Rating: 
Summary: TELEVISION'S BEST CRIMINAL DRAMA FINALLY ON DVD
Review: "Law and Order" is the ground-breaking, record-breaking police/lawyer drama that's developed such a religious following in recent years that its spawned several television spin offs. At last we get the original series as it premiered back in the late eighties and sporting a box set that is rather impressive, considering it comes from Universal Studios - a studio not known for going "all out" on a t.v. series. This box set gives us all 24 episodes from season one. Some of the best, and most disturbing moments are featured herein, including a child molestation segment, thought to be so emotionally disturbing that, after its initial broadcast, for six years afterward, was never aired on network prime time again. How times have changed!
Over all, the image quality of these discs is fairly good. Some episodes have a considerable amount of film grain present. However, I suspect this is not only the fault of the original elements used in taping the episode, but due, in part, to the lesser quality of equipment used in television productions nearly thirteen years ago. Colors are muted and dated but they are well balanced. Flesh tones are accurately presented. Black levels are solid. Contrast levels are generally good, though a few episodes seem to have considerably lower levels than the norm. Edge enhancement and pixelization are generally kept to a minimum, though they are present throughout the series. The audio is remastered and well presented, only occasionally sounding strident.
Extras: a little mini-documentary from Dick Wolf, the producer and some trailer junkets.
BOTTOM LINE: If you're a fan of this great television series you should seriously consider adding this box set to your collection.
Rating: 
Summary: Solid Beginning, Interesting Differences With Later Years
Review: "Law and Order: The First Year" is about as good a start to a police drama as anyone could have hoped for, meaning there are some kinks in the formula but overall the bedrock for a fantastic show. I am an enthusiastic viewer of the later years, but there are some ways in which this season is sharply different and admittedly superior. The basic formula is the same: the first half of each show is devoted to the investigation and arrest, the second half to the prosecution, but there are subtle differences in the impact and direction of the stories that make the First year worth buying even if you've seen every one of the last six seasons.
The show is much more personal than its later incarnation. This may have something to do with the impossibility of keeping a stable cast (all of the lead and supporting actors from this season were gone by season six, and many of their replacements have since been replaced) or simply a desire to keep the show fiercely unique from dramas like NYPD Blue. Either way, I think the decision has lengthened the shelf-life of the show, but has left very little room to get to know the current characters. In this season I don't think the creators were intent on keeping the episodes all story-driven with very little character development. The events have a personal effect on the characters and influence the way they handle their jobs; Sgt. Greevey's (George Dzundza) and Detective Logan's (Chris Noth) differing views on abortion are a feature of the "Life Choice" episode, a development that would never happen in seasons Eleven through Fourteen. The pacing is slower and feels less like a deliberate compression-- there is more a sense of a complete and human story rather than the quick and inexorable grinding of Justice's wheels in the later years.
In this atmosphere of greater freedom and personality for the characters, good actors really shine. Michael Moriarty is excellent as the relentless ADA Stone, Noth and Dzundza show flashes, and Dan Florek (Captain Kragan) and Steven Hill (DA Adam Schiff) frequently steal scenes.
The show has flaws that go beyond its fifteen year old vision of pop culture, however. (Think late 80s/early 90s clothes, hairdos, and rap music) The show tries hard to make statements; some episodes could simply have titles like "RACE" and "ABORTION"-- the stories pursue one hot-button issue after another, presumably to hook viewers onto its new and unique premise. This kind of writing can hit a home run, but can also strike out completely, as in "Half Light". In the effort to put their stamp on the defining social problems of their day, the writers often get preachy and awkward. Even in the absence of a "heavy-hitting" social issue, outrage and grief are not left in the hands of the actors or scenes to convey without words-- there are several moments when an actor is basically standing there explaining to us what we should be feeling. As the show became "veteran", these problems disappeared, but here in the very first season, they are on display. The dialogue in general is frequently stilted. It's a shame-- when they're given a chance, the actors often prove quite capable of natural and believable banter. While the acting is generally good, there are moments in which Dzundza as Sgt. Greevey is trying way too hard and overdoes it. Richard Brooks (as ADA Robinette)is just plain bad. Anytime he's asked to deliver more emotion than his general stoic exterior, the most he can do is squint and grimace. It can be painful to watch.
Overall, it is impressive to bask in the vision that launched this brilliant show. There are uncertain moments, inevitable with any ground-breaking show that is trying to find its feet, but the acting, personal element, and fresh take on certain social problems overcome these limitations. The show may not quite have an identity yet, but even that can be a plus-- there are moments of singular brilliance in this first Year that would never see the light of day in the very fast-paced and established formula of the later seasons. It's a real treat.
Rating: 
Summary: The season to own
Review: Ah...what might have been for Law and Order, if only they hadn't messed with the original concept by adding a few "pretty people". The first and second season casts are the best. George Dzunda (later replaced by Paul Sorvino), Chris Noth, Richard Brooks, Michael Moriarty, Dann Florek and Steven Hill was the best all-around cast the show has seen.Granted, S. Epatha Merkerson and Sam Waterston were great finds. However, the parade of pretty assistant D.A.'s, topped off with the latest, Elizabeth Rohm, who can't act...period, has really done injustice to this show. Of course, it happens all the time...great shows, decimated by some [person] in the board room who wants to broaden the shows' appeal...while alienating the base audience. But...I digress. This is a set to have, as these were "Law & Order" how it was meant to be.
Rating:
Summary: A lot has changed over the years.....
Review: Although "Law & Order" has been on television since 1991, I did not watch my first episode until sometime in 2000 (this would have been during the time that Angie Harmon played ADA Abbie Carmichael). I saw three or four episodes that year, and did not watch it again until 2002. At that point, I became a very dedicated fan and have not missed an episode since. I was certainly in for an awakening when I started watching the first 22 episodes from "Law & Order"'s premier 1990 season. It is obvious from watching these episodes that Law & Order was ahead of its time. I can see why some people were turned off. Many of the topics the show touched on in this inagural season had rarely, if ever, been done before: AIDS assisted suicide; sadomasochism; abortion clinic bombings; gang rape; kidney theft. As is to be expected of a series' freshman year, the writing was loose (no where near as tight as it is today). Many episodes contained lines that were out-of-place, like they had just appeared out of nowhere for no particular reason. In addition, there were quite a few episodes, especially during the first part of the season, where there were awkward silences, almost like someone was suppose to say something but forgot. Although the familiar split format between the law and order sides were here, there were some differences, especially on the order side. Several of the episodes showed the DAs either in the grand jury room or continuing the investigation portion of the case. It was not too uncommon for very little action to occur in the courtroom itself. Acting wise, the order side handily won the case against the law side. George Dzundza (Sgt. Max Greevey) and Chris Noth (Det. Mike Logan) never quite managed to find the right chemistry. In addition, Dan Florek (Capt. Donald Cragen, now portraying the same character on "Law & Order: SVU) didn't seem quite sure of himself during the first half of the season, although he did settle into his character later on. Michael Moriarty (ADA Benjamin Stone), Richard Brooks (ADA Paul Robinette), and Stephen Hill (DA Adam Schiff) not only found their characters early on, but also figured out how they relate to each other. The disparity in acting between the two sides would often make the law side drag on while the order side generally flew right by. Despite the differences, I am glad I have seen the origins of this great TV-drama. It will be fun to catch up on the other seasons I have missed to see the transformation of what this show used to be into what it is now.
Rating:
Summary: Just what you'd think
Review: As a L&O junkie I thought I had seen them all - well there were a few in season one that I hadn't seen in reruns - or had forgotten completely about in 13 years since the originals aired. One little nit, though: the episode booklet lists the shows as "Disc One" then the titles, no episode number. On the DVD's they say episodes 11-16 - with no disc number...annoying. And mine came with a coupon for the game and L&O Season 2 - but you have to save your original purchase receipt from the first one and then send that AND the coupon AND your new receipt from season 2 for a mail-in rebate. TOOO COMPLICATED. It is a very pricey set - come on guys! The episodes are awesome. Buy them for someone you love.
Rating:
Summary: I can't believe it took this long!
Review: As a Law & Order fan since the first show, I've been waiting for the set of season be realesed in a box set. I love'd reminiscing the original seasons shows. Law & Order has been on television for 13 years now and has spawned 2 other related serries (Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: SVU). If you a fan you need this set, I'm awaiting the release of season 2 coming in Spring of 2003.
Rating:
Summary: The best criminal drama and the first!
Review: Before I review this outstanding DVD set, some things have to be said. When I read a customer review, I just want to know if it's good enough to buy! I don't care about episode synopsis, or any trivia regarding actors or directors. And please don't try to sound "above" everyone by using words or phrases like "controversial" or "intelligent police drama", don't get all pompous and full of yourself. Just tell me in an interesting way, is it good enough to buy? 'Nuff said.
Law and Order - The First Season DVD is TV drama at its best. Smart, fast-paced,thought-provoking and no commercials! (which improves the intelligence factor 10 fold!) It's hard to ponder the rights and wrongs of an episode while The Verizon guy is asking,"Can you hear me now?" 5 times in a row, or How Clorox 2 cleans whites whiter than white. Commercial-free excellent drama. This is the one that started it all. Before Hill St. Blues, before N.Y.P.D. Blue. This is a truly great set to own!
Rating:
Summary: Law & Order rules!
Review: Definately one of the very best shows still on TV. I bought this DVD as soon as it hit the store shelves, and I didn't regret the purchase one bit. 6 DVDs that are jammed with great shows that "rip stories from the headlines" and leave you gritting your teeth. One thing that stands out? You can hit play, and it will go from the first episode on the disk right through to the last one on the disk! ...
Rating:
Summary: one of the best series ever
Review: for all of us , fans of the law and order series , the first season box-set was a welcome gift - we had the oppotunity to revisit our favourite episodes once again. obviously now we are expecting the remaining years to be issued and if somebody from the studio or any one else know something about it , please let us know some news
Rating:
Summary: Great Series, Great Format, Simply Great
Review: I am an avid Law and Order Fan, and just like the British Empire of Ole, the networks have been kind enough to make sure that the sun never sets on Law and Order. You can catch an episode at almost any hour of the day on some network, and I usually do. Anyhow, Being this much of a fan, I jumped at the oppurtunity to own this set and I am Very Happy I did! I wasn't sure what to expect since the original production dates for the first season go back to 1988, long before any standard digital format, but when I watched my first episode from the collection, I was happy... nah, shocked at how good the audio/video quality really was. In addition, the casing was beautifully done, and the liner notes contain pictures from each episode, along w/ descriptions, and other pertinate information. All in all I was VERY satisfied with this collection, and since the series will be running to at least its 15th season, I look forward to owning the entire collection!
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