Rating: 
Summary: Good Show, But Why Not A Season Boxed Set?
Review: "Law & Order: SVU" is, as you almost certainly know, is the first spin-off series of the incredibly popular and versatile series "Law & Order". Having released the first season of the original show on DVD last year, Universal is now releasing the pilots of "SVU" and "Criminal Intent" - the second spin-off - on DVD. It's hard not to wonder why they didn't just release boxed sets of the first seasons of those two shows, especially given the huge popularity of the entire "Law & Order" franchise as well as the growing success of releasing TV series on DVD in season sets.Anyway, the episode itself is quite good, especially considering that it's a pilot. Even with the differences in format from the original "Law & Order" (more focus on the 'Law' less on the 'Order'), it stands on its own as quality television, pushing (yet again) the boundaries of network television. The story of the pilot revolves around the murder and, um, disfiguration of a taxicab driver who is not quite whom he seems to be. The episode turns out to be an excellent way to bring in the stories of the various members of the cast - another significant difference from the original "Law & Order". The extras are also quite good, if you accept the fact that two of them can already be found in the "Law & Order: The First Year" boxed set - namely the pilot episode of that show and the retrospective interview compilation with the writers, producer and characters. The other two extras aren't half bad, though: an interview compilation very similar in format to original "Law & Order" one for the first year of "SVU" and a walk-through of the main set by Dann Florek, the actor who plays Captain Donald Cragen. It's worth noting that in the "SVU" interview compilation they establish that it was originally meant to be an unrelated series. However, after discussions with NBC they decided to bring it in to the "Law & Order" fold. In all, it's a great show and a pleasure to see on DVD, but I find it hard to recommend getting if Universal has plans to release the complete first season of "SVU" any time soon. If they don't, though, then why release just the pilot? Is it a way to gauge interest? Is Universal changing their release plan for the "Law & Order" family of series? Whatever way they're doing it, though, I recommend buying this DVD primarily if you want to help encourage the release of season box sets. Otherwise, it's not the greatest value for its content ever on DVD...
Rating:
Summary: Good Show, But Why Not A Season Boxed Set?
Review: "Law & Order: SVU" is, as you almost certainly know, is the first spin-off series of the incredibly popular and versatile series "Law & Order". Having released the first season of the original show on DVD last year, Universal is now releasing the pilots of "SVU" and "Criminal Intent" - the second spin-off - on DVD. It's hard not to wonder why they didn't just release boxed sets of the first seasons of those two shows, especially given the huge popularity of the entire "Law & Order" franchise as well as the growing success of releasing TV series on DVD in season sets. Anyway, the episode itself is quite good, especially considering that it's a pilot. Even with the differences in format from the original "Law & Order" (more focus on the 'Law' less on the 'Order'), it stands on its own as quality television, pushing (yet again) the boundaries of network television. The story of the pilot revolves around the murder and, um, disfiguration of a taxicab driver who is not quite whom he seems to be. The episode turns out to be an excellent way to bring in the stories of the various members of the cast - another significant difference from the original "Law & Order". The extras are also quite good, if you accept the fact that two of them can already be found in the "Law & Order: The First Year" boxed set - namely the pilot episode of that show and the retrospective interview compilation with the writers, producer and characters. The other two extras aren't half bad, though: an interview compilation very similar in format to original "Law & Order" one for the first year of "SVU" and a walk-through of the main set by Dann Florek, the actor who plays Captain Donald Cragen. It's worth noting that in the "SVU" interview compilation they establish that it was originally meant to be an unrelated series. However, after discussions with NBC they decided to bring it in to the "Law & Order" fold. In all, it's a great show and a pleasure to see on DVD, but I find it hard to recommend getting if Universal has plans to release the complete first season of "SVU" any time soon. If they don't, though, then why release just the pilot? Is it a way to gauge interest? Is Universal changing their release plan for the "Law & Order" family of series? Whatever way they're doing it, though, I recommend buying this DVD primarily if you want to help encourage the release of season box sets. Otherwise, it's not the greatest value for its content ever on DVD...
Rating: 
Summary: Real fans should boycott these piecemeal relaease
Review: Another bad DVD release. It looks like a crude attempt to extract as much revenue as possible from large base of loyal fans. Some reviewers who wax lyrical over the 'special' interview features and "insight into the show" in this single episode DVD either work for the publisher or miss the point that any of these items could have been included in a 'full season' release. This piecemeal approach is frustrating for real fans of the series who, to date, have seen only one complete season released. I for one will protest with my wallet. It stays shut until the complete seasons are released.
Rating:
Summary: Real fans should boycott these piecemeal relaease
Review: Another bad DVD release. It looks like a crude attempt to extract as much revenue as possible from large base of loyal fans. Some reviewers who wax lyrical over the 'special' interview features and "insight into the show" in this single episode DVD either work for the publisher or miss the point that any of these items could have been included in a 'full season' release. This piecemeal approach is frustrating for real fans of the series who, to date, have seen only one complete season released. I for one will protest with my wallet. It stays shut until the complete seasons are released.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Worth Getting
Review: Don't get me wrong. This episode was great but not worth getting all by itself. If you pay twice as much, you get 22 episodes instead of just the one. This episode is included in the set. I just wish there was an episode introducing all the characters to each other instead of introducing the audience to the characters all at once. I was disappointed that there wasn't a 2-hour beginning like most series. Oh well. Don't bother with this dvd. GET THE SET!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Wake up Universal
Review: Having watched a friend's copy, I'm relieved that I followed my instincts and did not buy it. It's ok but I'll wait for the box set. Series one was excellent and I'm sure that are many fans of this excellent programme waiting , as I am, to order the complete set. Wake up Universal.
Rating:
Summary: Wake up Universal
Review: Having watched a friend's copy, I'm relieved that I followed my instincts and did not buy it. It's ok but I'll wait for the box set. Series one was excellent and I'm sure that are many fans of this excellent programme waiting , as I am, to order the complete set. Wake up Universal.
Rating:
Summary: Real fans should boycott these piecemeal relaease
Review: I gave this DVD 3 stars because I have seen this episode - it is terrific. However, I will not be shelling out [money] for 1 episode... I'll be saving it to put it towards the purchase of the entire 1st season on DVD, when and if that is released! Gimme a break, Universal!
Rating: 
Summary: More, please!
Review: I gave this DVD 3 stars because I have seen this episode - it is terrific. However, I will not be shelling out [money] for 1 episode... I'll be saving it to put it towards the purchase of the entire 1st season on DVD, when and if that is released! Gimme a break, Universal!
Rating: 
Summary: Great Pilot episode [shame there is no Box Set yet]
Review: I think Law & Order Special Victims Unit is a brilliant series - I would buy a series box set in an instant. Ok so they have brought only the first episode out - I'll take it. This was a brave and effective pilot to make about the unsavoury subject of sex crimes investigation. Excellent plot, character developent and acting makes this a very special episode. This pilot proved only to be the begining of what has become a very popular and successful drama series. Buy this first pilot episode on DVD and you will also be hoping for the series box set too!!
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