Rating: 
Summary: Watse of Money
Review: If you like melodramatic tripe, this is the series for you. Thew Simpsons is much better.
Rating: 
Summary: 'bout time (oh, and about the widescreen...)
Review: Good to see The West Wing finally released on DVD in the states. It's one of the most re-watchable shows on television, at least until Season 5 started. I've owned the Season 1 & 2 DVDs (available in the UK, but they're Region 2) since they came out and watch them all every couple of months. To those who wonder why the Season 1 DVDs are not in widescreen: the show was not produced in widescreen until Season 3. So all of the Season 1 and 2 DVDs, no matter if they come from the UK or US, will have the standard TV aspect ratio.
Rating:
Summary: Heads up if you are thinking of buying the DVD
Review: What a disappointment!!! First the unbelievable fact that the show was produced in widescreen and the DVD is fullscreen. That alone makes the DVD a poor bargain. But if you are buying the DVD for the extras.... like extra scenes, bloopers, actor interviews, etc... this is really not worth the money. When you see movies being released on DVD with hours of extra scenes, footage, commentaries, etc, it's hard to believe there is so little here. In fact, though the episode DVDS are two sided, for the extra material, they left one side blank. It's rather prophetic, labeled "NO CONTENT", which is a good way of characterizing the rest of the "extras". There are only four extra scenes. They're nice, but I'd expected more from the cutting room floor. The gag or bloopers seem almost non-existent as well. Most of what is on that segment are not bloopers, just clips from the shows, that makes you wonder why they were included here. If you have even seen a blooper reel for a show, you'll recognize this isn't one. Again, where's the stuff? The commentaries are the real washout. They are poorly cut and assembled combinations of clips and quips. But nothing really coherent or of content. The intent on the production of these extras seems to be that if you cut really quickly between a lot of people, no one will notice that they are not really saying anything. Well surprise, it's pretty obvious. And disappointing. If you are a fan of G. Snuffy Walden, he has a segment too, but like the rest of the commentaries and extra segments it goes for cutesy and glib rather than commentary. As I went through it I kept feeling I'd bought the DVD because I expected the same quality and attention to detail in the DVD as in the show. And it wasn't there. There wasn't even an effort made to produce a decent set of extras or anything of content. I found it really disappointing how slapdash the stuff was. All in all, here's one purchaser who'd like my money back.
Rating: 
Summary: Great show, but a terrible DVD!
Review: Of course it is a great show... but where's the widescreen?!? This show was originally aired in widescreen, so it is an absolute mystery why it was a full screen release. To top it off, the transfer from widescreen to full screen is really poor and the quality degradation is very noticable. Like I said, great show, but if you are at all discerning as to picture quality, then you might want to save your dollars for the inevitable widescreen format.
Rating:
Summary: Audio Commentaries not that great
Review: I am a huge West Wing fan and already had the first season on TiVo from the Bravo rebroadcasts. I was really looking forward to learning lots of inside information on the audio commentaries, but all I got was a bunch of schmoozing on how great the directors and actors are. I already know that!!! Hopefully the next seasons commentaries will be much better.
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: Ground-breaking series Sheen, Lowe, et al deliver
Review: This show was terrific in its first season. It was brash, fresh, and fast. The scenes between Donna and Josh are entertaining and somewhat sexual. BUT, the show is WITHOUT the typical bait writers provide us. The whole: will they, won't they? [circa, Cheers, Ed, etc. etc.] No, they don't insult us with that. So, the snappy conversation between the two of them is just pure enjoyment.
I love that Jed Barlett is such an intellectual. He's always quizzing his staff and throwing out tidbits of literature, history, etc. The relationship between Jed and his secretary is particularly enjoyable as well. The writer of the series Sports Night writes this show as well. So, if you enjoyed the snappy conversations in that show--also fast-paced--you will like the West Wing as well. A worthy season.
Rating:
Summary: Well this is something better for a change....
Review: Getting past all the stupid teen shows and tasteless sitcoms on DVD. Someone finally said, "Let's Put The West Wing" on DVD. GREAT IDEA. At last a real show with something to say comes to DVD, and it has everything. Great writing, fine cast of actors, and a sense of realism and honesty about it, that is so missing on so many other TV shows. Let's have some more please.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the wait?
Review: YES! Good things are worth waiting for. It's one thing to relive the best television from the first year, but to have all these extra added bonuses is a real treat! I've never seen a DVD that took the time and effort to make such a well rounded and jam packed package. It makes me wonder what they will have for the second season and beyond. Excellent tidbits from Aaron Sorkin and others. Package is first class from top to bottom and well worth the price. Thank you NBC for finally putting West Wing on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: no widescreen.....bring on Season 2!
Review: The anticipation was well worth it....a great drama that keeps me glued to the T.V. One problem is the lack of widescreen format.......hopefully they get that changed for the next season. Also, can't wait for the second season to be released!!
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