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 This is a great show. No doubt about it. It has spun-off TWO successful series, it has gone through numerous cast changes, and it STILL DELIVERS after all these years. So, I ask the makers of this DVD why the only extras on the dvd are an interview with Dick Wolf and a lame preview for some computer game? Does this show not deserve better treatment? I think so. The show = 5 stars. The dvd - unfortunately = 3 stars. My rating (the average of the two) = 4 stars.
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.
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!
Where is it!!???
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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!
