TV Series By Letter - DVD

Planet Earth & The Blue Planet Seas of Life (Special Collector's Edition)

Amazon Price: $89.99 List Price: $119.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Warner Brothers - Model: WARDE4180D Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $40.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 60 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

BBC natural history producer Alastair Fothergill spent the last ten years producing two of the most stunningly beautiful series ever created, The Blue Planet: Seas of Life and Planet Earth. For the first time, these must-own programs will be offered together in special collector's gift set. Winner of two Emmy(R) Awards (Outstanding Cinematography - Non-Fiction and Outstanding Music Composition for George Fenton's score), The Blue Planet: Seas of Life is the definitive exploration of the marine world, chronicling the mysteries of the deep, coastline populations, sea mammals, tidal and climatic influences, and the complete biological system that relies on and revolves around the world's oceans. Planet Earth does for the entire world what The Blue Planet: Seas of Life did for the oceans. Using high definition photography and revolutionary ultra-high speed cameras, this is the ultimate portrait of our planet. This truly breathtaking television experience captures rare action, impossible locations and intimate moments with our planet's best-loved, wildest and most elusive creatures.

DVD Features:
Documentaries
Featurette
Interviews
Other
Photo gallery

Mad Men: Season 2

Amazon Price: $31.99 List Price: $49.98 Not yet released

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Mad Men Living in a World Gone Mad. 5 out of 5 stars.
43 of 44 people found this review helpful.

Sopranos' writer, Matthew Weiner's Mad Men series is arguably the best reason to own a television these days. Set in 1960s New York City, the show involves a group of Madison Avenue ad executives and their secretaries working, smoking, drinking, and socializing together at the Sterling Cooper advertising agency. In the show's first season, Mad Men provided viewers with a window into an American culture of Nixon-era social taboo-isms: alcoholism, sexism, racism, and consumerism, which is mainly what made Mad Men so fascinating. It's easy to see why the show won two Golden Globe awards in 2007 for Best Television Series - Drama, and Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama and the Emmy Award for Best Outstanding Drama Series. Imagine the "Mad-ness" of a bunch of complicated, alcoholic, Nixon-era, GQ ad men in starched white shirts, spending their workdays in a fog of cigarette smoke, and you'll have the basic premise of this highly-acclaimed, must-see show.

Mad Men's characters are a truly well-drawn bunch. For instance, the protagonist, Don Draper (Jon Hamm), is not only the creative director and junior partner of Sterling Cooper, he is also the illegitimate son of a prostitute, now living an assumed identity to hide his inner "whore child" from his wife and competitive Madison Avenue colleagues. Don is unhappy with his life. He drinks Jack Daniels, chain smokes Lucky Strikes, cheats on his trophy wife Betty (January Jones), and constantly dreams of escaping his life. He is known to sneak away from work to see afternoon foreign movie matinees. Betty, a former model, represents the classic '50s homemaker, but suffers from profound loneliness, sexual frustration, and dissatisfaction with her "perfect" life. (In Season One, we learned that household appliances literally give her orgasms.) With aspirations of becoming the agency's first woman copywriter, Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss) was a new secretary at Sterling Cooper, who was unexpectedly confronted with an unwanted pregnancy. Italian bachelor, Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt), is Sterling Cooper's macho art director, a homosexual afraid to come out of the closet, and equally afraid to act on his sexual impulses.

Season Two premiered on July 27, 2008 and picks up on Valentine's Day, 1962, two years after the first season during the Kennedy administration, an era marked by the growing civil rights movement, Bob Dylan, free love, increasing feminine discontent, crumbling marriages, the threat of nuclear annihilation, Leave It to Beaver, and New York poet Frank O'Hara's ever-ominous 1957 message of mortality: Meditations in an Emergency. Much of Season One's comic edge is now gone, and the tone of the show is more melancholic. While Don and Betty Draper experience marital problems, enigmatic Don experiences a full-blown existential crises while away on a business trip to sunny Los Angeles. Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) becomes disillusioned with his own "perfect" marriage and realizes he is in love with Peggy (Moss). The series ends under the cloud of the looming Cuban Missile Crisis. Mad Men remains television at its best.

12/12/08 Update: Mad Men and Jon Hamm received Golden Globe nominations this week for Season Two of Mad Men.


G. Merritt

Reba - Season 5

Amazon Price: $19.99 List Price: $29.98 Not yet released By: 20th Century Fox

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Beyond Reba - Season 5

Reba - Seasons 1-5

Reba - Season 4

Reba - Season 3

Stills from Reba - Season 5 (Click for larger image)

The Sopranos - Season 6, Part 2

Amazon Price: $40.49 List Price: $59.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Hbo Home Video - Model: HBOD94241D Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $26.31

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 113 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Birthday Present...Great Gift 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My father was so excited to get this video for his birthday. My mother purchased the first five seasons but could not find season 6 for less than $85.00. I found it on Amazon much cheaper and it was brand new! The item shipped quickly and was received within days of my order. I have just ordered another item from Amazon and I will continue to use Amazon for Holiday and Birthday Purchases. So far I have always received top quality merchandise from Amazon.

Editorial Review:

Last year, Tony Soprano cheated death when he was shot by his now institutionalized Uncle Junior. While Tony continues to muse about his second chance at life, he faces a myriad of immediate, stress-inducing crises at home, at work and from the law. Tony's wife Carmela plans for a future she's not sure will arrive, and son AJ and daughter Meadow find that adulthood holds its own surprises. Meanwhile, at work, Tony comes to doubt the allegiances of many of those closest to him ¿ no one, not Paulie, Bobby, Silvio or even Christopher is above suspicion. The clock is ticking. Time is running out. But on who?

Twilight Zone: The Complete Definitive Collection

Amazon Price: $186.99 List Price: $299.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: MEREDITH,BURGESS - Model: 014381247428 Amazon Marketplace: 42 new & used starting at $176.26

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 175 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Every Twilight Zone Fan needs this collection! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wow!
This is a truly amazing collection of 28 DVDs of every episode of the Twilight Zone, remastered, and in their original airing condition. They even have teasers for old shows from the 50s and 60s as well as footage from Mr. Serling presenting the topic for next week at the end of each episode. You don't get that from SciFi folks! The box set is also filled with extras, audio commentary, and rare footage such as the pitch shown to potential advertisers before the original pilot. This collection is simply overwhelming. A must have for any fan of the Twilight Zone.

Editorial Review:

For the first time ever, find all 156 complete episodes of Rod Serling's groundbreaking series in one box set, packed with exciting extras! Travel to another dimension of sight and sound again and again through these stellar remastered high-definition film transfers. Extras include the fascinating Serling bio-documentary Submitted for Your Approval, compelling interviews with the show's writers, the series' unaired pilot, audio commentaries with Martin Landau, Leonard Nimoy, Cliff Robertson and much, much more!

Dancing with the Stars: Latin Cardio Dance

Amazon Price: $9.49 List Price: $16.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lions Gate - Model: LGED23861D Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $7.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Very pleasantly surprised and pleased 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

As a long-time "Dancing with the Stars" fan, I was really surprised--just recently--to discover this 2008 Latin Cardio Dance workout. I had no clue such a product existed. I immediately ordered it, not having the faintest idea what the DVD would bring. Suffice it to say, I was "very pleasantly surprised and pleased."

The DVD is 60 minutes of a great cardio workout. Even though other reviewers, who are already in great shape, were not particularly pleased, I am. It's been awhile since I have done a strenuous workout. Well, folks, you will get one here!! I have gone through the entire 60 minute program twice and have yet to complete each dance segment. (I'm too out-of-breath.)

Here's what I found:

1. Cheryl led the five-minute warm-up. These exercises must be universal because I did most of them with Jane Fonda back in the day. (Note: It is really fun to see Maksim going through these simple, slow routines as opposed to his lightning quick moves on the floor. He looks just like a normal guy in an aerobics class. Funny. Cheryl looks good.)

2. Chery led the first workout, "Merengue." Her teaching style is simple and direct, yet encouraging. When she shows the next step, she has the class continue to do the preceding movement, then adds the new. Because this is a cardio workout, there is no stopping to show in detail what she is doing. That is the purpose of the rewind button. Better yet, do these routines in front of a mirror or sideways to your television screen so that you can better process what is next. I found facing the screen made me do double processing: seeing, translating to the other side of my body, then doing. Standing sideways eliminates the translating step.

3. Cha-Cha is a 10-minute dance workout with Maksim. Surprise of surprises! Maksim is a patient teacher. Following his directions was a bit easier than following Cheryl. Each instructor, however, keeps viewers part of the team through focused directions. "Keep your hands at waist level." "Keep your core tightened." "Focus on breathing. Don't hold your breath."
And so on.

The Samba (Cheryl) and Mambo (Maksim) both follow the routine established in the first two dance workouts. What I learned throughout was how many of the steps I recognized from the competition. The viewer actually learns all the basic steps to the four dances, even including turns.

The final workout is "Dancer's Toning Workout," which Max says all "students" must go through before beginning rehearsal. It "improves strength and flexibility...to develop and maintain a toned dancer's body" (liner note).

Overall, I recommend this cardio workout. It is a fun (?), instructional, beneficial way to increase your heart rate and learn all the steps to four dances. As I am pretty much out of shape (for a short while longer), I find the workout vigorous. I have already ordered the 2007 workout with Maksim, Kym, and Ashly teaching the Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble (my favorite), and Jive Dancing With the Stars - Cardio Dance

Hooray for "Dancing with the Stars" Dancing with the Stars. Congratulations to Brooke and Derrick for winning the Fall 2008 Championship!

Editorial Review:

ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" continues to dazzle audiences as well as trim waistlines with the power of dance. Join pro dancers Cheryl and Mksim and dance yourself slim with four sizzling and sexy Latin dance routines that feature some of the best fat-burning moves from the show. And because these hot latin dances share many signature steps, you will find it easier to follow along. You'll also get a specialized toning workout that dancers use to sculpt and lengthen their muscles. So get dancing and get in the best shape of your life! No partner need!

The Unit - The Complete Second Season

Amazon Price: $19.99 List Price: $59.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Twentieth Century Fox - Model: FOXD2246142D Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $17.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Hate the New Theme music 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Otherwise this show never fails to grab my attention. Where something may happen in the first season, the second season will pick up on it in a later episode and then the third. Blane's daughter joins the army and in each season, she returns for an episode. That makes it real for me. And Tiffy's (ugh) affair has been a long and drawn out process. As of 11/16/08, I hope to hear the end of it. But the show itself mixes action with a little soap opera just to make it interesting.

more great action 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Even more action than the first season. All great actors that complement each other.
Can't wait for Season 3

Exciting show with military action 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I was looking for a show that has nothing to do with detectives, CSI, cop, FBI or any law enforcement organization. Then I found a show that's about military stuff (The Unit). This is it. I found what I wanted!

The best thing about this show is the action and setting on each episode. You see new buildings with new faces every time. From Afgan to Iran, Cambodia to Pakistan, Brazil to Mexico..more and more. Whether it's a simple body guarding mission for foreign minister or a real serious rescue mission in a rebel area, I enjoy every bit because the Unit team always pull out surprising moves and strats. Occasionally, unseen military toys and gadgets are revealed. Audience can get a better sense on how they pull off some of the close-to-real missions. I've totally no military background and I enjoy it quite a lot. Those with military background all said it's as close as it can be.

Season 2 is slightly fine tuned compared to season 1. The entire season 1 was a pilot for me. Season 2 starts to get into a bit more story in the army base (family side). The missions are as cool as season 1's. Also, Season 2 is a full season with 23 episodes. Plenty of them to enjoy!

Editorial Review:

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 968 minutes Rating: Nr

Firefly: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]

Amazon Price: $57.99 List Price: $89.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Twentieth Century Fox - Model: FOXBR2253369 Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $45.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This is just..............STUNNING!!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I've watched my old FIREFLY series so many times I'm surprised they still play. I love this show! I wasn't expecting much from the BLU RAY disc, after all, this program was filmed in 2002. Well guess what..... this new disc is awesome!! The color and clarity make you feel like you are watching it for the first time. I'm actually seeing things in some scenes that I barely noticed before. This Blu ray is just an outstanding example of making a great show even better.

Beautiful 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Beatiful set; even the menu option is gorgeous. The new commentary on "Our Mrs. Reynolds" and the reunion brunch with Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, and Ron Glass should be enough for any Browncoat to make this purchase.

Great set! 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

this set gets me excited for the movie in blu-ray. great tv show great picture!

Not "ONE OF THE"... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is THE greatest show in the history of television.
Now just as a forewarning, I am very biased. I'm a Browncoat till I die!
The first time I ever came into contact with the Firefly universe, was way back when the movie "Serenity" was released. I usually read my local papers on Friday's for the movie reviews. I saw a movie called "Serenity" that got a full 4 out of 4 stars from Lawrence Toppmann. This was a big surprise, because I had never heard of it until then! Unfortunately it wasn't showing in my local theater, so I waited for the DVD. I was instantly hooked.
The Firefly universe is so lively and interesting that you can't help but want to be a part of it in someway.
After seeing the movie I of course set out for the shows. I bought Firefly on DVD. I could not believe how brilliant this show was and that it only lasted 1 season. But that one season was enough to make me a fanatic.
Now, here we have the complete series on Blu-Ray. Watching the original shows on DVD on my dad's DVD player was amazing as it is, what with the upscaling and all. But the Blu-Ray is even more amazing to watch. It just brings you that much closer to the universe. A great buy!
If you haven't already enjoyed the wonders of the Firefly universe, do yourself a favor and pick this up! If you can't afford the price of the Blu-Ray, then by all means, get the standard DVDs! You won't be disappointed.

Editorial Review:

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 658 minutes Rating: Nr

24 - Season Seven

Amazon Price: $38.99 List Price: $59.98 Not yet released

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I AM A HUGE "24" FAN... 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 9 people found this review helpful.

...and I have pre-ordered every season of "24" and the recent "24: Redemption" movie from Amazon.com well in advance to the season or movie premiering on TV. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A SHAM but an excellent business decision on Amazon.com's part for fans will go to extremes to indulge their love for a show and/or movie. Case in point, I pre-ordered "24: Redemption's" 2-Disc Set from Amazon.com in August 2008 at the price of $19.99 - the movie didn't premier on TV till November 2008 - and prior to movie's TV premier, I was notified via e-mail and was eventually charged Amazon's adjusted price of $18.99; however, Best Buy was (and still is) selling the exact same 2-disc movie set for the price of $29.99!

That said, if you are true fan of a show (or movie) pre-ordering from Amazon.com WILL INDEED GET YOU THE PRODUCT'S LOWEST PRICE and you are NOT CHARGED for the purchase until the product becomes available to ship which is the day BEFORE it hits the stores (when the product will be sold for a higher price!!!). Thus, pre-ordering from Amazon.com is the ULTIMATE win-win situation and I for one, have already pre-ordered "24" - Season 7 and I highly suggest if you share my admiration of "24" that you do the same.

Stargate: Continuum

Amazon Price: $14.99 List Price: $19.98 Usually ships in 24 hours By: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENT - Model: FOXD2252846D Amazon Marketplace: 65 new & used starting at $12.58

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 273 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

In My World of Stargate Continuum 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It was a great deal and easy to order using Amazon. The seller was fast, the package was secured, and more important, I was happy when I got it. Once it arrived, I took it out of the package and popped it in the DVD player. When I heard the opening theme, I was in sci-fi heaven. I love Stargate SG1 and was sad to see it go. I am now starting my collection of the series since there are a lot of episodes I've never gotten to see. For me, I like watching the behind the scenes portion. I write screenplays myself and so I learn a lot from the director's and actor's point of view. If you're not into that stuff, it's still a kick to watch! I can even deal with the historical babble that Daniel rattles off. Enjoy the ride!

Excellent story, great capstone for SG-1 series 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Continuum was the better Stargate SG-1 movie because of a more original story. Nonetheless, time travel was done multiple times throughout the SG-1 series but it has always intrigued me. The Layman's Guide to Time Travel segment was rather enjoyable as an actual Astrophysicist describes some of the fundamental concepts behind time travel and the use of Einstein-Rosen bridges (aka wormholes). The Grandfather paradox also played a short role in the film, but many questions were still left unanswered although the viewer can assume the path of events (namely Mitchell's return to 1939 and how the other Mitchell figures out the events at the end of the movie). It was an excellent Stargate movie but the overall feel still seemed like a long series finale rather than a motion picture caliber film. I suppose it is necessary to keep the budget down and I would still recommend SG-1 fans watch Continuum because it wraps up everything quite nicely and a LOT of the old characters make a reappearance.

Editorial Review:

Baal travels back in time and prevents the Stargate program from ever being started. SG-1 team must somehow restore history and once again save the galaxy from oppressive domination.