Rating: 
Summary: Great show, good extras, but no widescreen
Review: It is a great show, the episodes are drama at it's best. The main issue with this release is, it is not wide screen, but standard resolution.
Rating: 
Summary: All about the actors/actresses!
Review: I was always disapointed that I never got into this show. This summer, I saw cable channel playing the first 4 episodes one Sunday. I have been hooked ever since. playing them in order, and I am currently in the beginning part of season 3. However, after watching Season 1, I immediately went on line and luckily found Season 1 DVD being released. I will watch Season 1 episodes in order from my DVDs. I think I will still enjoy now I know the characters better.
What hooked my on the show was the acting. Just about all the actors have awards, they are all top notch. You know they are just actors, but I find myself really caring for the characters. There have been multiple times when an episode has made me burst out load with laughter and there has been times when this show has bought me to tears.
Josh and the President are my favorite characters, but I really am impressed and enjoy all the characters. Top notch acting and they have build solid camaraderie. I just cannot wait for the next episode.
Buy this DVD set.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Writing/Acting Overcomes Stereotype Plots
Review: First this show is a masterpiece, in spite of the fact that it portrays an often bigoted view of the political "right" and make no mistake, many positions presented are exagerated. One reason given for Rob Lowe leaving the show was that he was the only Republican member of the cast. Despite occassional token flashes of Conservatives protrayed as acting in an honorable way, Sorkin's view of Republicans is drawn strictly from the furthest extremes of the party and does a disservice to the majority of Americans who refuse to subscribe to the fanatical fringe of either side, left or right. That being said, it is an extremely entertaining show, even for Republicans, if you can choose not to let yourself feel offended by the stereotyping. Sometimes, in fact, I find myself chuckling at the irony of Martin Sheen portraying a president often resorting to military force while the actor himself is so publically critical of President Bush's use of force with far more provocation! Pres. Bartlet by the way, if far from being without flaw... he has lied to the American people by concealing the fact he has MS, and he has sanctioned the cold blooded murder of a foriegn dignitary and then conspired to conceal that fact. They are flaws which make the character more human, and Bartlet often seems a man aware of his limitations... a trait it wouldn't hurt Mr. Sheen to learn. By all means, enjoy... just remember always that the white hats are not always so white, and the black hats not always so black. And seldom does one man, or one party have all the answers. Alas, the current season, without Aaron Sorkin at the helm is proving to be disappointing so far. Perhaps this will make the earlier seasons that much more of a joy to own.
Rating:
Summary: What a GREAT show!!
Review: For anyone looking to buy a terrific season worth of shows this is it. It's entertaining plus family friendly entertainment, unlike most of what is out there now on primetime. I have watched West Wing since the first episode and can't get enough of it!
Rating:
Summary: Where is Season 3!!!!???
Review: As a UK resident, I the proud owner of the first two seasons of the West Wing, I came in to Amazon.com to find out about the release of season three and was astounded to discover that you guys Stateside are only just about to get the first season!! What a poor show, this is one of, if not the finest drama ever ot come out of US television. The writing is sharp, the direction splendid, the acting and casting tremendous! The only bad thing about the West Wing is the depressing feeling you get after it when you realise that Jed Bartlett ISN'T the President! Get this DVD, its gripping stuff! And by all accounts, despite your wait, it seems you are getting a far better deal in the Extras department, so enjoy you guys..... Im actually a bit jealous!
Rating:
Summary: I second that 'WOW'
Review: The wait is finally over. On November 18, the best show on television will be mass-marketed, hopefully opening the eyes of those who are not faithful watchers to the overwhelming power of the West Wing and maybe, just maybe, change American politics, making this awesome fairytale a reality.
Rating:
Summary: The West Wing Series 1
Review: As a UK resident you would think that I would not be interested in American politics. You would have been right, that was until I began whatching The West Wing on UK TV. A soon as the DVD was avaialble I had to have it, I now have Season One and Two. In Season One we get to meet the characters that form a close community who strive to provide us with an insight to the everyday goings-on in the White House. You immediately begin to warm to people whom you have never met before yet feel you could hold a conversation with if you met them. Season 1 leaves you with needing to know more, Season Two will not be issued quick enough for you. Season One starts well and finishes even better, well worth buying even if you are not a political fan but someone who enjoys strong story lines about people, places and events that surround one of the most talked about residences in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Best show ever
Review: Plain and simple, The West Wing is the best show on television. It is highly dramatized and it is extremely addictive. I can't wait to be able to buy the First Season DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Splendid Presidential Drama
Review: This was the show that began the 'Government Craze' in television. The West Wing was truly original: a compelling drama, a trendsetting program, and a look into the inner workings of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue through the lives of the administration's most powerful people. That a show like this, without explosions and seldom a gunfight to be seen, could become so wildly popular is a testament to the ability of the American People to spot quality artistry. It certainly has renewed my hope in this country. The premise of the show is that the viewers would see the inner workings of the executive branch through the most powerful people working there. Martin Sheen plays the President, Jed Bartlett, a highly principled and highly educated man who is nevertheless idealistic about America. John Spencer plays his Chief of Staff, Leo McGarry, Bartlett's closest adviser and confidante. Bradley Whitford plays Josh Lyman, McGarry's deputy and occasional loose cannon. Richard Schiff plays Director of Communications Toby Ziegler, a humorless, no-nonsense administrator. In the first few seasons, his deputy was played by Rob Lowe as Sam Seaborn, who often brought humor and warmth to the show. There are countless other guest stars who would contribute to this show and deeply enrich it, making a show about politics both incredibly informative and deeply character-driven. Some first season highlights include the Pilot, which introduces the characters in their element rather than just settling for lengthy exposition and has a few of the characters in trouble immediately with various groups. One need only watch the famed episode "In Excelsis Deo" to realize what a special show this would become. Other good shows include "A Proportional Response", in which the president learns the virtue of, well, proportion in foreign policy. "Mr. Willis of Ohio" is the story about a politician who actually makes decisions according to facts and conscience instead of polling and party lines. "The Crackpots..." features the first "Big Block of Cheese Day", which would become a kind of tradition in the show and afforded some humor as well as an examination of the fringe groups. In short, The West Wing combines entertainment with education and, for what will perhaps be the only time, doesn't compromise either ideal. No wonder it's the most respected show on television. This belongs in everyone's DVD library.
Rating:
Summary: American Politics as they SHOULD be
Review: This show is the best and the most addictive television in my memory, and I remember watching first runs of the old Star Trek and Dick Van Dyke. It portrays U.S. Politics as I wish they were, and is founded in a deep love and respect for our country and its principles. Additionally, although it is unabashedly liberal in its viewpoint, it does not make the mistake of being unthinkingly partisan. Issues are examined from both sides, some Republicans are portrayed as reasonable men of principle, and some Democrats are portrayed as hollow shells more interested in getting the job than doing well in it. There is true balance that only the most dogmatic media watchers would fail to recognize. As a recent convert to this show, my addiction to it is overwhelming, and I must admit my frustration with the fact that it is released in the U.S. slower than elsewhere. This is the price we pay for having such a well developed entertainment infrastructure. Companies release television shows slower here because they can run them on our many cable channels and pick up extra profits. Obviously Bravo (where they are being re-run now) would pay less for the rights to broadcast West Wing if all its fans owned the entire thing on DVD. Even so, it's worth the wait. I record each show and watch it 2-4 times every day it is broadcast because the dialog is so good and so dense it generally needs repeat viewing to understand all the nuances. Not only is this show a brilliant brass ring for us to strive for in our politics, it is equally a goal for our media companies to strive for when it comes to quality entertainment. Add it to your wish list, it would be worth it at three times the price asked.
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