Rating: 
Summary: It only needs the original soundtrack!
Review: This is a must have for Wiseguy fans. As a fan of the original series, the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that unfortunately, the producers of this DVD couldn't find a way to include The Moody Blues song "Nights in White Satin" during the climax. For those of us who saw and taped the original episodes, the new score jsut doesn't achieved the same emotional effect. Nonetheless it is better than nothing and is a treat from Wahl, Cannell and crew.
Rating:
Summary: Great show, but DVD version is made weaker with revisions
Review: This show is one of my all time favorites: because of the intensity of emotion and the bits of humor thrown in in just the right place. I am glad to have them now in DVD format, rather than the copy of a copy of the tape of the original series from broadcast TV. The images are lovely and clear.The problems: Changing the music was a MISTAKE! The produceers needed to bite the bullet and bought the rights to Nights in White Satin, especially. Even if they did not, they could have found something more appropriate to replace it with, than generic mood music. The facial close-ups in the final scenes that conveyed so much tension and unsaid emotion (and love) became tedious. At the very least, they should have sought out music that carried a similar emotion and content to Nights in White Satin. Aldo's burial scene is likewise made less edgy with the generic elevator music they put in his boombox. Also, the menuing system is primitive, without a scene breakdown, so finding favorite scenes is a longer process than it should be. I am still glad to get the clear versions of these shows, but I'll have to keep the originals in order not to lose the GREAT elements of the episodes.
Rating:
Summary: LACK OF ORIGINAL MUSIC HURTS
Review: This show was way ahead of it's time and cast perfectly. The first season's two arcs stand up to ANY mob-related story ever put on film. I was a huge fan and could not wait to purchase this DVD collection, but when I read that they would not spring to pay for the music used in the AWESOME climax, I lost interest quickly. Ken Wahl explained on www.kenwahl.com (before it went AWOL) that the producers thought it was too expensive to use the music, yet the charged more for this DVD box set than any other similar set. It's almost like they decided to double-whammy the fans by not paying for the songs, but making the fans pay more than usual. Thanks, Steve C!!
Rating: 
Summary: Wiseguy...Pure Genius !
Review: This was one great series and it's influence is still seen today!It had everything, great writing,compelling characters and brilliant performances.Wiseguy pretty much invented the story arc format(one story over a number of weeks),this made it possible to add real depth,subplot and character development, which is sadly lacking in so many other prime time shows.
Ken Wahl was terrific as under cover FBI agent Vincent Michael Terranova, whose 'Wiseguy'cover, enabled him to infiltrate east coast organised crime.
The series showcased some of the most memorable villains ever on TV and perfectly mirrored the late Eighties ethos of power,money and greed.... the Charasmatic,yet ultimately tragic mob boss Sonny Steelgrave (Ray Sharkey),the profoundly psychotic billionaire Mel Profit(Kevin Spacey)and the brilliantly vein and egocentric record company mogul Sir Winston Newquay(Tim Curry).This is a must buy for fans, or if you're new to it get it anyway, you wont regret it!
Rating:
Summary: I loved it...
Review: This was one of my favorite shows, and now that I've finished watching the Steelgrave arc, I remember why. I have to admit, I've been trying to remember what music was in it, and didn't remember the Nights in White Satin until people were mentioning it on here...yes, it's an awesome song and fits the tone of the show....would that stop me from buying the DVD of a show I truly loved? NO...buy a Moody Blues CD and listen to the song while the show is playing... As for the price, I do find it frustrating when they are over 100 dollars for an entire season, so I'm glad I got to split it up over a few months. There are many other shows over that price for a season, most notably Farscape, where it costs 30 dollars for 4 episodes, and I don't even like to think about what I've spent on an entire season at that price!!!!!!!!!! I do believe Star Trek dvds are over 100, too, but I'm not sure as I've never bought them. Bottom line, if you liked the show enough to be looking at buying it, do! You can easily deal with the Moody Blues song issue!!!!
Rating:
Summary: At Long Last!!
Review: When I first saw DVD releases of TV shows Season this and Season that, I immediately thought of Wiseguy. I have practically worn out my own (copied from TV) VHS tapes. What was so unique about this show was the ARC aspect, giving the show new life approximately every 10 episodes by bringing in a new bad guy, like Ray Sharkey or then unknown Kevin Spacey. The characters were given time to be explored and understood and in that respect, I don't think there has been a show done quite as well since. Not the least, is some great acting both by guests and Ken Wahl, the wiseguy himself. Plus there is a nice ensemble group making up the Wiseguy team (McPike and the Lifeguard). I can't wait for the rest of the series on DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Five stars for the show...one star for the misleading DVDs
Review: When Wiseguy first aired, I was hooked from the first episode. Over the years, I often wondered if that show would ever appear again. Now that it has, I almost wish it hadn't. And I'll give you two reasons why: 1. The price. The first installment is priced at $52.49 -- a respectable amount for an entire season of a TV show. But a ridiculous sum given that it's just for PART of the first season. The second half of the first season will cost another $52.49, bringing the total to well over $100 for a single season. To my knowledge, only The X-Files has commanded a pricetage that high per season. Wiseguy, although a great TV show, isn't worth over $100 for a single season. 2. The controversy regarding Nights in White Satin. I really, really detest it when DVDs are released that differ from how they originally aired (hear that Spielberg and Lucas?). I almost bought the complete Gumby and Pokey DVD set until I discovered the original music was missing. As much as I enjoyed Gumby and Pokey as a kid, I couldn't bring myself to shell out a dime for lame DVDs that don't contain the original musical score. The same goes for Wiseguy. The fact that Wiseguy doesn't include Nights in White Satin when it originally contained that crucial song is enough on its own to make me not buy this set. But when you combine that with the outrageous price to buy the entire first season, well, that clinches it. I'll save my money. And I hope you will, too. It would serve the producers of this disappointing DVD set right to see it bomb big time.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Show, Poorly Produced DVD.
Review: Wiseguy was one of the best and innovative dramas of the 80's. The writing was intelligent, and surprisingly realistic for the 80's. The acting was terrific. Ken Whal (Vincent Terranova), Johnathan Banks (Frank McPike), and Jim Byrnes (Lifeguard) give outstanding performances and Ray Sharkey's (Sonny Steelgrave) performance is nothing short of brilliant. This show stands the test of time - it is as watchable today was it was 16 years ago. Unfortunately, this DVD appears to have been produced as cheaply as possible. Each episode is one chapter, so pressing the next button on the remote takes you back to the menu. The original soundtrack is gone. The memorable scene with Sonny and Vinnie in the bar in 'No One Gets Out of Here Alive' does not have the same impact with generic elevator music as it did with 'Nights in White Satin.' The first 3 disks contain all 11 episodes of the Steelgrave Arc. There is audio commentary by Ken Whal for 2 episodes 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' and 'No One Gets Out of Here Alive'. The commentary has long gaps of silence, but is worth listening to for hard core fans of the show. The 4th disk has interviews with writer/producer Stephen J. Cannell and actor Johnathan Banks, 2 episodes completely unrelated to the Steelgrave Arc, and a gag reel. The episodes are 'People Do It All the Time' which focuses on Uncle Mike's relationship with his pregnant daughter, and 'Meet Mike McPike' which focuses on Frank's relationship with his ailing father. The gag reel was about 7 minutes and had a couple of funny scenes, but the majority of it was actors screwing up or forgetting their lines and then saying the f-word. The 4th disk seemed like they were just throwing stuff together to fill up space. 5 stars for the show. 1 star for the DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Ahead of it's time!
Review: Wiseguy was one of the most enjoyable shows I've ever followed. Like the Sopranos, Wiseguy portrayed complex characters and situations seething with moral ambiguity. Interestingly, the first season introduces likable villains and police who are less likable. The show's hero Vincent Terranova, an undercover cop that has infiltrated the mafia at it's highest level, must befriend and ultimately betray a mob boss. Television, unlike film is perfect for this type of drama. Over the course of weeks we can see their relationship build and friendship grow stronger. This makes the pay-off that much stronger in the end. The film Donnie Brasco (which is also very good) deals with the same subject matter, but does not have the same resonance that Wiseguy packs, for the reason stated above.
The first story arc is generally regarded as the best, and is most often shown in re-runs on TV. I hope the new DVD collections will have all of the series. Or at least the first 2 years. The scond story-arc is also great, and features the wonderful Kevin Spacey as the villain, Mel Proffit and introduces the terrific character, Roger Lacoco.
In the end, Vincent Terranova is a fantastic hero. the series ended bady, but the first few seasons were pure gold. I can't wait!
Rating:
Summary: WISEGUY, BUT WHO WAS THE REAL GOOD GUY AND THE REAL BAD GUY?
Review: WISEGUY, THIS IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE TELEVISION SHOWS. THIS IS MACHISMO, AT ITS GREATEST. THE CHARACTERS OF VINNIE TERRANOVA AND SONNY STEELGRAVE, KNEW THAT IN ORDER "TO TALK THE TALK", ONE HAD "TO WALK THE WALK." PERSONALLY, I HAVE ALWAYS FELT THAT AFTER THE FIRST SEASON OF "WISEGUY", AND THE ELECTRIFYING CHARACTER OF SONNY STEELGRAVE, THE SHOW NEVER DID RISE UP AGAIN TO THAT POWERFUL LEVEL, OF THE FIRST SEASON AND WHAT "WISEGUY" WAS REALLY ALL ABOUT. YOU SEE, "WISEGUY" IS ABOUT THE THIN LINE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG...THE THIN LINE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD...HOW ONE CAN USE ONE'S TRUST, AND THEN BETRAY THAT SAME TRUST. IN THE HEARTBREAKING CONCLUSION, OF THE FIRST SEASON, SONNY STEELGRAVE WASN'T THE REAL BAD GUY. THE REAL BAD GUY WAS...VINNIE...AND HE KNEW IT AND HE CARRIED THE KNOWLEDGE, OF IT...AND THE GUILT, OF IT, THOUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SERIES. TOO BAD, "WISEGUY" ENDED THE WAY, IT DID...A GREAT TELEVISION SERIES DESERVES A GREAT ENDING. GOD BLESS YOU, RAY SHARKEY, FOR CREATING TELEVISION MOST TOUGHEST...MOST TRUSTING...MOST SENSITIVE...MOST HEARTBREAKING...AND MOST MEMORABLE...GOOD GUY.
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