Rating: Summary: Extraordinary Storytelling Review: The Sopranos is one of the greatest series in the history of television. More than a story of the modern day Mafia, the Sopranos is a geniously crafted story of family, love, and .45's in the America of now. Beyond compare.
Rating: Summary: SUPERB Review: I have read numerous mob books, and seen just about every mob movie ever done. godfather and goodfellas being right up there with all time favs. this stuff is truly extraordinary for a TV series. this collection and entire first season is so good i keep looking for season two out on DVD. if you like the sopranos, and enjoy watching good DVD, then this is a must.
Rating: Summary: The Sopranos - The Complete First Season Review: When is the second season box set coming out?
Rating: Summary: Great Acting on this Very Controversial Show Review: Indeed, "The Sopranos" is a very controversial show. If you need proof of this, consider the commotion that was caused when people in New York City heard about the cast of the Sopranos marching in the Columbus Day Parade. Congressman Guarini, New Jersey, has been making a giant fuss about the show as well. To the people who complained about the show stereotyping Italians; I hear you and understand how you feel. The Italian people had to overcome many prejudices throughout the years. But, keep in mind, "The Sopranos" goes a lot deeper than just a "mob show." Also, "The Sopranos" is strictly entertainment. Although "realistic" in the sense of mannerisms and accents, truly capturing the New York - New Jersey Italian-American, it is NOT REAL. Paisani, Please don't read more into it than you should. Keep an open mind. Initially, I did not like the show. I, too, felt it was another "cheap shot" at Italians. But, after watching two episodes, I was hooked. As a series, the show definitely works on a variety of entertainment levels. The show has a little of everything: Violence, drama, sex, and comedy. The chemistry is just right. Controversial or not, the show does feature some fine acting -- especially from Lorraine Bracco who plays Tony's therapist. In reality, Dr, Melfi is more than just a therapist; she is also Tony Soprano's "Consigliare" and conscience -- a tough role, indeed. The back drop of the show is on a family involved in organized crime. However, this show goes a lot deeper than this. "The Sopranos" is about a very dysfunctional family. Tony Soprano is having an affair and is on the verge of a "breakdown." The mother (Nancy Merchand) is treacherous. Carmela has a thing for the local priest. Meadow, the daughter, is a little too sexually active. And the son -- well -- he is confused and foul-mouthed. What can I say? Maybe the Sopranos is a combination of three great movies: "The Godfather," "American Beauty" and "Moonstruck!?!" Looking at the show like this certainly gives you a sense that it is a winner. "The Sopranos" is a good series. This DVD is a great treat, and well worth the price. I warmly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely Great Review: Cannot wait for year two. A must have!
Rating: Summary: Whining Italians Review: This is to the 5 or 6 Italian-Americans who wrote reviews about how racist and sterotypical this series is. Nobody ever said that the Soprano family is the TYPICAL Italian-American family in Jersey and New York, or that every Italian Amercan is involved in organized crime in some way. It is FICTION. Just because you are embarassed that Italians were/are involved in organized crime, don't use "Racism" as your basis for maligning this series. It's "Racism" goes no further than it's premise: an Italian-American family in "the mob". If that in itself bothers you, steer clear. If not, it is an excellent show; well written and well acted. Buy it. A lot of people have also complained that the quality of the dvd picture is poor if you have an HD tv. I don't know about that... all I know is that the only other way to own the entire series is to have taped it yourself on your vcr, and that would be much lower quality than these dvds anyway, so quit your whining. All in all, if you like the show, definitely get this dvd set. (And season 2, coming soon :) )
Rating: Summary: The Packaging Would Make Tony Proud Review: This boxed set of the 13 first season episodes of the Sopranos is an excellent example of how to package a quality product. The slipcase and fold-out jewel-box are very attractive, and there are lots of bonus features on the 4th disc. Each episode is preceded by an information screen showing writer, director, synopsis, etc. As for the show itself, it's hard to write anything original about the hottest thing going...if you haven't seen it yet, you're in for a real treat. Let's get the second season out, already!
Rating: Summary: Why HBO is now a must Review: I have to be honest, I stayed away from the Sopranos when it first premiered thinking it would be presented in a shoddy, second-hand nature. I was completely wrong. The only word I can use to describe this show is enthralling. Once you start watching it, your hooked. The character development has a lot to do with the success of this show. Each character has his/her own set of dilemmas to deal with on a daily basis. There is no question that Jim Gandolfini is the true "star" of this series, but he is surrounded by stellar talent. Carmella, AJ, Meadow, Paulie, Christopher, Uncle Junior, Olivia, Artie, Pussy, Richie, Janice are all engaging characters that will take this show into a multitude of different directions (except the one's who get whacked). Lorraine Bracco is excellent as Dr. Melfi, and her relationship with Tony continues to thread the series as it now enters it's third season. The Sopranos is simply a well crafted, excellently scripted, and magnificently acted show which will not disappoint every time you watch it.
Rating: Summary: Don't hesitate BUY IT NOW! Review: I was reticent to jump on the Sopranos bandwagon, since a lot of what is actually popular ratings-wise isn't always the highest quality TV. How wrong I was about this, though. I was hooked after one episode on HBO and this DVD set is a God-send, because much like the X-files, the real beauty in this show is the mythology, the characters come first, what "happens" is almost secondary. Brilliantly acted on all counts, this is the best television I have seen in a while.
Rating: Summary: What a glorious send-up! Review: I can say with some conviction that no other film/TV series has ever captured the supremely murderous intend of American society than 'The Sopranos.' We live in a virtual charnel-house, and 'The Sopranos' makes it so endearing, so family-oriented, that I feel proud to introduce it to my children. The lesson I hope to impart to them is simple: If you want something done, use a gun! This is American Reality at its most ruthless. Thuggery is the way of the Future!
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