C.S.I. Miami - The Complete First Season (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Being a CSI las Vegas fan, I wasn't happy when they made CSI Miami. I picked this up due to the summer break of CSI, I needed something.. and this was my choice! I can honestly say that it was a worthwhile purchase after having watched all of the episodes. True David Caruso is no Gil Grissom, but would you want him to be? The feel of the series is very different with the set being in Miami. The cast is on par with the Las vegas cast. Las Vegas has a more personal feel to it, as many times the originals bring their personal lives into the story (i.e. Catherine being a stripper, Warrick being a Gambler), and you don't find that as much in Miami. The focus seems to stay more to the storyline.
Kim Delaney was a welcome cast-off in my opinion. She dragged the series down with her poor attitude, and had no chemistry with David Caruso. She came across as an uptight investigator who had no interest in getting along with her fellow CSIs, or have any passion in getting the truth. I was very glad when she finally left.
Another difference between Las Vegas and Miami that is striking is how each CSI is an expert in their certain field. Callegh is the "Bullet Girl", Speedle is the AV expert, Delco is the Diving tech who speaks russian, and spanish, acts as the go between the Cuban community and the MDPD. Alexx talks to her patients as they were still alive, and in general is friendlier then Al Robbins of Las Vegas.
In conclusion, try it, the two CSIs are comparable, like the many Law and Order spinoffs, you can choose your favorite, but in my opinion each one is strong, and holds its own. You can enjoy either, but take a vacation from Las Vegas to Miami.

Click Here to see more reviews about: C.S.I. Miami - The Complete First Season (2002)

CSI:MIAMI - COMPLETE FIRST SEASON - DVD Movie

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about C.S.I. Miami - The Complete First Season (2002)

The Closer: The Complete Fourth Season (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been an avid fan of this television show since the first episode of the first season. I have purchased all previous seasons. I noticed that with the beginning of season four an upgrade had been made with regards to the writing, plots, and characterizations of the shows regulars. (We still don't know Provenza's first name...) The most rewarding thing for me is that everything about the show improved in a very dramatic way. I love watching all the previous seasons' shows over and over again, but I anticipate that season four will be equally great especially without all the commercials! Kyra Sedgwick is the tasty bait for this show, but every other actor on the set is a joy to behold. I applaud the writers and the directors for bringing out everyone's best!!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Closer: The Complete Fourth Season (2009)

An offbeat personality, a tough-as-nails approach and a track record as one of the country's leading investigators: These are just a few of the traits exhibited by Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. For the Atlanta transplant heading up the Priority Homicide Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, her position on this elite detective squad, which handles high-profile cases of a sensitive nature, is a tenuous balancing act. She faces antagonistic roadblocks, even from her own peers within the department, and must manage a team that remains wary of her unconventional style.

Get 51% OFF

Click here for more information about The Closer: The Complete Fourth Season (2009)

C.S.I. Miami - The Complete Second Season (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Although the original still firmly stands superior, CSI Miami is nevertheless, a good show that is easy to just sit, watch, and get pulled into. It's "tense, gripping, exciting drama" as I like to jikingly call, but it's not that far from the truth. Although the characters can sometimes be a little annoying, it really depends on what you like. If you like Caruso's cheesy maneurisms, or Emily Proctor's constant cheerfulness, it probably won't bother you and will keep you watching. These more positive and sunny characters (probably influenced by the city itself) are responsible for making Miami more enjoyable than New York, but also puts it behind Vegas. These are the season two episodes.
Blood Brothers: A model is the fatal victim of a hit and run, Horatio and Yelina examine their feelings for eachother.
Dead Zone: A man is discovered harpooned while searching for sunken treasure, and the death could be financially motivated.
Hard Time: A woman lured to a condo is found beaten to death, which leads Horatio to a Georgia prison.
Death Grip: A teen tennis star is kidnapped from her bedroom. Jeff Corwin guest stars
The Best Defense: Owners of a bar are shot dead by a masked gunman. Also, Calleigh's dad asks for her help with a murder case.
Hurricane Anthony: Trying to escape the fury of a hurricane, a man hits and kills another after being blinded by the storm. Other deaths are also investigated after the hurricane hits.
Grand Prix: Pit crewman is burned to death in a Miami race, which brings the team into the strange world of racing.
Big Brother: Horatio becomes driven to find his brother Ray's killer, and discovers a niece he never he had.
Bait: After a woman is attacked and killed by a shark, the case becomes strange after it is discovered she was shot first.
Extreme: A young woman is found thrown over the railing of a parking garage, but it is discovered she was already dead.
Complications: A man is discovered hanging in his two-story condo, but the evidence points to murder, and that the killer had a motive.
Witness to Murder: A man carrying $2 million is murdered after he confronts a man who hit his car. Delko and Speedle investigate the death of a girl killed at a rest stop
Slow Burn: A fire traps Delko and Alexx who are investigating a murder and find another body while trapped.
Stalkerazzi: A photographer is found murdered in his car which leads to 2 movie stars.
Invasion: A surf champion is found murdered which unveils a very troubled family and a person with a good motive for the death
Money for Nothing: An armored truck is robbed which leads to two deaths and an investigation of what happened to the real money.
Wannabe: A wannabe CSI is murdered when he is supposed to testify for the murder of a man stabbed with a butter knife
Deadline: Two young reporters are murdered which leads the CSI team to believe that a survivor's original story was false.
The Oath: A police officer's death proves to be murder and that it wasn't a random crime.
Not Landing: A small plane crashes and kills the pilot. After an investigation however, evidence shows the pilot died before the crash, which puts Horatio on dangerous ground.
Rap Sheet: A security guard is killed at a rap concert, while a supposedly dead woman wakes up in the morgue.
Mia/Nyc: A young girl finds both her parents murdered which leads Horatio to New York, where he meets the CSI New York team.Innocent: An adult film actress is murdered and the investigation goes arwy with the loss of a crucial piece of evidence.


Click Here to see more reviews about: C.S.I. Miami - The Complete Second Season (2002)

Led by former homicide detective Horatio Caine (Caruso), CSI: MIAMI follows a Miami forensics unit as they work crimes amid the steamy, tropical surroundings and cultural crossroads of Miami. Caine leads an elite team that includes Calleigh Duquesne (Procter), a bilingual Southern beauty with a specialty in ballistics; Tim Speedle (Cochrane), a cocky yet disarming investigator who is well-connected on the street; Eric Delko(Rodriguez), an underwater recovery expert who knows all the twists and turns of the Florida waterways; and Alexx Woods (Alexander), the no-nonsense, know-it-all coroner.

Get 44% OFF

Click here for more information about C.S.I. Miami - The Complete Second Season (2002)

C.S.I. New York - The Complete First Season (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Crime Scene Investigation: New York (CSI) is the second follow-up of the original CSI, which takes place in Las Vegas. The first sequel to CSI offered the 60 million dedicated viewers to the initial series a location change, as the sequel is set in the subtropical Miami. However, in one episode of CSI: Miami, a cold-blooded murderer brought the investigation to New York to find the killer. This development gave grounds for another change of scenery, which gave the viewers a chance to see the nitty-gritty indifference of the unsympathetic Big Apple's criminals. The mood in CSI: NY is far grimmer and more distant from humanity than its predecessors, as the bluish tone of the photography enhances the cold and unfeeling mood of this series murderous trail.
The first disc of this set of discs offers an opportunity for the audience to experience the initial episode from CSI: Miami that sets up CSI: NY. In this episode the forensic-analyst, Caine (David Caruso) of Miami-Dade crime lab, investigates a grisly double murder, which leads them to New York. Once in New York, Caine begins to cooperate with Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) to find the answers of the callous murderer's identity, as they put their two sharp minds together to solve the crime. In the opening of CSI: NY, the discovery of a female body neatly dressed and with no visible signs of struggle, or harm, immediately sets the tone of Mac's bleak world. To further the desolated atmosphere of CSI: NY, the audience learns about Mac's late wife who died during the 9/11 attack in Manhattan, which affects his sleeping patterns.
CSI: NY has a number of interesting characters, besides Mac, such as the dedicated Detective Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes) and Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo). There is also the disillusioned doctor Sheldon Hawkes who has left his job as a doctor due to failure, and then there is the hot-tempered Don Flack (Eddie Cahill). The combination between these characters led by Mac and the horrific crimes that fall in their lap allows the audience to enter a dark and sinister domain, as they seek through scientific methods find the clue that solves the case. The TV series is not really entertainment, as it has some gruesome stories. However, CSI: NY offers an interesting and suspenseful perspective on science in the legal system, which also offers an interesting viewpoint on life and its function. It truly presents a rather fascinating experience, which definitely is worth the time.
CSI: NY brings the viewers an intriguingly dark police drama where science is the main tool in their investigation. The success on the show rests within the cast's chemistry and their performances, as they all enhance the experience with multifaceted individuality and persona. In addition, each episode presents a unique perspective on innovatively gruesome crimes and how the law enforcement pursues the criminals with relentless dedication. Thus, adding a third location to the CSI franchise was a good decision, as it still serves a large audience a suspenseful and captivating visual event.

Click Here to see more reviews about: C.S.I. New York - The Complete First Season (2004)

CSI: New York, the third incarnation of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise and the spin-off of CSI: Miami, is a crime drama about forensic investigators who use high-tech science to follow the evidence and solve crimes in The Big Apple. Detective Mack "Mac" Taylor is a dedicated and driven crime scene investigator who believes that everything is connected and for everyone there is a story. He and his partner, Detective Stella Bonasera, a workaholic and a jack-of-all-trades, share a passion for the job. They lead a team of experts amid the gritty and kinetic city that never sleeps. Their team includes Danny Messer, a Brooklyn-born investigator with rugged good looks, an unflappable spirit and a colorful family history, and Dr. Sheldon Hawkes, a reclusive coroner who walked away from a promising surgical career after the traumatic loss of two patients. Joining them is homicide Detective Don Flack, an edgy, hardcore investigator with a quick wit, impressive forensic insight and limited patience with potential suspects. Rounding out the team is Aiden Burn, a smart and sexy investigator whose chameleon-like behavior allows her to adapt to any situation at any time. These skilled investigators, who see New York City in a whole different light, follow the evidence as they piece together clues and eliminate doubt to ultimately crack their cases.

Get 17% OFF

Click here for more information about C.S.I. New York - The Complete First Season (2004)

C.S.I. New York - The Complete Second Season (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Season 2 of CSI: New York is a transition year. The show no longer is as dark as it was during its first season, the storyline involving Mac Taylor's mourning of his wife's death on 9/11 has disappeared, Dr. Hawks is now in the field, instead of performing autopsies, and Aidan Burn is fired and replaced Lindsay Monroe.
The producers seem to have stuck to the CSI formula for 2/3 of the season to allow the dust to settle. The last few episodes bring in some interesting character developments: the sexual chemistry between Danny and Lindsay, the relationship between Danny and his brother, the wrapping up of the rapist storyline, Stella having a relationship with a man that turns violent, and the revelation of a lighter side to Mac.
In all, Season 2 is a good year of cases and glimpses of what direction this show wants to go in.


Click Here to see more reviews about: C.S.I. New York - The Complete Second Season (2004)

CSI: NY, the third incarnation of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise and the spin-off of CSI: Miami, is a crime drama about forensic investigators who use high-tech science to follow the evidence and solve crimes in The Big Apple.

Get 33% OFF

Click here for more information about C.S.I. New York - The Complete Second Season (2004)

The Closer - The Complete First Two Seasons (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First up--Brenda Johnson has made me confess with her wily ways--the second season of "The Closer" is equally as good as the first. There are some plot developments that may season two unique though. First up, Brenda's mom (Francis McDormand)visits. Fritz moves in. Then movies out because Brenda's mom will be staying. As usual Brenda makes the bad guys talk whether it be the bizarre (the case of the cop and the psycho killer who mysterious killed each other at exactly the same time)or unexpected (a juror drops dead from cardiac arrest during a trial where the jury had been threatened).
I love this show with its mix of the quirky character of Johnson (who constantly fights the urge--not successfully I might add--to eat junk food)and her ability to figure out a crime. Unlike "Monk" this isn't focused more on the comedy elements but integrates them into a rich, suspenseful dramatic series. Sedgewick deserves to be nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal.
A fun and fascinating mystery ride, "The Closer" focuses on Deputy Chief of Police Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) is a fish out of water lured from Atlanta to L.A.by Assistant Police Chief Will Pope (J.K. Simmons J.J. Jameson from "Spider-Man" and "Spider-Man 2") lead an elite unite that tackles high profile murder cases with her unusual approach to solving crimes. Her Georgia accent immediately sets her apart from her colleagues. She's much savvier underneath her down home accent than many give her credit for allowing her, like Columbo to tackle crimes that others might not be able to solve. Like Columbo and Monk she's got her own quirks (an addiction to junk food, she shows up at a crime scenes with her sick cat--named Cat--in a paper back and her southern charm can't quite hide her abrasive personality). It's a marvelous TV show with a terrific supporting cast (Jon Tenney, Robert Gossett among others).
"The Closer" looks extremely good in this presentation with all 14 episodes (the finale is a two hour episode or two-parter however you want to look at it) episodes on four DVDs. The first season box states that the show is presented in full screen but we get the original letterboxed images as broadcast on TNT. "The Closer: Season One" isn't anamorphically enhanced which results in it being presented on my widescreen TV with bars everywhere (to the sides, on the top and bottom).
For the first season there are no featurettes (for example he superb set that Universal put out for "Monk" has a lot of background on the show)on the development of the series, how Kyra Sedgewick became involved in the show, interviews with the supporting cast or a glimpse into the creative process of the show. We get deleted scenes for the bulk of the episodes (they were clearly cut for time constraints) presented with the time code at the bottom of the images so clearly most were cut prior to the final assembly of the show.
The second season comes with a good featurette on the show and the season gag reel. The second season is anamorphically presented so it fills a widescreen TV without the black bars.
No commentary tracks which is disappointing but the price is right for the show and it's presented in thin packs making it easier to store the DVDs without taking up much room.
Well written, performed and directed "The Closer" looks solid in its DVD presentation but could be improved significantly for the second season. I'd suggest that Warner present the show anamorphically enhanced and include some featurettes or commentary tracks in addition to the deleted scenes. This top notch show one of the best of the season deserves a deluxe treatment but because it's on TNT and has a smaller audience it's unlikely we'll probably see either one of these improvements for future sets.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Closer - The Complete First Two Seasons (2005)

Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 05/29/2007

Click here for more information about The Closer - The Complete First Two Seasons (2005)

Closer: Complete Seasons 1-3 (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My wife has enjoyed the Closer tv series, but missed the first season. We enjoy the real life give and take of the characters in the series, especially how Kyra Sedgwick handles the underlying theme of sexism found the the earlier episodes. A real winner in our book!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Closer: Complete Seasons 1-3 (2008)

Click here for more information about Closer: Complete Seasons 1-3 (2008)

Banacek: The Best Of (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)With the entire series on 2 affordable sets, this seems to be a ploy on the manufacturer's part to go el cheapo. There were only 16 episodes plus the pilot in the entire series. Picking 4 of the 17 as a "Best of collection" is dumb. You are better off buying the Season sets, or better still, buying the complete set coming out after this disc does.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Banacek: The Best Of (2008)

George Peppard is Thomas Banacek, Boston s leading freelance investigator. When a crime proves too difficult for insurance investigators to solve, Banacek is called on in this classic TV Show from the early 70s. This specially priced DVD contains four of the best episodes from this beloved series.

Click here for more information about Banacek: The Best Of (2008)

Nero Wolfe - The Complete Second Season (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Producers Michael Jaffe and Timothy Hutton continue with their superb adaptations of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe stories in the second season of "Nero Wolfe." With outstanding performances by Maury Chaykin as Nero Wolfe and Timothy Hutton as Archie Goodwin, some of Stout's best stories such as "The Silent Speaker" and "Death of a Doxy" are brought to the screen

The Season Two DVDs are every bit as fine as the Season One set in audio and video quality. Season Two has the added fillip of bonus material which was sadly lacking in the Season One set. This set includes "The Golden Spiders," the 2000 TV movie which led to the series, and "The Making of Nero Wolfe," a short documentary which offers interviews with Timothy Hutton, Maury Chaykin, and others involved in the production of this marvelous series. Also included as a "bonus" is a widescreen version of "The Silent Speaker." (It is unfortunate that A&E did not see fit to offer all of the episodes in widescreen.)

After enjoying Nero Wolfe Season Two you'll want more adaptations of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe done by Jaffe, Hutton et al. You'll also wonder what fit of nincompoopery came over A&E and made them cancel this exemplary series.





Click Here to see more reviews about: Nero Wolfe - The Complete Second Season (2002)

As legendary as Sherlock Holmes and Watson, the brilliant, curmudgeonly Nero Wolfe and his dapper sidekick Archie Goodwin use their wit, inventiveness, and flair to solve the most perplexing crimes. His imperious "seventh of a ton" lodged firmly behind his desk, Nero Wolfe rarely leaves his Manhattan brownstone, preferring instead to spend a few hours a day attending to his beloved orchid collection or feasting on the sumptuous meals prepared by his Swiss chef. Archie Goodwin is his stalwart legman, a stylish, street-smart sleuth who uncovers the clues--as well as the bodies--that let Wolfe unravel the most confounding mysteries. Sex, lies, blackmail, and murder are just part of the job when our heroes take on a case. Faithfully adapted from the best-selling novels by Rex Stout and available on DVD for the first time, the complete second season of A&E's critically acclaimed series, NERO WOLFE, stars Maury Chaykin (The Sweet Hereafter) and Oscar® winner Timothy Hutton (Ordinary People). DVD Features: Bonus Movie: THE GOLDEN SPIDERS; 16:9 Letterbox version of "The Silent Speaker 1&2"; Bonus Behind-the-Scenes Featurette The Making of Nero Wolfe; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Get 75% OFF

Click here for more information about Nero Wolfe - The Complete Second Season (2002)

C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation - The Complete First Season (2000) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Although CSI is definitely one of the best shows on television, this dvd is a little bit of a letdown. It's bare bones as far as extras go (which is not taking advantage of the dvd format as far as I'm concerned). There's no subtitles (I'm not deaf, but what if I was?). The price is almost twice as much as any other season of a network television show (most others range from $40-$50). I still think it's a great show, but they could've done a better job. If you really wanna see it, rent it. UPDATE: DO NOT BUY THIS. They are re-releasing this in the coming months with extras and in anamorphic widescreen format (like they did with all the other releases) so SAVE YOUR MONEY and buy the set they should've released to begin with.

Click Here to see more reviews about: C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation - The Complete First Season (2000)

Based on real life Las Vegas crime scene investigators, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION follows the team as they solve chilling cases with innovative thinking and methodical scientific inquiry.Tackling cases peppered with grisly details, the Las Vegas PD Criminalistics Division is the #2 crime lab in the U.S., solving crimes that practically every other crime lab has given up on.Set in a town whose reputation for providing instant success for those willing to try their luck, CSI finds that the constant influx of visitors to the city that never sleeps also provides ripe targets for criminals of all varieties.The show also stars Paul Guilfoyle as Capt. Jim Brass, Robert David Hall as Dr. David Robbins and Eric Szmanda as Greg Sanders.DVD Contents: Disc 1: Pilot, Cool Change; Crate and Burial; Pledging Mr. Johnson Disc 2: Friends and Lovers; Who Are You?; Blood Drops; Anonymous Disc 3: Unfriendly Skies; Sex, Lies and Larvae; I-15 Murders; Fahrenheit 932 Disc 4: Boom; To Halve and to Hold; Table Stakes; Too Tough to Die Disc 5: Face Lift; $35K O.B.O; Gentle, Gentle; Sounds of Silence Disc 6: Justice is Served; Evaluation Day; Strip StranglerDisk 6 of the DVD also includes the following special features: *Featurette: "CSI: People Lie...But The Evidence Never Does" *The Who's "Who Are You" Music Video *Character Profiles

Get 15% OFF

Click here for more information about C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation - The Complete First Season (2000)

Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Collection - Seasons One - Four (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sherlock Holmes, Columbo, Hercule Poirot -- genius detectives are usually a bit quirky. But no other is as quirky as Adrian Monk, the obsessive-compulsive detective.
"Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Collection" compiles the first four seasons of this funny, likable little mystery series. Tony Shalhoub shines as everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive detective, solving the case with his gift/curse and his willingness to go anywhere... that doesn't have germs.
Adrian Monk's wife Trudy was killed in a car-bombing, and the devastated detective fell apart completely. Years later, Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is partially recovered, but he still is obsessive-compulsive and has dozens of phobias. The only way he manages is with his assistant Sharona (Bitty Schram) -- and later her successor Natalie (Traylor Howard) -- babysitting him.
When a politician is nearly killed in a mystery shooting, the police are baffled. So Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) reluctantly calls in his old pal to solve the case. From then on, Monk is called in for dozens of bizarre, baffling cases. His excellent memory and his OCD ("It's a gift.... and a curse") allow him to see patterns and details where other people see nothing.
Among Monk's cases are going undercover at a prison, a killer dentist, a deadly Christmas gift, an elephant used as a lethal weapon, a billionaire mugger, saving Willie Nelson from a murder rap, trapping a black widow, the death of a 115-year-old man, the Mafia, martial-artists, murdered models, and a guy who leaped out of a plane -- and died by drowning.
But as quirky and bizarre as the cases is, it never stops hitting the heartstrings. Monk is still passionately devoted to his dead wife; in the whole series, he goes on two dates (both disastrous). He also becomes attached to a little boy and even tries to adopt him, and it's a credit to this show's writers that the ending of that episode isn't maudlin or sappy.
"Monk" is the sort of show that usually gets cancelled after five episodes -- it's well-written, amusing, and smart. So by TV standards, lasting four seasons is nothing short of miraculous. Like any long-running show it has its duds ("Mr. Monk Takes His Medicine" always makes me cringe), but the overall series shows no signs of decline in all four seasons.
There are gunfights and SWAT teams, like on any cop show, but the main focus here is on detecting. And the writers are skilled at coming up with all sorts of bizarre or unsolvable crimes, which only Monk could unravel. Not to mention the dialogue, which leans heavily on dry humour ("There's an old saying: 'Don't change anything, ever." "That's an old saying?" "I've been saying it for years...")
But the series wouldn't be what it is without Tony Shalhoub. He played weird roles in movies like MIB and "Galaxy Quest," and so he knows how to balance out Monk's weirdness and genius without leaning too heavily on either. When told to sit on the ground, he says nervously, "I can't. Animals do things on the ground. Terrible, terrible things."
Schram and Howard are both good as his assistants, and they're similar without being TOO alike -- one was a hardened New York gal, and the other is a rebel rich girl with a checkered employment past. And Levine and Jason Gray-Stanford round off the cast as genial cop Stottlemeyer and his earnest (if slightly goofy) sidekick Disher.
"Monk: The Obsessive-Compulsive Collection" shows us all of this excellent show (so far), with its uniquely appealing hero. It's a gift... and a curse.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Collection - Seasons One - Four (2002)

The critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe winning MONK finally gave talented character actor Tony Shalhoub a chance to shine. Shalhoub\'s performance as the mentally unstable title character contains just the right mix of pathos and perfect comic timing earning him an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the role. Adrian Monk (Shalhoub) is San Francisco\'s most brilliant detective but is unable to serve on the police force because of his crippling neuroses and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However he continues his investigations independently often solving cases before the actual police are able to do so and always seeking clues to the unsolved murder of his wife. The combination of comedy mystery and a distinctively eccentric character has led many to dub MONK the successor to COLUMBO. This collection includes every episode from seasons one through four of the series.System Requirements:Running Time 123 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:TELEVISION/SERIES & SEQUELS Rating:NR UPC:025192669026 Manufacturer No:26690

Get 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Collection - Seasons One - Four (2002)

Perry Mason - The Third Season - Vol. 2 (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)[Note: I entered this same review for Season 3, Vol. 1, too.]
I appreciate the reasons for consumer gripes regarding the Perry Mason DVD releases. Like other Amazon reviewers, I'd like to pay less and see complete seasons rather than half-seasons released at a time.
I'd also like two-dollar gas, killer abs, and a winning lottery ticket, but they're not gonna happen either, so I'll just say here and now that Paramount has done a superb job of remastering the PM series for us diehards, and I encourage the company to stick with the project.
When I look at the quality of the prints, that the episodes have been restored in their entirety, that the episodes are generally longer than most of today's popular dramatic series, and the plain fact that paying several bucks for each episode of one of my all-time favorite shows is no big hit on my wallet when it's spread out over months and years, I'm okay with the pricing and staggered releases. (And no, I don't work for or represent Paramount, and yes, like everyone else I have only so much disposable income in any given month.)
I even bought the PM 50th Anniversary set for its extras and for the lovely Barbara Hale (sometimes joined by series producer/director Arthur Marks) providing the intros. It was worth the price and the duplication of episodes.
I expect many of my fellow Amazon reviewers will take the time to skewer me for my take on Paramount's approach, and that's okay. It's all a matter of opinion and perspective. But for me, the fact that Paramount is providing us fans with such great prints of the PM series is cause for celebration. "You get what you pay for," the saying goes, and my money is being well-spent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Perry Mason - The Third Season - Vol. 2 (2008)

Perry Mason is an attorney who specializes in defending seemingly indefensible cases. With the aid of his secretary Della Street and investigator Paul Drake, he often finds that by digging deeply into the facts, startling facts can be revealed. Often relying on his outstanding courtroom skills, he often tricks or traps people into unwittingly admitting their guilt.

Get 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Perry Mason - The Third Season - Vol. 2 (2008)

Steve Martini's The Judge (2001) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For persons who love watching Chris Noth in the LAW & ORDER TV series, you will like this movie. Chris Noth plays a struggling, honest attorney with a small law firm. Trying to build himself and his firm, he works hard and ends up confronting THE JUDGE (Edward James Olmos) in a trial trying to defend an honest person. THE JUDGE throws Chris in jail for contempt of court.Rather then give up his principles, he refuses to apologize and stays in jail to serve his time. There is much corruption in both city offices and in the police department. THE JUDGE is set up, in order to try to get him removed from the bench and disbarred. The police department is particularly racist and THE JUDGE is of latino parentage. Finding no one who will plead his case, Edward James Olmos is forced to go to the only firm who will take his case. Chris Noth is a attorney at this firm. Christ does not like this man because he is the judge that would not be fair, and also threw him in jail for contempt of court. Chris Noth's boss, does request that Chris handle the case......from here on you will see Chris at his finest and performances from both men are excellent. This mini series is an excellent purchase for those who like court drama and are fans of both Chris Noth and Edward James Olmos.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Steve Martini's The Judge (2001)

STEVE MARTINI'S:JUDGE - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about Steve Martini's The Judge (2001)

Monk - Season Three (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)One of the more clever television creations of the new millennium, Monk combines the high-grade suspense of a traditional TV drama with the quirky humor of a big screen comedy. Originally developed for ABC, the show became an instant prime-time lynchpin for the USA network, proving itself one of the more successful shows on cable TV...
In Monk, Tony Shalhoub stars in the title role of Adrian Monk, a former San Francisco detective placed on psychiatric leave. A true legend in the community, Monk solves unsolvable crimes via his towering intellect, photographic memory, and meticulous observations. But the one case that alludes Monk is the 1997 murder of his wife Trudy, which forever altered Monk's capacity to perform his job. Suffering from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and a number of odd phobias, Monk requires a personal assistant, Sharona Fleming (Bitty Schram), for even his most basic daily activities. Yet Monk remains a police consultant on difficult cases, and he hopes to persuade Capt. Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) to give him his old job back. But Stottlemeyer and colleague Lt. Randall Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), harbor doubts about Monk's mental faculties. As Monk solves cases though, those doubts dissipate and Stottlemeyer and Disher learn to appreciate Monk's special talents - despite his inability to cope with the day-to-day activities of a normal detective... Nevertheless, he remains a de facto investigator as he and Sharona aid the San Francisco police department in solving numerous high profile cases...
The Monk (Season 3) DVD features a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere "Mr. Monk Takes Manhattan" in which Monk and company take a trip to New York City to investigate a lead on Trudy's murder given to Monk in the previous year's season finale. But while settling into their hotel, a riot breaks out in the lobby, and three people are killed, including the Latvian ambassador (who was just standing next to Monk). With Monk's identification of the killer's left ear being the only eye witness description of the perpetrator, the NYPD must rely on Monk's unique skills in order to solve the crime... Other notable episodes from Season 3 include "Mr. Monk Meets the Godfather" in which Monk is pressured by a local mafia boss to help solve the murder of five of his henchmen, and "Mr. Monk Gets Cabin Fever" in which Monk witnesses a Chinese gangland murder, prompting the FBI to place him in the witness protection program - harboring him in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere...
Below is a list of episodes included on the Monk (Season 3) DVD:
Episode 30 (Mr. Monk Takes Manhattan)
Episode 31 (Mr. Monk and the Panic Room)
Episode 32 (Mr. Monk and the Blackout)
Episode 33 (Mr. Monk Gets Fired)
Episode 34 (Mr. Monk Meets the Godfather)
Episode 35 (Mr. Monk and the Girl Who Cried Wolf)
Episode 36 (Mr. Monk and the Employee of the Month)
Episode 37 (Mr. Monk and the Game Show)
Episode 38 (Mr. Monk Takes His Medicine)
Episode 39 (Mr. Monk and the Red Herring)
Episode 40 (Mr. Monk vs. the Cobra)
Episode 41 (Mr. Monk Gets Cabin Fever)
Episode 42 (Mr. Monk Gets Stuck in Traffic)
Episode 43 (Mr. Monk Goes to Vegas)
Episode 44 (Mr. Monk and the Election)
Episode 45 (Mr. Monk and the Kid)
The DVD Report

Click Here to see more reviews about: Monk - Season Three (2002)

TV’s most brilliant detective is back, and he’s ready to battle any crime… as long as it doesn’t involve germs, heights or other people! Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub returns to DVD in all 16 third season episodes of the funny, fresh and quirky series, Monk. Rejoin Adrian Monk, the defective detective, who must overcome his obsessive-compulsive disorder and investigate the death of his wife, Trudy. Still hoping to be reinstated in the San Francisco Police Department, Monk continues to use his sharp intelligence, photographic memory and ever-present hand wipes to solve even the dirtiest cases. At his side are Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine), Lieutenant Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), Sharona Fleming (Bitty Schram) and newcomer Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard), and together they take on some daunting opponents, including the Mafia, the FBI and a possibly murderous chimpanzee. Monk’s back on the case and better than ever in this hilarious third season, which includes five obsessive brand-new featurettes!

Get 47% OFF

Click here for more information about Monk - Season Three (2002)

Monk - Season Five (2002) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Most cult TV dies pretty quickly, but Adrian Monk has been charming viewers with his quirky detecting for five seasons now. The fifth season occasionally crosses the line into cartoonishness, but overall it's still an entertaining, amusing little detective show... with the world's only OCD detective.
In the opening episode, a movie is going 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. Sometimes acting can be TOO good.
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, posing as a butler, a radio host whose wife died while he was on the air, and he competes against technology to find a serial killer.
On the personal front, Monk gets reacquainted with his father, who left the family when he was a child, and he also tries to deal with Dr. Kroger's early retirement, by solving the crime that prompted him to leave. And he helps Randy (Jason Gray-Stanford ) out when the latter inherits a farm -- and a mysterious death.
The fifth season does sag a little in the middle -- the retirement and rocker episodes have Monk's OCD becoming almost cartoonishly comic. But most of the rest of the episodes are quite good, with the typical unsolvable cases, unbreakable alibis, and inexplicable phobias from poor Monk.
Writingwise, there's nothing to complain about -- solid writing, solid plots full of difficult mysteries, and Monk undergoing lots of stress as he tries to deal with his many phobias. The dialogue is top-notch ("There's never hope. I wish I drank. Is it wonderful?"), and the writers allow all the regular characters to shine now and again, including Randy and Stottlemeyer (who have a kind of big-brother/little-brother vibe).
Tony Shalhoub is just amazing here, as Monk tries to navigate the dangers of a dirty, random world. He's absolutely hilarious when poor Monk has to square dance, feed chickens, and single-handedly tries to clean up San Francisco. But he also gives us some truly beautiful moments, such as when we see Monk watching his wedding video, quietly crying.
Traylor Howard continues to give a solid performance as Monk's assistant, while Ted Levine and Gray-Stanford round off the regular cast as the kindly Stottlemeyer and naive Randy. Alice Cooper has a fun cameo, and Tucci is absolutely great as a Monk-impersonator. And Sean Astin gives a glorious performance as a murderous, spoiled rich brat.
The fifth season of "Monk" has a few episodes that are lacking, but most of them are still excellent, suspenseful little mysteries. Definitely worth seeing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Monk - Season Five (2002)

It's time to tidy up for another season with Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub in all 16 Season Five episodes of Monk, television's most fresh and funny series. Gumshoe Adrian Monk would never actually have gum on his well-polished shoes: in addition to intellect and instinct, he also has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Though his eccentric traits bewilder his colleagues Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard), Captain Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and Lieutenant Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford), Monk's attention to detail keeps crime-and grime-off the streets. Included in this highly collectible, 4-disc set are both the black & white and color versions of the noir-style episode "Mr. Monk and the Leper," obsessively good bonus features and the pilot episode of the hit comedy-drama Psych. Follow the clues to Season Five of Monk, the quirky and original show TV Guide hails as "alternatively hilarious and touching."

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about Monk - Season Five (2002)

NCIS Naval Criminal Investigative Service - The Complete Second Season (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The sophomore season for most television dramas is usually the most difficult. One has to build on the success of the first season, identify and create the themes and story arcs for upcoming seasons, and retain the unique qualities that made the show successful in the first place. Led by executive producer Donald Bellisario, NCIS crafted a much stronger second season full of tension, drama, great mysteries, and a shocking conclusion. This is good television. And you dont let good television sit on the shelf too long, so hot on the heels of the release of the First Season on DVD is the November 14 release of the complete Season Two of NCIS.
NCIS is the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, responsible for crimes by and against members of the United States Navy and US Marine Corps. The team of NCIS agents introduced in Season 1 is led by former Marine Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), a tough no-nonsense leader and interrogator. The team also includes ex-homicide detective Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), former Secret Service Special Agent Kate Todd (Sasha Alexander), goth forensics expert Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), computer specialist and rookie Agent Tim McGee (Sean Murray), and quirky coroner Doctor Donald "Ducky" Mallard (David McCallum). Season Two sees the actors further developing their characters, imbuing them with warmth and hinting at complex backstories sure to be explained in future episodes. Harmon does a knockout job as a lead, and Weatherley and Sean Murray create a competitive older-younger brother relationship that is just right. Perrette is a force of nature in every episode and lights up the screen as Abby. Sasha Alexander does well as Kate, but there is just something missing, which could explain why Season Two ended as it did.
In Season Two, the team investigates the usual range of kidnappings, murders, and discovered bodies. Cleverly learning from the strongest episodes in Season One, Season Two gets us more involved in the characters and the show by putting them in harm's way, creating a lasting emotional buy-in. Tony goes undercover and goes missing in Chained, while Ducky is hunted by a killer in The Meat Puzzle, and Kate and Tony are stuck in a biohazard room after exposure to a bio agent in SWAK. Other standout episodes include An Eye for an Eye, Conspiracy Theory, and Lt. Jane Doe. The season ending episode Twilight sees the return of the Mossad-trained diabolical agent Ari, who held Ducky and Kate captive in Season One. The episode is a major changing point in the show, and sets up Season Three with a bang, figuratively. Though there are some clunker episodes like the video game spilling into real life episode Red Cell, even the bad episodes are worth watching because of the cast. Their relationship with one another is what drives the show.
The Season Two DVD box set contains all 23 episodes in widescreen for a total running time of almost 17 hours. Because of its quick turn-around time on the release, the extras are not as good as Season One, with only a few audio commentaries and a featurette. That is the unfortunate trade-off, but given that we get a full season of NCIS on DVD so quickly, its not a bad deal. Fans of the show will quickly snap this up, for those who have never watched before, if you liked JAG, CSI, or Bones, you will like this show. NCIS Season Two demonstrates exactly why this show is such a big hit. The DVD is on shelves on November 14th, one week after JAG Season Two releases. Preorder your copy today.A.G. Corwin
St.Louis, MO

Click Here to see more reviews about: NCIS Naval Criminal Investigative Service - The Complete Second Season (2003)

A team of special agents, operating outside the military chain of command, must investigate any crime with pieces of evidence connected to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position. Character-driven stories with surprising twists play a large role in the second season of NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service). The NCIS team of investigators is led by Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), an experienced investigator with sometimes unorthodox, but always-effective methods. Working under Gibbs are Special Agent Anthony Dinozzo (Michael Weatherly); Special Agent Caitlin Todd (Sasha Alexander); Forensic Specialist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette); and NCIS's medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard (DavidMcCallum). Additionally, joining the staff this season will be Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) whose communication and computer skills outweigh his naiveté. Whether investigating murder or espionage, the NCIS goes global in their quest to solve all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about NCIS Naval Criminal Investigative Service - The Complete Second Season (2003)

The Closer: The Complete Second Season (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First Brenda has made me confess--I love this show. The second season features some complications --for Brenda. Fritz proposes moving in and being asked out on a date by her boss spurs her to say yes even though she probably should say no. Then he moves out. Why? Brenda's mom (Francis McDormand)comes to town and, well, she'd just be horrified if her adult daughter had a live-in boyfriend.
The cases vary from bizarre (a police officer and psycho killer manage to kill each other at exactly the same time even though the they weren't standing in the right proximity)to sad (a juror dies just before she and the jury are about to annonce a verdict for a client of a heart attack. It turns out that the jury was threatened). This second season continued the terrific writing,acting and direction as Brenda tried to crack difficult murder cases by cracking the suspects. Kyra Sedgewick continues to be top notch in the role and I'm disappointed and surprised that she hasn't won more awards for her performance. The reality is that this show has such a small but devoted audience (relatively large for basic cable though and TNT)that it's easy to overlook. You shouldn't.
We get a short featurette on the show this time around, a gag reel and deleted scenes. Thank you TNT/Warner for including some nice extras this time around!
She still works for the same cranky boss (now single and who wants to ask her out on a date no less)that she once had an affair with and still pursues her passion of junk food just as ruthlessly as she pursues criminals. The second season is presented in anamorphic so it fills up a widescreen TV. The picture looks terrific.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Closer: The Complete Second Season (2005)

Brenda's back. Finally accepted by her LAPD homicide team after a year of hard-won victories, Deputy Police Chief Brenda Johnson spends less time fighting her co-workers and more time fighting the bad guys - like whoever left a body in Provenza's garage, or dropped a porn star's head in a dumpster, or offed a drug-addicted heiress. And there's almost as much happening on the domestic scene as the crime scene: Gabriel and Daniels kindle a romance and Brenda and Fritz put the flame under theirs when Fritz moves in. Kyra Sedgwick reprises her acclaimed role of Brenda and makes her the brilliant, complex, flawed, funny and totally irresistible heart of this crime-series powerhouse. Clue yourself in! DVD Features:Additional ScenesAdditional ScenesAdditional ScenesAdditional ScenesFeaturette:Breaking Down the Closer - In the same way Brenda Johnson breaks down suspects during her interrogations, we will break down this hit series in our behind-the-scenes featurette to uncover the origin of the shows unique cases, the history behind its quirky lead character and the production teams efforts to bring a sense of reality to their startlingly original stories.Gag Reel

Get 51% OFF

Click here for more information about The Closer: The Complete Second Season (2005)