Rita Rocks: The Complete Season One (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved Nicole Sullivan in MAD TV and she made a perfect transition to "Rita Rocks". With my schedule (like Rita's, evidently), I didn't get to see all of the episodes, so I'm looking forward to watching the whole shebang again on the DVD set. Though sometimes predictable (like most sitcoms), the acting is never pretentious and everyone is a pleasure to watch. A great series to unwind with at the end of the day!

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Nicole Sullivan ( MADtv ) stars as Rita Clemens, an overworked wife, mother, and former lead singer of a Bangles cover band who has traded in a life of jam sessions and rock clubs for carpools and PTA meetings. On the verge of a full-blown identity crisis, Rita struggles to maintain romance with her husband, Jay (Richard Ruccolo, Two Guys and a Girl ), juggle the demands of her 9-year-old daughter, Shannon (Kelly Gould, Lucky Louie ), and discipline her defiant teenage daughter, Hallie (Natalie Dreyfuss, He s Just Not That Into You ) and her ever-present boyfriend, Kip (Raviv Ullman, Phil of the Future ). In an attempt to reconnect with her youth and with the hopes of putting some spark back in her life, Rita dusts off her guitar and forms a garage band with Kip, her nosy postal carrier Patty (Tisha Campbell-Martin, My Wife and Kids, Martin ) and her unemployed neighbor Owen (Ian Gomez). RITA ROCKS: THE COMPLETE SEASON 1 features all 20 episodes plus extras jam-packed onto 3 discs!

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The Sopranos: Season 6 Part 2 (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)So much of what's said abut the final season of The Sopranos refers to the last five minutes, as people unfortunately overlook the best nine episode string of the entire series.David Chase's last season of television's finest program is full of all the qualities that attracted viewers and critics for the past decade. Characters live in a world where death is a possibility each day, but aren't shown to be gods or royalty. Rather, viewers see in them all of the emotions experienced in every family, as Tony, Carmela, Christopher and the rest of the cast share their memorable loves, hates, dreams, failures...and meals.
Season 6.2 has three distinct parts.The first four episodes are "last moments in the sun" for some of the more important characters. Bobby and Janice retreat for a weekend on a lake with Tony and Carm; Johnny Sack battles a new enemy in prison; institutionalized Uncle Junior spends his last moments of sanity running a card game and mentoring a young killer; and Hesh fears for his safety when Tony owes him money and seems reluctant to pay.
Next, the season moves to the difficulties of AJ and Christopher and how both problems affect Tony. Tony takes a backseat to other characters in the opening episodes of the season, but he's never been more laid bare than in how he deals with his literal and figurative sons. As with the ambiguous nature of the show, Tony at times appears to be a heroic, thoughtful and brave, while other times, he's a monster.
Finally, the last two episodes end in the much anticipated war with New York, as successful and unsuccessful hits are targeted at the show's biggest players. A sense of closure is reached with Tony's relationships with his rivals, his crew, his family and the FBI, but as everyone in America knows, nothing concrete is declared about his future. Does he live? Does he go to prison? Will his crew survive? Those questions aren't answered, Chase`s last gift to his viewers, as people can continue turning this show over in their heads for years.
I wasn't there when The Tempest first played at the Globe, and I didn't see The Beatles at Candlestick Park. But Sunday Nights at 9pm on HBO, I saw my generation's finest contribution to pop culture and to literature, with the final season providing a closing act worthy of such a masterpiece.

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Last year, Tony Soprano cheated death when he was shot by his now institutionalized Uncle Junior. While Tony continues to muse about his second chance at life, he faces a myriad of immediate, stress-inducing crises at home, at work and from the law. Tony's wife Carmela plans for a future she's not sure will arrive, and son AJ and daughter Meadow find that adulthood holds its own surprises. Meanwhile, at work, Tony comes to doubt the allegiances of many of those closest to him -- no one, not Paulie, Bobby, Silvio or even Christopher is above suspicion. The clock is ticking. Time is running out. But on who?

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Prison Break: The Final Break (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)The previously not shown two hours of the TV show Prison Break were packaged as this film. It's a final hurray for the 4-season long show that started out strong and ran into "creative difficulties" at the end. These two hours fill in a few gaps that the series finale glanced over. This is definitely a movie for the die-hard fans, as there are character reveals and returning characters as well as the regulars acting in a predictable manner. This is not a stand-alone film. Anyone who has not been a fan of the show, even anyone who has skipped most of season 4, will not really understand what is going on in the storyline and why the leads are worth rooting for. My recommendation is to watch the series finale up to the "Four Years Later" sequence, then seeing Prison Break: The Final Break, then returning to the season finale and watching the last few minutes (the montage at the end). The storyline is thus complete and makes more sense as well as provides more canon and insight into the lives and storyline of each characters.

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The federal government can\'t touch Michael Scofield, so they\'re going after the woman he loves. When Sara is arrested for murder, only Michael can rescue her — and their unborn child — from an impenetrable women\'s prison. With a price on Sara\'s head and time running out, Michael must rely on his deadliest enemies to help attempt the most daring breakout ever.
Audio: English: 5.1 Dolby Surround
Language: Dubbed: English / Subtitled: English, French & Spanish
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: Widescreen: 1.78:1

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Deliberate Intent (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Deliberate Intent" is a fascinating film based on the book by First Amendment scholar and law professor Ron Smolla, detailing the 1997 Paladin Enterprises, Inc. vs. Rice case. It concerns "Hit Man: A Technical Manual for Independent Contractors," a book that gave step by step instructions on how to murder, and the killing of 3 people in 1993 by someone who followed those instructions. It is one of the most intellectually challenging films I have seen in a long time, and is brilliantly constructed and acted to present both sides of the argument.
There was an unusual agreement between the author and the publisher. The author, who usually assumes liability for their work, was not only free of liability but also had their identity protected. This stemmed from the publisher wanting "Hit Man," which was originally conceived as a novel, to be written as a "users manual". The two sides of this case, whether this went beyond the rights of free speech, or was protected by the First Amendment, and how Smolla's mind was changed from one view to another, is the central focus of the film. It also details the murder of the 3 people, and how "Hit Man" played a part in it. Some people think the case "murdered the First Amendment" along with the victims, others think it went way beyond its boundaries.
The performances are low-key and superb. Timothy Hutton gives another solid performance as Smolla. Hutton is a vastly underrated actor that excels in portraying characters that are more mental than flamboyant, and the part of Smolla fits him like a velvet glove. Ron Rifkin is marvelous as Howard Siegel, the attorney who pesters Smolla into taking the case. Clark Johnson, who was Dt. Meldrick Lewis, my favorite actor/character on "Homicide: Life on the Street," is perfect as the hit man, James Perry, as is James McDaniel, as Lawrence Horn, the man who hires Perry to kill his family. On the defense side of the case, there is Bill McDonald as Peder Lund, publisher of Paladin Enterprises, and Cliff De Young as his defense attorney.
There are no weak links in this way above average TV film, making all of its 85 minutes riveting. This is a film I wished had been longer, as I was enjoying the thought-provoking premise of it so much. Written and directed by Andy Wolk, it also has a marvelous, atmospheric score by Harald Kloser. After you watch this film, you will never see a single shoe in the road (one of the "Hit Man" instructions) without remembering "Deliberate Intent."


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Ghost Hunters - The Complete First Season (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Ever wanted to hunt ghosts? Ever wanted to know how to fix that leaky faucet? Well, you're in luck if you pick up "Ghost Hunters: The Complete First Season." Stars Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, the plumbers-by-day/ghost-hunters by night, are two of the best guys on television these days. Why? For the simple fact that they, along with the rest of the members of TAPS, don't seem to be doing this reality series for their own profit, but for the profit of their clients and any and everyone who has ever been interested in hunting ghosts or other paranormal entities.
On this DVD set, you can follow Jason, Grant, Brian, Steve, and the rest of the TAPS(The Atlantic Paranormal Society) gang as they travel across the country in search of so-called haunted places. I tag them "so-called" because TAPS attempts to disprove that a haunting actually exists at each location. Sometimes they can prove it, other times they can't. In fact, most of the places they visit in season one turn up very little proof of actual hauntings. The few times that they do find evidence, it's usually pretty shocking.
Each episode covers cases where we get to see the ups and downs of investigating haunts. Sometimes Jason yells at Brian. Okay, MOST of the time, Jason yells at Brian. Other times, the group grabs some amazing footage. Every once in awhile, the group comes across something that they cannot disprove. Much of the time, they can dismiss "hauntings" as overactive imaginations, old, creaky houses, or just plain ol' dust.
What really grabbed me about TAPS is that they go into each investigation expecting to find nothing. Jason and Grant, and Andy as the series progressed, could often pick up on what was causing a "haunt" very quickly. When they couldn't place something, they were still very slow to use the "H" word.
The group works together in almost soap opera-like fashion. They gripe amongst themselves, they laugh, and they have a deep concern for each others safety as well as that of their many clients. They come off as very professional and very serious about their work.
We also get to look into the normal side of Jason and Grant's lives as Roto-Rooter plumbers. If you listen carefully, you can also nab a tip here and there about plumbing.
With EVPs, video evidence, and some great team members, Season One of "Ghost Hunters" is a great buy worthy of repeat viewings. There are a few deleted scenes and a paranormal dictionary included on the discs, but the really good stuff is the investigations. They are fun to watch and sometimes they will pick at your brain as you try to take in what you see, such as a chair moving by itself and a few other strange things. The DVD can be grainy at times, making dark scenes even darker, but overall this is a great collection to own. Also, there's a coupon good until the end of this year with which you can buy two TAPS shirts for the price of one. Who could ask for more?
Great job TAPS, this ain't your typical cemetary hopping ghost hunts. This is serious investigation with heart.
Highly recommended.

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Sci-Fi Channel’s Ghost Hunters introduces Jason and Grant, plumbers by day – ghost hunters by night! Ghost Hunters, a one-hour weekly docu-soap follows a group of real-life ghostbusters as they investigate haunted houses throughout the country.Plumbers by trade, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, head-up a group of intrepid souls that are far from the usual collection of be-spectacled Ph.D.s.They’re ordinary, everyday people with an interest in getting to the bottom of your otherworldly disturbances.Every week Jason, Grant, and their team investigate a new case, from poltergeists who throw a child's toys around an attic to a lighthouse whose late keeper still welcomes visitors.This team of moonlighting ghost hunters are our first and last defense against uninvited paranormal visitations.

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Sleeper Cell (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)In the shell-shocked aftermath of 9/11, Americans sought information about a culture and religion ensconced in an ongoing political dialog of the Middle East that received only sporadic attention in the media. Suddenly, people were asking, why do they hate us? A few years have passed, the war on terrorism settled into a predictable good guys-bad guys debate that yields few answers to a troubling question. Along comes Sleeper Cell to inform the public, a fictitious fanatical terrorist group infiltrating Los Angeles with plans to claim more lives for the Al Qaeda cause. Through the offices of an FBI undercover agent, Darwyn (Michael Ealy), the government monitors his activity within the rapidly evolving plot, the day of destruction more imminent in each new episode. The king of the villains is Farik (Israeli-born Oded Fehr), charged with the overall success of the mission. The other group members are Christian (Alex Nesic), a Frenchman who has found Allah; a bitter Bosnian teacher, Ilija (Peter Lubatti); and blue-eyed all-American boy turned Muslim, Thomas Allen Emerson (Blake Shields): "The history of Islam is written in two lines: One is the black of the scholars' ink, the other the red blood that the martyrs shed."
This series would be successful as non-stop action drama worthy of the accolades of the "24" aficionados, but the writers of Sleeper Cell add another level to this white-knuckle series, the subtleties of extremism contrasted with the true religion of Islam. Darwyn is a committed Muslim, sorely tested in his role as informant, ever on the lookout for an opportunity to spread the true word of Islam as millions practice it in America, without the taint of fundamentalism. Whenever one of his "brothers" blurts a fanatical slogan, Darwyn is ready to clarify in the true words of the Quran. Farik, on the other hand, is firmly entrenched in his hatred of everything American, harboring no mercy for innocents in his pursuit of revenge. Speaking of his mission to a superior, Farik declares, "A man is not a Muslim until his tongue and his heart are submissive. If I fail again, you may take them both."
In one of the most affecting episodes, a soft-spoken sheik approaches a dedicated terrorist in a Yemen jail, armed only with his knowledge of the Quran. The questioning begins, "Brother, what is the greatest jihad?" When he hears the answer, "War with the infidels", this holy man explains the true nature of jihad, the battle within the self to become Allah's holy warrior. He teaches the extremist to go beyond the hatreds he has embraced, to discover the true meaning of his religion, to live his convictions. That such a terrorist can change is a tribute to the power of this religion. When the holy man travels to America to deliver a fatwa against any Al Qaeda operating in this country, Farik is charged with stopping him by any means; this fatwa would render a death blow to the entire endeavor. With his usual canniness, Farik chooses Christian to do the deed, the one man who had sought a private meeting after hearing the sheik speak at the mosque.
In this riveting series, the terrorists move through the streets of LA with impunity, across the border to Mexico to tap financial resources from drug dealers and child purveyors, drive anthrax across the Canadian border into the States, and purchase explosives from White separatists with heroin. Meanwhile, the LAPD blunders into the middle of the FBI surveillance and Darwyn struggles to maintain his cover, until all converges in an explosive ending. Luan Gaines/ 2005.

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Sleeper Cell takes viewers behind the veil of an U.S. home-grown terrorist group, tracking the harrowing challenges faced by a FBI agent determined to learn its secrets. Having posed as a prisoner inside a federal penitentiary, a young agent (Michael Ealy) develops contacts that enable him to infiltrate an Islamic terrorist cell in Los Angeles. The cell is led by an intimidating, charismatic extremist (Oded Fehr), who considers all acts of violence moral when serving the greater good of his cause. But early in the investigation something goes wrong, placing lives – and the integrity of a three-year mission – in serious jeopardy.

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Frasier - The Complete Final Season (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Frasier" remains one of the most best-acted and literate shows to ever air on the small screen. With the pivotal cast of Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier"), David Hyde Pierce ("Niles"), Jane Leeves ("Daphne"), Peri Gilpin ("Roz"), John Mahoney ("Martin"), and the irreplaceable Moose and Onzo ("Eddie"), the show was never condescending to the audience, requiring that viewers step up to the plate to enjoy some of the wittiest repartee to be found in the history of television. Of course, the show had its share of truly funny sight gags but these never overshadowed the delicious dialog and, for that, the excellent writing staff received well-earned honors in the forms of its numerous Emmys and Golden Globes.
This eleventh and final season has to be considered one of its best, not only in resolving character issues but in overall humor. The writing staff and the cast were magnificent, dolling out consistently funny and poignant tales. When other shows resulted in "stunt casting" to boost ratings, "Frasier's" roster of guest performers were the best for the part and elevated the show to a level that others only wish they could attain. Patrick Stewart, Laura Linney, Aaron Eckhart, Julia Sweeney, Felicity Huffman, Penny Johnson, Jennifer Tilly, Laurie Metcalf, Estelle Parsons, and Rosie Perez were just some of the talented guest stars that popped into the life of the fictional Seattle radio psychologist.

And the show would not be complete without the return of recurring characters Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth), Kenny (Tom McGowan), Bebe (Harriet Sansom Evans), Simon (Anthony LaPaglia), Wendie Malick (Ronnie), Bulldog (Dan Butler), Gil (Edward Hibbert), and Frasier's son Frederick (Trevor Einhorn).
There is nary a bad show in the bunch and this is indeed a necessary purchase for those that enjoy comedy that is timeless, thought-provoking, and perfectly acted.
The bonus features are equally as well done, providing some closure to a character, that began on "Cheers", that became a television staple for twenty years.
"Dr. Frasier Crane" will be sorely missed!

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FRASIER – THE COMPLETE FINAL SEASON is set in Seattle and chronicles the lives of an eloquently pompous radio show host, Dr. Frasier Crane, Grammer), his competitive, high-brow brother Niles (Hyde Pierce), their crotchety father Martin (Mahoney) and Niles’ wife Daphne (Leeves), who used to be Martin’s home care nurse.The final season marks a few milestones, including a wedding, a birth and a long-awaited chance at true love.

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The L Word: Seasons 1-3 (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are reading this review, you likely have at least one of these questions:
1) Does this 3 season bundle contain more content than buying the 3 seasons separately? No. It simply shrinkwraps each of the first 3 season boxes into one bundle.
2) Does this bundle cost less than buying the 3 seasons separately? It can, depending on shipping costs, but you can buy the 3 seasons separately used for less here on Amazon currently.
3) Is this television series worth watching and worth buying ALL 3 seasons? Enthusiastically yes. Each season is amazing, and the quality has consistently been exceptional. This is not simply a series about "Lesbianism." The series focuses on many "L" words, but if I had to choose one, the word is "Love." The series is able to take a closer, slower paced, and intimate look at the worlds of women and the many manifestations of their love. This series, more than any other television drama, has the capacity to share perspectives about real human relationships. The series is not afraid to face tough issues that often face all people, ranging from privacy, sexuality, menopause, adoption, gender identification, self cutting, drug addiction, unrequited love, work politics, writing, sexual honesty and so much more. It gives us characters with many different types of religion, sexual preference, relationship definitions, and personality types and makes us care for them more than we initially saw coming. If you want to understand more about people who you care about, but who are 'different' than you, this series is a great asset. If I had to have only one television series I could watch (and rewatch) from the last 5 years, it would easily be the "L" word. Don't miss a season.

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This 3 pack includes the first 3 seasons of Showtime's popular series The L Word.The hit show, The L Word, follows a group of friends - both gay and straight - through stories of career, family, inner struggle, friendship and romantic relationships. Stars Jennifer Beals, Erin Daniels, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Katherine Moennig, Sarah Shahi, Rachel Shelley and Pam Grier.

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Soul Food - The Complete First Season (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)Below is a letter I have just written to Paramount concerning the release of Soul Food's subsequent seasons. I called them as well and they claim it is coming out but that they are dealing with some clearance issues...I feel like the fans are getting the run around...so I say still campaign for a release! Feel free to copy my letter and add your personal spin to it and send it to the address listed. If you prefer the more direct approach as well -- Call at 323.956.5000 -- press 0 and ask for the Home Entertainment department -- leave a message --- they will call you back -- that's how I heard about the "clearance" issue. The guy I spoke to was nice and optimistic about a release...so hopefully a release will in fact occur SOON! I have been told this is the most requested DVD. Even some of the operators at Paramount are waiting for a release. Go figure! [...]Yes, it's that time again for you to hear yet another request for the release of "Soul Food" - Seasons 2-5.
First, I would love to know what is taking so long? I've been told that the sales of the first season were not up to par, so that's why the second season has been delayed THREE years. But, perhaps it's not the series; perhaps you need a better marketing plan when it comes to promoting the "Soul Food" DVD (i.e., you could have deleted scenes, commentaries, bloopers, free gift certificates to certain Soul Food restaurants, the options are endless). Or, perhaps the price was too high for the first season - I've heard that from consumers as well. Whatever it was, clearly there is a demand for the series, especially since it has been added to basic cable (i.e., BET (but realize this is the edited version - which takes away the passion of the series)). Furthermore, I know that you get tons of emails, letters, and calls requesting the release of the second season. Plus, you can go on certain message boards and find people discussing their frustrations with regard to the delay. There are even petitions up [...] So the demand is there!
Recently, I've been told that there is a "clearance" issue with guest stars who were featured on the series, so that's why there's a delay. But wouldn't that be an issue that was cleared when they signed on to play their roles on the show? Wouldn't they have signed away their "likeness" then? Just curious.
Could there be a problem with not wanting to promote a positive image of African-Americans? Is there a problem with the image of a black family sticking together through adversity? I mean, black comedies surely do not have a problem being released. In fact, both seasons of the show "That's My Mama" was released and that show was not and is not nearly as popular as "Soul Food."
In the end, I'm hoping the release of the subsequent seasons is well on its way. If not, that would be a terrible loss to your viewing audience. Entertainment needs to showcase more positive images of African-Americans, "Soul Food" did just that. I would think your company would support such a movement. Thank you and I look forward to the release.

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Focusing on a family full of love, disagreements and a fair amount of drama, SOUL FOOD: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON follows the lives of Teri Joseph (Parker), the oldest sister and a successful lawyer who is overwhelmed by her own success, Maxine (Vanessa Williams), the middle sister who is a stay-at-home mom aching for something more, and Bird (Malinda Williams), the youngest sister and hairdresser who is married to an ex-con who can’t seem to get away from his past.All in all a fairly typical American family with issues just like everyone else: they bicker over small problems, and then pull together when confronted by a big crisis which they must work together to overcome.

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Undergrads: The Complete First Season (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)I must admit that this show didn't quite grab my attention at first glance. The first couple of episodes seemed somewhat humorous, but also rather mediocre and lackluster. The characters appeared more annoying than intriguing, and the plot was rather drab and boring. However, once the show got going, it really grew on me until I found myself wanting more of the queer quartet. Now I feel sadly unsatiated at the lack of further seasons.
The episodes center around four high school friends who have moved on to college and are undergoing their freshman trials and tribulations. Rather than focus on academia, the show chooses to focus it's attention on dorm and social life, which, to some, is far more interesting anyway. Nitz is the central character, and he's also the most likeable, down-to-earth of the bunch. He spends his time attempting to win the heart of a girl who loves another. Rocko is the stereotypical jock/burnout/frat boy of the group, who spends too much time staring at the bottom of a bottle and communicating with the hallucinogenic manifestations such a pastime brings. Cal is Nitz's roommate and quite the ladies man, though one must wonder why. Gimpy is by far my favorite character, being the hermitic shut-in with the band of followers and an impressive infatuation with Star Wars (not to be confused with Star Trek). Then there's Kimmy, Nitz's star-crossed love interest, and Jesse, the girl who's always there to pick up the broken pieces.
Together this group sets out in search of themselves amidst all the wonders of college life including parties, fake ID's, bars, prank week, the naked run, and a huge spring break bash, and in the end they'll discover that life still presents many lessons to be learned.
With so many of the animated cartoon shows aired today geared towards younger age groups, it's rather refreshing to see a show that the college age group can identify with.Unfortunately, it seems as though many great television shows are cancelled far too early on, and therefore never get the chances they deserve. This show will be sorely missed. Luckily, though, the first and only season is available on DVD for our viewing pleasure. If you a enjoy Daria, Beavis and Butthead, or even South Park (though there is slightly less bathroom humor present in this show than in those later two mentioned), then give Undergrads a try as well. The thirteen episodes presented herein are well worth the money.

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The complete first season of the hippest cartoon on TV comes to DVD! Straight from MTV and Teletoon come the freshman adventures of NITZ, GIMPY, CAL and ROCKO, four high school friends hitting college for the first time.How they managed to "deal" with l

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Desperate Housewives - The Complete First Season (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Desperate Housewives" is an absolute phenomenon! I remember I saw an advert on Channel 4 over here in England advertising this new show and just from the advert I knew I'd love it. So did 5 million other Brits who tuned in when the first episode premiered on January 5th 2005. Since that first episode the nation has been hooked. This is easily the most popular US-import show in the country and literally everyone at my college talks about it on a Thursday morning after the previous night's episode. I must confess, I watch it religiously on my own in our conservatory every Wednesday night and if anyone dare disturb me I will be seriously p***ed off!
In a world saturated with reality TV and bad talk shows, Desperate Housewives is a breath of fresh air. Creator Marc Cherry is a Godsend to women all over the world, and it was clear from the beginning that this show was going to become totally global. I mean I've heard stories about this show getting upwards of 30 million viewers in America! That's absolutely incredible, and this DVD will sell millions upon its release, trust me.
So what makes Desperate Housewives so addictive? For me, there are a number of things. Firstly, the cast is impeccable. The four main stars of the show are Teri Hatcher (who plays Susan Mayer), Marcia Cross (who plays Bree Van De Kamp), Felicity Huffman (who plays Lynette Scarvo) and the sensational Eva Longoria (who plays Gabrielle Solis). My personal favourite is Marcia Cross, because she is just so amazing. She is a gorgeous, fabulous gay icon and she is a true star! Her character is so particular. To begin with, we hate her, but over time she grows on you.
Secondly, I would say the blend of genres make this show effortlessly appealing. The mix of comedy and drama is achieved within a degree of perfection, tossing the viewer from laugh-out-loud moments to those moments of tension. It is a credit to the writers that they have sustained this throughout the entire first season. If we are to look at other successful shows such as Buffy, The X-Files, Friends, Will & Grace and Sex And The City, the pinnacle of excellence usually peaks after the first season, so for Desperate Housewives to hit the mark straight away sets the bar very high. I'm confident that they can improve the formula in the second season.
The imagery of the first season is just beautiful, too. The white picket fences, show home houses and lush green lawns define the show, and Wisteria Lane in general. However, they also serve as a major juxtaposition to the sensational storylines that bubble away under the surface. The murders, the affairs, the breakdowns and the shameful secrets are what keep us hanging on like vultures indeed, desperate, for more. Speaking of the storylines, they may not be the most original or inventive, but its with the amazing cast of actors that these storylines become something on their own entirely. So much happens in one episode that you may totally forget about it in the next! There is a small army of co-stars who decorate the sidewalks of the show as the spotlight falls on our four main characters and the troubles that revolve around them.
The season's main draw is the death of Mary Alice Young, and why she chose to kill herself with a revolver. This question is carried throughout the whole season, from the very first few minutes of the pilot episode where we see her kill herself. Details are gradually revealed throughout the season as the plot thickens. I'm not going to go into much detail about this storyline, or indeed the many others that make this season so jam-packed, because I'm sure you know it all yourself, but what I will say is that I love the way the characters are portrayed. There's a sense of fantasy about the whole neighborhood, in that everyone is a nosey beggar and wants to know everyone else's business. One such example is Mrs. Huber. The way death doesn't seem to affect many of the show's characters is also part of its appeal, as the show adopts an almost retro look at classic comedies with nifty stories and camp backdrops.
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10
After so many of my favourite TV shows ended in 2003 and 2004, I was looking for something new to watch, but I never thought I'd find something as brilliant as Desperate Housewives. I say find, when really I should say 'realise' because this show has hit like a tidal wave. I sure will be buying the first season on DVD when it is finally released over here in the UK, and I'm sure you need no motivation from me to buy it as well! This review merely serves as a culmination of TV's biggest phenomenon. Here's to many more great years to come!

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Experience the television phenomenon that has fans cheering and critics raving. "Refreshingly original, bracingly adult, and thoroughly delightful, Desperate Housewives is like the answer to a TV prayer you didn't know you'd made," says Robert Bianco of USA Today. Now you can spend the night with the women of Wisteria Lane and relive every minute of the weekly television event that heated up water coolers from coast to coast. With spectacular bonus features including extended, unrated episodes, this sizzling six-disc set is full of surprises and loaded with entertainment.

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Lost: The Complete Fourth Season (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This seasons twists and turns have renewed my interest and respect for Lost. There were no fillers due to the (mostly planned) reduced episode count and even with the writer's strike it was a solid season. There were really only 2 hours lost to the writer's strike anyway, which ABC has stated they will "give back" by giving 1 extra hour to the next 2 seasons. The quality of the show this season more than made up for the reduced episode count.
It was interesting in the final show of the 3rd season to see Jack's focus change (seen in a flash forward) from getting off the island to getting back on it. This season was spent giving a set up to the reason why without really answering the question but creating enough suspense to make it worth finding out...next season I hope. This season is about who gets off the island (the Oceanic 6, as they're called) and how, and a bit about what they're going to do back in the real world. A few other people also get off the island but they aren't included in "the Oceanic 6" and you'll also get a partial reason why by the last episode, as well as finding out who was in the coffin in the final episode of the 3rd season that had Jack so upset (but not why or how.) Jack finally finds out who Claire is to him, but we still don't know what actually happened to her. Ben's character becomes more complex, as we start to see how he manages to go from outcast to leader and gets people to do what he wants (such as Locke, Sayid, and even Jack,) even if they are uneasy in their association with him. Clearly some other Oceanic refugees have escaped the island but we don't know how yet, and it doesn't seem like the "Oceanic 6" are necessarily even aware of them.
Another interesting addition this season is the newcomers, the "freighter folk," who may as well be the new "others." Some are decent people and some are evil, and one will be familiar face from previous seasons. Speaking of "the others," who they are, where they came from, and what is their nature became a new set of unanswered questions this season. I wasn't thrilled with Rosseau's or her daughter's storylines, but it seems what happened was done in order to develop Ben's character.
What is planned for extra features is below, it is subject to change since it wasn't released yet. If you want to see more info for yourself on planned extras, run a search for TV shows on DVD, you should be able to find the site I got my info from.
Features:
Lost Bloopers
Oceanic Airlines Safety Guide
The Lost Flashbacks
Audio Commentaries
Deleted Scenes
Lost on Location - Go on location with the cast and crew of Lost for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of some of Season Four's hottest episodes.
Freighter Folk (working title) - Where did the folks on the freighter come from? Get to know them and find out what the show runners looked for in new cast members.
Transforming Hawaii (working title) - From the deserted beach to urban Los Angeles, Hawaii serves as a global backdrop for the excitement and intrigue of Lost. Join the small army of technicians that transforms Hawaii to the Island as they go about their duties.
Gun Tracking (working title) - Lost features a formidable array of firearms Get real life gun profiles and find out what it's like working with so much firepower.
The Music of Lost (working title) - The Honolulu Symphony performs Michael Giacchino's award-winning score live for the first time ever. Witness the power of the show's many musical themes as well as its innovative use of instruments-and learn how music affects the production, from writing to directing.
I recommend this season for anyone who ever enjoyed this show. You won't feel the writer's strike when watching the DVDs.

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After Oceanic Air flight 815 tore apart in mid-air and crashed on a Pacific island, it s survivors were forced to find inner strength they never knew they had in order to survive. But they discovered that the island hold many secrets, including a mysterious smoke monster, polar bears, a strange French woman and another group of island residents known as The Others. The survivors have also found signs of those who came to the island before them, including a 19th century sailing ship called The Black Rock, the remains of an ancient statue, as well as bunkers belonging to the Dharma Initiative a group of scientific researchers who inhabited the island in the recent past.

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Masters of Horror - Right to Die (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Just what qualifies someone to be called a "Master" in the horror genre? That's a question I've asked several times in the two seasons of Showtime's "Masters of Horror" anthology series. Looking at their slate of directors, there are some obvious choices--but disappointingly the undisputed "Masters" haven't necessarily turned in the best episodes of this show. Rob Schmidt is, perhaps, one of the more dubious choices to fulfill a "Masters" criteria--his most notorious horror work is the film "Wrong Turn." And while I'm sure that film has its admirers, it is ultimately just another of countless derivations of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" complete with young couples isolated in the woods being stalked by hillbilly murderers.
"Right to Die," however, is not a bad entry in the "Masters of Horror" series. In fact, it's rather solid with an unexpected and appreciated cleverness. Martin Donovan, an indie film stalwart whose deadpan delivery I have always admired, stars as the film's protagonist. Existing in a troubled marriage, Donovan's situation goes from bad to worse as a horrible car accident puts his wife in a coma. Covered in burns, unrecognizable, and not able to live without technological intervention--the episode wrestles with whether or not Donovan should humanely let her die. Oh but there's one complication, his wife's spirit is restless. Every time her heart fails, but before she is revived, her gruesome specter is on the move seeking retribution on those that have wronged her in life.
I particularly liked the juxtaposition of the traditional horror story with the "Right to Die" political debate. That's what makes this episode unique, and there is genuine humor that is mined from this topic. The horror sequences are effective enough--if somewhat familiar. Borrowing elements from the tepid "What Lies Beneath," and even "Hellraiser," the scariness of this episode is far less inventive than the shrewd appropriation of the Right To Die controversy. But for an hour, you could do worse. The acting is solid, the effects are good--all in all, I found this to be a worthwhile episode. About 3 1/2 stars (for me, the most enjoyable episodes have only been 4 stars), this is better than you might expect from someone with such an undistinguished horror resume. KGHarris, 03/07.

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Late at night on a lonely country road, Cliff Addison (Martin Donovan of THE DEAD ZONE and WEEDS) and his wife Abby are involved in a fiery car wreck that leaves Cliff unhurt and his wife hideously burned. As Abby lies comatose, kept alive only by life support, her charred spirit seeks vengeance on those who profit from her plight including a slick attorney (Corbin Bernsen). Amidst a storm of angry relatives and pushy reporters, a controversial issue is about to take a horrific turn: Even if Cliff can now find a way to keep his wife alive, will a monstrous secret condemn him to a living hell forever?Features: Also on DVD, Right to Die Script Audio Commentary featuring Rob Schmidt Burnt Offerings: Making of Right to Die Flay-O-Trish Photo Gallery, Motion Menus

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Weeds: Season Two (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Yes, it's a drama all right, despite the half-hour format. The tone of its second season reminds me more than anything of the venerable "Six Feet Under": it's extremely funny, and extremely smart, and it moves from ultra-dry sitcom territory into much darker places (and back) without warning or apology.
"Weeds" casts its satirical throwing stars in 360 degrees. While drug warriors get their well-justified comeuppance, we more libertarian types don't get off exactly scot-free. Just the right medicine when it comes to a debate that's been all but shut down in more mainstream circles.
Not that you need to have an opinion about pot politics to enjoy the razor-sharp dialogue or, failing that, Mary-Louise Parker's big brown eyes and diabolical deadpan delivery.

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Funnier, darker and more daring, the second season of this acclaimed Showtime series reaches a higher ground. Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker stars as Nancy Botwin, the soccer mom who had to learn how to deal - pot, that is - after the death of her husband. Now, her business is a hit. But keeping up with the neighbors in this suburban utopia isn't easy. She's joined up with a few of her closest friends, and together they're facing life's highs and lows - because even in paradise, nobody's perfect. Don't miss WEEDS, an addictive comedy, the highest grade TV has to offer.

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That's So Raven - Raven's Makeover Madness (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)Disney Channel's most successful series is getting a well deserved 4th DVD! This DVD seems like a very good one, featuring season 4 episodes. The episodes are supposed to be:
Pin Pals
Dues and Don'ts
Adventures in Boss Sitting
Hook up My Space
And the never-before-episode will be When 6021 Met 4267
The bonus features on this DVD will be
* "So You Think You Know Raven" Interactive Trivia Challenge
* Never Before Seen Episode (When 6021 Met 4267)
I personally love this show and cannot wait until it is released


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Don't miss a hilarious minute of the madness as Raven makes over her career, her home, and her love life with her signature "snap"! Now four of your favorite episodes from the hit Disney Channel original series -- plus exclusive bonus features -- are on DVD for the first time ever! When Raven charms her way into a dream internship, she's sure she's stylin'. But her glamorous new boss is more than she bargained for, and Raven's family, friends, and future are all at risk. Still, her best pals Chelsea and Eddie are along for the ride . . . even when her visions steer them toward disaster! Even Corey gets into the makeover game -- with outrageous results. It's fun, it's fashionable, it's soooo Raven!

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Monk: Season Five/Pysch: The Complete First Season (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Last year, longrunning detective series "Monk" (an obsessie-compulsive detective) got paired with the new show, a lighthearted comedy-mystery series about a kooky faux-psychic who solves crimes. Together, these shows are even more delightful, with charmingly eccentric characters and some very nice writing.
The fifth season of "Monk" opens with a movie about to be made about Monk's (Tony Shalhoub) life and amazing abilities, with well-known actor David Ruskin (Stanley Tucci) as Monk. But Ruskin turns out to be the world's best method actor, as he observes Monk doing his detective work -- and starts to acquire Monk's OCD and personality.
But Monk's problems don't cease when he's paralyzed by a garbage strike, and the strike leader is murdered. Other cases include a mysterious electrocution in a gym shower, being blinded by a murderer, a stint as a private eye, a college reunion, a disastrous rock concert, a leper, marijuana, a radio host whose wife died while he was on the air, and he competes against technology to find a serial killer.
At the end of Monk's hour comes the time for Shawn Spencer (James Roday) and his long-suffering pal Gus (Dulé Hill). Shawn's strict, humorless dad coached him since early childhood to be the perfect future cop -- hyperobservant, highly intelligent, the perfect detective. But when he reports his observations to the police, they arrest him -- and his only way out is to pretend to be psychic.
In fact, his gimmick works brilliantly -- soon he sets up shop as a psychic, after plucking Gus from a dull job. Among their colourful cases: death at a spelling bee, a haunting at a sorority house, a wedding tainted by theft and murder, a ghostly stalking, a cat used as a witness, Civil war reenactments, a comic book convention, alien abductions, underground poker, and organizing a surprise birthday party for Lassiter.
"Monk" and "Psych" have a lot in common. They're both about hyperobservant eccentrics, and they both have solid mysteries and some hilarious writing, although Monk tends to be rather sadder in tone, compared to the frothy twentysomething hijinks of Gus and Shawn. Seen together, these shows seem like two of a kind.
But whatever the differences, they both have colourful mysteries (sometimes with unexpected twists), and some deliciously strange dialogue, whether it's Monk being depressed ("I wish I drank. Is it wonderful?") or Shawn flailing to be pretending to be psychic ("Spare me! Spare me! AUUUWWWWW!"). And in between the comedy, we get to see what shaped the characters into who they are.
Granted, neither series is quite perfect -- Monk's OCD becomes rather cartoonish in a few episodes, such as his nutty reaction to his shrink retiring. And the mysteries Shawn and Gus solve take a little while to be suitably mysterious -- by the middle of the season, they are both fun AND suspenseful, such as that whole speed-dating episode.
The leads of both shows are absolutely delightful -- Tony Shalhoub can be hysterical (such as when he tries to be a butler), but can also be heartbreaking, such as when Monk watches his old wedding video. Roday, on the other hand, is just a hilarious comic actor. His Shawn is devoid of responsibility or dignity, and he rides through on luck --but he has a good heart, and is genuinely good at being a detective.
And both shows have great supporting casts, especially Hill as the long-suffering Gus, and Traylor Howard as Monk's nurse-sidekick. All the cops -- including Gray-Stanford and Ormondson -- get plenty of character development. And they have some celebrity appearances: "Psych" has George Takei, while Monk has some small, hilarious roles for Alice Cooper and Tucci. And Sean Astin gives a glorious performance as a murderous, spoiled rich brat.
The fifth season of "Monk" helped the first season of "Psych" get off the ground. These smartly-written, humorous mystery series are well-paired, and both are definitely worth getting.

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Wonderfalls - The Complete Series (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Warning: Many spoilers.
The 2003-2004 television season was one in which critics and fans expressed their growing outrage at the decay of standards in commercial television. On the one hand, the WB decided to cancel the critically acclaimed ANGEL despite an unprecedented fan effort to save the show. A growing stream of increasingly offensive reality shows made many wonder if there was any future for scripted television, or whether we were doomed to see shows like the widely condemned THE SWAN. But for many, the low point of the entire season was the cancellation by FOX of the extraordinary new show WONDERFALLS after only four episodes, despite a host of great reviews, many of them proclaiming it the finest new show of the year. More than this, it was as if FOX were determined for the show to fail, first placing it on Friday evenings (the worst night of the week for attracting viewers) for three weeks, before putting it on Thursday night opposite a host of the most popular shows on TV, therefore dooming it to low ratings. With the great reviews, one would have imagined that FOX would have found the show a new time slot and built an advertising and promotional campaign around the critics' ravings.
Luckily, WONDERFALLS is being released with the four original episodes and nine more that were completed but not released. The great news for those who saw those first four shows is that the next nine are even better. Indeed, if you were angry at the cancellation of the show based solely on those four episodes, you will go ballistic when you see how good these others are. The writers were obviously in defense mode from the first. One of the executive producers, Tim Minear, had been victimized the previous year when he served as executive producer of FIREFLY, which FOX similarly killed prematurely. This time, they assumed that the thirteen episodes might be all they got. As a result, WONDERFALLS is essentially a single self-contained story in thirteen parts. It could easily have led to a second season with new story lines, but the one season they did produce tells a single tale, with no major loose ends at all by the end of the final one.
As most who have heard of the show know, WONDERFALLS is the story of Jaye, a slacker living in Niagara Falls, NY (though most of the footage at the Falls is from the Canadian side) and working in a menial job in a souvenir gift shop. Her life is mundane and unpromising, when suddenly one day inanimate animals start talking to her. A lot of people who hear this aspect of the show are turned off, but trust me, it really won't be an issue for long for anyone who gives the show a chance. We never do learn why the animals talk to Jaye (though in one spectacular episode a bronze monkey, in response to her question of why they are all singling her out, tells her, "Because you listen"). In one episode near the end of the season there are hints that Jaye might actually be a spirit seer, and if so it is highly satirical that in American consumer society that she would be addressed by artificial, utterly fake animals instead of the real animals that Native American seers acknowledged as spirit guides.
The animals don't really give Jaye much choice in the matter of whether she is going to heed their commands. She learns very quickly that if she doesn't do their bidding, they will drive her crazy by such stratagems as singing endlessly "One Hundred Bottles of Beer On the Wall." She also learns that if she refuses to do their bidding, things can go very bad very quickly, and that if she does things can go miraculously right. For instance, she is commanded to do a number of things through consecutive episodes that apparently destroy a potential relationship with Eric, the young bartender who came to Niagara on his honeymoon, only to have his wife (played by FIREFLY alum Jewel Staite, as unlovable in this role as she was adorable as Kaylee in that show) cheat on him their first night there. Eric seems perfect for the prickly Jaye, but the animals don't seem to want to cooperate. I won't give away the end of the series, but I think the final episodes end about as perfectly as one could hope. After thirteen episodes in which Jaye has functioned as a pawn of fate, seeing her finally a little happy and content is a wonderful moment.
The cast is absolutely first rate, and by the end of the series all make a great contribution. Caroline Dhavernas is really fine as Jaye. She is not supposed to be a good or lovable or nice person. She definitely isn't a saint. As she puts it in one episode, in which she inadvertently saves a baby from injury, "I'm not a baby saver!" She ends up being a good person despite her own best efforts to the contrary. Tyron Leitso is enormously likable as Eric, who seems to be way too nice of a guy to be involved with a brat like Jaye. But the chemistry between Jaye and Eric is great, especially as their relationship gets enormously complicated by life (and inanimate animals) later in the season. At first I was alarmed that Jaye's family was going to play such a prominent role in the series, but all the performers were so exceptional that it ended up being one of the show's greatest assets. William Sandler as her doctor father, Diane Scarwid as her author mother, and Kate Finneran as her lawyer sister (all three highly successful in their jobs) were great and serve to emphasize how unsuccessful in life Jaye has been.. And I really liked Lee Pace as her brother Aaron, a doctoral student in religion who is the first to catch on that Jaye has an unusual relationship with the powers that be via fake animals (something he first suspects when he catches her talking to a cow coffee creamer). And Tracie Thomas is quite cute as Mahandra, Jaye's best friend and the surreptitious lover of Aaron (a fact only revealed to the other characters only in the final episode).
This is one of my favorite series of all time, and while I profoundly regret that FOX didn't give it a chance, I am grateful that the producers managed to tell a brilliant and compelling story. And I loved the setting in Niagara Falls. It was one of those rare shows where very nearly everything was perfect, except that it appeared on a network run by the mentally challenged. See this! I promise one of the most enchanting experiences of your viewing life.

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"From the producer of Angel and Firefly comes Wonderfalls with 9 never aired episodes. Although a recent graduate of Brown University, Jaye Tyler decides to ignore her degree, live in a trailer and work at a tourist gift shop in Niagara Falls called Wonderfalls--much to the despair of her well-to-do family. But Jaye’s aimless life takes a startling turn after a lion figurine begins talking to her. Her family calls it an "episode," but Jaye knows better.Fearing for her sanity, Jaye nevertheless starts doing exactly what an increasing number of inanimate objects tell her to do and is amazed when her outrageous actions begin changing people’s lives in unexpected ways. "

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