Rating: 
Summary: A great show...
Review: Rumor is that Bravo recently bought the US rights to the first season for $1 Million an episode. So, to us here in the US, that means not only will NBC most likely not be replaying any episodes from the first season over the summer hiatus, but also that until that Bravo contract wears out, we wont be seeing any DVDs. The only way to get them now is to reinvest in a region free DVD player and purchase them through the UK. On the other hand, if we do ever get them, they'll probably be better (more features) than the ones they are seeing now. Small consolation, I know.
Rating:
Summary: This is Great
Review: Well, What can I say, its not often something like this comes out of America, that grips the UK and The USA like this show! and for the UK to get it first! Wow!I just wondered why 75% of Americans who were polled said they would vote for him in the next election!?!
Rating:
Summary: Great Stuff; No fluff
Review: The West Wing was briefly available on DVD in Zone 2 (Europe) in the Spring, so we snapped it up. Volume one has the first 11 episodes so, unfortunately just when you get totally immersed into the characters and the plots (wonderfully developed and presented), you are left hanging with no "Next week on the West Wing" in sight. Most people will not need a reason to watch the West Wing; Why buy the series on DVD? The best thing about West Wing on DVD is each episode is 45 minutes, without a single commercial, newsbreak orother interruption. Bring on Volume 2.
Rating: 
Summary: We got it first for a change!
Review: ...The complete first season, in standard full screen ratio, dolby digital 2.0. It's not feature laden by any means, but the important thing is that... the show stands on its own two feet. There are interviews with the cast and featurettes and all that. The picture transfer is superb. Shame about the sound, but then again there's never been much call for surround sound on this show. The dialouge is clean and crisp. Well worth the money. I hope... they go in for widescreen and 5.1 sound in the future editions...
Rating:
Summary: Widescreen would be a travesty
Review: This series is, of course, the best on TV. I can't add anything to the praises in other reviews, but I will repeat that the writing and camera work are without equal. That said, I need to correct some misunderstandings. Comparing it to the Simpsons, as one reviewer did, is silly; it's like comparing Robin Williams's standup routines to Kenneth Brannagh's Henry V. Both are brilliant, but they're entirely different creations, and are incomparable. Second, calling for a widescreen release of Season One is clear evidence of ignorance. Season One was shot for 1:33-1 showing; it was only in the second season that it was shot for widescreen. This collection is as it was meant to be seen. As for the extra (or lack thereof), with a show of this quality, extras are just that: extras. The show alone is worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: "West Wing" in fullscreen, and in full bloom
Review: Since a couple of people have made this complaint, I would just like to point out that the first season of "The West Wing" was NOT originally shown in widescreen, as subsequent seasons were. Therefore, there is no reason for it to be in widescreen on the DVD. In fact, if it wasn't shot in widescreen to begin with, it may not even be possible. That said, "The West Wing" is simply one of, if not the most, intelligent shows on television. It has a perfect blend of drama and comedy to make it believable. In my opinion the best part of the show is the depth of the characters and how we really see many sides to them. None of them are caricatures of people we think would have their jobs. You will learn something from every episode you watch, whether it's something about public policy, government structure, social issues, you name it. If you haven't been watching all along, I know it can be daunting to start in the fifth season with the new episodes, so start here with the first season and see what you've been missing.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I watch a lot of TV, too much really, and the vast majority of the time I feel guilty about it. But the one show that I never feel guilty watching is The West Wing. There's not a character I don't like, or an episode that does not make me laugh then cry. The writing is at times humorous and at other times inspiring. Finally, I learn something new about government, or people, or the world at large every episode. Makes you feel better about watching all that tv.
Rating:
Summary: Not exactly ' Politics as Usual '
Review: For years now having been subjected to a constant flow of mindless 'reality' shows and silly half-hour domestic sit-coms the arrival of Aaron Sorkins " West Wing " is truly a breath of fresh air. Without question this program should be considered ( at least by this viewer ) as one of the few bright lights in an other wise extremely dull world of network television. And with the arrival of the first season on DVD I can now get my " West Wing fix " whenever the need arises. As an ensemble piece the show works extremely well not only in the overall pacing of each episode but in how it leisurely introduces each character without feeling rushed and frantic. The first season introduces each character and does so without feeling contrived and, as in some programs, almost juvenile in the shows almost desperate need to be liked. Indeed one of this programs greatest assests may be that " West Wing " doesn't feel the need to push the individual players down the viewers collective throats. And while each episode tends to pace itself with a certain sense of urgency and a rather 'talk and walk' sense of realism I find that only adds to the shows authenticity. Indeed one of this programs greatest assests might just be that in its refusal to lower its standards by resorting to silly soap opera shenanigans and tawdry office affairs it maintains a sense of realism and integrity. Each episode in " West Wing " deals with serious isssues that face our country and handled in an adult and understanding manner. How often do we get that on network television? Granted every now and then a sense of self-importance and bluster tends to rise up but those times are infrequent and easily dismissed. Oddly enough, while watching each episode it has the unnerving feeling of viewing an hour-long mini feature film. Overall, " West Wing " stands as a wonderful example of how truly outstanding and admirable television can really be when it forces itself to push its own limits. Each actor in the cast is truly first-rate and I can think of few changes that I would consider necessary when watching. Special merit goes to Allison Janney as Press Secretary C.J. Cregg and Bradley Whitford as Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman. Two actors who literally own each scene they take part in. Again though the entire cast is exceptional! Plus in this package the consumer is awarded with special documentaries with creator Aaron Sorkin, some wonderful outtakes and even some deleted scenes. So, regardless of your political affiliations give this incredible show a try. You too may be seeking your " West Wing fix. "
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Series.
Review: First of all, I'm a political science/history major and I'll still be the first to admit that I was a bit sceptical of this series. I just didn't think that they could make this show as interesting, informative, and especially funny as it ended up being. After watching about the first disk of the series, I was hooked and it had become my favorite show. The first season just blew my mind. I've now watched the rest of them, and they haven't let up a bit.
This is anything but watching an hour of Capital Hill voting on CNN, though. There's an incredible cast including Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe who take you into the show and the world of politics. It's nowhere near stuffy; full of humor, love interests, and interesting information. From the first frame of the episode, you'll be glued to the TV. If you're interested in politics, or even if you're not, give this series a chance. You won't be sorry you did.
Martin Sheen is my President.
Rating:
Summary: The best drama on network TV - now commercial free!
Review: The West Wing has deservedly won a number of Emmy awards over the past few years - to the actors and as best drama. Compared to shows of similar popularity, only Law and Order and ER can consistently boast the same levels of performance. But both of these shows are becoming stale - there are only so many ways to commit a crime and so many different patient problems to fix. On the other hand, the West Wing can be about anything since the President and government of a country will be involved in all aspects of that country's affairs.
In the first season we cover some of the standard ground that a president is likely to cover. We have a war between India and Pakistan (two countries that are putatively allies of the U.S.), selection and confirmation of a new supreme court judge, discussion on whether to pardon a man sentenced to death, a hurricane, a couple scandals, and the passage of various laws. However, what happens is not so important as how it happens. We get an inside look at wheeling-and-dealing between the parties in Congress (and between Congress and the White House), arguments between staffers on the best way to implement policy, and the agony of a president forced to order troops into harm's way. It doesn't hurt that the dialogue is often very funny, the political arguments are impassioned, and the characters are lovable.
The pilot is the first show on the disc, and the characters are almost fully formed. The feel of the show - quick cuts, walking-and talking, constant bustle in the background of scenes - give the show a hyperkinetic energy that is surprising if you consider that most of what happens is dialogue. The employment of several former White House staffers give the show a feel of authenticity (it's no surprise that Allison Chaney's performance as press secretary C.J. is the lynchpin holding the show together, as Bill Clinton's press secretary is one of these consultants).
The first few episodes are a letdown compared to the pilot. There are some growing pains and the show moves a little more slowly, which robs it of its momentum. Likewise, characterisations sometimes go off-character (Sam the socialist and Josh the pragmatist seem to switch philosophies in one episode). It's not really until Episode 9 (The Short List) that the series settles down and becomes regularly interesting every show. A second early problem is that the writers weren't always sure what to do with its female cast - the First Lady, Mandy the spin doctor, and some of the female guest stars are not well-written or interesting characters. This also irons itself out by having C.J. and Donna rise in prominence while dropping Mandi after this season.
The show itself is worth having on DVD, because it is a single continuing storyline and it gives you new appreciation to see the shows close together. That's good, because the DVD extras are not very interesting or useful. The possibilities for extras on a show like this are endless - why not a commentary by a retired judge on the process of appointing a judge? Why not an article comparing the Clinton White House to the one in the show? Why not a Republican commentator to offer an alternative policy point of view to the Left-leaning Democratic president of the show? Why not poli-sci profs or ex-Congressmen talking about the political process? No, instead we get multiple narcissistic featurettes and commentaries on designing the style of the show, on how wonderful creators Sorkin and Schlamme are, and how much fun it is for the actors. One such featurette was fun. 4 of them, along with 3 commentaries, was tedious. That said, it was nice to see some cut scenes and to put a face to some of the behind-the-scenes people (especially the creators and the composer).
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