TV Shows on DVD

[Guest TSMAdmin]

In the past 4 years, the public has slowly but surely abandoned the VHS format and moved onto DVD. At first, it was experimental, at best, but after production companies began adding on DVD exclusive extras, such as audio commentaries, trailers and multiple language tracks, the format began to grow at a steady pace. DVD is now inVading the market at a rapid pace, overtaking VHS as the number one form of home video. DVD players have become more affordable and have since become increasingly prevalent in most homes across the US.

 

With the success of motion pictures on DVD, some distribution companies decided to take a risk and put out music video compilations on DVD, which has also flourished on the format. After all of the success that DVD has provided the home video market, its with no surprise that eventually, it would begin marketing television shows on DVD as well.

 

TV shows on DVD are being churned out at a much rapider pace it seems. Sales for such shows as The Simpsons and The Sopranos have done so well that production for subsequent seasons have been pushed up in order to compensate with the demand. Why do I bring this up now? I just finished watching Buffy Season Two on DVD (the show’s best season, IMO) and inside is an insert plugging Season Three, coming this winter. In the next 3 months, I plan on purchasing three other TV sets, which are slowly taking over motion pictures as my main DVD priorities. Here is a list of the top 5 TV Series DVD’s that I recommend to give you more bang for your buck, including present and future releases.

 

5. South Park – Season One. Due out in November of this year. Warning!...This may offend some of you, but it’s my opinion, so we’ll leave it at that. I am not into the Simpsons. Read that again. This is a true statement. I used to be a fan many years ago, but it just doesn’t appeal to me as much anymore. My old school, RPI, is rampant with tons of Simpsons fans and if you try and change the channel in the public lounge for whatever reason, you’ll get about 30 people jumping down your throat. I don’t know if my indifference towards the Simpsons is because it got “played out” to me, but if I had to choose an Animated TV series to purchase on DVD, South Park would be it. The first season, although it had the series worst animation, was one of the freshest, funniest pieces of television ever, IMO. Because Warner Bros. DVD department is full of money grubbing executives, Season one was split up into different volumes which have been out on the market for quite some time now. However, with my “no complete season, no purchase” rule, I haven’t purchased any of them, so this is a God send. Look for it in November, you bastards.

 

4. Oz – Season One. HBO’s first hour long television drama is a gritty, compelling series which has been going on strong for five seasons now. Their first season introduced us to some of the most interesting characters in the history of TV. From wimpy Tobias Beecher, the evil Vern Schillinger, the righteous Kareem Said to the cagey Ryan O’Reilly, we’ve come to know these characters quite well and its always great to witness their evolution from the beginning. Season One is currently available for about 50 dollars in any retail chain, with Season Two due out on October 22nd and Season Three due out in January. There aren’t many extras, but HBO does a great job with their overall presentation, both video and sound. My only gripe with it is the MSRP of the series. In my opinion, 50 bucks for 8 episodes is a pretty steep, compared to other TV series out there. Other than that...its a must buy. Thanks to Omar F. for the Oz Season Two release date.

 

3. The Sopranos – Season One, Two, and Three. What else can be said about the show that TV Guide has called the number 5 show in the history of TV? After winning multiple Emmy awards, earning blockbuster ratings for Cable TV and providing some of the best written TV, period, it should be a given that The Sopranos is on the list. With Season Three due out on August 27, everyone will be able to catch up with the history of the show before its HIGHLY anticipated fourth season this upcoming fall. Once again, just like HBO, the extras aren’t in abundance, but the overall presentation is top notch. For a hoot, watch some episodes in Spanish. The only reason this isn’t higher is because of the price, once again. For each season you get 13 hour long episodes with a SALE price of about 70 dollars. I understand that the shows are good, but DAMN, that hurts the wallet.

 

2. Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Season One and Two. Silly name aside, BTVS has been one of the most consistent shows in recent memory with its great storylines. With action, comedy, likeable characters and great drama packed into each 45 minute episode, this show really is a must see. Why Sarah Michelle Gellar keeps getting snubbed by the Emmy awards is absolutely beyond me. Season One doesn’t have many extras, but Season Two sure makes up for it with tons of TV spots, featurettes and the sort. My main gripe with the production is that some scenes in the first disc of Season Two are REALLY grainy, but the problem is taken care of in subsequent episodes. The reason why this is ranked higher than the HBO series is simple....although the other two can be considered better shows, you can purchase both seasons on DVD for the same price as ONE Soprano’s Box Set. Season One’s 12 episodes for 30 bucks is a steal, but it’s a rip off compared to 22 episodes for about 45 for Season Two. Keep up the good work, Fox.

 

1. 24. September 17, 2002. Remember that date. On that date, you will go to your local DVD retailer and pick up this show. This is the best show I’ve ever seen in my life. Period. I’ve never been anxious, at the edge of my seat for every episode of any television show I’ve ever watched. How much do I like this show? I’ve been a true wrestling fan for almost two decades....and I’ve almost never missed a Raw, Smackdown or PPV. I’d watch 24 over Raw. The story has an awesome premise to it. It’s about a Counter Terrorist-Unit Agent, Jack Bauer (played by Kiefer Sutherland, who won Best Actor at the Golden Globes for this), trying to stop an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. He doesn’t only have to deal with that....but also having to deal with people in your own department trying to sabotage you AND your family is in danger from the same people you’re trying to take down! This all takes place in a span of 24 hours, hence the name 24, and each episode is in “real time”, meaning the first show starts at 12:00AM, and ends at 1:00AM and so on and so forth. Throw in some awesome, logical twists and you have the show that will blow your mind. The release date is a few months before the new season begins so you have plenty of time to catch up before Season TWO. September 17th, people. I practically own it already.

 

‘Til next time....

 

The Dames, Damian Gonzalez