom is going to marry a rich man. But he sings a different turn when Esther's fiance decides to donate all of his wealth.

Abnormal Psychology (October 16, 1986)
Diane assists Lilith so that Frasier will find her more appealing.

House of Horrors With Formal Dining and Used Brick (October 30, 1986)
Cliff helps Carla find a new home which is within her budget. But, the house is haunted! The Cheers gang learn that Carla is scarier than any haunted house.

Tan N' Wash (November 6, 1986)
Norm starts a new business, the Tan N' Wash, which the gang wants to invest it. But the investment is a washout.

Young Dr. Weinstein (November 13, 1986)
Stung by Diane's cold behavior, Sam tries to impress her by getting reservations at the most exclusive spot in Boston.

Knights of the Scimitar (November 27, 1986)
Cliff prods a reluctant Norm to join the lodge and Sam thinks Diane has invented a suitor to gain his interest and get some extra attention.

Thanksgiving Orphans (November 27, 1986)
The Cheers crew all gathers around Carla's table for frozen turkey and wisecracks.

Everyone Imitates Art (December 4, 1986)
Diane becomes obsessed with tracking down a poem that she is certain that Sam stole.

The Book of Samuel (December 11, 1986)
Woody delves into Sam's black book to find a date to impress his former girl friend, who is coming to Cheers to introduce her fiancé.

Dance, Diane, Dance (December 18, 1986)
Diane foolishly decides to audition for the Boston ballet even though she has no dancing talent.

Chambers vs Malone (January 8, 1987)
Again, Same proposes to Diane and ends up arrested when she turns him down.

Diamond Sam (January 15, 1987)
Sam feels bad for buying Diane an imitation ring.

Spellbound (January 22, 1987)
Nick vows to steal Diane away from Sam when Sam defends Loretta's efforts to ditch Nick and start her own career as a singer. This episode aired before the pilot of "The Tortellis" withDan Hedaya (as Nick Tortelli).

Never Love a Goalie (1) (January 29, 1987)
Carla falls in love with Eddie LeBec, a hockey player. Diane is the holdout juror on a murder trial.

Never Love a Goalie (2) (February 5, 1987)
Eddie's career cools down after he starts seeing Carla. The murder defendant pays a visit to Diane at Cheers.

One Last Fling (February 12, 1987)
Diane allows Sam 24 hours for a final fling before their marriage ceremony.

Dog Bites Cliff (February 19, 1987)
Cliff sees dollar signs after a dog bites him while delivering the mail, until he meets the dog's beautiful and very friendly owner.

Dinner at Eight-ish (February 26, 1987)
Frasier and Lilith invite Sam and Diane over for dinner to celebrate their first week of living together.

Simon Says (March 5, 1987)
Diane pesters a noted British marriage counselor into seeing her and Sam for a prenuptial session, then refuses to heed his advice.

The Godfather, Part III (March 19, 1987)
Sam's goddaughter Joyce Pantusso (the late Coach's niece) comes for a visit. Sam asks Woody to show her around town. They hit it off, and Woody and Joyce have a surprise for Sam when they get engaged!

Norm's First Hurrah (March 26, 1987)
Norm elaborates on his new position with a top CPA firm and is caught in his little white lies when the Cheers gang decides to surprise him at his new job.

Cheers: the Motion Picture (April 2, 1987)
The gang tries to reassure a nervous Mr. and Mrs. Boyd back in Indiana that Woody is all right and has wonderful friends in Boston by making a home movie of an average day at Cheers.

A House is Not a Home (April 30, 1987)
Diane is haunted by the memories of the couple who lived a long and happy life together in the home she and Sam have purchased. These people haven't passed away, they are incurable pests who keep dropping in.

I Do and Adieu (May 7, 1987)
Diane goes off with Sumner Sloane (the man that left her at Cheers in the pilot) because he comes back and states that a publisher is interested in one of her manuscripts.







... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

If a top-level spy decided he didn't want to be a spy anymore, could he just walk into HQ and hand in his resignation? With all that classified knowledge in his head, would he be allowed to become a civilian again, free to go about his life? The answer, according to the stylish, brilliantly conceived 1960s British TV series The Prisoner, is a resounding no. In fact, instead of receiving a gold watch for his years of faithful service, our hero (played by Patrick McGoohan) is followed home to his London flat and knocked unconscious. When he awakens, he finds himself in a picturesque village where everyone is known by a number. Where is it? Why was he brought here? And, most important, how does he leave?

As we learn in Episode 1, Number 6 can't leave. The Village's "citizens" might dress colorfully and stroll around its manicured gardens while a band plays bouncy Strauss marches, but the place is actually a prison. Surveillance is near total, and if all else fails, there's always the large, mysterious white ball that subdues potential escapees by temporarily smothering them. Who runs the Village? An ever-changing Number 2, who wants to know why Number 6 resigned. If he'd only cooperate, he's told, life can be made very pleasant. "I've resigned," he fumes. "I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed, or numbered. My life is my own." So sets the stage for the ultimate battle of wills: Number 6's struggle to retain his privacy, sanity, and individuality against the array of psychological and physical methods the Village uses to break him.

So does he ever escape? And does he ever find out who Number 1 is? "Questions are a burden to others," the Village saying goes. "Answers, a prison for oneself." Within this complete 17-episode set (which contains the entire series), all is revealed. Or is it? --Steve Landau ... Read more

Reviews (39)

I AM NOT A NUMBER, I AM A BOX SET OF DVDs
Well not exactly Patrick McGoohan's opening from The Prisoner, but it did catch your attention :-). Seriously here they are, all 17 episodes plus the Prisoner Video Companion originally offered on MCI Home Video now on DVD compliments of our good friends at A&E. What's nicer is the episodes are arranged in what the fans believe to be the chronological order of the episodes in terms of Number 6's time in the Village rather than order of original airdate (although some of them are in airdate order). As a hint at this look carefully at "The General" and "A, B and C". Both star Colin Gordon as Number 2, but in the opening for "A, B and C" he says "I am number 2" rather than "The new number 2". Also this set contains something released on video previously but only in England, a special edition of the 5th episode of the series, "The Chimes of Big Ben". Definitely the best of McGoohan's 3 British Secret Agent types series, but also the quintessential scifi series as well. By the way, a special debt of gratitude to A&E Homevideo. When this series first came out on VHS on MPI Homevideo in 1990, they made a muff in the episode "Checkmate". In the "Where am I" segment of the opening sequence it started with McGoohan doing it with the fore mentioned Colin Gordon even though Peter Wyngarde played Number 2 in this episode. By the third line "That would be telling" the tape was ok. I can't speak for the new A&E VHS copy, but on these DVDs the muff has NOT recurred. Which means either A&E acquired a better copy of the episode to restore on DVD or someone told them about the flub from 11 years ago. So kudos to A&E Video for to repairing this decade old "blooper". This 10 pack is much better buy than the 5 sets of 2 DVDs individually. Get it now, return to the Village and escape at your own pace.

For die-hard fans only, but for us, it's a treasure
Honestly, if you're not a true fan of the series, I can't imagine why you would want to shell out this kind of money to own the whole set. But as a former member of The Prisoner Appreciation Society, I think it's a great collector's item, and is good for introducing the series to friends who have never seen it before or who only saw it in passing. The series is as addictive and thought-provoking as ever, though having the whole collection to watch back-to-back lets you find lots of continuity errors that you were likely to miss the first time around... and the three or four really BAD episodes stand out all the more when you're watching them all in sequence and are focused on them.

As for the DVDs themselves, the audio quality of the episodes is what you might expect from a 1967 TV series (the difference between the audio of the shows and the modern-day interview is pronounced), the menu screens are attractive and in a style which fits the series well. The bonus features are a little scant. The "alternate version" of Chimes is so barely different it isn't that interesting, the Trivia Quiz was lifted right off the Appreciation Society's website, the trailers would make you NOT want to watch the episodes, but the couple of extra interviews are pretty cool.

A must for Prisoner fans
I myself did not think the transfer was all that bad. In fact I think it looks good on my 61" Sony and Sony DVD.
I started watching the Prisoner when it first released in the US as summer replacement. I have been hooked ever since.
Yes it is about a spy or "Secret Agent" who resigns in obvious disgust and is kidnapped, taken to a very mysterious, secret and very secure place known as "The Village". It is also about his attempts at escape and other intrigues. Leading edge spy stuff for its time.
To appreciate The Prisoner you must go beneath the surface at what The Prisoner really means. The series is full of symbolism and social commentary while The Vilage is referred to as "The model for a new world order" by one of the constantly changing #2's.
The series blew everyones mind in the late 60's when it aired. I knew many people who could not get it and never watched more than one or two episodes. The die-hard fans hung in there and got our own minds blown in "Fall Out" the final episode.
After years and careful noticeof the world and politics and social upheavals The Prisoner now makes sense immediately to people who are just now seeing it for the first time - like my 22 year old daughter. she had it figured out (correctly) by the 3rd DVD.
Anyway, this is an important series and TV's first true masterpiece. It is a work or art, it is a social commentary and it is very prophetic and more relevant than ever.
I love this set. I enjoyed the bonus tracks. To those who think the bonus tracks are lacking, remember this is a TV show produced in 1967. This is a veritable gold mine of bonus material.
After seeing all 17 episodes again in order, sharing them with my daughter had brought me to even new revelations about the series and the genius behind them.
My daughter thinks the special effects and action sequences are not realistic - BUT be reminded again, this is a TV series from 1967.
Could The Prisoner be remade and updated? Perhaps, but I would have a fear of losing the message. This series was created in an era of relative innocence when most people trusted the government. This is one of the things thsat made the series so remarkable.
Here we are 37 years after production and we are STILL discussing it;s significance. While I might agree with my daughter that modern production values and updated special effects woulc be a good spice to the series I would fear destroying the essence and the uniqueness.
Mc Goohan had a degree of freedom when producing the series. Any newer production would most likely be polluted by attempts to make it more mass-market acceptable.
The Prisoner is a sensitive work and a work of genius. Buy the DVD set and enjoy.

all-time great series, box set lacking...
i want to say first off that i'm a huge prisoner fan. i loved the series from beginning to end for all that it is. this review will be only of the dvd box set.
ok, the audio and video quality are fantastic. but here's my gripe: 10 discs for a 17 episode series? talk about being greedy! they could have easily had 4 episodes to a disc. even if it were 3 episodes per disc leaving the final disc chock full of extras that would nearly cut this set's size in half. speaking of which the extras in this set are nothing special. theres not even an interview with patrick mcgoohan!
i'm lucky i got mine at a bargain or else i never would have bothered.

The Archetype Prevails
There are no greater television shows than "The Prisoner". Not ever. Perhaps shows such as "MASH" or "Twin Peaks" rise high enough to catch a glimpse of Patrick McGoohan's Big Idea racing off into the distance but they will never catch up. "The Prisoner" is one of the few works of art in the twentieth century that actually deserve to be called revolutionary. But, Patrick McGoohan, the show's creator and star, has no time whatsoever to rebel against things that lesser figures and would-be rebels wish to rebel against -stoking up the fires of their tiny egos. McGoohan means business and his series, "The Prisoner" rushes up to all of the Big Questions and grabs them by the neck. "The Prisoner" is a declared war against tyranny in all of its forms: sexual attraction, the lure of comfort, the facade of democratic politics, science, fundamentalist anti-science, conservatism, cheap liberal progressivism, group-think in any form at all including "individualism" (which is just another form of group-think),the ultimate prison which is one's self, and more. Number Six, played by Patrick McGoohan himself, is absolutely relentless on his assault upon the Village which would keep him there against his will. And he desires to leave no matter what wholesome blandishments are offered to him. In that way, Number Six is a greater human being than most of us. He is more than a common human individual living out his life. He is an archetype. He can never quite escape but the octopoidal snares of the Village can never quite hold him. In that way, his story resembles the myth of Sisyphus. And yet Number Six is more than Sisyphus. I will not give the end of the series away but I will say that at the end Number Six comes to a true understanding of himself. The only good true understanding of one's self is if that understanding destroys the cycles. The strangest idea at the base of "The Prisoner" is the idea that morality itself, at its most secret heart, is the ultimate form of rebellion. Number Six has a devotion to pure justice, profound freedom, actual compassion ( as opposed to its sentimental counterfeits), and rigorous truth telling that is so extreme - more extreme even than the great Jewish prophets in the Bible - that he actually is an archetype, and not merely a single human being. Number One is the secret Archon that rules the Village. The Village is, of course, demon possessed, though the demons mostly reveal themselves as Angels of Light. Under Number One is paraded a grand series of Number Two's. They come and they go. Each one of them is yet one more attempt to seduce or brutalize Number Six into giving up his freedom. One of the strangest things about this series is that Patrick McGoohan's idea of freedom rejects both the dionysian and the apollonian as categories of human thought and endeavour. McGoohan believes there is a third way that carves its own path, disdainful of the sharp and controlled, fascist geometries of the apollonian and compassionately rejectfull of the oblivion and disintegration offered by the dionysian. No better show exists. I don't think the fifth grade schoolboy bullies who dominate Hollywood or the television studios could allow such a great work to be made or shown on television today. But that is both their fault and their impotence. The Number Two's come and go but the Archetype prevails. ... Read more

Description

Bertie Wooster is feeling a bit shy of the mark when his new valet reports for duty, bringing with him a much-needed cure for the effects of the previous night's excesses. On the strength of this sterling debut, Jeeves is formally retained, and the unsuspecting servant is thrown headlong into the glorious mix of overbearing aunts, unbidden guests, friends in need and romantic entanglements that is Bertie's lot in life.

To millions of devoted fans, P.G. Wodehouse's "Jeeves and Wooster" stories are a delightful obsession, an irresistible and irreverent romp through the drawing rooms of Edwardian England's tweedy elite. Now, these comic masterpieces come to life in acclaimed productions with an extraordinary cast that features Hugh Laurie (Sense and Sensibility, Strapless) as the well-meaning but dim aristocrat Bertie Wooster, and Stephen Fry (Wilde, Cold Comfort Farm) as Jeeves, his hilariously arch and resourceful valet. This 8-DVD collector's set includes 23 digitally restored and remastered episodes. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

...
These discs are worth the price. You 'll get the full flavor of P.G. Wodehouse's great books by watching these wonderful stories again and again. With the bumbling dim witted Wooster and his quick witted valet Jeeves they go from one pratfall to another.
Each story is full of great characters and fun from beginning to end. So join Barmey, Stinker Pinker, and Tuppy as they, along with Balmey and Stiffy, help poor Berty with the problems of life. Pip Pip and Cherrio.

What Ho Jeeves!
I've enjoyed watching this series from it's inception. What has been interesting is sharing it with my family. My kids were only in grade school when they first watched, and they seemed to get as big a kick out of them as us old parents did. Now they are devoted Wodehouse fans and enjoy his other stories too. The characters seem to enjoy being dragged thru the ringer of the old master PGW. If you enjoy comedy, 1920's flavor styles and music, sumptuous sets, or even gorgeous views of old England, you should enjoy these enough to bear through them with pluck and your chin up.

Wish I Were English
Well, Its like this. Not to long ago an old chump of mine decided to lay on me these televised versions of a previously unheard of cluster of books. With serious hindsight I should have just dismissed the dratted things, but you should know that the future happened to elude me just then, and I launched myself into them with all the gusto of an alley cat onto a fishbone. In fact the whole bally idea of it rather struck me.

To be perfectly honest, I must say that it was hard to say no to after the pitch I was given. My sword swingin comrade said in no uncertain terms, and with a polite slowness that keeps me on the right level, that I would like them, that they were good, and that he would stand behind me with said sword and make sure I laughed. At first I gathered that he was laying it on a bit thick, but when I saw the fevered intensity that broke out into a sweat across his face, I knew that he was sure of himself.

They were dashed nonsense really, but I couldn't help but take a liking to them. Seeing an English gent trying to fix situational problems when he seems to be missing a bit of grey matter is all well and good, but I felt nothing but relief each time his valet was brought onto the scene to take matters into his own hands.

Wooster (the grey matter missing chap), is a likable fellow. Always willing to help out a friend in need, which usually lands him into a tight spot, while Jeeves (the aforementioned valet), has a mind that can tackle the toughest issues, and is willing to do so as long as Wooster can stay within Jeeves's fashion limits.

Along the way I encountered an odd, but strangely refreshing cast. From jolly old fish-face, to the newt toting Finknottle. From a multitude of Brittish gals who have the wrong idea that Wooster is madly in love with them, to an array of aunts who can't wait to find something wrong with the poor chap. (...) And I can't forget to mention the mob of friends who flit from one romance to the next.

After sitting through all four seasons in a short 3 or 4 week time, I realized that Wooster was a part of me and I couldn't very well give up the poor fellow.

I have of late found myself reading a dashed good novel called "Life With Jeeves", also provided by my previous mentioned chum. Supposedly it was written by P.G. Woodhouse, but I know it was really Wooster himself just using a pen name, after getting the idea from his friend Bingo who once gave him the false name of Rosie M. Banks, a popular novelist of her time. I know this because he wrote it in first person, and someone calls him by his real name at least once every page.

I am so infatuated that I have taken to prowling on Amazon, watching all the Jeeves and Wooster pages (and there are a lot of them), waiting for any fresh reviews to satisfy my new needs.

Just remember, your review had better be a bally good one.

Most(ly) Impeccable, sir !
Amongst the myriad fields of art and aesthetics, it can be argued that the medium of comedy contains the greatest level of subjectivity for its audience. That which makes one man laugh will make another weep (or sneer), and vice-versa; the polarities of 'funny' tend to fall into the time-honored wit-slots of lowbrow (Adam Sandler pleb-fests), middlebrow (mainstream sitcoms), and highbrow (satire, tongue-in-cheek obscurest in-joshing). Alas, the boundaries between 'brows are vast, virulently defended, and rarely surmounted by either artist or audience... and as to which is truly 'better,' well, that is (I repeat) a subjective preference: for each represents a facet of humanity - from the all-encompassing exit-point of the gutter to the slick exclusivity of the Ivory Tower - and should be respected as such. The language and technique may differ, yet under the surface the similarities cannot be denied - for as any Buddhist will happily tell you, comedy thrives on *suffering*: the pain and folly of humanity exposed, ridiculed, and reduced in turn by the cathartic chuckle; our redundancies, egocentricies, idiocies and plain tomfoolery encapsulated for exorcism and/or easy digestion.

Rare is it for one to find a comedy that deftly blends the best elements of all three 'brow aesthetics' into a humor-vehicle that is at once escapist and illuminating. *Wooster and Jeeves*, an A&E adaptation of the P.G. Wodehouse serial-novels of the same name, achieves this exceptional distinction. With its natural dialogue (culled directly from the source material), impeccable comic timing and excellent acting, along with an extremely refreshing variation on the standard development-of-conflict/culmination-of-tension sitcom-structure, *Wooster and Jeeves* towers over the dross and diminished returns of mainstream H-wood offerings, exposing the implicit poverty of ultra-recycled miscommunication-muddling, senseless slapstick, lowest-common-denominator joke-dialogue and imbecilic 'shock' theatrics. This is one for the archives.

*Wooster and Jeeves* centers around one Bertram Wooster (Hugh Laurie), an archetypical English wealth-scion of the flapper '20s (i.e. a playboy and all-around fop), and Jeeves (Stephen Fry), his sophisticated valet. Bertie has devoted his existence to simple pleasures: afternoon excursions to the local gentleman's club for drinks and nine-ball; the occasional golf-game in the countryside; learning all the newest tunes on his piano (and, distressingly, a trombone). But this peaceful existence is constantly threatened by his relatives and school-chum companions, who endeavor often-as-not to involve him in their half-witted shenanigans (often via blackmail), or seek to marry him off so as to be 'molded' into an upstanding citizen. Luckily Bertie has Jeeves, his upper-crust manservant of philosophical bent, photographic memory and astonishing reliability, to help him wriggle free from these various entanglements/entrapments: "you're a rare bird, Jeeves!" Bertie invariably exclaims upon hearing the elegant, simple solutions his valet conjures. Indeed, compared to the lassitude and loathsome irresponsibility run rampant in Bertie's circle of the privileged (...peacocks, puff-adders and/or prunes), Jeeves is a pillar and a paragon, far more cultivated in his education and moral fortitude than any of the noble-rank he so impeccably serves. This could be considered a cliché, and with good reason - but we must remember that clichés often have a strong basis in reality, and such is the case here. Wooster & co., born with the silver spoon firmly placed in mouth, have never had to struggle for anything: thus, stressful occasion is usually invented or invited, for excitement, a 'lark', a means to obtain the suffering so key in delineating character and defining pleasure, whereas Jeeve's fortitude is all self-made, stamped upon soul and sinew through years of willing trial.

But I digress. The one thing I like most about *Wooster and Jeeves,* aside from the top-notch writing, acting, set-design and dramatic construction, is the fact that it sidesteps the typical tension-build of very nearly all comedy. In the usual spate of sitcom and other 'brow-aesthetics,' a situation is introduced, complications ensue, and with an unhealthy over-reliance of miscommunication, the tension is milked and milked until 'release' - long after the outcome has been thoroughly predicted by the jaded audience. In each episode of *Wooster and Jeeves*, however, the writers have combined several of Wodehouse's short stories, therein threading events, character-arcs and complications into a sinuous storm of tension/release. Rare is it for an uncomfortable situation to wear out its premise: not only are conflicts dispatched in a speedy and sometimes surprising manner, they often mutate into different, contrasting developments...an incredibly refreshing twist. This show is *not* milked, and there is (almost) always enough material to fill a 45-minute episode.

Until, that is, the fourth season. All that makes this series extraordinary is astonishingly reputed in the disastrous return-to-America episodes, which stretch credibility well past the breaking point and simply are _not_ up to snuff with the prior three seasons. The Empire State Building climax of 'The Once and Future Ex' borders on disgusting parody; the castaway epilogue to 'Bridegroom Wanted' is humorous only in a surreal 'what were they thinking?' sort of way. Everything returns to normal (more or less) once Bertie and Jeeves reach England, though the spark of the show is discernable weakened afterward and even the return of powerhouse personality-clashes like that of Finknottle and Spode come of more like copycat comedy when compared to their predecessors.

Regardless, this box set is well worth the lucre. Five stars.

A Pleasant Surprise
I doubt many people are aware of this fine TV comedy. You are in for a fine treat if you are here. The casting is wonderful, as are the costumes, music, and set design. The series is faithful to Wodehouse's stories. If you are already a Wodehouse fan, as am I, it will give you an extra thrill to see the series rendered so flawlessly. This is definitely a collector's item to be enjoyed over and over again and shared with the family. Tinkerty Tonk! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The biggest change for Stargate SG-1's sixth season was its move to the Sci-Fi Channel. Financial rescue or genre haven from cancellation? Whatever the behind-the-scenes politics, the departure of Daniel Jackson (actor Michael Shanks) the previous year most certainly contributed to the need to run a tighter ship somewhere. With the addition of his replacement, Jonas Quinn, the new show dynamic (hinted at by the new title theme) meant far more convolutedly involved story arcs and less individual focus. One of very few solo spotlights came from Christopher Judge writing his own show, when "The Changeling" saw Teal'c act out a life as a fireman. One reason for its being a fan favorite was the cameo from still-alive-after-all Daniel Jackson. There'd be several more through the year, culminating in a finale that relied on how much attention you'd been paying to that all-important back-story. Other kooky cameos included Dean Stockwell in one of the many spotlights onthe energy resource n'quadria, Ian Buchanan as one of the devilish Replicators (and hopefully the end of that plotline), and regular spots from John DeLancie, Ronny Cox, and Tom McBeath as the Earth-bound series bad guys. More pertinently, we also saw The X-Files' Byers (Bruce Harwood) as a scientist involved with the Antarctic Gate. Lest we forget, there are other portals on Earth. Is that an already planned spin-off on the horizon? --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (35)

BEST SEASON YET!!
I absolutely love Stargate SG-1 since discovering it a year ago (2003). I was shocked to learn that I had missed this fantastic and amazing show for 6 years just because I didn't have showtime (despicable channel--I don't know why SG-1 was ever aired on it). But in a way, I was able to play catch-up and buy all six seasons in a row, without having to wait during off seasons, cliffhangers, and so on, so I have enjoyed it more this way.

Stargate SG-1 has improved dramatically since the move to The Sci-Fi Channel, and the bigger budget and respect the show is receiving by Sci-Fi really shows in this season. Everything about the production is absolutely top-notch and very professionally done. I was mesmerized by every single episode in season 6, but a little sad that it was limited down from 22 to 18 episodes. Nevertheless, this season is now my favorite. The first three episodes are edge-of-your-seat suspense and action of theatrical quality. Many, many sub-plots are resolved in this season, making it very enjoyable. These folks know how to make a great show, and don't contradict themselves (heLLO Paramount?). What really amazed me was how this terrestrial show has been sucking the life out of Star Trek with many episodes taking place in space. With the 303, humanity now has a home-built interstellar starship that really is taking ground away from the already pathetic (and flushed) Star Trek franchise.

I was a big-time Star Trek fan, but am so angry about how Paramount ruined it. Enterprise is a pathetic joke, simply horrible. The writers can't possibly even be Trek fans, just leftovers from one or another soap opera. Come on people! What happened to bringing on sci-fi writers like Roddenberry used to do? This stuff is garbage.

Well that's where Stargate SG-1 shines. This season is fantastic, so much so that I've watched each episode twice, including the director's commetary and all the extras. Really great stuff.

Continuing the Stargate saga ...
I have to say, that I am somewhat .. if not totally biased to Stargate SG-1. You have been warned! Plus .. spoilers ahead, from Season 5.

At the end of Season 5, a key character of the SG-1 team leaves (essentially) and as such a new character is introduced, Jonas Quinn. He's an off-worlder/alien, from a planet called Kelowna and is in exile because of certain incidents which led to the 'disappearance' of Daniel Jackson. Oh boy, no one thought it would ever work .. the team dynamics would shift, no show has ever done away with such a key character etc. I would have to say that they have done it and done it very well.

The plotlines continue to amaze me. Some stand outs include "Frozen", "Abyss", "The Other Guys", "The Changeling" and of course the season ending cliff-hanger "Full Circle". I'm not sure if it's because of the addition of a new character, but there seems to be a whole variety of different themes, plots, interactions added into the show. It's not focused on one huge Goa'uld baddie, unlike previous seasons .. or the really boring Replicators. And the acting, interaction between the cast is just amazing ... Jonas has to basically work his way into the hearts of the earthlings so to speak. Gain their trust and prove that he's an invaluable member of SG1. And prove that he's not just a 'replacement' of Daniel Jackson - you know, bumbling archaeologist type.

Plus you still have Daniel Jackson coming back from time to time and expanding the 'ascended' plot line as well. I love how conflicted this character was .. between sticking to what he has embraced or saving his friends, world. It all comes to a climax in the finale and will continue on in Season 7.

I have to say I am somewhat disappointed with how they kicked out the character Jonas Quinn in Season 7 - okay, Daniel Jackson is back so he was just filler space .. ugh! If you're a big fan and watched all the 5 seasons religiously, you would think that I would love the idea of having the character back .. but once you watch Season 6, you'll understand. It's THAT good! After that you can't imagine NOT having Jonas Quinn as a member of SG1.

It's pretty unbelievable that the makers of the series can continue to churn out really original, thought-provoking episodes .. deep into it's 6th season. You can't say that about most shows. Don't miss out on it.

The DVDs are as usual full of extras, which is wonderful. They have kept to their streamlined look for all their boxsets, which I love. The only thing I did not like is that it does not have any subtitles. Plus I notice that the sound isn't as crisp as it should be. No extra languages either.

Now it all makes sense...
I have always believed that Stargate SG-1 is one of the best things happening on TV, and I see no reason to change my mind now.

There have been rumors going around for a year or so that the final season is near. Now, with the premier of "Stargate Atlantis" on sci-fi the intent of the show's producers is clear - the tablet found at the end of season 6 that speaks of the "lost city of the ancients" and all the ensuing related plotlines in season 7 refer to the lost city of Atlantis, and are thus the spin-off point for "Stargate Atlantis".

Having said that, season 6 is definitely worth watching for its theme development around the deepening mystery of Anubis. Although Daniel Jackson makes several appearances, it is also anti-climactic since I have become fond of Jonas Quinn by this time. In season 6, I think that the character of Sam Carter has been getting a progressively tougher edge since the death of Daniel Jackson, and I'm not sure I like it all that much. I much preferred the softer, more personable Samantha from the previous five seasons. Perhaps this character evolution is all related to a higher design for the series?

The DVDs all come with featurettes and supplementary material and options for the home viewer.

Overall, I give Stargate SG-1, season 6 my usual rating of five stars for continuing to be some of the best TV being produced.

A negative feel
The weakness of season 6 is not the loss of the Daniel Jackson character, but the negative & dark shadowing of the story lines. The stories & plots tend towards the hopeless and destitute, with very few positive or upbeat endings. Much too much emphasis is put on the "ascension" aspect, to the point of wondering of the show has developed a religious agenda. There are a few good episodes in the group, but the only people who would really need this set are the hard core SG-1 fans, or those who just want the complete set.

Quality Season
After the Season 5 debacle, I was unsure about what to expect with Stargate SG-1's sixth season. I was afraid that year 4 would be the peak and that the show "jumped the shark" in Season 5. Fortunately, that was not the case. Hopefully, the mediocrity (if that's a word) of last year was an isolated incident.
Anyway, the season begins with SG-1 still trying to find a fourth man. Ever since the death/ascension of Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), they have been unable to find a suitable replacement. Refugee Jonas Quinn (Corinn Nemec) has expressed a desire to join, but Col. O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) never seemed to warm up to the idea. Also, Anubis (David Paffly) has found a machine created by the Ancients that uses one stargate to destroy another, and he used it to attempt to destroy Earth. Using the new X-302, a craft capable of aerial combat and intersellar travel, O'Neill successfully avoids disaster, but the Antarctica gate is destroyed. After that, we don't see Anubis for a while, but the threat of his powers is always hanging over the heads of the SGC.
Anyway, with Jonas as the new member of SG-1, the team embarks on another year of amazing missions. This year, we see the end of the exiled System Lord Niirti, known for her attempts to create a superior human host through genetic experimentation, we are introduced to some technology of the Furlings, one of the members of the intergalactic UN group who rallied against the goa'uld, Earth's first interstellar capital ship, Prometheus is unvailed, the Replicator threat is ended, and, in one of my favorite episodes, Gen. Hammond (Don S. Davis) discloses the existence of the SGC to representitives of the UK, France, and China.
This year did have a few problems, but the season as a whole made up for them. Some great episodes include "Redemption Pts. 1 and 2", "Descent", "Nightwalkers", "Abyss", "Shadow Play", "Allegiance", "Prometheus", "Unnatural Selection", "Smoke and Mirrors", "Disclosure", "The Changeling", and "Full Circle", the best episode of the season. ... Read more

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Launched during the neon-lit 1980s, The Golden Girls shed light on a side of Miami ignored by Miami Vice. In other words, no drugs, no murder--just four women of "a certain age," spending their golden years in the sun. Like the theme, "Thank You for Being a Friend," the long-running sitcom was about friendship (not crime). As for the "girls," they were tart-tongued Dorothy (Beatrice Arthur), former farm girl Rose (Betty White), Southern belle Blanche (Rue McClanahan), and Dorothy's salty Sicilian mother Sophia (Estelle Getty). All were widows, with the exception of the divorced Dorothy.Created by Emmy-winning producer Susan Harris (Soap), The Golden Girls re-ignited the careers of 1970s TV veterans Arthur (All in the Family, Maude) and White (The Mary Tyler Moore Show). At the same time, it made stars of McClanahan (who co-starred on Maude), by playing a comic version of A Streetcar Named Desire's Blanche Dubois, and the scene-stealing Getty, made to look older than her actual age (she and Arthur were born the same year).

Notable guests to lend their talents to the first season include Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo ("The Operation"), Alice's Polly Holliday ("Blind Ambitions"), and WKRP in Cincinnati's Gordon Jump ("Big Daddy"). In addition, Harold Gould (Rhoda), who appears in "Rose the Prude," would return as a (different) recurring character five years later.

The Golden Girls ran for seven seasons and spawned spin-off The Golden Palace (without Arthur) and a British version called The Brighton Belles. By the end of its run in 1992, it had garnered numerous awards, including two Emmys for best comedy series. In addition, each of the four actresses received a well-deserved Emmy for her efforts. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Description

Episode 14--"Guy Walks into a Psychiatrists Office": In the long-awaited season opener, the more things change, the more they stay the same--and create agita for Tony Soprano.
Episode 15--"Do Not Resuscitate": When Pussy goes to the doctor for steroid injections in his back, the person leafing through old magazines in the waiting room is FBI Agent Skip Lipari. As they drive home afterwards it's revealed that Sal Bompensiero, AKA Big Pussy Bompensiero, made man and life-long friend of Tony Soprano, is facing a heroin possession charge and has become an informant for the Feds.
Episode 16--"Toodle-F***ing-oo": Big brother of the late, great Jackie Aprile, Richie has just finished ten years in prison and is looking to pick up where he left off. He figures it should be pretty easy, too. After all, the jerky kid he used to look out for in the old neighborhood has grown up to be none other than the current Boss, Tony Soprano.
Episode 17--"Commendatori": Tony goes to the old country to conduct business while Carmela stays home and contemplates the nature of marriage.
Episode 18--"Big Girls Don't Cry": Watch out, New Jersey, Furio Giunta has arrived. The latest addition to the Soprano crew is safely in the States and now that his operation has some new talent, the Boss can make a few organizational changes.
Episode 19--"The Happy Wanderer": Now that he's back with Dr. Melfi, Tony tells her that he's angry with all the "happy wanderers" in the world: the people who manage to get through life "with a clear head." At the moment, however, he doesn't have time to explore this anger. He's got to organize the "Executive Game."
Episode 20--"D-Girl": On the eve of Anthony, Jr.'s confirmation, uncertainty abounds. A.J. has discovered Camus and Nietzsche and thinks life is meaningless. Christopher has a tryst with his cousin's filmmaker fiancee and thinks he would rather be a player in Hollywood than New Jersey. And Pussy must decide whether the threat of thirty years in prison can force him to wear a wire into Tony's house.
Episode 21--"Full Leather Jacket": Worried about Meadow's college prospects, Carmela asks her next-door neighbor, Jean Cusamano, for help. Richie makes a peace offering to Tony. Christopher's friends, Sean and Matt, seek to improve their status by pledging allegiance to Richie through an enterprising plan.
Episode 22--"From Where to Eternity": Christopher, clinically dead for a moment during surgery, has a textbook out-of-body experience. Paulie consults a psychic. In therapy, Dr. Melfi tells her psychiatrist about her complex relationship with Tony, and discusses her growing substance abuse problems.
Episode 23--"Bust-Out": Richie complains to Tony about his business situation, and seeks an alliance with Junior. Tony decides to spend more quality time with Anthony Jr., with mixed results. Tony orchestrates the bankruptcy of David Scatino's sporting goods store, while Carmela hires Scatino's virile brother-in-law Vic to wallpaper the Soprano powder room.
Episode 24--"House Arrest": After dodging a legal bullet, Tony is advised by his lawyer to spend more time at his legitimate business interests. Junior relieves the tedium of house arrest in the company of widow Catherine Romano. Tony confronts Richie over drug sales. Stressed out Dr. Melfi gets into a public altercation.
Episode 25--"The Knight in White Satin Armor": What's to be done about Richie Aprile? It's not a rhetorical question. And it's going to have to be answered soon because he's rapidly running out his string with Tony. Richie's not the only one with whom Tony would like to sever ties. He's been trying to break up with Irina, his Russian goomah, but she's not the kind of girl you can just shove a pie at, Junior-style. Meanwhile, Pussy's grown increasingly resentful of the Boss' treatment of him since his return. Is Pussy's resentment strong enough that he'll finally give Tony up to the Feds?
Episode 26--"Funhouse": The last episode of the season finds things going pretty well for Tony. Business-wise, things are great. But despite his success, one night Tony's doubts about Pussy keep coming up--along with the chicken vindaloo he ate in an Indian restaurant. Tony wakes up determined to find out the truth about Pussy, one way or the other.

(c) 2003 Home Box Office.All rights reserved.HBO(r) and The Sopranos(r) are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

The Second Season: Nearly as Great as the First
THE SOPRANOS had a tough act to follow after that remarkable first season. With so many characters having gotten wacked by the end of the first season, the show faced the always-tricky challenge of integrating new characters into the mix.

Although there are some lulls early in the second season, the show ultimately surfs the transition extremely well. Episode 14, the first of the second season, reveals what became of Big Pussy Bonpensiero; it also introduces us to Janice, Tony's ne'er-do-well sister from the West Coast. In episode 16 we get a blunt introduction to Richie Aprile (brother of the late Jackie Aprile Sr.). Richie has just been released from prison, and we immediately know that he's going to be a nasty thorn in Tony's side. But frankly, you could skip over episodes 17 and 18 and you would barely miss a thing. By far the most significant long-term development in those episodes occurs when Tony brings Furio back after a "business trip" to Italy.

Things really start cooking in episode 19 when we meet Tony's high school buddy and "degenerate gambler" David Scatino, brilliantly played by the underrated actor Robert Patrick. (Frank Sinatra Jr. has a cameo in this episode). It would be unfair to newcomers to detail any more plot twists beyond this point.

The sessions between Tony and Dr. Melfi remain the prism through which the entire show is filtered. One of their best and most pointed exchanges occurs in episode 22. Dr. Melfi asks Tony if he believes that his nephew Christopher will burn in hell because of his mob activities. Who among us really belongs in hell? "The serial killers, the people who kill for pleasure, the child molesters, the Hitlers, the Pol Pots. Those are the [...] who belong in hell, not my nephew," Tony responds (I'm paraphrasing a bit). After all, "Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan were crooks and killers too." But those Gilded Age elites needed Italian immigrants "to build their cities and dig their subways and make 'em richer." The rise of La Cosa Nostra early in the twentieth century, Tony concludes, was simply a class struggle in which the hard-working sons of Italian immigrants claimed their rightful "piece of the action." Not even Dr. Melfi can stomach this much moral equivalence. In one of the few times that she blows her stack at Tony, she angrily asks, "Does that justify EVERYTHING you do?"

The show's little touches are almost as impressive as the big ones. For example, episode 23 begins with an eyewitness telling the cops about a murder. Later we see him at home, sipping wine and reading ANARCHY, STATE AND UTOPIA. This episode also reveals Richie and Janice's unorthodox (and hysterically funny) lovemaking techniques, which only the two of them could have dreamed up.

One could go on and on about what makes this show so special. The key to the show's success, I believe, is that it tends to be character-driven, whereas too many other shows are strictly plot-driven. That explains why THE SOPRANOS almost always rings true. Thank God this show is on HBO and not regular network TV.

Every time I think I'm out, it pulls me back in!
Things are going pretty well for Tony Soprano at the beginning of the second season of "The Sopranos." With most of his enemies safely sidelined, he is the unchallenged boss of the New Jersey mob, with lots of lucrative business opportunities presenting themselves. Yet, as always, new problems present themselves. His kids Meadow and A.J. are as rebellious as ever, and wife Carmela is increasingly fed up with Tony's absences, infidelities and fits of temper. Janice, his hippie-dippy sister, shows up unexpectedly. Richie Aprile, a mobster so greedy and violent that he scares even Tony, is released from prison and starts muscling in on Tony's business. Dr. Melfi, Tony's shrink, refuses to talk to him. And then, as always, there are the feds... As always, "Sopranos" creator David Chase and his superb team of writers cook up a fascinating, mesmerizing witch's brew of money, murder and various misbehaviors, enacted by what may well be the best ensemble cast in the history of television. (If there were a Nobel Prize for TV acting, James Gandolfini and Edie Falco certainly would be on the short list every year.) Once again, if you're offended by rough language, nudity and violence, stay away. Otherwise, be prepared to get hooked.

The 21st Century Is Awesome, So Is This Cable TV Show
Thank God for the 21st century, we live in a great time of great
movies like The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, Crouching Tiger
Hidden Dragon, A Beautiful Mind, and Chicago. A great time of
great music like: Linken Park, and Fisher Spooner. A great time
of miniseries: Band Of Brothers, the miniseries of Ken Burns, and Angels In America. A great time of Books: Film books, and
all other types of reading. And also a great time of great TV:
HBO's Oz, Deadwood, Six Feet Under, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Family Guy, and of course The Sopranos. What I love about this show is everything, it is completely flawless from the fascinating storylines to the outstanding performances from
everyone involved. James Gandolfini not only plays mafia family
man Tony Soprano with character and depth, but with his persona-
lity he captures the works of Hollywood legends Robert De Niro,
and the late Marlon Brando, who was such a legendary actor with
classic films like The Godfather and On The Waterfront (I coulda
been a contender) which De Niro used for his Jake La Motta role
in the flawless masterpiece Raging Bull. Edie Falco brings
human emotion to her role in the show as Carmella Soprano, and
another standout is Michael Imperolli (Who played Spider in
Goodfellas). This is what TV should be. Five Stars.

Can you survive thirteen episodes with The Sopranos?
I was totally looking forward to this second series of The Sopranos. Its amazing writing and compelling story lines are the finest ever to emerge from TV. Never as a TV show had the same effect on you as a movie does.

Series Two is a lot better than series one and contains more depth in the characters. If the Sopranos just went about killing one another we wouldn't really care about it, but because it could almost be described as a psychological drama (with guns) it is fantastic. I'm Italian American and don't mind one iota at some of the humor in this and appreciated every second this DVD had to offer.

If the creator David Chase is reading this (ha) then when The Sopranos finishes, how about a prequel/spin off with JOHNNY 'BOY' SOPRANO in the fiftys? It'll be a sure hit.

It's a Family Thing....
The Sopranos is one of HBO's greatest achievements (although I admit that I think it lost some of its momentum and spark with seasons three and four). When I first saw the show, I was hooked. I'd watch anywhere from three to four episodes a day. One of the great things about first watching this show on DVD was that I could watch any number of episodes instead of just watching one per week.

"The Sopranos: The Complete Second Season" has to be my favorite season. As much as I love the first one, this was when things were really funny, intense, dramatic and involving. The season doesn't let us down when it comes to Tony having more problems than ever before. Both in his Mafia Family and his immediate family, Tony can never get a break. His wife gives him grief while his kids keep doing things that upset him. And don't get me started on his ill mother and self-centered sister. Life isn't much better in his Mafia Family when the brother of Jackie is released from prison and is giving Tony a hard time both personally and professionally. Not to mention that his long time friend, Big P. comes back from a long hiatus when he was first suspected of turning rat to the Feds. All of this leads to one incredible and unpredictable season that showcases the show like none other.

For me, this was the most entertaining season of them all. I loved the characters, the constantly changing storylines, and the personal and business life of Tony Soprano, which is superbly balanced in this season. There's still the much appreciated humor in these episodes that were found lacking in the next two seasons. It doesn't feel like a soap opera, but a more enhanced look into the Mafia world. There's plenty of action as well as dramatic storylines that will make everybody happy for the most part.

This season comes in a set of four discs, totaling at 13 episodes. The great thing about the show is that it is presented to us in a widescreen format that is enhanced for widescreen TVs. This really makes the show that more effective because you feel like you're actually watching a movie rather than a show on cable. The picture and sound quality is great and really shows. There are some nice little extras, such as featurettes, brief previews and recaps of episodes, web-links and more.

"The Sopranos: The Complete Second Season" is a bundle of laughs, suspense, drama, action and surprises. You're always on your toes and you never know what's coming next. One thing's for sure; this is the most unpredictable season out of the four seasons (the fifth one looks pretty promising thus far). While you'll want to start with the first season if you've never seen the show before, you'll know that you will have something special to look forward to once you get to the second season. In my opinion, this is where Sopranos is flawlessly at its best. -Michael Crane ... Read more

Amazon.com

Conventional wisdom prior to season one of The West Wing was that the only successful television shows were half hour sitcoms and hour long police, legal, or medical dramas. Building on surplus ideas from his film The American President and the walk-and-talk style of comedy and drama from his critically acclaimed television show Sports Night, Aaron Sorkin bucked the trend and created his masterpiece, one of the most memorable American political depictions to reach the big or small screen. Season one introduces viewers to a Nobel Prize-winning economist and unabashed intellectual president Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his key staff members, a newly elected Democratic administration trying to find its footing amidst the corridors of the White House's west wing. To the credit of its cast and their brilliant ensemble acting, The West Wing manages to immediately conjure nearly a dozen distinct and memorable characters. Perhaps the greatest star of all is Sorkin's rapid-fire dialogue, especially as delivered by Press Secretary C.J. Craig (Alison Janney), Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman (Bradley Whitford), Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe), and Chief of Staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer). They carry on conversations while stalking purposefully and unhaltingly down corridors, around corners, and through doorways, and all of it unfurls with the choreographic precision of a classical ballet and the pace of an Olympic ping-pong rally.

What emerges is more than a collective liberal dream of an impassioned administration battling back ultra-conservative bogeymen ranging from the religious right to bigots to gun-toting militants. Wonderful episodes like "The Pilot" and "In Excelsis Deo" portray a government led by heroic, intelligent, and decent men and women. Whether or not one regards that as a political fantasy, it's a remarkably refreshing and appealing vision of politics and its practitioners, one that the public embraced with consistently strong television ratings. In a country whose citizens are used to viewing their elected leaders with mistrust and cynicism, that might be The West Wing's greatest accomplishment. --Eugene Wei ... Read more

Reviews (131)

Best Show on TV
This DVD has the first eleven episodes with a bonus of interviews with the writer Sorkin and most of the cast.

West Wing is one of the better ensemble dramas ever screened on television. However it was only after seeing the interviews of Sorkin and the cast members that one realised how it was done. Sorkin is clearly highly intelligent and his scripts are powerful and the basis of the show. This becomes clear when you hear the cast members talk. They lack the presence of their on screen personalities and although they are talented actors one realises that it is the structure of the plot and their lines which creates the characters.

Sorkin also indicates how in reality the plots have a high level of sentimental resolutions. One doesn?t pick this up in watching it. Sorkin explains how he uses humour to break up the flow of the story and to prevent the material becoming mawkish. He also indicates that although the White House portrayed is a Democrat one, he interplays conservative and liberal story lines. On first viewing the show it appeared to be moderately liberal but on re-watching the episodes on the CD Sorkin is right. The second episode is highly nationalistic and the last scene is the character played by Martin Sheen regretting that Americans cannot walk the earth with the same protection that was afforded the ancient romans. In other episodes the character Donna argues strongly the Republican line on taxation.

Watching these eleven episodes after watching them on TV some years ago, one is still struck by the strength of the characters, the frantic pace of the action and the fact that the scenes are seldom static. Even though one begins to see that there is a sentimentality which initially slips by you, one can still be moved when Toby arranges the funeral and honour guard for the homeless war veteran. It is however the humour and intelligence which is the driving force of the series and what makes it so watchable.

Best DVDs I've bought... Too bad they're the UK version
By this point there should be no doubt as to the quality of the television programming captured on these DVDs. Every review I've read, both on Amazon and elsewhere, and my own immense enjoyment of the set attests to its quality.

How disappointing then that US fans of this show must look outside their own country to buy the DVD set. I went to Amazon.co.uk (the British local site for Amazon) and found the West Wing Season 1 set there. Be forewarned, however: These are Region 2 discs, meaning they can be readily played only by folks in Europe, the Middle East and Japan. If you are in the US, with a standard (i.e., non-region free) US player, you are out of luck. Your only recourse is to buy a "Region Free" player (many Web sites hawk modified low market players that can play any disc), modify your own player (don't even think about it), or try getting your computer DVD drive to play it.

This last option is what I've accomplished, and though I'm happy to be able to watch these West Wing episodes whenever I like, it's a bummer to have to view them on my computer monitor. C'est la vie, I suppose.

Excellent!
I watch a lot of TV, too much really, and the vast majority of the time I feel guilty about it. But the one show that I never feel guilty watching is The West Wing. There's not a character I don't like, or an episode that does not make me laugh then cry. The writing is at times humorous and at other times inspiring. Finally, I learn something new about government, or people, or the world at large every episode. Makes you feel better about watching all that tv.

Simply the BEST
I missed WW on TV. When I heard about it I rented the first season DVDs. What a show! It is just great. It will make you laugh and make you cry. This has got to be one of the best shows out there.
And, I have seen a lot of movies. One of the few movies that I agree with the critics on.

Warning: Be carefull, if you buy it or rent it you will be hooked. Very difficult not to start watching the next episode when the previous one ends.

The series deals with many current issues and shows us how the people behind the politics really try to do their best (in most cases). Not that this is real life, mind you. But could sure serve as an inspiration to those that serve as our elected officials and those that aspire to serve in that capacity in the future.

What else can I say. Buy a copy, rent a copy but you just have to see this series. Then let us all know what you think.

I was blown away. I think you will be too.

All I can say, it "Wow"
I was skeptical about buying the series before I've even seen it but I've always been a fan of movies with a theme like this one. "The American President", for example. While deployed with the US Military, I took a chance and didn't buy just the first season, but both season I and II at once. I was hooked within the first few minutes of the pilot episode. The mix of drama, suspense and humor have been done with expert precision and I couldn't wait until I saw the next episode. The clifhanger from season I to II had be ripping the disk from my computer just to plow the next one in. All I can more is I really wish Season III was available as I have so much more time deployed and really want to watch more of this show. Several of us at work are now watching it as well. This show has my backing! ... Read more