TV on DVD Buzz

It’s finally here! LOST: The Complete Third Season — The Unexplored Experience released today. My copy hasn’t hit the mailbox yet, but rest assured a LOST marathon is in my near future. The rewatching of Season 3 must occur before Season 4 premieres in February.

With the writers’ strike still going strong, rewatching my faves is pretty much the only option anyway. Most of the shows have finished up their runs and it’s not looking like a resolution is even close.  

 LOST: The Complete Third Season is a 7 disc set which includes all 23 episodes and a plethora of bonus features:

*One-on-one with star Matthew Fox
*Featurette on “The Others,”
*Documentary chronicling 24 hours in production and a selection of never-before-seen flashbacks.
*Behind-the-scenes looks at 10 episodes
*Audio commentaries
*Deleted scenes
*Bloopers

Wonderfalls is a show I have heard many good things about, but have never been fortunate enough to see. Created by Tim Minear (Firefly), the show was originally slated to premiere in the fall of 2003 but for some reason was delayed until March of 2004. It premiered to critical acclaim. Viewers were hard to come by though, at what should have been the end of the TV Season rather than the beginning. A timeslot change after the first episode wasn’t promoted and didn’t really help their plight either. After airing only 4 of the 13 episodes, the network pulled the show. Immediately after the show’s cancellation, its producers attempted to interest other networks, including The WB, in picking up the series but nobody was interested.

The show centered around Jaye Tyler, a recent Brown University graduate with a philosophy degree, who instead of going on to a job in her field, works as a sales clerk at a Niagara Falls gift shop. Her job is quite ordinary until one day when inanimate objects start talking to her, instructing her to help others in need. Jaye reluctantly agrees and ends up becoming the reluctant hero.

The cast included:

Caroline Dhavernas as Jaye Tyler
Tracie Thoms as Mahandra McGinty
Tyron Leitso as Eric Gotts
Lee Pace as Aaron Tyler
Katie Finneran as Sharon Tyler
William Sadler as Darrin Tyler
Diana Scarwid as Karen Tyler
Neil Grayston as Alec “Mouthbreather”
Jewel Staite as Heidi Gotts

I couldn’t help but note that Lee Pace starred in this show. You might know Lee from another off-the-beaten-path show, which I happen to love, Pushing Daisies.

As with most cancelled-before-their-time shows, Wonderfalls had developed a loyal fanbase. A fan-led campaign was launched to try and get the show released on DVD. They garnered support of many of the cast and crew. 

They got their wish on February 1, 2005 when 20th Century Fox released a DVD set including all 13 episodes. Also included is commentary by the producers and cast members, a behind-the-scenes documentary, an examination of the show’s visual effects, and one of the two music videos produced for the theme song, “I Wonder Why the Wonder Falls” by Andy Partridge. 

Commander in Chief was a promising, yet short-lived series about the first female president of the United States. The show premiered on ABC on September 27, 2005 and started off with promising ratings. The show was #1 on Tuesday nights until FOX’s American Idol took this honor and was the #1 new show of the season until it was overtaken by CBS’ Criminal Minds. The series was created by Rod Lurie, famous for The Contender and Deterrence.

On May 13, 2006, ABC announced that the show had been cancelled, and the final episode aired on June 14, 2006. There was some buzz that a TV movie might be in the works, but nothing has come of it.

The show centers around Mackenzie Allen, who becomes President of the United States when President Teddy Bridges has a stroke. Although asked by Bridges administartion to turn in a resignation letter, Allen decides to take the oath of office and becomes the first woman President of the U.S.

The show not only looked at the political ramifications of the first woman in the White House, it also examined how Allen juggled her family and her position as leader of the free world. It also looked at how her husband, Rod Calloway, felt about becoming the first “First Gentleman.”

Starring in Commander in Chief were Geena Davis as President, Mackenzie Allen; Donald Sutherland as Speaker of the House, Nathan Templeton; Kyle Secor as Rod Calloway; Harry J. Lennix as Chief of Staff, Jim Gardner; Peter Coyote as Vice President, Warren Keaton and Evan Carradine as Press Secretary, Kelly Ludlow.

Geena Davis won a Golden Globe for her role as President Allen. The show was also nominated for Best Drama and Best Supporting Actor (Donald Sutherland) at the 2006 Golden Globes. In addition to those nominations, Geena Davis garnered nods at the Emmy’s, SAG Awards and Satellite Awards. 

The show is now available on DVD, but for some reason, it was released on 2 DVD sets rather than in just one. Part 1 of The Inaugural Edition includes episodes 1-10 plus unaired scenes, an interview with Geena Davis and commentary from the creator. Part 2 includes episodes 11-18 plus bloopers and outtakes, deleted scenes, and an interview with Geena Davis.

My So-Called Life was created by Winnie Holzman and produced by Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz. It aired on ABC from August 25, 1994, to January 26, 1995.

Set at the “Liberty High” in Three Rivers, Pennsylvania, the show centered around Angela Chase, a 15 year old sophomore, and her friends and family. It showed the life of teenagers in high school and the everyday problems they face. The show looked at things in a realistic perspective and refrained from the lesson teaching and resolutions of typical family dramas. Though only 19 episodes were produced, the show garnered much acclaim. It was nominated for 5 Emmys and Claire Danes won a Golden Globe for her role as Angela. The show ended in a cliffhanger with the expectation that it would be picked up in for additional season, but due to low ratings and the reluctance of star Claire Danes to return for its second season, it was cancelled.

The show started Claire Danes as Angela Chase; Bess Armstrong as Angela’s mother, Patty; Tom Irwin as Angela’s dad, Graham; Lisa Wilhoit as Angela’s younger sister, Danielle; A.J. Langer as Rayanne; Wilson Cruz as Rickie; Devon Odessa as Sharon; Devon Gummersall as Brian; and Jared Leto as Jordan.

The comprehensive box set released last week and includes:

• All 19 episodes on 6 discs
• “My So-Called Life Story”
• A Conversation with Claire Danes & Winnie Holzman
• A Conversation with Marshall Herskovitz & Winnie Holzman
• Interview with Claire Danes
• The Characters: Angela, The Chase Family, The Friends
• The Music — Composer W.G. Snuffy Walden
• Panel with the Cast and Creators
• Photo Gallery
• Audio commentaries
• 36 page book

I warned you that I was going to devote this week to Twin Peaks. In keeping with that theme, I wanted to take a look at the only thing that’s really missing from the Gold Box set that released yesterday - the big screen release Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.

This movie is quite darker and, believe it or not, even stranger than the television series. It served as both a “prequel” and an epilogue to the series and answered some of the questions about Laura Palmer that many fans had. The film centers around the murder of Teresa Banks and the last seven days in the life of Laura Palmer, but you really need to be familiar with the series to “get” everything that goes on in the movie. Most of the original cast returned for the film, with the exceptions of Lara Flynn Boyle (who was replaced by Moira Kelly, late of One Tree Hill) and Sherilyn Fenn. Many fans of the television series were not happy with the film because of it’s darker tone, disturbing images and lack of humor. The film was panned by critics and booed at the Cannes Film Festival.

I recommend it for true Twin Peaks fans, because it does make a nice companion to the television series and because it completes the collection.

The current DVD is lacking in special features but does include an original documentary, Reflections on the Phenomenon of Twin Peaks, featuring the cast and crew. There is some buzz that a future release may contain deleted scenes from the over 5 hours of footage shot by David Lynch for the theatrical release. Many Twin Peaks fanatics would love to see that happen.

I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t include it in the Gold Box set, but apparently the rights are owned by different entities making it next to impossible.

OK, I know Twin Peaks was technically on for more than one season, but just barely. 29 episodes plus a pilot doesn’t really qualify for two seasons, so I’m using editor’s discretion and featuring it today anyway. So there.

Twin Peaks was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. It premiered on April 8, 1990 and was like nothing we had ever experienced on American TV. It ran for a season and a half, ending on June 10, 1991. A “prequel” movie, Fire Walk With Me, followed in 1992.

In its first season, Twin Peaks was honored with 14 Emmy nominations, 2 Emmy awards, and the Peabody award. They also took home 4 Golden Globes out of 5 nominations.

The show was set in the fictional town of Twin Peaks in northeastern Washington state. The story centered around coffee-loving FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) and his investigation of the murder of Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee). Palmer was a high school student and homecoming queen. Her body was found on the river bank, wrapped in plastic - a very memorable and iconic scene. We soon find out that Laura Palmer was not the wholesome girl she appeared to be and Agent Cooper begins the daunting task of untangling the sordid web of characters she was involved with. (more…)

What’s more fun for Fun Friday than MacGyver?! This show is the ultimate in 80’s cheese, but I loved it as a kid (and you know you did too!).

The series ran from 1985 to 1992 and was the story of Angus MacGyver (yes he had a first name), an operative for the Phoenix Foundation. MacGyver didn’t like to use guns and instead used his scientific knowledge and inventive use of common items to reach uncommon solutions. The creators tried to make sure whatever MacGyver did would be scientifically possible, although some would require some pretty ideal circumstances to work.

Richard Dean Anderson (lately of Stargate SG-1) starred as MacGyver. Also starring were Dana Elcar as Pete Thornton; and, in recurring roles, Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton; and Michael Des Barres as MacGyver’s nemesis, Murdoc. Guest stars included Teri Hatcher, Della Reese, and Cuba Gooding Jr.

MacGyver became a household name and the term “MacGyver” is now used as a verb to describe the creative use of an item to repair or engineer something. Now that’s the mark of a pop culture phenomenon!

The entire series released on DVD this week and it includes all 139 episodes from the 7 seasons and a bonus disc which is believed to include both of the 1994 made-for-TV movies “Lost Treasure of Atlantis” and “Trail to Doomsday” as well as some additional special features.

For grins, watch this clip from the 4th episode of Season 4, “The Gauntlet,” where MacGyver tells us all about the importance of using a map:

This week we feature a show that just released on DVD today, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Studio 60 was created and written by Aaron Sorkin of The West Wing fame. The show followed the behind-the-scenes events of a fictional sketch comedy show similar to Saturday Night Live.

Studio 60 featured an all-star ensemble cast which included Matthew Perry (Friends), Bradley Whitford (The West Wing), Amanda Peet (Jack & Jill), Sarah Paulson (Jack & Jill), Nate Corddry (The Daily Show), D.L. Hughley (The Hughleys), Steven Weber (Wings) and Timothy Busfield (thirty-something).

This was one of the most anticipated shows of the Fall 2006 season and, based on the pilot, it was named “Best Overall New Program” by television critics. But ratings quickly fell off and later episodes weren’t as well-received. Rumors of its cancellation began as early as October of 2006, but NBC denied the rumors and ultimately ordered a full season of the show.

In February of 2007, NBC put the show on hiatus a week early and filled its timeslot with The Black Donnellys. On April 2, NBC announced that the show would not be coming back to its regular Monday night slot. The series did return in late April to finish out its run. The show’s final episode aired on June 26, 2007.

The show was nominated for several Emmy Awards including Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series, Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series, Outstanding Casting in Dramatic Series, Outstanding Guest Actor in Dramatic Series (Eli Wallach). John Goodman took home the award for Guest Actor in a Dramatic Series for his role as Judge Robert Bebe on the show.

The DVD hits today and it includes all 22 episodes as well as a few special features. Here’s what you’ll find:

1. Pilot
2. The Cold Open
3. The Focus Group
4. The West Coast Delay
5. The Long Lead Story
6. The Wrap Party
7. Nevada Day (1)
8. Nevada Day (2)
9. The Option Period
10. B-12
11. The Christmas Show
12. Monday
13. The Harriet Dinner (1)
14. The Harriet Dinner (2)
15. The Friday Night Slaughter
16. 4 a.m. Miracle
17. The Disaster Show
18. Breaking News
19. K & R (1)
20. K & R (2)
21. K & R (3)
22. What Kind Of Day Has It Been

Special Features:

• Audio Commentary on the pilot episode with creator Aaron Sorkin and executive producer Thomas Schlamme
• In Depth: The Evolution of Studio 60: A behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

TV on DVD, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford, Amanda Peet, John Goodman,  Aaron Sorkin, DVD

If you’re like me, you hadn’t even heard of many of the miniseries’ or TV movies that were nominated for Emmy’s this year. I did some checking and found that many of them are available on DVD.

Broken Trail stars Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church as cowboys who agree to deliver a herd of 500 horses from Oregon to Wyoming. Along the way, they rescue 5 abused Chinese women–most of them still just girls–who’re being transported to a brothel to have their virginity auctioned off. It won 4 Emmys including Best Actor (Robert Duvall), Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Haden Church) and Outstanding Miniseries.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee was nominated for 17 Emmys and took home 6, including Outstanding Made-for-TV Movie.  It stars Aidan Quinn, Adam Beach, August Schellenberg and Gordon Tootoosis in a story about the impact that the United States’ westward expansion had on American Indian culture, and the economic, political and social pressures that motivated it.

Prime Suspect 7: The Final Act stars Oscar winner Helen Mirren in her final appearance as Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison.  As Tennison’s retirement approaches, she works on a case involving the murder of a young girl. She is facing personal challenges as well, and it is all taking an emotional toll on the detective. Mirren won an Emmy for her role and the miniseries took home a total of 3 awards.

The Starter Wife was one of the more talked-about miniseries. It starred Debra Messing as the wife of a Hollywood big-wig who suddenly finds herself going through a divorce and being snubbed by the Hollywood community. The show received 10 nominations and Judy Davis picked up the Emmy for Supporting Actress. 

Above, Robert Duvall accepts an Emmy for Broken Trail at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 16.

TV on DVD, Miniseries, TV Movies, Broken Trail, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Prime Suspect 7: The Final Act, The Starter Wife, Robert Duvall, Thomas Haden Church, Aidan Quinn, Adam Beach, August Schellenberg and Gordon Tootoosis, Helen Mirren, Debra Messing, Judy Davis, Emmy Awards

This is a show I haven’t watched but would love to get into so maybe I’ll rent the DVDs and get started. Season 4 is out next Tuesday. Check out this weird but intriguing clip:

Sex. Seduction. Liposuction. Find them all in the fearless Nip/Tuck, the award-winning series that’s the scalpel’s edge of entertainment…and the spark for debate about what cosmetic surgery can or cannot bring to a patient’s life. Get Nip/Tuck Season 4 on SD and Hi-Def, September 4th.

Desperate Housewives: The Complete Third Season, The Dirty Laundry Edition releases next Tuesday, September 4. It includes all 23 one-hour episodes on six-discs. Special features include: 

BONUS FEATURES:
• “Here Comes the Bride”  
A behind-the-scenes look at the season three finale
• “Amas de Casa Desesperadas”
Meet the lovely Latinas of Wisteria Lane
• “Cherry Picked”
Creator Marc Cherry’s favorite scenes
• Deleted Scenes
• Bloopers/Outtakes
• Spanish Audio Track

This show came on strong in the first season, but got a little off track in season 2. I quit watching after the disappointment of season 2, but as I understand it, season 3 saw the show get back to the humor and great stories that we saw when it was brand new. I’ll be renting this one to catch up for season 4. Let’s hope it’s a good one! 

TV on DVD, Desperate Housewives, Season 3

The cast of Friday Night Lights at the NBC Upfronts in May

Yep, NBC is so sure you’ll love Friday Night Lights, which releases next Tuesday, August 28, that they are offering a money back guarantee. Here’s the info from http://www.fnlguarantee.com/:

Critics love it and you will too! Friday Night Lights has won critical praise and viewer devotion for its outstanding production values, insightful writing and compelling characters. According to Time Magazine, it was “The fall’s best new series” and in the opinion of Adam Buckman of the New York Post, it is “The best live-action show about contemporary life in America that is currently on the air.”

We’re so sure you’ll love Friday Night Lights on DVD, we’ll give you your money back for the DVD purchase price, if you aren’t completely hooked.

To qualify you must 1) purchase the DVD during the specified dates, 2) hate the show, 3) fill out the form (found at www.fnlguarantee.com), 3) send in your receipt. You can’t beat a deal like that!

And while we’re talking about Friday Night Lights, NBC is also having a House Party to celebrate the DVD Release of Season 1 and the premiere of Season 2.

Host a Friday Night Lights House Party and you’ll get the ultimate party package, including a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the opening episode of Season 2, weeks before it premieres on-air. If you’re selected as a House Party host, you will receive:

• A custom DVD with Producer’s Choice Episode from Season 1, greetings from the cast and an exclusive sneak peek of the first episode of Season 2

• A bonus DVD, with the first 4 episodes of Season 1 plus a sneak peak of the new NBC show, Bionic Woman

• Great collectibles for you and your guests, including rally towels, stadium seat cushions, stadium cups, megaphones, beverage koozies… even FNL microwave popcorn!

You can apply to be a House Party host at http://www.houseparty.com/fridaynightlights

TV on DVD, NBC, Friday Night Lights, Season 1 DVD, Money Back Guarantee, House Party

Hey everyone! I’ve been away for a few days on a family emergency. I’ve updated about that on my other blog - we could use some thoughts and prayers. I apologize that I haven’t updated. I wanted to quickly pop in and give you a “Fun Friday” video.

Here is the opening title sequence from The Fugitive. Season 1 released this past Tuesday, so you can now own this classic 60’s show:

TV on DVD, The Fugitive, The Fugitive Season 1 DVD, You Tube, Fun Friday

It’s almost time for the 3rd Season DVD Release of Grey’s Anatomy and I’m ready! The release date is set for September 11, but you can pre-order it now. The best prices I have found online are FYE - $29.99 after a $10 rebate, Amazon.com - $38.99 and it’s $38.91 (plus $2.95 shipping) from Overstock.com. (Make sure to look for coupon codes from places like BargainHuntingMoms.com or HappyCodes.com to save even more!)

Here’s the Press Release from Buena Vista Home Entertainment:

Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd), Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens), Sandra Oh (Cristina Yang), T.R. Knight (George O’Malley) and Isaiah Washington (Preston Burke) work overtime to keep the romance, drama and, of course, the patients, alive at Seattle Grace Hospital.

Critical conditions are plentiful in the not-to-be-missed Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Third Season - Seriously Extended. They are doctors, lovers and friends. Join the staff of Seattle Grace Hospital as they learn there are no easy cures for life’s challenges and that each choice comes in shades of grey.

Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Third Season - Seriously Extended includes 25 one-hour episodes on 7-disc DVD plus hours of exclusive bonus features including four extended episodes exclusive to the DVD and “Making Rounds with Patrick Dempsey”, in which viewers join Dempsey on the race track. Cast and crew members share their favorite scenes in “Good Medicine” and “Prescription for Success” introduces how a new character is created and integrated into the show.

Created by Shonda Rhimes (”Introducing Dorothy Dandridge”), Grey’s Anatomy won a Golden Globe® this year for best TV drama and a 2006 Emmy® for outstanding casting.

BONUS FEATURES:

• Four Un-cut, Extended Episodes Exclusive to the DVD
• “Making Rounds with Patrick Dempsey”Join McDreamy on the race track for his favorite hobby
• “Good Medicine”Cast and crew share their favorite scenes
• “Prescription for Success”A look at how a new character is created
• Audio Commentaries

TV on DVD, Grey’s Anatomy Season 3 DVD, Seriously Extended, Best Price on Grey’s Anatomy DVD, FYE, Amazon, Overstock, Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, TR Knight, Isaiah Washington, Shonda Rimes

Amazon has a one day deal for the Weeds Season 1 DVD Set.  If you buy today (before they sell out) you’ll get it for just $11.99.  Pair it up with the just released Season 2 set and get them both for only $37.98!  You can’t beat that with a stick!  Check it out! 

TV on DVD, Sale, Amazon, Weeds Season 1